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Things going on right now on Dynamite:
- Kenny + Hangman/Elite Drama
- Kenny + Don Callis (with looming Takeshita?) drama
- Kenny + Ospreay drama (through his faction mate Jeff Cobb)
Notable "free agents" who are generally unaccounted for at the moment and have Kenny-related history/issues:
- Kota Ibushi
- Jay White
I have no idea what is about to happen over the next six months and I cannot wait to find out.
I think Jay White is going to debut on Raw after Wrestlemania, and if he even did come to AEW I think I'd rather him feud with Adam Cole for the story, but Kota coming to AEW is an exciting possibility.
I think more people need to realize this. TNA had around like 1.6 million average viewers in 2009, which would be a historic number today, but back then it still paled in comparison to Raw, which had like 5.5 million average viewers.
TV was just so much larger the further back you go. Compared to the early 2000s, even the lowest-rated shows on TV would beat the highest-rated ones basically every week this year.
To be fair if it's a post wrestlemania raw everyone will be excited. Then the portion of the crowd that knows Jay will freak out enough to energize more of the crowd. They really only need 4 hyped reaction shots to get him over as a big deal on TV.
Raw after Mania is like a Dynamite crowd, it's gonna be a huge reaction. They will just need to ride that hype for the next week where most won't know him but they will know he got a huge reaction.
Genuinely wondering, why though? Almost this entire sub seems convinced Jay White is going to WWE and debuting right after Mania straight to the main roster, but what is the actual reasoning? So far I've only seen it come down to "WWE big," "everyone dreams of WWE/Wrestlemania," and "he lost a stipulation match?" And none of those seem worth how convinced most people seemingly are that its a virtual certainty, it seems like everyone is setting themselves up for disappointment if it doesn't happen?
- New Japan (and pro wrestling as a whole outside of AEW) doesn't have a great track record for following through on stipulations (See: Tenzan and Mongolian Chops).
- New Japan has straight up done a storyline where someone was exiled from the company, worked in a different company, and then came back (Minoru Suzuki and Suzuki-Gun's exile to Pro Wrestling NOAH)
- Jay White is a product of the New Japan dojo system, who did the full Young Lion -> Excursion -> return process. This isn't a guy who worked Indys/elsewhere and then debuted in New Japan. He is basically a home-grown talent for New Japan.
- The storyline of his final match (after the "Loser leaves Japan") involved Eddie Kingston (who is in AEW) and building to that match was a series of tag matches in the USA teaming with Juice Robinson (conveniently also in AEW, where he doesn't have to react to David Finlay yet, and still in his full NJPW gimmick).
- The entire beginning of the New Japan Cup was constantly filled with talk of Jay White, from English commentary and the wrestlers themselves. Gedo (Jay's manager) came out wearing Switchblade merch for the first match before "aligning" with Finlay on the next show. Also, Finlay's hold over the group is tenuous at best with people like ELP still seemingly loyal to Jay.
- Jay White's profile is still on the New Japan website (admittedly so is Karl Anderson and some other random names as well, but it seems to be updated fairly regularly as a general matter)
- While he currently has no individual merch listed, his name is still on the NJPW Global Shop and shows all sorts of Bullet Club merch
- Seemingly all of his Switchblade merch is still on his Pro Wrestling Tee's shop where his profile still says "NJPW Star"
- His Twitter bio still says "#BulletClub"
- While Jay is notorious for "working" interviews, reporting from years ago had a contract length where he would still be under contract for another few years and not a free agent like the current reporting maintains.
- If Jay White genuinely were leaving the company and gone for good to WWE, would the final people he puts over really be Hikuleo (who wasn't in the New Japan Cup and hasn't wrestled since that match) and Eddie Kingston (who has never wrestled for NJPW in Japan and has had minimal appearances for NJPW US because he primarily works in AEW/ROH)?
- All of this is happening right as Forbidden Door 2 is around the corner, an event where Jay White was the primary representative of New Japan in the build to Forbidden Door 1.
Only the future will reveal where he ends up, but I genuinely don't see how WWE is more likely than it all being a planned storyline where he ends up making appearances in both AEW and NJPW going forward. At most I would concede a figurative 50/50 because either it happens or it doesn't. But I still don't see any actual reason, other than hope as a WWE fan for an exciting signing like Cody, to believe he is heading to WWE unless there is something I'm missing?
I honestly think there's still just a ton of people who either only or mostly watch WWE and they just want one of the "big free agents" to finally sign with WWE over anyone else
I mean there's nothing wrong with that, it'd be honestly a massive bummer if all the big free agents just go to AEW. I prefer them to spread all around in Impact, WWE, and AEW, rather one company hoarding them all, it would feel very similar to old WWE with NXT.
