AEW TV 2025 Discussion

[Guest]

40 minutes ago, RedTwoster said:

The tag division definitely needs a lift - The Hurt Syndicate are a great act, but why would anyone want to see them face Lio Rush and Action Andretti or Rhodes/Guevara? They need to source some new teams soon, or reunite some older ones. I’ve said it before, but they should bring back Jurassic Express. I’m not opposed to The Acclaimed getting back together either. 

I had a great time with the show, especially the main event, but this definitely stood out to me. Ooof, what a big heap of nothing those contenders are. It's tough because the plan was clearly Archer/Cage and Cage got injured, FTR are feuding with someone else and the Bucks don't seem interested, but there's definitely some work to do. Surely Brody King and Buddy Matthews could be contenders? LFI, maybe? What are the Bang Bang Gang doing? I'd even take O'Reilly and Strong, because at least they feel legit.

As for Jurassic Express, my latest theory to turn get Christian away from the Patriarchy is that Luchasaurus should come back, reunited with Jack Perry, who should take over the group, proving Christian right about him and Copeland right about the lot of them. Then you can have a Sting/Luger partnership between those two for a while. 

[RedTwoster]

1 hour ago, Duke said:

What are the Bang Bang Gang doing?

The continued absence of The Gunn Club has me slightly worried that they’re on the way out, as @LaGoosh has suggested might be the case. I really hope they’re not, though. The WWE tag division is about as boring as it’s ever been, and while they both have singles potential, I don’t want them to leave.

 

[digforvictory]

I thought the show wasn't quite as good as the last few Dynamites have been but it was still a very good show with lots of great stuff on it.

The crowd may have been loudest and most into the Mox main event which hasn't often been the case in this title reign. It was a good cage match, and Joe is always over so his matches almost always have great heat. Interference in a cage match will annoy some people but it's honestly been that way for decades now so it's hard for me to be too critical of it, and ultimately I like Gabe Kidd as a PAC replacement.

So what we thinking for Double or Nothing? Mox/Claudio/Yuta/Kidd/Marina vs Joe/Hobbs/Swerve/Omega/Willow?

But then you've got maybe The Young Bucks and Okada involved too, so you'd need more babyfaces. Hook? Eddie Kingston returning for this would be amazing, but maybe it's too soon. Lot of possibilities, think they've done a good job making the story seem important by involving a ton of top guys. 

Loved Tony Khan acknowledging the fuck up with Mina's new theme and immediately going back to her original one. Nice that he didn't double down on the mistake.

Double or Nothing shaping up to be a good un!

[RedTwoster]

20 hours ago, digforvictory said:

But then you've got maybe The Young Bucks and Okada involved too, so you'd need more babyfaces. Hook? Eddie Kingston returning for this would be amazing, but maybe it's too soon. Lot of possibilities, think they've done a good job making the story seem important by involving a ton of top guys.

It’s a big compliment to the quality of recent shows that I frequently forget that Eddie Kingston even exists. He was one of my all-time favourites, and I’ve not noticed his absence at all. And that’s not a slight on him - I’ll get goosebumps when he does make his return. And I still hope he wins the AEW World title before it’s all said and done, what a moment that would be.

[LaGoosh]

I don't know if it was because I watched the final episodes of Andor the night before and I was still buzzing from that but I couldn't really get into this show this week. I think the matches all felt a bit too long and they could have achieved what they were designed to achieve in probably 60% of that time. Also I know the balance between promos, angles, backstage stuff and matches is an incredibly difficult one to make but I really could have done with some more backstage stuff this week as a breather between matches. Didn't help that the backstage stuff that was all there was the same staring directly into the camera promo set up with one of my biggest pet peeves - other wrestlers turning up from off screen but only existing in reality once they are on camera.

I think though one thing I will comment on specifically is the absolute sad state of affairs all the non-MJF stuff with the Hurt Syndicate was. What a load of sad shite.

Firstly you've got the world's biggest losers Top Flight doing the same promo they always do whenever given the mic. It's something along the lines of "yeah we've been really unlucky recently and lose every match but *start shouting* we're gonna' win this time!". Total bums these kids. If AEW had an equivalent of Heat, Metal or Jakked these guys would be perfectly suited for it but for the main shows they've got nothing to offer anymore.

Dustin still has some value but no one is believing he can beat the Hurt Business. And Sammy Guevara has fallen so far even he seemed to be embarrassed that they let him on Dynamite. With his stupid little blue suit on he looked like a 12 year old being dragged to a Christening by his dad. Standing there the whole time not saying anything looking like a gormless twat.

