9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (5 Oct)

8. Chris Jericho Is A Wizard, Again

Tony Schiavone
AEW

This was such a small detail, but it indicated the level of thought that goes into even the most mildly amusing throwaway lines.

The Jericho Appreciation Society were interviewed backstage, in a brief segment that built the main event and wasn't interrupted - an 'Up' in itself these days - in which Jericho talked around his being a cheating heel d*ckhead. In a superb deadpan one-liner, Tony Schiavone said "You mean systematic cheating?"

"You say tomato, I say tomato" Jericho said in response. This was such a great bit of interplay between a respected broadcast professional undercutting and not standing for a heel's bullsh*t. The stern, impartial broadcaster is such a useful tool in framing a wrestling promotion as legitimate, and this was an amusing exploration of it.

In another tremendous detail, Jericho explained away what was thought to be a dumnb plot hole last week, maintaining that he actually respects Daniel Garcia's rebellious behaviour, hinting that there's still a way back for him - which is why he didn't lead a gang beat-down last week.

The real Let It Play Out promotion rewards the faith yet again.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!