6 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (1 Dec)
Downs…
4. Spluttering Showcase Falls Short
Booking Lee Moriarty opposite CM Punk was a good idea that didn't deliver on its promise. An opportunity to elevate one of the most promising wrestlers in North America was unfortunately sullied by cumbersome technical exchanges that played to Lee's strengths, but not his opponent's. As they traded holds, rolled into various pin attempts, and worked for parity, Moriarty and Punk regularly came off overly cooperative, hurting investment.
The idea that Punk laboured past Moriarty plays to his story, as does his less-than-stellar performance. Still, this was ugly television.
MJF was on commentary throughout, ripping the 43-year-old for not being able to tear through someone on Lee's level. Afterwards, he grabbed the microphone, threw insults at Punk, and threatened to put his dog to sleep (!). When Punk challenged him to step up, Wardlow came out and got between the two.
A disappointing comedown from last week's incredible in-ring segment, as a total package, this was the biggest letdown on the card. At least MJF was suitably loud and obnoxious on commentary.