AEW's WrestleDream 2024 may have concluded, but the buzz continues. On the October 18th episode of Wrestling Uncensored, hosts Dave Simon and Johnny North delved deep into the event's aftermath, dissecting the headline match and the contentious role of Jon Moxley. From technical performances to emotional storylines, the hosts comprehensively analyzed what made this week in pro wrestling unforgettable.
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Moxley vs. Danielson: A Main Event to Remember
One of the standout moments from WrestleDream 2024 was the AEW World Championship match between Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. Moxley clinched the title through a technical submission, marking a significant turning point by effectively ending Danielson's full-time wrestling career. The match was a masterclass in technical skill and emotional storytelling, earning high praise from both hosts.
Johnny North highlighted the match's physical intensity, saying, "I personally preferred that one more just because that felt more like a fight…I thought the main event was the best match." This sentiment mirrors the fans' excitement for the fierce rivalry between Moxley and Danielson, a cornerstone of AEW's narrative.
However, Dave Simon expressed reservations about the aftermath of the match. "Beat him, fine. But beat him, then kill him? It was just…overkill," Simon remarked. He questioned the necessity of such a brutal conclusion for a beloved wrestler like Danielson, suggesting that the storyline progression felt excessive and lacked a clear payoff.
Moxley's Group: A New Era or a Missed Opportunity?
The discussion shifted to Jon Moxley’s new faction and its potential to propel AEW forward. Dave Simon voiced significant doubts, asking, "What do you really have other than Jon Moxley?" He pointed out that while members like Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta are talented, they may lack the charisma needed to sustain long-term fan interest. Simon questioned their ability to cut compelling promos and engage the audience, fearing this could undermine the faction's success.
In contrast, Johnny North remained optimistic, advocating for patience in developing the group. "You got to give it a chance here," North stated, believing that with Moxley's leadership, the faction has the potential to thrive. North's confidence is rooted in AEW's history of strong storytelling and character development.
Despite North’s optimism, Simon cautioned, "If this Moxley group doesn’t pan out, then what did you just do to Bryan Danielson?" This highlights the uncertainty surrounding the faction and its impact on AEW's future.
What’s Next for AEW Post-WrestleDream?
Looking ahead, Simon and North explored the future trajectory of AEW following WrestleDream. With Bryan Danielson stepping back from full-time wrestling and Jon Moxley ascending to the top, the hosts pondered the company's direction.
Johnny North emphasized the potential rise of Darby Allin as a key challenger for Moxley. "Darby is the guy to lead the charge," North asserted, envisioning Darby stepping up to Moxley's level. However, Dave Simon remained skeptical, suggesting that while Darby has a strong fanbase, the current direction of Moxley’s character might render future rivalries less exciting.
The hosts also discussed the returns of major stars like Adam Cole and MJF, speculating on their influence on AEW's path forward. With such high-calibre talent, AEW has the resources to remain a dominant force in pro wrestling, provided they continue to craft engaging and resonant storylines.
WWE This Week: Bloodline Drama and Championship Chase
Switching gears to WWE, the hosts covered the latest developments in the ongoing Bloodline saga. Tensions within Roman Reigns' faction reached new heights, setting the stage for an explosive WarGames match at Survivor Series.
Dave Simon predicted,