Then CRU (still no idea what that name means) came out doing their generic cocky heel shtick. Again, these lads would be perfect for AEW Jakked but c'mon. Is there anything more pointless that a number one contendership match between two teams no one cares about for a PPV match that no one believes either team has a remote chance of winning. An exercise in time wasting.

The tag division is in the shits at the moment. You've got to give the Hurt Syndicate credit for staying so over while only facing complete scrubs. AEW has the talent to re-build the division so hopefully once they get past All In they can concentrate some effort on that.

Best moment of the whole show was Ricochet trying to do a figure four leg lock and realising he couldn't do it on someone with only one leg. 

[Supremo]

I’m only five minutes in and Hangman Adam Page is back smiling and signing autographs at ringside.

[The King of Old School]

1 hour ago, LaGoosh said:

Firstly you've got the world's biggest losers Top Flight doing the same promo they always do whenever given the mic. It's something along the lines of "yeah we've been really unlucky recently and lose every match but *start shouting* we're gonna' win this time!". Total bums these kids. If AEW had an equivalent of Heat, Metal or Jakked these guys would be perfectly suited for it but for the main shows they've got nothing to offer anymore.

I miss AEW Dark and Dark Elevation.

[RedTwoster]

1 hour ago, LaGoosh said:

The tag division is in the shits at the moment. You've got to give the Hurt Syndicate credit for staying so over while only facing complete scrubs. AEW has the talent to re-build the division so hopefully once they get past All In they can concentrate some effort on that.

The more I think about it, the more I wonder if this was by design. MJF’s current storyline is surely going to lead to him challenging for the belts with a partner.

If they had teams of more status come out,  they may have accidentally teased something the fans want to see more than what they’re planning to do. 

I also think the division will look healthier sooner rather than later. It’s pretty clear now that we’re building towards Edge and Christian reuniting, and once they’re done with FTR, the most logical next step is surely for them to chase the tag titles. 

I think it’s very likely that Jurassic Express will reunite. If Copeland and Christian are together, it only makes sense that they’d cross paths with a returning Luchasaurus - and it would be a bit odd if his partner was Nick Wayne or Kip Sabian, rather than Jack Perry.

Outside of that, AEW has shown an ability to create great original teams in the past - such as The Acclaimed and Men of the Year. There’s no way they don’t recognise the lack of depth in their tag division, and if you’re going to have teams like The Hurt Syndicate, E&C and - potentially - a new team involving MJF, you’re going to want to have strong opponents for them to work with.

[LaGoosh]

9 minutes ago, RedTwoster said:

I also think the division will look healthier sooner rather than later. It’s pretty clear now that we’re building towards Edge and Christian reuniting, and once they’re done with FTR, the most logical next step is surely for them to chase the tag titles. 

Yeah I agree with this. Get the Bucks back in the mix, potentially a Hangman/Swerve team and things look a lot healthier. Once Buddy Matthews is healed up I reckon the Hounds of Hell will get a decent push too. 

Additionally, if they want to there's plenty of under-card or unused teams that could be given a renewed focus to easily spice things up. Rush & Mortos, Hologram & Kommander. Variations of the Don Callis Family (Hurt Syndicate vs Takeshita/Fletcher would be a very appealing match). 

So there's definitely a very exciting looking tag division waiting there. They just have to start using it.

Edited May 16, 2025 by LaGoosh

[tiger_rick]

  Agree with the consensus, I thought this was a good, but not great show and I suspect my expectations being quite high are probably the reason. For a show built for weeks with a great main event in a brilliant arena, it was just a solid Dynamite all in. 

Opener was fun and did everything it needed to do.

Gowen & Ricochet was great and further cemented Ricochet as the biggest surprise of the decade. The man is incredible.

There were several places where the show died a little, and the Hurts getting about three segments was unusual and I think that's a combination of that angle and the fact they were saving a bunch of superstars for the main event, and the Young Bucks.

Intros for the main event is the best Jon Moxley has felt in about 2 years. God bless, Chicago. Outcome was about as I expected. Biggest disappointment was when I put 2+2 together in my head and realised that Hanger's involvement in the Owen final meant he wasn't coming out with Swerve. Mike Bailey intercepting Okada, only to quietly disappear and not end up in the ring was a bit of a kick in the teeth for him. Will probably set up something between them but I'd not involve them in this if it's not going to be part of it. Wasn't needed.

