Wrestling fans were in for a treat as AEW, one of the most dynamic wrestling promotions in the world graced the Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence, MO. The event was for their weekly flagship shows, Dynamite and Rampage. But this wasn’t a typical week for AEW.
First and foremost, the timing was unusual. AEW had to adjust its schedule, moving the taping to a Tuesday. This was because of the MLB Playoffs. The change in schedule meant that AEW’s Dynamite would be broadcasted at the same time as NXT, WWE’s developmental brand. This created quite a buzz, as the two shows have had a budding rivalry since AEW’s inception.
AEW didn’t take the schedule change lightly. The company pulled out all stops, ensuring that the fans got a show worth their time. The evening commenced with a 30-minute buy-in, a pre-show segment that warms up the crowd and sets the stage for the main event. This was not the only unique feature of the night. Remarkably, for over 40 minutes, the Dynamite show went on without a single commercial interruption. This is a rare treat in television broadcasts and showed how much AEW wanted to prioritize the in-ring action for their fans.
And in-ring action it was, filled with surprises and memorable moments. In a night that promised so much, AEW delivered even more. The two title changes were the highlights of the show. Hikaru Shida and Orange Cassidy made their marks in AEW history. Shida won the Women’s Championship, not just reclaiming the title, but also setting a record. She is now the first wrestler to have won the AEW Women’s Championship three times. Her victory will surely be a benchmark for future champions.
Orange Cassidy, on the other hand, captured the International Title. Cassidy’s set another testament in the ring, making him a fan favorite, and this victory further solidifies his position in the AEW hierarchy.
In another notable bout, Adam Copeland stepped into an AEW ring. Many wrestling enthusiasts remember Copeland from his time in WWE as Edge. His debut in AEW was much awaited, and he did not disappoint. He went up against Luchasaurus, a formidable opponent, and came out victorious. It was a classic contest of agility versus power, and the veteran showed he still has what it takes.
Bryan Danielson, another wrestler with a rich history in both WWE and the independent scene, was also in action. He faced Swerve Strickland in a bout to determine the number one contender for the TNT Title. Danielson, known for his technical wrestling prowess, managed to get the better of Strickland and will now be eyeing the TNT championship.
With Dynamite’s exhilarating events concluded, it was time for Rampage, AEW’s secondary weekly show. The results were as follows:
- A six-man tag team match saw Daniel Garcia, Angelo Parker, and Matt Menard, accompanied by Jake Hager, going up against the team of Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, and Brother Zay. It was a high-flying contest with all participants showing their worth. In the end, Garcia managed to pin Zay, giving his team the win.
- In the women’s division, Skye Blue faced off against Emi Sakura. The end came when Skye Blue executed her finishing move, Code Blue, pinning Sakura for the win.
- Jay Lethal, accompanied by Jeff Jarrett and Sonjay Dutt, took on Trent Beretta. Lethal won the match using his signature move, The Lethal Injection.
- The final match of the night was a tag team bout. Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta teamed up against The Gates of Agony, who had Prince Nana in their corner. Castagnoli and Yuta proved to be the better team, securing the victory.
Once the official taping for Rampage concluded, Castagnoli and Yuta took a moment to address the fans from inside the ring. They expressed their gratitude and relished the victory. But the night was not over. Tony Khan, AEW’s president, made a surprise appearance. As he reached the top of the stage, he thanked the fans for their overwhelming support. The evening was special for Khan, not just because of the wrestling action, but also because it was his birthday. The gratitude in his voice was evident, rounding off a memorable night of wrestling.
In summary, the 13th of October 2023 was a testament to AEW’s commitment to its fans. The title changes, the debuts, and the memorable matches are what wrestling enthusiasts live for. This night will be talked about for years to come.