{"id":127176,"date":"2024-09-25T07:00:58","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T11:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=127176"},"modified":"2024-09-25T04:39:44","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T08:39:44","slug":"preview-aew-dynamite-9-25-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/25\/preview-aew-dynamite-9-25-24\/","title":{"rendered":"Preview: AEW Dynamite (9\/25\/24) &#8211; Grand Slam"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW seems fittingly in the zone. The place was made famous by the man who gave his name to the stadium where the fourth annual <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand Slam <\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">takes place in Flushing, Queens, New York. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Compared to some weeks where little is announced in advance,<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> AEW<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> looks to stack the card for this double taping of <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Dynamite <\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Collision<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A total of 10 of the 11 promised matches have graphics. One <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">bout<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> that has remained unpromoted was the promised first Trios Championship defense by the <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Blackpool Combat Club<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">It promises both the storyline development of <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Wheeler Yuta<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and the potential for some surprise partner to join <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Private Party<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Surprises at such a big show are always welcome.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The build to <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Slam<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> hasn\u2019t been without its potholes, but like many big AEW cards, the promise of <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/09\/aews-polarising-present-wrestling-nirvana-potholed-creative\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">wrestling nirvana is again a historic feature of AEW<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Heading into the two biggest men\u2019s matches, some confusion was related to the AEW World Championship contenders. And yet, as time passed, connective tissue and clarity came in the form of passionate words from <\/span><strong><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/21\/nigel-mcguinness-bryan-danielson-aew-dynamite-grand-slam\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Nigel McGuinness<\/span><\/a><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and<\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Darby Allin<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and the threats of inevitability from <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jon Moxley<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Once again, Pretty Platinum is the central narrative driver of interest.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The question of what physical state <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bryan Danielson<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Swerve Strickland<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, two Washington natives, are in ahead of <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WrestleDream <\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">will become clearer. Some shapes to the Tacoma card will form.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Each <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Year<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand Slam<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> has helped define the company\u2019s direction <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">heading into<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the fall.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> It\u2019s hosted some of AEW\u2019s best matches and moments. This year doesn\u2019t look like it will be an exception.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The future is about to become defined.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">TOMORROW on <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TBSNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TBSNetwork<\/a>!<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t miss when <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AEWDynamite<\/a> comes to you LIVE from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City with <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AEWGrandSlam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AEWGrandSlam<\/a> at 8pm ET\/7pm CT with a night of wall to wall action! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/I5oOIOsHYO\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/I5oOIOsHYO<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AEW\/status\/1838639540879397316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3><strong><u><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Announced Card Thus Far: <\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Matches announced: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness*<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">*- If Bryan is cleared to wrestle<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Darby\u2019s shot at the AEW World Championship on the line: Darby Allin vs. Jon Moxley<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Young Bucks vs. Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW Women\u2019s World Championship: Mariah May vs. Yuka Sakazaki<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">FTW Championship: HOOK vs. Roderick Strong<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Matches Not Assigned for either AEW Dynamite or AEW Collision:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW Trios Championship Match: Claudio Castagnoli, PAC &amp; Wheeler Yuta vs. Private Party &amp; &#8220;a partner of their choice&#8221;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Other segments Announced:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Prince Nana will provide an update on Swerve Strickland<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Speculation<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Could there be a big debut linked to Jon Moxley\u2019s new direction?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Gamble of The Night: Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A legacy feud from <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">ROH\u2019s<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> past between two of its most legendary alumni has brewed in AEW from <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">the moment<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Nigel McGuinness joined the commentary desk. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Bobby Heenan<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to Danielson\u2019s <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Hulk Hogan<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> (except Danielson needs to be convinced <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">into<\/span> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">taking<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the win), McGuinness at every opportunity as verbally slashed at the American Dragon<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Or<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> American Coward if you take McGuinness\u2019 side.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Elsewhere I\u2019ve discussed the historic and personal nature of this legacy feud <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">along with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> other Danielson potential <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/08\/28\/dream-matches-revisited-5-men-aews-bryan-danielson-must-wrestle-again\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">dream rematches<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. It boils down to McGuinness believing Danielson had the career the Englishman felt he deserved. Nigel had to watch from the sidelines, from the commentary desk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">McGuinness\u2019 hatred is so deep it\u2019s head cannon where motives have been implicit and inferential rather than explicit and shouted about. Take McGuinness\u2019 <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All In<\/span><\/em> <span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">return<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in the Casino Gauntlet match. