11 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (Jun 14 - Review)
Downs…
1. Wardlow Vs Jake Hager
In a pre-match hype video, TNT Champion Wardlow discussed the upcoming outing against Jake Hager as if it was the latest chapter in a legacy feud.
By the strictest definition he was correct, but chapters as inconsequential as this and some of the ones that came before it only feature in books nobody chooses to read. An odd call-back to long-gone time, this bit of matchmaking was only ever cute at best and Hager's limitations stood firm in the way of 'The Wardog's growth as a babyface in the years that passed.
This was dull and formulaic and would have been far better had Wardlow soundly defeated any number of dynamic talents backstage or, if looking for another monster, Big Bill. It was made no better for the post-match either. Christian Cage and Luchasaurus bloodied up Arn Anderson backstage just like they'd done to Brock seven days ago. Well, not just like it, 'Double A' looked actually bludgeoned rather than stained with a used teabag. The magnitude of the moment was plagued by some trademark sound and production issues and the creeping sense in the building that the programme already peaked at Double Or Nothing.