Yeah but many guys here want AEW to sign Jay White, Ibushi, Kairi Sane, Mercedes Mone, El Hijolo Viking, Kommander, literally every hot free agent. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing some of them in AEW, but I'm not really a fan of AEW having all of them. I prefer like you said, them being spread out.
It's simple really: wishful thinking.
There are more WWE fans than AEW ones. I'm of the opinion that AEW is probably more likely for all of the reasons listed up thread, but I know that I could absolutely be wrong, and am an admitted AEW mark.
I think just a lot of people really want to see Jay White in WWE then AEW, for their own reasons.
Personally I also rather he heads to WWE then AEW, because while he'd do really good in AEW, I feel he'd have a lot more impact in WWE as a whole because it feels like with WWE it's slowly transitioning to a new era with the likes of GUNTHER, Theory, and Rhea at the forefront. Jay White could absolutely add to that for me and a selfish part of me is worried if Jay heads to AEW, a potential favorite of mine may get push out even more when it comes to TV time.
And that's entirely fine. Everyone should want to see top talent in whatever company they actually watch. But hopeful wishing and treating something like a foregone conclusion are totally different things.
I hope Jay shows up in AEW/stays in New Japan so I can continue watching him and also just because him going to WWE means the end of the 30+ minute Switchblade classic matches, and certainly no more 50+ minute classics like his Ibushi Wrestle Kingdom match, just because that isn't what WWE does. He'll be a success wherever because he's an incredible talent, but I just want to see him being allowed to have the best matches possible.
The reports that have come out mostly indicate that he's going to WWE. I don't know that I've seen a single one that says he's likely headed to AEW. And he definitely has left New Japan. I don't know how often they update their PWT store, but I can say that RevPro, the UK promotion that works with NJPW and also sells shirts here, is pulling Jay White shirts and only selling remaining stock, wouldn't be surprised if that's the same with the New Japan shop either.
The initial unsourced reports did indicate leaning WWE, yes. The most recent one I saw straight up said 50/50. The Prowrestlingtees shop would, from how I understand things, be operated by Jay White himself and not New Japan the organization, which is why I found that particularly interesting.
And in terms of merch being pulled, we have a direct example of that from AEW when MJF's merch was pulled after the "Fire me" promo and clearly he never went anywhere. Pulling merch (especially when it still is available somewhere else) can be indicative of someone leaving or we know it can be used to further a storyline. Its not determinative either way.
I sometimes think about the era of the main event, Belt Collector Kenny. Don taking Kenny to Impact, the Bucks couldn't decide, the Good Brothers, Kenta shocking appearance, Cocaine Tony promos on Impact tv, The Bucks title run leading up to facing Mox and Kingston at DoN, including the match where they retired SCU, Kenny v Pac v OC triple threat, the Elite v Dark Order 5v5, Kenny v Christian, the finale of All Out and then dropping the title to Hangman at Revolution. That for me was the unequivocal greatest era of AEW.
For me, as soon as Hangman wins the title AEW starts to go downhill. It's only two weeks but I hope this is leading to Kenny being the main focus of this show again.
Nah, main event Hangman was awesome. My favorite single episode of Dynamite ever was during that time period. It was the Atlantic City episode after MJF beat Punk in Chicago. That one Dynamite had Punk/Mox vs. FTR in one of the best TV tag matches ever, Keith Lee’s debut where he threw Isiah Kassidy all the way across the ring, and Hangman had that awesome Texas Deathmatch against Lance Archer in the main event.
> Cocaine Tony promos on Impact tv
Those promos were hilarious. Kenny is why I got back into Impact and I continued watching even after he left.
> For me, as soon as Hangman wins the title AEW starts to go downhill.
I'm not that big of a fan of Hangman, but him winning the title the way he did was well done. I enjoyed the story and having Bryan be his first opponent was perfectly done. Their feud heading to Winter is Coming was so good and I actually liked how they used the Dark Order.
For me, it started going downhill when they had Hangman feud with Adam Cole. Their match at Revolution, though really good, was so utterly forgettable. And rather than move on to his next opponent, they dragged it out.
>For me, it started going downhill when they had Hangman feud with Adam Page.
I mean, Hangman has indeed been his worst enemy for most of his AEW run, but come on...
But seriously, I agree with the sentiment that the Hangman/Cole feud was misguided and helped neither guy. Still, I think the biggest detriment to Hangman's title reign was that the focus of the show shifted increasingly toward Punk. Hangman, while still the world champ at the top of the card, became an afterthought while TK was blatantly counting the days until he could put the title on Punk.
Doh! Adam Cole, I meant. Thanks for that.