I'm guessing it's Swerve, Kenny, Joe, Hobbs and Willow vs. Mox, Kidd, Bucks and Shafir but that's all a bit odd at this point, if it's not the Death Riders faction getting their comeuppance.  

On 5/15/2025 at 7:52 AM, RedTwoster said:

The tag division definitely needs a lift - The Hurt Syndicate are a great act, but why would anyone want to see them face Lio Rush and Action Andretti or Rhodes/Guevara? They need to source some new teams soon, or reunite some older ones. I’ve said it before, but they should bring back Jurassic Express. I’m not opposed to The Acclaimed getting back together either. 

On 5/15/2025 at 8:37 AM, Duke said:

It's tough because the plan was clearly Archer/Cage and Cage got injured, FTR are feuding with someone else and the Bucks don't seem interested, but there's definitely some work to do. Surely Brody King and Buddy Matthews could be contenders?

Agree with the general points. Archer & Cage and Brody & Buddy were definitely lined up as big meaty challengers when Hurt Syndicate were white hot a few months ago but half of each team got injured. There's not a lot of depth below that, especially with Bucks and FTR doing other stuff. Hurts running through this mob while you build new teams would be the way to go, for me, but I dunno if they have the patience. MVP shouldn't be setting up matches for the #1 contenders, he should just be promising to batter them all at once. The bunch of absolute losers - sorry, Dustin.

On 5/15/2025 at 7:52 AM, RedTwoster said:

I suppose next week we’ll find out what the deal is with MJF. I’d be surprised if the outcome was Max being part of that stable, though.

Yeah, it's surely coming to a head. They did a good job on this one I thought with some of the teases. Shelton going off to find Max looked like he was going to get jumped. Shelton looking like he might kick Max's head off when Bobby was giving the thumbs up. Just playing with some wrestling tropes was nice. Not sure commentary needed to hammer it home though, but then they get criticised when they're subtle with their storytelling so probably can't win there.

Fairly sure Max turns them down and starts his own group or team to war with them, especially now Sterling is involved.

[d-d-d-dAz]

Is the Butcher still part of AEW? I always used to enjoy watching him. I could take or leave the Blade, but if we're looking to reheat tag teams surely they're worth a go?

[LaGoosh]

I think he's still under contract. He was having loads of fun little singles matches on Rampage before that died. I'm not sure he's been seen since. The Blade is out long term with a pretty serious injury. I liked both guys and hope they come back one day.

[mim731]

1 hour ago, RedTwoster said:

I think it’s very likely that Jurassic Express will reunite. If Copeland and Christian are together, it only makes sense that they’d cross paths with a returning Luchasaurus - and it would be a bit odd if his partner was Nick Wayne or Kip Sabian, rather than Jack Perry.

I could definitely see that, and and a returning Jack Perry stripped of the Jungle Boy stuff but with Luchasaurus could be a nice wrinkle. Unless he's going to be involved with The Bucks storyline, I don't see what else he fits into. 

2 hours ago, RedTwoster said:

The more I think about it, the more I wonder if this was by design. MJF’s current storyline is surely going to lead to him challenging for the belts with a partner.

1 hour ago, tiger_rick said:

Yeah, it's surely coming to a head. They did a good job on this one I thought with some of the teases. Shelton going off to find Max looked like he was going to get jumped. Shelton looking like he might kick Max's head off when Bobby was giving the thumbs up. Just playing with some wrestling tropes was nice. Not sure commentary needed to hammer it home though, but then they get criticised when they're subtle with their storytelling so probably can't win there.

Fairly sure Max turns them down and starts his own group or team to war with them, especially now Sterling is involved.

Agreed, it all points that being the outcome. I wonder if the "pinnacle" references they've sprinkled through the odd moment in recent weeks are to build to that group returning in some form. Where's Wardlow? Stick him with MJF and FTR and they're off to the races. 

[The King of Old School]

Where is Jack Perry out of interest?

Probably isn't, but feels like months since I've seen him, injury or just having a break?

[LaGoosh]

Yeah his disappearance was a bit weird. Lost the TNT title to Garcia last year and hasn't been seen since. I wouldn't be surprised if maybe he's done with wrestling. On Instagram he posts loads of videos of him doing wood and metal work in his garden - he's good at it too. Maybe he's decided it's not worth the effort. The guy has wrestled probably less than 30 matches in the past two years.