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KELLER’S AEW DYNAMITE REPORT
JUNE 26, 2021
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. AT DAILY’S PLACE
AIRED LIVE ON TNT
Commentators: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, Excalibur
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
[HOUR ONE]
-Ross introduced the show as the camera panned the crowd. They cut to a clip from earlier in the day of Alex Marvez saying he was standing by to interview Sammy Guevera. Sammy miraculously then appeared behind him at that very moment and Marvez acted surprised (“Speaking of the devil!”) Shawn Spears, hiding behind a semi, bashed Guevara with a chair. Ross said Guevara is wrestling MJF next Wednesday, if Guevara is able.
(1) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE vs. POWERHOUSE HOBBS
Taz joined the commentators. The graphic noted Hobbs 10-1 since joining Team Taz and he’s 9-1 this year. Excalibur plugged the Kenny Omega vs. Jungle Boy main event for the AEW World Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: I think any mention of a televised World Title match should be more than a passing comment by an announcer during a ring intro after they’ve already talked about other things. An AEW World Title defense should be framed as one of the biggest thing that ever happens in AEW. It should have led the show, not a little angle to promote a mid-card TV match in a few days. This diminished that a bit.)
Ross said Hobbs reminds him of “Hacksaw” Butch Reed in his prime. Fans chanted “Cowboy Shit!” Hobbs overpowered Hangman early. When Hangman set up a slingshot on Hobbs, Hobbs bailed out to ringside. When Hangman went after him at ringside, Hobbs knocked him down with a clothesline. Fans chanted, “You still suck!” at Hobbs as he worked over Hangman’s arm at ringside. Hobbs yanked the barricade banners over Hangman before throwing him back in the ring a minute later. Excalibur plugged the farewell to Daily’s Place on Wednesday with a Fan Appreciation Night.
NOTE: If you plan to attend a future AEW Dynamite, WWE Raw, or WWE Smackdown, let me know if you’re interested in being an on-site correspondent for us on the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show. We’d bring you on the live post-show for 10 minutes, give or take, to talk about your experience at the event and share off-air details and crowd notes: wadekellerpodcast@pwtorch.com
Hobbs dominated Hangman for a few more minutes until Page shoved Hobbs into the ringpost. Eventually Ricky Starks and Hook came out. Starks tried to hand the FTW Title belt to Hobbs. Brian Cage came out and pulled Starks away from ringside, yanking off his jacket in the process. Starks held his neck in pain and scurried away. Hangman tried to surprise Hobbs with a Buckshot Lariat. The director inexplicably cut away to show Cage watching from the stage as Hobbs countered it mid-air into a powerslam for a near fall. Taz was distressed over dissension between Cage and his other guys. Hobbs and Page exchanged strikes mid-ring. Hangman avoided a bodypress and then gave Hobbs a dead-lift German suplex followed by the Dead Eye for the win.
WINNER: Page in 12:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good match. Nice to see Hangman win with the Dead Eye and not the Buckshot Lariat, so more than one finisher is established as a convincing potential match finish.)
-Schiavone threw to a video package on Jungle Boy challenging Omega tonight. It included a clip of Omega saying he supposed to sell this match as if JB is some sort of credible challenger. Excalibur said Omega has become increasing unhinged.
-The announcers hyped upcoming matches. [c]
-A promo aired with The Young Bucks and Brandon Cutler. Matt Jackson said the trolls and haters call them overrated, yet they’re the longest-reining AEW Tag Team Champions. They talked about facing Penta El Zero Mieda & Eddie Kingston. He said they’re EVPs, “extremely violent people” and vowed to win to prevent Penta & Kingston from earning a future tag team title shot.
(Keller’s Analysis: The Bucks have found their lane and they’re driving in it high speed right now. They’re the right kind of cocky obnoxious heels you want to see lose more after you hear them talk than before.)