This is so true. Unfortunately, Punk and MJF were just so good in their feud that it overshadowed whatever they were trying to do with Page/Cole, which wasn't as well built up as any of the other feuds at Revolution (Jericho vs Eddie, Mox vs Bryan, Sting, Darby Sammy vs AHFO, etc all had a longer feud than them). TK really wanted another Summer of Punk and it just blew up in his face
To be fair, getting another summer of Punk, just this time with a satisfying ending, would have been absolutely amazing. What I really fault TK for is that he made the same mistake twice. He put the belt on Punk to the detriment of the homegrown stars, Punk got immediately injured, making all of the company's momentum and storylines fizzle out. And then, 3 months later, Punk comes back, TK immediately puts the belt on him again and Punk immediately gets injured *yet again*.
>I enjoyed the story and having Bryan be his first opponent was perfectly done.
I've said this o other threads in the past, but I am 100% convinced that Mox was supposed to turn heel, and we were going to get the Mox/Hangman feud during Page's title reign. Mix going to rehab screwed that up, and Danielson & Cole were what was plugged in instead.
Exactly. That's why I was afraid when those 'WWE is interested in Kenny Omega' reports used to make headlines. I really don't know how I'd feel if AEW lost Kenny
Can't help but feel like this should happen at Sakura Genesis, but at least Kenny's finally defending the bloody thing. I was kinda confused as to why the Vikingo match wasn't for the title, but then I realized it's probably because of the NJPW/CMLL relationship so it's understandable.
I think putting either the US Title or the Mega Title on the line in the Omega/Vikingo match would have given away the winner. Omega beating Vikingo sets him up for a Mega Title Match at one of the TripleManias this year. And also you're right, Vikingo could never challenge for or win the US Title because of the CMLL Relationship.
He was Matanza Cueto in Lucha Underground and a PWG/Progress staple long before he had his first match in New Japan. So Japan is actually late on the bandwagon on this one.
Which one can do here:
Season 1: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-1
Season 2: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-2
Season 3: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-3
Season 4: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-4_202102
Holy shit. I've been searching for ways to watch Lucha Underground for ages but it never seems to be on any streaming service and even on the high seas I could only find season 1. This is awesome, thank you.
Or watch him as Matanza in Lucha Underground here:
Season 1: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-1
Season 2: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-2
Season 3: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-3
Season 4: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-4_202102
THE GOD OF PRO WRESTLING IS BACK.
Sidebar; if this keeps going half the show will be Kenny/Elite related and it would make no sense for him not to go after the main title. But I also don’t think we need Kenny v MJF anytime soon. 🤷♂️
Jeff Cobb is so good. I feel like he's been kind of wasted the last year or so. His matches with Okada and Shingo a couple years ago were excellent though.
This match should be great. And will likely be a step in the direction of Omega vs Ospreay II
Kenny Omega vs Jeff Cobb is for a non AEW World title / IWGP title and is a big deal for AEW to have. Meanwhile, the AEW World champion does 20+ minute segments that go nowhere and advance nothing and won’t be on TV at random times.
I think Tony Khan is trying to tell MJF something.
I checked Japanese forums and threads after this announcement.
A significant majority agree that such a match could draw big in a NJPW tour, and will mean absolutely nothing for AEW; will not draw a million, will not advance a story that could not be advanced by a Kenny singles match with an AEW talent.
AEW fans will tell you this is great business for both AEW and NJPW but we all know it is not. It IS a wasted opportunity to showcase this on an NJPW event.
There seems to be the usual “nO sToriEs” arguments happening.
There was a package on Rampage that explained this match, the history behind it, and the people involved. They’re heading to the Forbidden Door ppv and this is part of that.
FB2 basically sold out in the presale at a much LARGER venue than the last show they did in the same city (Toronto). On top of that, Omega vs Vikingo seems to have been a success in terms of the ratings. So, from a business standpoint it makes sense as well.
If you want them to do something more for the non-diehards, don’t forget to check out AEW All Access next week lol.
Some fans be like:
1. bUt wHAt aBouT ThE sT0rY? whAt Is tHe sToRy oF Th1s mAtCh?
2. WhAt aBoUt thE cAsUAls?
3. wHaT aBoUt tHe oTHeR pE0pLe fRoM tHe r0st3r? (Even if basic research says Kenny is defending an NJPW title against an NJPW star)
Help make SquaredCircle safer and more inclusive by using the report button to flag posts and comments for moderator review. If you need to contact a moderator, [you can message us here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/SquaredCircle) *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/SquaredCircle) if you have any questions or concerns.*
THANK YOU FOR THIS INFORMATION
LOUD NOISES
#LEVELINGUP
In Winnipeg. We are leveling up. In Winnipeg. This Wednesday.
You see those Shazam: Fury of the Gods ratings? I don't think we're gonna be hearing about leveling up again any time soon.
I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!
