11 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Aug 5)

1. The Loss Of Excalibur

Excalibur AEW
AEW

The controversy that prompted Excalibur to take last week's episode of Dynamite off requires a stronger response than AEW has given thus far. Yes, it took place a long time ago, but this is essentially the only difference between Excalibur's actions and those of Sammy Guevara, who was suspended, without pay, for 30 days. That the promotion hasn't yet commented on the announcer's issues is bewildering.

That he is off television at the moment is fair game. Atonement is essential in cases like this, even when it's something that happened in the past. Noting his absence as a Down isn't an attempt at undermining this. At all.

... but Excalibur's absence does have a significant detrimental impact on Dynamite as a whole. His value to the announce team cannot be understated: while Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, and Taz do a great job, the commentating is never as cohesive or fluid as when Excal is there. His play-by-play is the glue holding everything else together and Dynamite is worse off without him.

This isn't a call to bring Excalibur back to television immediately - just an acknowledgement that the viewing experience isn't as great without him.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.