8 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (18 Oct)

by Andy H Murray

1. Called Shots & Admirable Improvisation

Jon Moxley
AEW

It can't be easy filling television time after an unexpected, horrible injury, but AEW did an admirable job in doing so. The announcers filled in the gaps while Jon Moxley readied himself for an in-ring promo. Once MJF was out to call his shot, the AEW World Champion continued, perhaps going for longer than originally intended, though not once did the situation feel artificial or contrived.

MJF's shift is what matters most here. Having spent the past month or so teasing the idea that he might cash in his All Out chip at any second, he called his shot. Jon Moxley vs. MJF for the AEW World Championship will headline Full Gear.

Seemingly spurred on by his earlier interaction with William Regal, this was a fired-up, focused MJF, who promises to "earn it" for the first time in his life on 19 November. Whether or not this results in an earnest victory or a heinous screwjob, the outcome is fascinating - and appropriate for the challenger's current character direction.

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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.