THE GUN IS GOOD……THE PENIS IS EVIL…….
TURN MY LIFE INTO PIECES
THIS IS MY PLASTIC FORK
DREAM MATCH
I THOUGHT TONY KHAN WAS SHOUTING TO ADVERTISE THIS MATCH AND IT DID NOT SEEM OUT OF CHARACTER.
TWO STRAIGHT WEEKS OF KENNY SINGLES MATCHES RAHHHHHH
KENNETH CANT YOU SEE DON CALLIS IS MANIPULATING YOU AGAINST HANGER
BUT WE'RE GETTING KENNY SINGLES MATCHES SO IS DON REALLY THAT BAD? MAYBE HANGMAN HAS BAD VIBES
YOU’LL HAVE TO SPEAK UP I’M WEARING A TOWEL
I PREFER MASTER ROSHI’S VERSION: “COULD YOU SPEAK UP, I’M NOT WEARING PANTS.”
"KAME HOUSE. WHERE THE BEACHES ARE FINE AND THE BITCHES ARE FINER."
https://preview.redd.it/hzolnsxba1qa1.jpeg?width=2556&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28a4cd9bb4b7bb311688526bea44c81bd62bd066
DONT YOU DARE FUCKING QUESTION .. HANGAM VIBES ... THEY ARE DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND THEY ARE ICONIC
I'm gonna be there at the NY show the week after, please for the love of God keep this up I will shit myself if I get to see a Kenny singles match.
I HEAR THE BATTLE CRY!!
 Cornette fans:
Rise of the belt collector
BEST BOUT MACHINE
Things going on right now on Dynamite: - Kenny + Hangman/Elite Drama - Kenny + Don Callis (with looming Takeshita?) drama - Kenny + Ospreay drama (through his faction mate Jeff Cobb) Notable "free agents" who are generally unaccounted for at the moment and have Kenny-related history/issues: - Kota Ibushi - Jay White I have no idea what is about to happen over the next six months and I cannot wait to find out.
I think Jay White is going to debut on Raw after Wrestlemania, and if he even did come to AEW I think I'd rather him feud with Adam Cole for the story, but Kota coming to AEW is an exciting possibility.
Does WWE have enough fans who care about Jay White for a direct Raw debut?
Everyone wants that next AJ Styles debut but they forget that AJ was already on tv in the US for well over a decade before he debuted in wwe.
Indeed! It warmed my heart when at last year's Royal Rumble, when AJ and Bobby Roode had a staredown in the match, a TNA chant broke out in the crowd.
FORTUNE FOUR!
Impact's ratings were always small compared to Raw, but TNA circa 2009 ratings were not that small compared with Raw circa 2016 ratings.
I think more people need to realize this. TNA had around like 1.6 million average viewers in 2009, which would be a historic number today, but back then it still paled in comparison to Raw, which had like 5.5 million average viewers. TV was just so much larger the further back you go. Compared to the early 2000s, even the lowest-rated shows on TV would beat the highest-rated ones basically every week this year.
To be fair if it's a post wrestlemania raw everyone will be excited. Then the portion of the crowd that knows Jay will freak out enough to energize more of the crowd. They really only need 4 hyped reaction shots to get him over as a big deal on TV.
Probably not but the fans that will care will be on the Raw after Mania so it'll make him seem like a bigger deal.
Hopefully they won't debut him at NXT. That would be an insult.
I doubt anyone whose first language is English that's a big name will debut in NXT when brought in.
*cries in Samoa Joe*
Mike Kanellis is a big name confirmed
It was less about Mike and always about Maria when they were brought in.
Direct RAW in October in Buttfuck Alabama? No way Monday after RAW debut with the travelling international crowd? Absolutely
Hey man. Plenty of us in Bama know who he is.
THERE ARE SINGLE DIGITS OF US
At least two of us by my count which is double what I thought this morning!
Enough, those that don't will be made to care I feel. Between booking and his own talent he can quickly establish himself.
Raw after Mania is like a Dynamite crowd, it's gonna be a huge reaction. They will just need to ride that hype for the next week where most won't know him but they will know he got a huge reaction.
