8 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Oct 7)

Downs...

8. Framing The Anniversary

Hiroshi Tanahashi AEW
AEW

Hats off to AEW for executing the Chris Jericho anniversary material without making it feel like throwaway window dressing, as they peppered the show with content from start to finish.

Dynamite opened with wrestlers as wide-ranging as Proud and Powerful, Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy, and Ricky Starks all paying tribute to the man's impact. Later, we were treated to celebrities like Shaq, Dennis Miller, Paul Stanley, Ted Irvine, and Gene Simmons chiming in, as well as Bully Ray, Don Callis, and Chavo Guerrero Jr. MJF then got his own dedicated promo segment, putting 'Le Champion' as an inspiration, an element of insincerity lacing each word.

Perhaps the most intriguing talking head, however, was NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi, who was all smiles as he delivered his address. Jon Moxley and Lance Archer directly referencing their Wrestle Kingdom war (complete with official NJPW images) continued the New Japan theme later in the show.

This has understandably stoked speculation on a working relationship between the two companies, though we'll have to wait for more news before following up on that. Regardless, Jericho's anniversary didn't feel like a gimmick: it was an important part of the show.

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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.