7 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Dynamite (May 6)

Downs...

5. This Doesn't Feel Good

Kenny Omega
AEW

Dozens of people huddled close together as Kenny Omega and Matt Hardy vs. Sammy Guevara and Chris Jericho moved from ringside to backstage. Dozens, and they clearly weren't two metres apart either, some standing shoulder-to-shoulder as they egged the wrestlers on.

Jim Ross told us earlier in the night that everyone in attendance was observing social distancing guidance, though this clearly wasn't the case here. We also know that all wrestlers, staff members, and other attendees were tested upon arrival, ensuring none had been infected by The Thing. That's fine - and the measures are definitely appreciated - but it was hard to shake the feeling that gatherings like this shouldn't be happening.

Such tests are far from infallible and while some people wore masks, it was shuddering to see so many clustered together. This tempered the enjoyment levels somewhat. It's nice having wrestling with us as we navigate this difficult time, but disheartening to see a major American promotion failing to follow the noble examples set by ROH and NJPW.

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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.