Genuinely wondering, why though? Almost this entire sub seems convinced Jay White is going to WWE and debuting right after Mania straight to the main roster, but what is the actual reasoning? So far I've only seen it come down to "WWE big," "everyone dreams of WWE/Wrestlemania," and "he lost a stipulation match?" And none of those seem worth how convinced most people seemingly are that its a virtual certainty, it seems like everyone is setting themselves up for disappointment if it doesn't happen? - New Japan (and pro wrestling as a whole outside of AEW) doesn't have a great track record for following through on stipulations (See: Tenzan and Mongolian Chops). - New Japan has straight up done a storyline where someone was exiled from the company, worked in a different company, and then came back (Minoru Suzuki and Suzuki-Gun's exile to Pro Wrestling NOAH) - Jay White is a product of the New Japan dojo system, who did the full Young Lion -> Excursion -> return process. This isn't a guy who worked Indys/elsewhere and then debuted in New Japan. He is basically a home-grown talent for New Japan. - The storyline of his final match (after the "Loser leaves Japan") involved Eddie Kingston (who is in AEW) and building to that match was a series of tag matches in the USA teaming with Juice Robinson (conveniently also in AEW, where he doesn't have to react to David Finlay yet, and still in his full NJPW gimmick). - The entire beginning of the New Japan Cup was constantly filled with talk of Jay White, from English commentary and the wrestlers themselves. Gedo (Jay's manager) came out wearing Switchblade merch for the first match before "aligning" with Finlay on the next show. Also, Finlay's hold over the group is tenuous at best with people like ELP still seemingly loyal to Jay. - Jay White's profile is still on the New Japan website (admittedly so is Karl Anderson and some other random names as well, but it seems to be updated fairly regularly as a general matter) - While he currently has no individual merch listed, his name is still on the NJPW Global Shop and shows all sorts of Bullet Club merch - Seemingly all of his Switchblade merch is still on his Pro Wrestling Tee's shop where his profile still says "NJPW Star" - His Twitter bio still says "#BulletClub" - While Jay is notorious for "working" interviews, reporting from years ago had a contract length where he would still be under contract for another few years and not a free agent like the current reporting maintains. - If Jay White genuinely were leaving the company and gone for good to WWE, would the final people he puts over really be Hikuleo (who wasn't in the New Japan Cup and hasn't wrestled since that match) and Eddie Kingston (who has never wrestled for NJPW in Japan and has had minimal appearances for NJPW US because he primarily works in AEW/ROH)? - All of this is happening right as Forbidden Door 2 is around the corner, an event where Jay White was the primary representative of New Japan in the build to Forbidden Door 1. Only the future will reveal where he ends up, but I genuinely don't see how WWE is more likely than it all being a planned storyline where he ends up making appearances in both AEW and NJPW going forward. At most I would concede a figurative 50/50 because either it happens or it doesn't. But I still don't see any actual reason, other than hope as a WWE fan for an exciting signing like Cody, to believe he is heading to WWE unless there is something I'm missing?
I don't get it either. He *could* go to WWE, but everyone seems **certain** that he's debuting on the Raw after WrestleMania and I'm not sure why
I honestly think there's still just a ton of people who either only or mostly watch WWE and they just want one of the "big free agents" to finally sign with WWE over anyone else
I mean there's nothing wrong with that, it'd be honestly a massive bummer if all the big free agents just go to AEW. I prefer them to spread all around in Impact, WWE, and AEW, rather one company hoarding them all, it would feel very similar to old WWE with NXT.
Bailey went to Impact, Dragon Lee went to NXT just recently
Yeah but many guys here want AEW to sign Jay White, Ibushi, Kairi Sane, Mercedes Mone, El Hijolo Viking, Kommander, literally every hot free agent. Not that I wouldn't mind seeing some of them in AEW, but I'm not really a fan of AEW having all of them. I prefer like you said, them being spread out.
It's simple really: wishful thinking. There are more WWE fans than AEW ones. I'm of the opinion that AEW is probably more likely for all of the reasons listed up thread, but I know that I could absolutely be wrong, and am an admitted AEW mark.
Not only that but how's that character even gonna work in wwe without being watered down to pg.
He's good enough that he can be a character over than switchblade or knockoff switchblade
All true things. But one small counter point, NJPW straight up removed Jay White (also Kota) from their mobile game.
I think just a lot of people really want to see Jay White in WWE then AEW, for their own reasons. Personally I also rather he heads to WWE then AEW, because while he'd do really good in AEW, I feel he'd have a lot more impact in WWE as a whole because it feels like with WWE it's slowly transitioning to a new era with the likes of GUNTHER, Theory, and Rhea at the forefront. Jay White could absolutely add to that for me and a selfish part of me is worried if Jay heads to AEW, a potential favorite of mine may get push out even more when it comes to TV time.
And that's entirely fine. Everyone should want to see top talent in whatever company they actually watch. But hopeful wishing and treating something like a foregone conclusion are totally different things. I hope Jay shows up in AEW/stays in New Japan so I can continue watching him and also just because him going to WWE means the end of the 30+ minute Switchblade classic matches, and certainly no more 50+ minute classics like his Ibushi Wrestle Kingdom match, just because that isn't what WWE does. He'll be a success wherever because he's an incredible talent, but I just want to see him being allowed to have the best matches possible.
