AEW’s WrestleDream 2024 may have wrapped up, but the conversations are far from over. On the October 18th episode of Wrestling Uncensored, hosts Dave Simon and Johnny North dug deep into the event’s aftermath, particularly focusing on the headline match and Jon Moxley’s controversial positioning. The hosts discussed the event’s technical and emotional elements, weighing in on what worked and what didn’t during this significant week in pro wrestling.
Moxley vs. Danielson: A Main Event to Remember
One of the most talked-about moments from WrestleDream was the AEW World Championship match between Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson. Moxley emerged victorious by technical submission, effectively ending Danielson’s full-time wrestling career. The match was a gritty display of technical prowess and raw emotion, with both hosts lauding its impact.
Johnny North was particularly impressed by the physicality, stating, “I personally preferred that one more just because that felt more like a fight…I thought the main event was the best match.” This perspective encapsulates the intensity fans have come to expect from Moxley and Danielson, whose feud has been a staple of AEW storytelling.
However, Dave Simon raised concerns about the match’s aftermath and how it was handled. “Beat him, fine. But beat him, then kill him? It was just…overkill.” Simon felt that while the match itself was a great spectacle, the storyline continuation—where Moxley’s group decimated Danielson—was unnecessary. He questioned the logic behind such a brutal send-off for a wrestler as revered as Bryan Danielson, especially if the payoff wasn’t clear.
Moxley’s Group: A New Era or a Missed Opportunity?
As the show went on, the hosts dissected the direction of Jon Moxley’s new faction and whether it could carry AEW forward. This was where Simon expressed significant doubt. “What do you really have other than Jon Moxley?” he questioned, pointing out the weakness in the supporting cast surrounding Moxley, which includes names like Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta.
Simon argued that while the members of Moxley’s group are skilled in the ring, they lack the charisma to drive fan interest long-term. “Are they over? Can they cut promos?” he asked, wondering whether these factors would hinder the faction’s success. For Simon, the lack of solid promo work and crowd engagement from Moxley’s teammates was a critical flaw that could undermine their future.
Johnny North was more optimistic, asserting that the group should be given time to develop. “You got to give it a chance here,” North said. He sees the potential for this faction to succeed, especially with Jon Moxley at the helm. North’s confidence stems from AEW’s wrestlers’ history and ability to execute long-term storytelling.
Despite North’s hope, Simon remained unconvinced, warning, “If this Moxley group doesn’t pan out, then what did you just do to Bryan Danielson?” This sentiment captures the group’s uncertainty, a feeling echoed by many in the AEW fanbase.
What’s Next for AEW Post-WrestleDream?
The conversation then shifted to what the future holds for AEW following WrestleDream. With Bryan Danielson stepping back from full-time wrestling and Jon Moxley now holding the top spot, both Simon and North pondered the implications for the company’s direction.
Johnny North highlighted that Darby Allin could be a key player moving forward, especially as a potential challenger for Jon Moxley. “Darby is the guy to lead the charge,” North said, envisioning a future where Darby steps up to Moxley’s level. Simon, however, wasn’t as eager to see that matchup just yet, pointing out that while Darby Allin has the fanbase, Moxley’s current direction might make future rivalries stale.
The hosts also touched on the returns of major stars like Adam Cole and MJF, speculating on their impact on AEW’s trajectory. With these high-calibre wrestlers in the mix, AEW has the talent to remain a force in pro wrestling, but the key will be in maintaining engaging stories that resonate with fans week in and week out.
WWE This Week: Bloodline Drama and Championship Chase
The hosts also covered the latest happenings in WWE this week, which featured major developments in the ongoing Bloodline saga. Tension within Roman Reigns’ faction reached new heights, and both hosts eagerly discussed what this could mean for the Survivor Series.
Statement. Made. ☝️
— WWE (@WWE) October 19, 2024
Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline are unstoppable… #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/lttcRJx4tK
Dave Simon commented, “It seems obvious to me that we’re going to do bloodline versus bloodline at Survivor Series… it’s just a matter of who joins Roman’s side.” The conflict between Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Roman Reigns has only intensified, and it appears to be setting up for an explosive WarGames match at Survivor Series.
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Johnny North highlighted Jey Uso’s involvement and how it adds another layer to the storyline. “Jay was on SmackDown tonight, making his presence known… I think we’re building up to something big for WarGames,” North noted. The complexity within the Bloodline storyline has been a cornerstone of WWE’s programming, and it continues to evolve in intriguing ways.
The discussion also touched on Cody Rhodes and Gunther’s upcoming match. Both hosts found the setup for this bout somewhat lacking in energy. Johnny North felt, “Cody was too cliche with that… it was one of the worst Cody promos in a while.” Dave Simon echoed the sentiment, stating, “The promo was long, and it said nothing.” Despite the prestige of the matchup, the lack of genuine tension has made it difficult for either host to get excited.
Dave and Johnny felt that, for such a high-profile bout, the buildup felt surprisingly weak, with Simon summarizing, “The whole thing feels like an exhibition match that doesn’t really count.” Cody’s promo left both hosts wanting more substance, and they hope the match itself can deliver something memorable to make up for it.
Audience Reactions and Fan Comments
The interactive audience weighed in on the discussions throughout the live broadcast. One viewer mentioned, “I think the Moxley group will fizzle out if they don’t start making waves soon.” Another audience member, however, was more supportive of Moxley’s heel run, stating, “Moxley needed this change; he’s at his best when he’s at his most brutal.”
The mixed responses reflect the broader fanbase’s uncertainty. While some support Moxley’s reign of terror, others are concerned that AEW may falter without fresh, compelling narratives.
Final Thoughts
In this episode of Wrestling Uncensored, Dave Simon and Johnny North presented both sides of the argument surrounding Jon Moxley’s current run and the trajectory of AEW post-WrestleDream. While the in-ring action continues to deliver, the long-term success of the storylines remains in question. The rise of Darby Allin, the uncertainty surrounding Bryan Danielson’s future, and Moxley’s potential faction all leave AEW at a pivotal moment.
Meanwhile, WWE is positioning itself for an exciting Survivor Series, with the Bloodline storyline continuing to evolve in complex and engaging ways. With Roman Reigns, the Usos, and other key players in the mix, WWE’s direction is equally worth watching.
If you’re a fan of AEW and WWE and want to dive deeper into the aftermath of WrestleDream 2024 or the ongoing Bloodline saga, make sure to catch the replay of this episode on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, or Kick, or listen to the audio podcast wherever you get your podcasts.