-Schiavone hosted a debate between Tully Blanchard and Konnan in the ring. Tully said it’s his pleasure to let him talk first. Konnan said, “So we’re playing mind games right off the bat?” He said Proud & Powerful won’t be intimidated. He rebutted FTR’s claim that they had a comparably tough upbringing in North Carolina as Santana & Ortiz did in New York. Konnan said North Carolina has men and sheep who run scared of those men. He contrasted “bar fights” to “barn fights.” (He also mentioned something about “vegan meat,” continuing his odd obsession with vegans, as if North Carolina and FTR are vegan spokespeople or that “Beyond Meat” or “Impossible Burgers” are some affront to his machismo.) He cited a stat about comparative incarceration rates. Tully tried to break in, but Konnan said he wasn’t done yet. “No, you haven’t heard enough, I’m about to talk a little more.” Tully didn’t break his stare with Konnan after that. He said he ought to learn Spanish because he might need it to communicate with his grandkids.
Tully said he knows about Spanish and he has researched Konnan. He said he doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Tully got four inches from Konnan’s face as he said FTR are going to end the game. Konnan said when this is all said and done, he’ll be happy to know that Wal-mart is still hiring greeters. Konnan, who was sweating and shaking, called his men to join him. Tully pointed at the big screen, which showed that Santana & Ortiz had been attacked backstage. Konnan looked confused. The men Konnan presumed to be Santana & Oritz unmasked as FTR. They attacked Konnan and gave him a quick spike piledriver. Tully bent over and said, “Boom! Now what do you say, big boy?” FTR bent over and trash-talked him. Ross said when Santana & Ortiz get in the ring with FTR, it’s unlikely to resemble a wrestling match.
-They went to Ross and Excalibur. Excalibur talked about the angle that just happened. Ross referred to the angle in the ring and the Guevara-Spears angle earlier. He seemed to be searching for words and was a little confused, but then talked about how The Pinnacle are among the most threatening factions he’s seen.
-Vickie Guerrero came out and did her screeching “Excuse me!” routine. She introduced Andrade El Idolo. Andrade walked out in a dapper outfit. Ross said he is soft-spoken. Excalibur said he is a man of action. Ross touted his “threads.” Vickie said they had a major announcement to make. She was interrupted by Matt Sydal, who was joined by his brother. Andrade took off his sunglasses and glared at them.
(2) DANTE MARTIN vs. MATT SYDAL (w/Mike Sydal)
A few minutes in after back and forth athletic action, Excalibur plugged the split-screen commercial, calling this a “big singles match.” (That’s pushing it. Exciting? Yes. Competitive? Yes.) [c]
The announcers talked about it being 79 degrees and humid, taking a toll on the wrestlers. Sydal won with a Lightning Spiral. The announcers touted the performance of 20 year old Dante.
WINNER: Sydal in 10:00.
-Backstage Jungle Boy began talking about his title match later when Christian Cage interrupted. He said it’ll be the biggest night of his career and tonight is his night. He asked if he’s feeling good. JB said he’s nervous. Christian said he should be pissed off that there are people who don’t believe he deserves this opportunity, and Kenny is one of them. He said he already shocked the world once when he won the Casino Battle Royal, so shock them again when he wins the AEW World Title tonight.
(Keller’s Analysis: Christian was great there being just subtle enough not to give away he’s turning on JB, if that’s what happens, but it’s a promo you’d back on and view it entirely differently knowing what Christian was planning. From interrupting him while he was mid-sentence and acting super-friendly with a hand on his shoulder, to saying there are people who don’t think he deserves this “and Kenny is *one* of them, to bringing up the Casino Battle Royal win in which Christian was the runner-up, there was a ton of passive-aggressive code language there.) [c]
-Jade Cargill and Mark Sterling plugged their merchandise and hashtag. She tore one of her t-shirts in half.