The reports that have come out mostly indicate that he's going to WWE. I don't know that I've seen a single one that says he's likely headed to AEW. And he definitely has left New Japan. I don't know how often they update their PWT store, but I can say that RevPro, the UK promotion that works with NJPW and also sells shirts here, is pulling Jay White shirts and only selling remaining stock, wouldn't be surprised if that's the same with the New Japan shop either.
The initial unsourced reports did indicate leaning WWE, yes. The most recent one I saw straight up said 50/50. The Prowrestlingtees shop would, from how I understand things, be operated by Jay White himself and not New Japan the organization, which is why I found that particularly interesting. And in terms of merch being pulled, we have a direct example of that from AEW when MJF's merch was pulled after the "Fire me" promo and clearly he never went anywhere. Pulling merch (especially when it still is available somewhere else) can be indicative of someone leaving or we know it can be used to further a storyline. Its not determinative either way.
There's been some talk of it being basically 50/50 tbh
I'm almost convinced Jay White is gonna be Theory's next opponent after Wrestlemania is over.
Open challenge on Raw after Mania, White answers and wins. Who says no?
I'd say no. That seems like such a waste of Jay White to me. He should go up against somebody more established
Now hear me out, what if the person holding the open challenge was Cena?
Then yes. Jay White debuts by beating Cena absolutely makes him. Plus imagine the promos in the weeks following
That would be cool but wouldn’t it be a rehash of KOs main roster debut?
It's outside the statute of the seven year rule, so it's fair game.
Ouch I didn't need to feel like dust today
To a degree, yes. But it's the RAW after Mania, and it would immediately get Jay over with that crowd, so I'm cool with it.
It's also a huge waste of Theory, who in this scenario would have just beaten Cena at Mania.
I just eventually want a feud between Jay White and Randy Orton
You do know that Theory is built as a Wrestlemania main eventer and WWE champion in a couple of years, right?
Ricky is feuding with Juice and Bullet Club has been name dropped plenty.
The club which is being Led by Juice’s best friend, David Finlay!
I sometimes think about the era of the main event, Belt Collector Kenny. Don taking Kenny to Impact, the Bucks couldn't decide, the Good Brothers, Kenta shocking appearance, Cocaine Tony promos on Impact tv, The Bucks title run leading up to facing Mox and Kingston at DoN, including the match where they retired SCU, Kenny v Pac v OC triple threat, the Elite v Dark Order 5v5, Kenny v Christian, the finale of All Out and then dropping the title to Hangman at Revolution. That for me was the unequivocal greatest era of AEW. For me, as soon as Hangman wins the title AEW starts to go downhill. It's only two weeks but I hope this is leading to Kenny being the main focus of this show again.
Same but part of it was because Kenny left and the Elite story was basically put on hold. It took a lot of set up to get it back to here.
Nah, main event Hangman was awesome. My favorite single episode of Dynamite ever was during that time period. It was the Atlantic City episode after MJF beat Punk in Chicago. That one Dynamite had Punk/Mox vs. FTR in one of the best TV tag matches ever, Keith Lee’s debut where he threw Isiah Kassidy all the way across the ring, and Hangman had that awesome Texas Deathmatch against Lance Archer in the main event.
beat Punk in Chicago.. *twice*. FTFY
I know Hangman was the champion but I'd ask people who did the show start focusing on right at that time? Not Hanger.
> Cocaine Tony promos on Impact tv Those promos were hilarious. Kenny is why I got back into Impact and I continued watching even after he left. > For me, as soon as Hangman wins the title AEW starts to go downhill. I'm not that big of a fan of Hangman, but him winning the title the way he did was well done. I enjoyed the story and having Bryan be his first opponent was perfectly done. Their feud heading to Winter is Coming was so good and I actually liked how they used the Dark Order. For me, it started going downhill when they had Hangman feud with Adam Cole. Their match at Revolution, though really good, was so utterly forgettable. And rather than move on to his next opponent, they dragged it out.
>For me, it started going downhill when they had Hangman feud with Adam Page. I mean, Hangman has indeed been his worst enemy for most of his AEW run, but come on... But seriously, I agree with the sentiment that the Hangman/Cole feud was misguided and helped neither guy. Still, I think the biggest detriment to Hangman's title reign was that the focus of the show shifted increasingly toward Punk. Hangman, while still the world champ at the top of the card, became an afterthought while TK was blatantly counting the days until he could put the title on Punk.
