14 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (20 Nov)

12. RIP Matt Travis

Matt Travis shirt
AEW

It was lovely to see AEW paying tribute to Matt Travis on last night's Dynamite, with Private Party unfurling the former indie wrestler's t-shirt and placing it over the top rope prior to their match against Proud and Powerful.

As explained by the announcers, the 25-year-old Travis passed away when he was hit by a truck on 9 November. This is particularly relevant to these tag teams as he helped both get started in the wrestling business. When Ortiz and Santana met Travis, he assisted them in "getting off the street" and into wrestling and he was partly responsible for getting Private Party into House Of Glory, where they broke out. Thus, their Dynamite clash was framed as something of a tribute bout.

Really touching stuff, even if the match itself wasn't much to write home about. The extended universe storytelling by incorporating a relevant figure outwith the promotion is appreciated.

Advertisement
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.