-Marvez interviewed MJF, Wardlow, and Shawn Spears. MJF called Marvez “Pig Vomit.” He said he loved Spears hitting Guevara with the chair earlier. He asked Marvez why everyone is so upset over what he did to Dean Malenko last week. He said he’s got a bad heart and Parkinson’s Disease, so should someone in that state be involved in an industry as dangerous as pro wrestling? He said people are throwing rocks when they should be thanking him for sending him to an early retirement. Chris Jericho and Jake Hager attacked them. They brawled onto the stage and into the ring. Eventually the Pinnacle’s numbers-advantage helped them take over. MJF held Jericho down as Spears was about to swing a chair. Guevara’s music played and he ran out to make the save. He tackled Spears and gave a high-knee to Wardlow’s chin. He hit Wardlow in the head with a chair, then bashed Spears in the shoulder. MJF avoided a swing of the chair. The crowd chanted “Sammy! Sammy!” He said on Wednesday, this company finds out what he already knows – that he chose the wrong guy for the action figures and the wrong guy to put on the posters. He said on Wednesday he will show he is the best ever and he knows it.
(Keller’s Analysis: I’m not sure talking action-figures and posters is the best opening argument after the intensity and violence of that angle, but Guevara showed good fire in his save. The fans were way into him, too.) [c]
-A promo aired with Miro. He thanked God for making him powerful and for making his hot wife flexible. (Wow.) He vowed to only beat up people who deserve it, such as Brian Pilllman Jr. He said he’s about to find out he’s standing between a cleaver and its meat. He said he’ll find out soon why he’s God’s favorite champion. He said Pillman is lying if he says he’s not afraid. He said bravest thing Pillman ever did was thinking of attacking him, and the stupidest was actually doing it.
(3) “ALL EGO” ETHAN PAGE (w/Scorpio Sky) vs. BEAR BRONSON (w/Boulder)
Ethan mocked a claw scratch motion, after which Bronson powerslammed him. Bronson dove through the ropes. Sky shoved Ethan out of his path, but then took the brunt of the collision. As the ref was yelling at Bronson’s partner at ringside, Sky and Ethan double-teamed him. Ross said they might be they most effective tag team in AEW today. Page superplexed Bronson, but Bronson came back with a sidewalk slam for a near fall seconds later. When he climbed to the top rope, Sky DISTRACTED him. Boulder went after him. Ethan gave Boulder a low-blow, then delivered his Ego’s Edge off the top rope for the win.
WINNER: Ethan in 11:00.
-Afterward, Ethan said he’s not stupid. Fans chanted, “Yes, you are!” He said, “No, I’m not.” He said he knows Darby Allin isn’t done with him, and pinning him is not enough for him. He said he’s going to be the nail in his coffin. He repeated it twice, getting more intense each time. He then challenged him to a coffin match at Road Rager in Miami next month.
-Britt Baker and Reba talked about what they’d ask Tony Khan for if he owed them a favor, such as a yacht or a football team. They made fun of Vickie for asking for a wrestling match. They laughed. Baker said she’s the face of a whole new era and they have no time for old faces like Vickie. She said they’re going to beat her ass next week and give her a nice prescription to leave with.
-A soundbite aired with Vickie and Nyla Rose. Rose said they’ll be locked in the ring with her, the Beast, but they ought be ready for the “claws of the cougar.”
(Keller’s Analysis: What is this, WWE. where you have no clear reason to root for either side against the other because both side are so unlikable?) [c]
(4) BUNNY (w/The Blade) vs. KRIS STATLANDER (w/Orange Cassidy)
As Bunny came out, Excalibur said Nyla Rose will challenge Britt Baker for the AEW Title at the Road Rager. Ross talked about how Statlander said she changed her diet to get more fit. They cut to a break with Bunny in control at ringside. [c]
Bunny clotheslined Statlander over the top rope to the floor after the break. As Bunny charged her at ringside, Statlander caught her with a powerslam. Cassidy and Blade yelled at each other. They exchanged big moves and near falls. Blade DISTRACTED the referee and tossed her brass knuckles. Cassidy entered and took the brass knuckles away from her. Bunny was upset and yelled at him. Statlander then delivered her Big Bang Theory for the win.
WINNER: Statlander in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: That was decent, which is quite an achievement considering how Bunny’s last Dynamite match was among the worst nationally televised matches in a decade.)
-Angelico and Jack Evans held Cassidy as Blade hit him with brass knuckles. Blade then flexed his arms and posed between Angelico and Evans.
