5 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (3 Aug)

2. Attitude Era Tribute Gets Too Cute

AEW DUmpster match
AEW

The Acclaimed and Gunn Club's dumpster match wasn't without merit. Max Caster's Vince McMahon-referencing rap was a popper, as was his unexpected dive from the entrance tunnel to put Colten through a table, leading to the finish. Anthony Bowens, too, was as expressive as ever.

But the entire match felt like an excuse to get to an Attitude Era callback spot. The Acclaimed mirrored the New Age Outlaws' treatment of Cactus Jack and Chainshaw Charlie by shoving the dumpster containing the Gunns off the stage after trapping them inside. No surprise, given who Austin and Colten's father is, but too self-conscious and on the nose to land.

That the bout was cannibalised by a poorly-positioned commercial break didn't help matters. Neither did the Gunns coming within a hair of beating The Acclaimed immediately, almost trapping them in the dumpster before a believable level of drama could be built.

Again, this saga could have benefitted from being stretched out over a few more weeks. Gunn Club and The Acclaimed's separation felt fast-forwarded in the first place, making this another example of a situation requiring extra patience.

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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.