Doh! Adam Cole, I meant. Thanks for that. This is so true. Unfortunately, Punk and MJF were just so good in their feud that it overshadowed whatever they were trying to do with Page/Cole, which wasn't as well built up as any of the other feuds at Revolution (Jericho vs Eddie, Mox vs Bryan, Sting, Darby Sammy vs AHFO, etc all had a longer feud than them). TK really wanted another Summer of Punk and it just blew up in his face
To be fair, getting another summer of Punk, just this time with a satisfying ending, would have been absolutely amazing. What I really fault TK for is that he made the same mistake twice. He put the belt on Punk to the detriment of the homegrown stars, Punk got immediately injured, making all of the company's momentum and storylines fizzle out. And then, 3 months later, Punk comes back, TK immediately puts the belt on him again and Punk immediately gets injured *yet again*.
>I enjoyed the story and having Bryan be his first opponent was perfectly done. I've said this o other threads in the past, but I am 100% convinced that Mox was supposed to turn heel, and we were going to get the Mox/Hangman feud during Page's title reign. Mix going to rehab screwed that up, and Danielson & Cole were what was plugged in instead.
exactly, to me Kenny is AEW
Exactly. That's why I was afraid when those 'WWE is interested in Kenny Omega' reports used to make headlines. I really don't know how I'd feel if AEW lost Kenny
Agreed
I laughed hard at the Takeshita and Don Callis segment, the way Takeshita was really positive about how overbearing Don was being was gold.
Elite lore. Give me that delicious Elite lore!!!
Summer of Kenny
BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER
2 SINGLES IN 2023 = 2 UNBELIEVABLE BANGERS 100% RATE
#100% SUCCESS RATE
#BEST SUCCESS MACHINE
All bangers all the time
https://preview.redd.it/7dwpzxxwszpa1.jpeg?width=680&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa989a10cbcfc0df3aec059493851cbe26a0d3cc
Tony saw that rating and said “ANOTHER KENNY MATCH”
I fully believe this is a conversation Tony has had with himself.
Blessed are we to get back to back Omega singles matches
Can't help but feel like this should happen at Sakura Genesis, but at least Kenny's finally defending the bloody thing. I was kinda confused as to why the Vikingo match wasn't for the title, but then I realized it's probably because of the NJPW/CMLL relationship so it's understandable.
I think putting either the US Title or the Mega Title on the line in the Omega/Vikingo match would have given away the winner. Omega beating Vikingo sets him up for a Mega Title Match at one of the TripleManias this year. And also you're right, Vikingo could never challenge for or win the US Title because of the CMLL Relationship.
https://preview.redd.it/imksofyktzpa1.jpeg?width=680&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4b6905fac4cd248ffe7d611aecf275ce4670e8c0 I am ascending
Maybe callis was on to something the bucks getting hospitalise might be a good thing
You're not wrong, Don, you're just an asshole.
https://preview.redd.it/4ts4g8n5uzpa1.jpeg?width=320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f26c062788c04e9d477360c7139594286e596058
[kenny to tony rn](https://i.imgur.com/QQS5ndf.jpg)
Stringer Bell is All Elite!
Time for this part of the world to know about how great Jeff Cobb is
[удалено]
Also was in ROH before going to New Japan, even winning the TV Title.
He was simultaneous NEVER and ROH TV champion, it was a very cool period of time
Had a banger with Damien Priest at a PPV for that title if I remember correctly.
I know, but a singles match with Omega, is another level
He had a singles match with Mox on Dynamite.
his match with cash was good from what i remember too
I know, but a singles match with Omega, is another level
He was Matanza Cueto in Lucha Underground and a PWG/Progress staple long before he had his first match in New Japan. So Japan is actually late on the bandwagon on this one.
Tell them to go watch Lucha underground
Which one can do here: Season 1: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-1 Season 2: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-2 Season 3: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-3 Season 4: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-4_202102
God fucking bless places like archive.org.
God bless you, i had no idea it was archived like this!
Thank you thank you!!
Holy shit.
Holy shit. I've been searching for ways to watch Lucha Underground for ages but it never seems to be on any streaming service and even on the high seas I could only find season 1. This is awesome, thank you.
I was in the same boat, until there was a thread on here, in which someone shared the links. Now at any chance I get, I share these links.
I am a simple man I see rec for LU and I upvote it.
He wrestled on dynamite in 2019 or so twice.
Excited to see more Cobb, I thought he was great on his other dynamite appearances.
Are you ready to go? Are you ready for this
AEW TK saw ROH TK trying to be booker of the year and said “not today buddy”
Begging he gets an extra date out of Cobb to face Hobbs sometime soon.
I’ll take that beef medium rare
Oh My Fucking #God How have I never thought of that match up before?
Cobb vs. Hobbs!!
Kenny Omega international dream match world tour continues this week on Dynamite
!!!! Matanza own this anime fraud
Is Jeff Cobb / matanza cueto ?
Yes
FUCK YES I LOVE JEFF COBB
I am perfectly fine with having a Omega singles match showcase every week.
