8 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite: The Crossroads (Mar 3)

2. Shaq Can Go! Jade Can Go!

Pat McAfee was right: this wasn't the best celebrity match in wrestling history. But how could it be? McAfee vs. Adam Cole was a miracle bout on par with Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, and we may never see the likes of it again.

Still, Shaquille O'Neal and Jade Cargill vs. Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet ruled.

This was a big silly riot of a match. Yes, there were a couple of rougher moments, and yes, the table set-up was a little contrived and the production team missed a critical Velvet spear on Cargill, but the fun factor overshadowed all of this.

There was palpable excitement in the air as Shaq made his entrance, running his thumb across his throat while staring Rhodes down. For a guy who has only been training for a couple of months, he played the giant's role well, clobbering Cody constantly, hauling Colten and Austin Gunn over the barricade to administer an angry beating, and hitting a convincing powerbomb on The Prince of Pro Wrestling. His bump off the apron and through the tables was the cherry on top.

Credit to Red Velvet for stepping up and helping hold things together at times, too, and her opposite number looks like a star. Cargill pauses to taunt a little too often at this stage, but for a debut match, this was seriously impressive. She has immense physical charisma, confidence, and good offense, with her version of the Glam Slam finishing things off, as it should have.

This whole deal was put together so that the extra eyes Shaq brings will hopefully take notice of Jade and stick around to watch her future endeavours. Time will tell if it was successful in that regard, but the match was a blast.