Whenever I need a pick-me-up, Hangman Page is always there
to deliver.
But the highlight for me came as Jay White started his
interview with Renee backstage. Because as soon as he started speaking, I
wanted Hangman Page to appear. Then like Jesus, he did.
I know Hangman is not the face in this particular feud at
the moment. He’s been my favorite wrestler in AEW for years, and he has been
the most compelling tv character they have in 2024. I am endlessly fascinated
when he is on screen.
To that end, Hangman’s appearance started off to perfection,
as he came flying in from off-screen to attack Jay White mid-sentence. It was
the exact type of chaos that AEW excels at because there was no indication or
hint of an attack, nor of a longer segment. It just happened, organically, feeling
like we were in a prime episode of WCW Monday Nitro from 1997.
If it were just an attack, that would not have been the
highlight of a good show. It was more than that and produced just beautifully.
First, the backstage fight – I thought it may have been a
pre-tape – immediately spilled out into the arena, providing a great shot of a
crowd reacting to a fight breaking out. Pro tip: pro wrestling crowds love it
when a brawl breaks out anywhere.
Adding to the fun was Hangman’s intention to cripple (I guess?)
Jay’s foot by getting him stuck in a guardrail and threatening to use a chair
before everyone’s favorite lunatic Juice Robinson came running out, to another
big pop, to save Jay. The faces clear the ring, Hangman limps away selling a
leg injury so well that some think he’s actually hurt, and Jay cuts a solid promo
to end the segment.
What did I like about it? Everything. They further the Full
Gear match between Jay & Hangman. They’ve established Juice’s role as Jay’s
insane second. And we’re firmly entrenched in Hangman’s insane era.
Some other things I think I thought about Dynamite #236:
- Darby flying off the entrance ramp to kick off the opening tag match was awesome. A brilliant shot, and a nice way to jolt the show from the jump. The crowd gave it the always enjoyable, “ooooooh wow!” reaction because they sort of saw Darby before he leapt.
- At one point during the opening tag match, Orange Cassidy is dealing with Claudio on the apron and Darby is going at with PAC in the ring, and AEW kept the camera shot wide so you could see everything in and out of the ring. I loved it. Reminded me of playing WrestleMania 2000 on Nintendo 64 a lifetime ago. I much prefer wide static shots than endless camera cuts.
- PAC and Orange Cassidy continue to have the craziest chemistry together. They did one sequence on the top rope that eventually ended with a spike DDT, and the crowd was on its feet for all of it. I will never tire of these two wrestling, since their epic first match at Revolution 2020.
- The first hot tag to Darby was classic 1980s pro wrestling. Darby is a great hot tag and equally good at playing Ricky Morton. Maybe he should be in a real tag team?
- Big Bill is a future World Champion. He has the look. He has the in-ring charisma. His promos are improving. He might just need a new or improved ring name.
- I’m not one to body shame but Adam Cole’s skin is the wrong color.
- I had no interest in the Cole match vs Malakai Black, and the awkward silence during their opening stare down was rough. I’m glad Black did the job, but if he’s leaving to go back to WWE, adios. He brought little to AEW in my opinion and hopes this means Brody King can get pushed on his own.
- Remember when Swerve first tried the Mogul Embassy, but his heavies sucked, and they got released? That’s how I feel about Kamille. She’s not working in the role. Kris vs Mercedes should be good though.
- AEW hyping its next round of live shows as "November to Remember" was a nice reminder that AEW excels at nostalgia.
- I went five stars for the start of the Jamie Hayter vs Penelope Ford match, as Penelope ran up and attacked Jamie as she was posing on the top rope. A tremendous flop bump by Jamie down the ropes and gave the match a legit story. Penelope’s facial expressions were great, and Jamie’s finishing move was hit quite snugly.
- Powerhouse Hobbs! Excellent main event to end a very good episode of Dynamite.
Sean’s rating for Dynamite #236: 8/10
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