A Defence Of The Most Controversial Wrestling Match Ever

Things only devolved into the concussive realm at that finish, which saw Moxley destroy the ring to reveal the unforgiving boards beneath. Even for the most barbaric of pro wrestling fans, this was difficult to watch. Omega’s last bump, for the Paradigm Shift, was well beyond reason. But—and this is an argument, not a justification—it was the finish.

None of this serves to undermine nor excuse the real pain both men willingly endured. At all. But there was, to an extent, a worked artistry to this match for which Moxley and Omega deserve more praise.

Several modern New Japan matches were more overtly or insidiously dangerous than this. Tetsuya Naito in particular is inviting danger with more reckless abandon by taking head-first bumps in virtually all of his big matches. Tomohiro Ishii risks concussion in every one of his singles matches, too, and worryingly, the NJPW schedule is far more punishing.

This sort of match will only take place in AEW four times per year, if that.

The aim of the schedule is to do pro wrestling violence in a way that isn’t exacerbated with repeated trauma to the body, which is the real cause of long-term damage. Moxley and Omega worked that match because the one night per week schedule allows for convalescence. This pounding insanity is sure as sh*t gonna hurt in the morning, but they had the night off.

And wrestling is inherently dangerous.

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