10 Most Embarrassing Wrestling Botches Of 2021 (So Far)
3. The Man Of Cardboard With A Steel Pattern
The Pinnacle (with Tully Blanchard) vs. The Inner Circle
AEW Blood and Guts 2021
The titular match between the two stables lived up to the stipulation’s evocative and gory name. While the event was predominantly pre-recorded, the main event was the exception. The live crowd certainly appreciated this, but those watching at home agreed that AEW could have dodged considerable embarrassment if they had pre-taped the whole show.
Every member of the two warring factions left everything inside the cage. The dramatic end saw the bloodied Chris Jericho and MJF on top of the structure, with the heel threatening to hurl Jericho down. Out of concern for his team leader, Sammy Guevara surrendered on behalf of The Inner Circle. In what should’ve been a memorable stunt and a killer heel move for MJF, 'The Salt of the Earth' sent Jericho to the ramp below.
The moment was completely ruined when a clear camera angle showed the ramp to be a crash mat with cardboard printed to look like steel covering the surface. As well as being embarrassing, it is also irritating and unforgivable that one of wrestling’s biggest stars took the risk, putting his body on the line, only for outside factors to completely nullify Jericho’s sacrifice.
If you can't make something look good on television, why do it in the first place?