AEW Booms/Duds: Matt Hardy knew the original Judas!

-Boom: more creativity from AEW

After receiving some criticism last week for having talent so close to each other while watching at ringside (particularly the older ones), AEW found a different way to still have a “crowd” of wrestler without being ringside nor in large numbers.

The gambling truck was a nice touch because we were able to see more wrestlers and, crucially, a bit of their personalities. Of course Jericho bets against Cody since he hates The Elite. Sabian fell asleep on the couch later with a dog on his lap, but he also had a match earlier in the night.

Dasha Gonzalez revels in victory, and Shawn Spears is going to run away rather than pay his debt. It all makes sense and fits their characters.

Don’t count me surprised if we see something similar on SmackDown and RAW, but without the acknowledgement to AEW of course.

-Boom: the refreshing voices of Cody and Omega on commentary

This is not a knock on the team of Schiavone, Ross, and Excalibur. They’re a great team and really compliment each other well.

Why were Cody and Omega refreshing? With Omega, we were able to hear more of him and it sounded genuine. When he was shocked, he was shocked. When he was disappointed, he was disappointed. It was nice to just hear more of his personality. Changing his music to start with the drop rather than building to it was a great choice, too.

Cody really shined. Being a wrestler, he brought the perspective of how and why certain maneuvers affect certain areas. I liked how he chided Sabian for not having enough weight on Allin’s shoulders during a pin attempt.

I already mentioned his response to Roberts, but Cody also wasn’t shy in his support of Marshall without being obnoxious. Him pulling for Omega in his match against Guevara is to be expected as they’re locked in feuds against each other, but it also wasn’t overbearing.

They’re surprise and acceptance of Hardy was well done, and their making the save to welcome Hardy further into the fold is all coherent in story.

We know AEW isn’t shy to have wrestlers on commentary. Jericho, MJF, Britt Baker, and others have commentated matches before. Give us more wrestlers on commentary, please!

https://twitter.com/AEWonTNT/status/1242984487039799296

-Boom: the continued, rapid growth of Sammy Guevara

When the commentary team (I think Jim Ross) compared Guevara to Eddie Guerrero several weeks ago, I was a bit skeptical. In the ring I could see the comparison as Guevara is as fluid as he is talented, just like Guerrero. As a character, I wasn’t yet sold.

Consider me a fool for doubting Guevara.

While his match with Omega was great, I was more fascinated by the amazing heel work Guevara keeps delivering. His demeanor as he enters the arena, his fully embodying “The Spanish God” gimmick, and his cue card/artwork shtick just makes you want to see him get his due even more. Being able to back it up in the ring with his skill (and heel taunts/poses) just adds another layer.

He rate of growth is astounding, and he is probably learning a lot from Jericho. It shows. 2020 seem poised to be Guevara’s massive breakout.

Also, his interactions with Brandi Rhodes were fantastic. Let this scene entertain you during these trying times, and let Brandi’s disgusted face be all of our reactions to anything of the sort moving forward.

Stay safe everyone. Remain indoors if at all possible. Remember to use soap and wash your hand frequently and for 20 seconds. If you want to watch more wrestling, check out the various lists we’ve been posting at Daily DDT this week of matches, feuds, events, and documentaries to watch on the WWE Network.

See you next week!

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