8 Ups & 0 Downs From AEW Dynamite: Blood & Guts (29 Jun)

5. Vignette Sets The Tone

Dean Malenko
AEW

Blood & Guts II was preceded by a slick video package that succeeded in putting extra weight on the bout, with talking heads Dean Malenko, Ruby Soho, Tony Schiavone, and Excalibur telling the match's story and stressing its potential consequences.

American wrestling promotions have a habit of producing overlong preambles that are polished, well-made, and professional productions, but ultimately succeed only in holding up the show. AEW kept this one brief, which was welcome. Those paying attention already know the events that led to this match. Only a quickfire recap was necessary, along with a rundown of the deeply complicated interpersonal dynamics (mostly involving Eddie Kingston) and an acknowledgement of the physical and mental toll WarGames-like bouts typically take on their combatants.

And that's what we got.

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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.