Adam Cole And Jon Moxley Suffer Major Injuries At AEW Dynamite GrandSlam Episode
AEW Dynamite Grand Slam had some worrisome moments for Jon Moxley and Adam Cole, both visible to those watching in the stadium and on TV. Moxley’s situation was particularly concerning as it occurred during his defense of the International Championship against Fenix. Leading up to the busy schedule of shows, starting with AEW All In London in August, Tony Khan expressed his relief that the company wasn’t dealing with as many injuries to top talent as it did in 2022. However, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City, during the AEW Dynamite Grand Slam, Khan might have felt like the bad luck from the previous year had returned, at least for one night. The ending of the match seemed unusual as Fenix executed a Black Fire Driver that appeared to drive Moxley’s head into the mat. Moxley remained down, but the referee didn’t count to three. Fenix repeated the move and secured the pinfall to win the title, indicating that the match’s outcome may have been changed on the spot, and the referee wasn’t immediately informed. Jon Moxley sustained an injury during the match with Rey Fenix, leading to a change in the match’s planned finish. Moxley left the ring under his power and received attention from several individuals, including Tony Khan, whom he assured that he was okay. Rey Fenix emerged victorious over Jon Moxley at AEW Dynamite Grand Slam, becoming the new AEW International Champion. However, this was not the originally intended outcome. According to reports from PWInsider, there was a backstage belief that Moxley might have suffered a concussion during the match, potentially leading to the alteration of the match’s initial plan, which was for Moxley to retain his title. The Wrestling Observer noted that Moxley seemed injured after taking Fenix’s Black Fire Driver, where his head appeared to hit the mat. Moxley seemed to signal to referee Rick Knox to count the pin, even though it wasn’t the planned finish. Knox initially hesitated to count to three, even though Moxley didn’t kick out. Finally, when Fenix delivered a second Black Fire Driver, Knox counted to three for the pin. Wade Keller of PWTorch.com reported that Moxley suffered a concussion before the match during a pre-match brawl, unrelated to Fenix’s piledriver. Keller revealed that Moxley made the decision during the match to change the finish, as he sensed something was wrong, but the referee was uncertain about the actual ending. An eyewitness at Arthur Ashe Stadium mentioned that Moxley quickly got up and walked away after being examined during the commercial break following the match. Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer later provided more details on Moxley’s injury. As for Adam Cole, his injury occurred in a seemingly innocuous manner but could potentially be more severe. During a subplot that unfolded throughout the evening, Cole didn’t walk to the ring with MJF for his AEW World Championship match against Samoa Joe. Instead, he sprinted down the ramp to support his friend late in the bout. However, while jumping off the ramp to the floor, it was clear that Cole landed hard and began limping immediately. According to Fightful, Cole was in obvious pain backstage and was subsequently taken to the hospital. He was later released but was seen using crutches. Moxley has displayed remarkable durability despite his heavy workload in AEW, whereas Cole returned to the ring in March after missing nine months due to injury, ironically because of lingering concussion symptoms. As of now, there is no update on the nature of Cole’s injury or his current condition. If either or both Moxley and Cole are sidelined for an extended period, it would be a setback for AEW, as both are central to some of the company’s key storylines. Nevertheless, Khan and his team have experience in adapting to such challenges, and we hope they won’t need to rely on that experience this time.
3 Talking Points From Tonight’s Episode Of AEW Dynamite GrandSlam – 20th September 2023
In an industry known for its dramatic storylines, acrobatic moves, and charismatic personas, AEW Dynamite GrandSlam’s episode on September 20, 2023, did not disappoint. From emotionally charged scenes to athletic prowess, the show was a rollercoaster of entertainment. While it had many captivating moments, three key talking points stood out that could shape the future of AEW. First, let’s discuss Roderick Strong’s sensational skit that had the wrestling community buzzing. Initially portraying a character evocative of Stanley Kowalski, this week he presented himself as the most forlorn figure in professional wrestling. Bedridden in a hospital, wearing a neck brace, and oozing desperation, Strong’s character is turning out to be the epitome of comedic tragedy. His interactions with Adam Cole, Mike Bennett, and Matt Taven are becoming something of a dark comedy, as these wrestlers play the rational characters against Strong’s exaggerated emotional ruin. The theatrical anguish Strong is displaying might remind you of Tim Robinson’s skits on the comedy series “I Think You Should Leave.” As Strong seemingly self-destructs, straining his friendship with AEW World Champion MJF and Adam Cole, one can’t help but be entertained by the ludicrous extents he is willing to go to gain sympathy. What initially started as a somewhat childish narrative about camaraderie is now becoming a laugh-out-loud segment on AEW television. Next on our radar is Eddie Kingston’s spectacular and emotionally charged win. Kingston finally tasted victory by defeating ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli. Sporting the colors of another iconic player, Toshiaki Kawada, he conquered Castagnoli with Kawada’s iconic powerbomb. The match was not just about the championship; it was a sweet reprisal for a history of losses and rivalries with Castagnoli that transcends time and wrestling promotions. This triumphant moment set an exhilarating tone for the entire episode. It was American wrestling at its core—invoking the spirit of the common man in a way that hasn’t been seen since the era of Dusty Rhodes. With figures like MJF dominating the scene with his elitist persona, a win for the common man in the form of Kingston resonates deeply with the wrestling community. Last but certainly not least, the spotlight shines brightly on Toni Storm. Despite a recent defeat, she has emerged as an undeniable force in AEW’s women’s division. Shedding her prior affiliations and emerging as “The Illustrious” Toni Storm, she commands attention with her captivating presence and showmanship. Her character overhaul—a nod to the glamour of Hollywood’s Golden Age—is an undeniable hit. Even if she came up short in her recent match, the manner of her performance has clearly set her on a path to even greater heights. Her parting from Saraya and Ruby Soho seems like the right call, as her potential seems boundless compared to her former allies. A single setback is unlikely to derail her journey to the top of the women’s division. Furthermore, she adds a layer of unpredictability to her bouts; as we saw in the last match, opponents will now have to be wary of flying footwear. The stage is set for her to ascend further, perhaps culminating in a riveting showdown at WrestleDream, potentially with new contenders like Mercedes Mone entering the scene. In summary, the September 20 episode of AEW Dynamite GrandSlam was an outstanding display of storytelling, athleticism, and pure wrestling spectacle. Whether you’re laughing at Roderick Strong’s absurdly pitiable character, cheering for Eddie Kingston’s long-awaited triumph, or being mesmerized by Toni Storm’s charismatic new persona, the show had something for every wrestling fan.
