At the beginning of the show, AEW paid tribute to some of the legends of Memphis Wrestling including Handsome Jimmy Valiant, Kevin Lawler (for Brian Christopher), Dave Brown (Memphis wrestling announcer), Shane Russell (for Lance Russell wrestling announcer), Universal Heart Throb Austin Idol, Dangerous Doug Gilbert representing the Gilbert Family (Tommy Gilbert And Hot Stuff Eddie Gilbert) The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express, Representing The Poffo Family Lanny Poffo (Macho Man Randy Savage & Angelo Poffo).
They also tolled the bell ten times in memory of Randy, Brian, Lance, Angelo, Eddie, and Tommy.
Darby Allin defeated Brandon Cutler
This was an okay match, but it was just a match with no story to it. I am growing to like Darby but I would not mind learning more about his personality or character. At the moment all I know about him is what he does inside a wrestling ring and he likes skateboarding.
Nyla Rose vs Shanna
The match between Nyla Rose and Shanna did not take place. As Nyla was making her way to the ring she was jumped from behind by Shanna. The two brawled and Nyla seemed to have the upper hand. As Shanna lay beaten down on the floor Nyla set up a table on the outside of the ring. But unlike previous occasions, Shana would not allow Nyla to Powerbomb her through the table from the ring apron. After escaping into the ring, Shanna showed quick thinking and fearlessness as she hit the ropes and took a dive through the ropes spearing Rose of the apron sending her crashing through the table.
After the two ladies were taken to the back, Shanna was being interviewed by Tony Schivone and this time it was Nyla Rose who attacked Shanna from behind. This whole segment was one of the highlights of the show for me. It built a lot more heat between the two and makes me care a lot more than I did before about a match between Nyla Rose and Shanna.
The Gunn Club (Billy & Austin Gunn) defeated Shawn Spears & Peter Avalon
The best thing about this match was getting to see the father & son duo perform for the first time. There is no doubt that Austin Gunn is going to be a huge star one day. As for his Dad, does that guy age? He was at his best in this contest although I can’t say the same for their opponents. I am very surprised Shawn Spears is in the spot he is in at the moment. After coming from the WWE he had some name recognition and they put Tully in his corner.
However, the guy for some reason has not had a win that I can remember in a very long time. I will just come out and say it, Peter Avalon is dreadful. His promo about Memphis, Elvis on the toilet and Austin Gunn being the Ass Boy felt cheap and tacky. In the ring, he was sloppy and clearly miss-timed a few spots. He is one of many on that roster that I would say is definitely not ELITE.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPkkShsYUlk]
All pics and videos courtesy of AEW