So, I was curious about Fyter Fest. Going in, I didn’t expect much from this show given that it was offered for free unlike Double or Nothing; however, this is an important show for AEW regardless. Having this event be free gives fans who skipped out on Double or Nothing due to the ridiculous price tag, a chance to see what the rave was all about.
All and all, it was a solid show. I had a good time watching it and things of consequence did happen that has me intrigued to find out more on future shows; however, if someone shrugged their shoulders and said, “that’s it?”, then I would understand.
I didn’t care for the pre-show much. I missed out on the tag team match so my comment excludes that bout; however, The Librarians thing isn’t my cup of tea. It screams lower card channel changing act. I don’t watch “Being The Elite”, so I don’t know the purpose of their characters; however, I wasn’t impressed by what I saw. The former Blue Pants is indeed talented, but nothing impressed me here. Her match-up against Allie was fine.
I also didn’t care for the hardcore match that followed. I do think comedy has its place in wrestling as not every feud has to be some intense blood rivalry; however, a plastic flamingo and baby oil just didn’t do it for me. More than anything, I was looking at my watch in hopes for the match to end.
The main show that followed was much better, but nothing spectacular.
The match of the night for me was Cody vs. Darby Allin. The bout itself wasn’t a clinic in technical wrestling, but the storytelling was top notch here. If you argue that the Six-Man Tag Team match was the best bout on the show, then I respect your opinion.
I enjoy flips and flops, and people who do things that involve flipping and flopping without a care, but that match was all action and little story. I value story more than straight action, which is why the Cody/Allin is my match of the night.
I went into that bout expecting Cody to win, so it was a nice surprise to see the match showcase just who Darby Allin is. The guy is an underdog fighter who next gives up and is relentless despite the odds against him.
I loved that this match ended on a draw instead of Cody winning. It’s puts over Allin for hanging with the big dog and doesn’t hurt Cody one bit as he didn’t lose the match. It told a great story and I love that AEW is using time limits in their match-ups. There are strong stories that can be told with that method and it was used pretty damn well here.
I have mixed feelings on the Shawn Spears angle. First, this was a damn good segment that has me compelled to find out why Spears did what he did. The former WWE Superstar sold it well, as did Cody post-chair shot.
However, my problem is with the unprotected chair shot to the head. I don’t need to recall the damage unprotected chair shots have done to wrestlers in the past, and I felt that it was unnecessary here. Spears could’ve committed a violent attack to Rhodes without the unprotected chair shot. While ultimately, this was a strong angle, I don’t want these guys to suffer any long-term damage mentally for my entertainment.
The women’s triple threat really surprised me as it was a blast to watch. There were a few rough spots, but nothing that took away from the match. Rose looked like a star most notably and I actually like that she took the pin.
The “monster that destroys everything in their path” bit is played out at this point. Giving Rose the added layer of being an arrogant wrestler who’s showboating costed her the match makes her more intriguing.
MJF is a star and I hope that AEW doesn’t continue to put him in losing situations. From the moment he walks out, you instantly understand his character because he oozes down the ring in a cocky swagger that makes him dislikeable. He never tries to be the cool heel and his promos are immensely entertaining.
I would’ve booked MJF to win here. After Page hit his finisher, MJF could’ve kicked “Hangman” in the back of his injured leg and tossed him out of the ring. He then could’ve stolen the win by pinning Havoc. It’s old school booking that you still see today; however, it gives MJF a win in a dishonorable manner while still protecting Page. Also, Jungle Boy really shined in the four-way bout.
The Jon Moxley/Joey Janela match was…Meh. If you’ve seen any garbage match in your life, then you’ve seen this one. This match could’ve been a stronger showcase for Moxley’s character.
Imagine if the IWGP US Champion was violently beating down Janela and refused to stop. A bloody Janela, beaten, broken, and battered as Moxley continues to not showcase any remorse whatsoever. This would’ve been a far more effective build for his character then a back-and-forth generic garbage match.
The thing about this moment is that it makes Moxley comes across as a heel, so I would understand why that route wouldn’t make sense due to his popularity. However, Moxley was at his best when he was heel during his first Shield run. But again, I understand not making him a heel due to his popularity.
The post-match moment was fine, with Omega getting his revenge and Moxley laughing in the end. I do look forward to seeing what these two can do inside the ring.
Again, a solid show, but nothing that would amaze someone viewing AEW for the first time. I like the different styles that the company presents. Every match shouldn’t have a copy and paste template.
As for the talent, I like what I see so far and I’m curious to know more about many of the wrestlers I don’t know. I’m still excited to see what AEW can do in the fall and the Shawn Spears situation definitely has me engaged to learn more.