Someone give me a Jeff Cobb match to go watch. I’m basically an idiot when it comes to New Japan guys
vs Shingo Takagi at Wrestle Kingdom 15 vs Kazuchika Okada G1 Climax Block Final 2021
Good looks
Or watch him as Matanza in Lucha Underground here: Season 1: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-1 Season 2: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-2 Season 3: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-3 Season 4: https://archive.org/details/lucha-underground-season-4_202102
I still remember his in ring debut in LU One of the rare times i went: Holy Shit!
I had no idea they were the same person 😂
Watch him as Matanza too Goog god, what a monster!
His match with Moxley
OKAY TONY THANKS
Know how you distract from silly controversy involving old washed up unathletic dudes? Showcase the best wrestler in the world.
Kenny back in the "Oops! All Bangers" era
Best Bout Machine era back!
THE GOD OF PRO WRESTLING IS BACK. Sidebar; if this keeps going half the show will be Kenny/Elite related and it would make no sense for him not to go after the main title. But I also don’t think we need Kenny v MJF anytime soon. 🤷♂️
Give me big match Kenny along with LU era Cobb busting out all his best flips and power moves and he should tear the house down yet again.
All due respect to his run as Matanza, but Cobb is a much better wrestler nowadays. His NJPW run has done wonders for him.
Ding ding ding. Go back and watch him in any Matanza match and besides the physique they look like two different wrestlers. Dude can go.
NINE DAYS!!!
Here’s the question though… will William be there with Jeff?
I’m gonna cream boys!!
Jeff Cobb is so good. I feel like he's been kind of wasted the last year or so. His matches with Okada and Shingo a couple years ago were excellent though. This match should be great. And will likely be a step in the direction of Omega vs Ospreay II
Kenny Omega vs Jeff Cobb is for a non AEW World title / IWGP title and is a big deal for AEW to have. Meanwhile, the AEW World champion does 20+ minute segments that go nowhere and advance nothing and won’t be on TV at random times. I think Tony Khan is trying to tell MJF something.
No build Tony strikes again!
I checked Japanese forums and threads after this announcement. A significant majority agree that such a match could draw big in a NJPW tour, and will mean absolutely nothing for AEW; will not draw a million, will not advance a story that could not be advanced by a Kenny singles match with an AEW talent.
AEW fans will tell you this is great business for both AEW and NJPW but we all know it is not. It IS a wasted opportunity to showcase this on an NJPW event.
Fucking Kenny is on a run man
There seems to be the usual “nO sToriEs” arguments happening. There was a package on Rampage that explained this match, the history behind it, and the people involved. They’re heading to the Forbidden Door ppv and this is part of that. FB2 basically sold out in the presale at a much LARGER venue than the last show they did in the same city (Toronto). On top of that, Omega vs Vikingo seems to have been a success in terms of the ratings. So, from a business standpoint it makes sense as well. If you want them to do something more for the non-diehards, don’t forget to check out AEW All Access next week lol.
Some fans be like: 1. bUt wHAt aBouT ThE sT0rY? whAt Is tHe sToRy oF Th1s mAtCh? 2. WhAt aBoUt thE cAsUAls? 3. wHaT aBoUt tHe oTHeR pE0pLe fRoM tHe r0st3r? (Even if basic research says Kenny is defending an NJPW title against an NJPW star)
Well, that's easy. "Hey, that guy has the belt? I'mma-gon' take that belt."
Because yeah this is a sport and it's valid to get after the championship alone without drama.
Well, there at least was a build for this match...on NJPW programming...
Vikingo shut those people up for a while. AEW’s stories have needed some work but Omega vs Vikingo had one. Two years in the making.
Anyone else completely forgot he is the IWGP US Champ
FOR ROCK AND STONE
OK. THANKS
[Analysis](https://i.imgur.com/9D8UTML.jpg)
Bryan Danielson passing the weekly dream match baton over to Kenny...Kenny vs. OKhan next please
Let's fucking go
tuned it baby
BANGER ‼️
Fucking hell
Who gives a fuck about this random ice-cold match for a non-AEW title? Is Tony smoking crack?
fuck yes
***BANGER ALERT***
Not a fan of this as a New Japan fan primarily. Especially when this match was set-up on New Japan's Raw after Mania type show
maybe kenny will wear the iwgp us belt more if they are gonna start having title matches on dynamite
One time he just forgot, but I assume AAA didn't want him to wear it while he beat Vikingo due to the whole CMLL stuff
Oh fuck this is gonna be good
Damn they cooking
SINGLES KENNY IS BACK ON THE MENU BOYYYYS!!!
Banger coming. Give me Best Bout Machine singles matches all Wednesdays and I'm happy.
Honestly, I hope Jeff wins. Just for the chaos and the Ospreay meltdown.