-Schiavone interviewed Q.T. Marshall, who talked about Brock Anderson’s debut. He said Cody Rhodes isn’t there doing the hard work like he is because Cody’s running around Hollywood doing auditions. He said he hopes he gets a big part in “one of those geeky superhero films,” so then he can achieve his dream of becoming a champion in AEW.
-Schiavone hyped Cody vs. Marshall, Baker & Rebel vs. Rose & Vickie, and Miro vs. Pillman for the TNT Title.
-A soundbite aired with Brian Pillman Jr. He said he’s had to fight for everything he’s ever had, and that includes fighting for friends. He said Miro picked a fight with him, and on Wednesday, he’ll check his ego and win the TNT Title.
(Keller’s Analysis: Solid short promo. I really like AEW sprinkling in so many backstage promos. They’re short, to the point, and usually unremarkable, yet totally effective at building up future matches and giving everyone a taste of their personalities.)
-A promo aired Kingston & Penta (with his interpreter) who hyped their tag match next week against The Young Bucks.
(5) KENNY OMEGA (w/Don Callis, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows) vs. JUNGLE BOY (w/Luchasaurus, Marko Stunt) – AEW World Title match
Jungle Boy made his ring entrance with Marko Stunt and Luchasaurus. JB soaked up the moment before entering the ring. Then Omega, with four belts, came out with Callis, Gallows, and Anderson by his side. Justin Roberts then did formal ring introductions. They showed JB’s family, including his mom and his sister, at ringside. Schiavone noted they’ll stay with this match on TNT as long as it takes with a 60 minute time limit. The ref kicked Marko out of the ring and sent him to the back after he ran into the ring to yell at Anderson and Gallows. Kenny laughed. Ross endorsed the move. The ref then booted Anderson and Gallows. Callis joined the announcers on commentary. The bell rang 41 minutes into the second hour.
Omega shoved JB into the corner and messed up his hair. The crowd popped at 2:00 for JB’s first flurry that sent Omega to the floor after a dropkick. Omega tossed JB around ringside afterward, though. Ross talked about Omega holding AAA and Impact Wrestling titles, too. They cut to a split-screen break. [c/ss]
Back from the break, Omega was in control as fans chanted “Jungle Boy!” Excalibur said Omega hasn’t lost a singles match in 22 months. JB changed momentum with a brainbuster suplex. Ross said a lot of greats have used that move for a lot of years for a lot of wins. JB continued on offense including two dives through the ropes. He landed a DDT in the ring, then landed a flip dive onto Omega over the top rope to ringside.
A few minutes later, Omega landed two V-Triggers for a two count. He went for another, but JB countered into a snare trap. Anderson and Gallows ran out. Marko and Luchasaurus pursued behind. Kaz leaped into the mix. Omega, meanwhile, reached the bottom rope to force a break. Omega and JB stood and exchanged chops. Omega landed a V-Trigger, but JB fired back with a rebound clothesline. Omega hit a quick brainbuster for a two count. Omega landed another running knee to the head, then set up a One-Winged Angel. JB countered into a roll-up for a near fall that popped the crowd. He applied another snare trap. Omega reached for the bottom rope. Omega broke the hold with a yank of JB’s hair. Callis blamed JB for having such long hair. Omega landed a running V-Trigger to the back of JB’s neck and then a Tiger Driver ’98 for a convincing near fall. Omega then delivered a One-Winged Angel for the win. Ross said no one can say Jack Perry isn’t tough after that. Schiavione said his father, Luke Perry, has to be looking down proud of his son tonight.
WINNER: Omega in 18:00 to retain the AEW World Hvt. Title.
-Afterward, Omega wound up to hit JB with a belt. Christian ran out to make the save. Omega bailed out. The Hardy Family Office, Matt Hardy and Private Party, went after Christian. Hardy set up a Twist of Fate, but Christian countered into a Kill Switch attempt, but The Young Bucks ran in and superkicked him. The Bucks celebrated with Omega as Hardy gave Christian a Twist of Fate.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good match. The Christian turn seems to be a bit down the line, if it’s coming at all, after all of that. I’m glad they did a clean finish. There’s no shame in an underdog babyface losing a competitive match against the heel world champion.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: Not a blockbuster show, but a really good episode with a nice main event
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