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why London? Besides the obvious home nation pop. To credit <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Michael Hamfleet<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> of <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WhatCulture<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> who pointed this out, did McGuinness choose London because he believed Bryan would win?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">When that did not work, McGuinness, like a classic heel picked a moment. One where Danielson\u2019s absence and near asphyxiation removed him from <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Slam<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. At a time when Danielson is brittle.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The issue is the balance because the wrong execution of such a highly emotive match could damage both the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/12\/aew-violent-storytelling-and-its-disturbing-splendor\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">violent splendor<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> of <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All Out<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and the stakes and purpose of Darby vs. Moxley. We need to be prepared that this is an angle. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Or an angle disguised as a match. There\u2019s both an awesome and logically secure way events could play out. Or a disappointing and believability that\u2019s full of holes like Swiss cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">I have faith in the former given <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">both Danielson and McGuinness\u2019<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> commitment, professionalism, and minds for wrestling.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>AEW Women\u2019s Championship Match <\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">WEDNESDAY<br \/>\nNew York, NY<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AEWDynamite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AEWDynamite<\/a> Grand Slam<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TBSNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@TBSNetwork<\/a>, 8pm ET\/7pm CT<\/p>\n<p>AEW Women&#8217;s World Title Match<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MariahMayx?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@MariahMayx<\/a> vs <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/YukaSakazaki?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@YukaSakazaki<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The Magical Girl has returned red hot, and now AEW original Yuka Sakazaki will challenge World Champion Mariah May in New York Wednesday! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/GQHBBaf2fL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/GQHBBaf2fL<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AEW\/status\/1838352650896838827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 23, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/09\/18\/preview-aew-dynamite-9-18-24-all-star-trios-with-the-elite-and-will-ospreay\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Last week<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, I fairly evaluated the placeholder feeling <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">that exists<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> around <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mariah May\u2019s<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> current character development and the women\u2019s world championship scene while <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u201cTimeless\u201d Toni Storm<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is away. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">May\u2019s commitment to her in-ring and character work (which can <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">at times<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> feel undefined and broadly stereotypical) conflicts with her youth and relatively short experience. Like the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/05\/20\/how-aews-timeless-toni-storm-achieved-what-wwes-fiend-could-not\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Toni Storm character<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, Mariah needs time to find herself and define her reign.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Facing \u201cThe Magical Girl\u201d <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yuka Sakazaki<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> offers a stepping-stone title <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">defence<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> that could inject some doubt and suspense. Yuka is an opponent whose style suits the young champion\u2019s comfort zone due to her Joshi experience. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Also, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">with<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Yuka\u2019s personality and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">her<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> ability to connect with the audience<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">she<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> could help bring some needed heat for May.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> Of May\u2019s few defenses so far, Yuka could prove to be more of a challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mariah told the cameras: \u201c<\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Yuka? Bully me. I\u2019m begging you. Bully me.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Sometimes you need to be careful what you wish for. And that could perhaps go for what might happen post-match.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Grand Slam<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> seems a strong place for the teased return of <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Mina Shirakawa<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. May has on the microphone and online said: \u201cI want Mina\u201d. In response, Mina in videos has been clear she is unsure what to think of May\u2019s actions. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">What happens between the <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Club Venus<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> partners\/besties might be the inciting incident that sparks excitement and more life in Mariah\u2019s championship reign.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Would Mina stand up for Toni Storm or side with May? Or will May betray Mina the same way she did Storm? Was her friendship with Mina in <\/span><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">STARDOM<\/span><\/strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> just another rung on the ladder?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Darby Allin vs. Jon Moxley <\/strong><\/h3>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\"><a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AEWGrandSlam?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AEWGrandSlam<\/a> TOMORROW<br \/>\nArthur Ashe Stadium<br \/>\n8pm ET \/ 7pm CT on TBS<\/p>\n<p>Winner receives an AEW World Championship Match<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DarbyAllin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@DarbyAllin<\/a> vs <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JonMoxley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@JonMoxley<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mox wants Darby\u2019s World Title Shot at Bryan Danielson, but Darby won\u2019t just hand it over, so they\u2019ll fight at GRAND SLAM TOMORROW NIGHT! <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/pRWxDo9pbn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/pRWxDo9pbn<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AEW\/status\/1838579138837516649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">September 24, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Jon Moxley will face Darby Allin for the fourth time<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. The<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> third time in AEW. Mox has won all four of these contests. With the number one <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">contendership<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for the AEW World Championship on the line and the chance to headline <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WrestleDream<\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in his hometown, can Darby Allin win?