The dust has settled on AEW WrestleDream 2024, but not without leaving fans and commentators with much to unpack. Co-hosts Dave and Ben Simon recapped the event immediately after the final match, reflecting on the highs and lows of the night, mainly focusing on the shocking conclusion to Bryan Danielson’s career.
WrestleDream 2024 Overview
WrestleDream, held on October 12, 2024, at the Tacoma Dome, was dedicated to the memory of New Japan Pro-Wrestling founder Antonio Inoki. The event featured 13 matches, including a poignant memorial ceremony during the pre-show.
In the main event, Jon Moxley defeated Bryan Danielson by technical submission, thus marking the end of Danielson’s full-time wrestling career. The event also saw Konosuke Takeshita capturing the AEW International Championship in a thrilling three-way match against Will Ospreay and Ricochet. At the same time, Jay White outlasted “Hangman” Adam Page in a hard-fought opener.
Ben Simon quipped, “Or should I say Wrestle Nightmare?” as they began their post-show analysis, emphasizing the lengthy nature of the event. Dave Simon echoed this sentiment, expressing his surprise at how the night unfolded, particularly in the main event.
The Main Event: A Shocking End for Danielson
The night culminated in a dramatic match that left the crowd reeling. Dave Simon remarked, “Bryan loses to Jon Moxley, which means his full-time in-ring career is now over, according to Bryan.” He hoped this might not end for Danielson, suggesting, “I think he’ll still want to wrestle matches… but maybe not full-time.”
Thank goodness for Darby and Wheeler- WAIT NO!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 13, 2024
Order #AEWWrestleDream LIVE on PPV!https://t.co/JlBXZPLNGj@BryanDanielson | @JonMoxley | @DarbyAllin | @WheelerYuta pic.twitter.com/JHWjk0UHQD
The match’s aftermath, however, drew heavy criticism from both hosts. After Moxley’s victory, the post-match beatdown left a sour taste. Dave lamented, “The post-match stuff seems so unnecessary… It was gross, it was overkill, it was disrespectful.”
Ben added, “It was a long show, and you end with this type of note? That’s how you end Bryan’s in-ring full-time career?” This sentiment captured many fans’ frustration, as the brutal antics of Moxley and his crew overshadowed the significance of Danielson’s loss.
Highlights and Lowlights from the Card
While the AEW WrestleDream 2024 main event left much to be desired regarding booking, the Simon brothers noted several intense matches throughout the card. Jay White versus Hangman Page was an excellent opener, showcasing both wrestlers’ skills. Ben described it as a match that “set the tone well for the show.”
Conversely, matches such as the tag team bout between The Young Bucks and Private Party drew criticism. Dave remarked, “Private Party just isn’t ready for the big time… they do moves that, you know, they try to do too much.”
Dave expressed his disappointment with the overall execution of the event, stating, “It was a long show, and some of it was not really quality.” He and Ben ultimately settled on a score of six out of ten for the event, citing the impressive wrestling but poor decision-making in storytelling.
WrestleDream Audience Reactions and Future Implications
Viewers engaged actively during the post-show, sharing their thoughts and reactions. Djay Bourne rated the show a six out of ten, and Kyle Salisbury expressed his appreciation for the Simon brothers’ coverage, stating, “I missed this show, but love that you boys have my back.”
As the show ended, the Simon brothers pondered the future of AEW post-WrestleDream. With new champions crowned and the potential for exciting storylines ahead, there is still much to look forward to. Dave mused, “You could also just go Garcia Perry MJF Cole,” highlighting the emerging rivalries to be explored in upcoming episodes.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead for AEW?
As AEW WrestleDream 2024 comes to a close, the implications for the promotion are significant. With Bryan Danielson’s career trajectory uncertain and Jon Moxley’s new championship reign beginning, the coming weeks on Dynamite and Rampage promise to be intriguing.
Fans are encouraged to join the Ringside Report Network for continued coverage and analysis. Make sure to catch the replay of this episode on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick. Check out our AEW WrestleDream preview to see how our predictions stacked up.