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The dream match between Darby Allin and Bryan Danielson is my number one match in a recent article on <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/08\/28\/5-men-bryan-danielson-should-face-before-retirement-in-aew\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">first-time matches The American Dragon must have<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> before retiring. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Two<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> of the greatest underdogs in wrestling. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Two Washington natives <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">who<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have similar <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> yet popularizing qualities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This year, in particular, Darby feels closer to being that main event star. It was <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2023\/12\/26\/aew-tournament-2023\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">only a year ago that the other pillars were shown <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">to not have<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> reached the level of the Devil<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Yet on the microphone and in those intangible ways, Darby feels (nearly) ready.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And yet he faces a man who more than any in AEW has been the <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/04\/16\/jon-moxley-more-than-the-greatest-transitional-champion-of-modern-wrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">harbinger of transition<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. When Darby <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">decided<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> to fight, the look on Moxley\u2019s face is a look not of disappointment but of an assured reality that he will kill Allin as necessary. All to bring in the paradigm shift the company needs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Moxley\u2019s new direction is in its infancy. This is Mox\u2019s first match back. Does this revolution die out early? Will Darby get his moment? Or will Mox choke it out of Darby like he did at <\/span><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">All Out <\/span><\/em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">with Danielson? Just without the plastic bag.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Each time these men <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">have<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> clashed, it <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">has been<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> reckless and brutal.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> It\u2019s been <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">emotive<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> and focused. Darby refuses to die. On three prior occasions, Darby failed. Fell, got up again, and persevered. Allin has ridden with death before as his co-pilot crashes and burns frequently. Is that enough to withstand Mox?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Looking for an AEW Deep Dive?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">James has also written a series that <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">takes a deep dive<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> into\u00a0<\/span><\/em><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">AEW<\/span><\/strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2019s\u00a0short but impactful history. In part 1, James discussed how AEW changed the wrestling industry (<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/02\/five-years-how-aew-changed-the-wrestling-industry\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">).\u00a0In Part 2, James discussed how\u00a0AEW\u2019s\u00a0continued existence benefits wrestlers and fans <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">alike<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> (<\/span><\/em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/03\/five-years-how-aew-changed-wrestling-for-everyone\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">here<\/span><\/a><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">).<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Part 3 has\u00a0been divided\u00a0into two articles. One discusses the differences between in-ring action and storytelling (<\/span><\/em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/09\/aews-polarising-present-wrestling-nirvana-potholed-creative\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">here<\/span><\/a><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">). The other excellent in-ring action <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is compensating<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for\u00a0wider\u00a0issues in AEW creative (<\/span><\/em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/14\/aews-polarising-present-the-limitations-of-where-the-best-wrestle\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">here<\/span><\/a><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">). The final part will discuss\u00a0AEW\u2019s\u00a0future.\u00a0Including discussing\u00a0the problems that AEW faces\u00a0and\u00a0questions\u00a0<\/span><\/em><strong><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tony Khan<\/span><\/strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> will have to address. In a bonus article, James evaluates the criticism leveled at the company on social media and podcasters <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">as well as<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> the company\u2019s response (<\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/06\/17\/aews-polarising-present-aew-is-under-attack\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">). In the final upcoming part, James examines how for AEW\u2019s future <\/span><\/em><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Tony Khan<\/span><\/em><\/strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> can compete with\u00a0<\/span><\/em><strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">WWE<\/span><\/em><\/strong><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> beyond just in the ring (<\/span><\/em><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2024\/07\/02\/aews-future-who-aew-needs-to-compete-with-wwe-on-all-levels\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">here<\/span><\/a><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">).\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<h3>More From LWOS Pro Wrestling<\/h3>\n<p><em>Header photo \u2013 AEW \u2013 Stay tun<\/em><em>ed to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\" data-linkindex=\"1\" target=\"_self\">Last Word on Pro Wrestling<\/a>\u00a0for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world.\u00a0 You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@AEW\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">YouTube<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AEW seems fittingly in the zone. The place was made famous by the man who gave his name to the stadium where the fourth annual Grand Slam takes place in Flushing, Queens, New York. Compared to some weeks where little is announced in advance, AEW looks to stack the card for this double taping of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4960,"featured_media":127179,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[4677,6,2192],"tags":[5730,9011,1634,491,4395,8737,411,4171],"class_list":["post-127176","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-aew","category-north-america","category-wrestling","tag-aew-dynamite","tag-aew-grand-slam","tag-bryan-danielson","tag-darby-allin","tag-jon-moxley","tag-mariah-may","tag-nigel-mcguinness","tag-yuka-sakazaki"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127176","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4960"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127176"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127176\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/127179"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127176"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127176"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127176"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}