Meeting Up With 2 Of the Original Power Rangers at Fairfax Comic Con

A few weeks back, I had the opportunity of attending the Fairfax Comic Con in Fairfax, VA. This was the second con I've attended with the first being the Big Lick Comic Con in 2023 (coincidentally held in the same venue). To experience such magnitude filled with attendees that have a strong interests in all things entertainment feels surreal; Whether it would be comic books, toys, gaming, autograph signings or cosplaying, comic conventions are an event in which a community of people gather around who share similar interests as one another. I had a blast walking around to explore the amount of merchandise displayed throughout the facility.

The same weekend, I met up with two of the original Power Rangers cast members. As an avid fan of the franchise since the beginning, it was a dream I never thought would ever happen. When they were announced to be part of this year's event, I did not hesitate than to mark it on my calendar. That day, I even wore the same colored polo shirt as David Yost (Billy) who played the Blue Ranger. We talked briefly discussing some of his favorite episodes, notably Food Fight, Power Ranger Punks, and Switching Places all from season one. Given the large lines coming from his and Amy Jo Johnson's, it took quite awhile for me to have my moment at a meet and greet.

When I heard the news she was publishing a comic as a way to pay homage to her time on the show, I was hyped. After hearing positive feedback, combined with my lifelong attachment with the franchise, I purchased a copy of one online. Within a week, I breezed through all of the chapters. I was hooked. This novel is an alternate reality if Jason, Zack, and Trini never resigned as Power Rangers as well as the debut of a new villain exclusive to the series. The biggest moment saw Selena being teased as a descendent of Trini's family only to be revealed as the daughter to Rita and Zedd was such a clever twist. The menacing power couple went off the deep end by taking out Zordon and Alpha as well as destroying the Command Center, the rangers' main headquarters in the show. It was then that the six had to fight back. At some point, Tommy planted a device in an attempt to destroy Rita and Zedd's palace. Just when it was about to blow up, Rita used her magic to trap her and Tommy in a time warp thus leaving them in exile for the next 3 decades. Did I forget to mention that he and Kimberly ended up giving birth to a daughter?

Overall, I dug the graphic novel. I look forward to a sequel to the Return just to see how Olivia blends in with the six established rangers. The thought of having the Green and White Rangers on the same team is a concept I wish we got more of. Can you imagine the Dragonzord merging with the Tiger and Thunderzords? Now that would make an ultra combination. 

I had a lot of free time on my hands with this fan made morph sequence from Dino Thunder. While the season did not have a Pink Ranger, I used a variety of app tools on my phone to repaint Kira's Yellow Dino Ranger suit into a pink shaded color. This was a rework of a series of screenshots I worked on from 2020 using an Adobe photoshop that I no longer use. By using a photo enhancer of close up shots of Kimberly from a season 3 MMPR episode, these were the "ingredients" I used and merged them using screen captures of Kira's morph. Upon review, I was impressed with the end result. 

Seeing Kimberly returning for Dino Thunder would've been an interesting approach. Tommy now a paleontologist and mentor of his new ranger team meeting up with his former girlfriend and how they would've interacted since the controversial Dear John Letter. Imagine the reaction from Connor, Ethan, Kira, Trent, heck even Hayley regarding Dr. O facing a ghost from his past again? Logistics wise it wouldn't have been possible given Power Rangers has been a non-union produced show whereas Amy Jo was signed to a Union. Add the fact that by this point, the series' production relocated from California to New Zealand. Still the thought of her having a one-off return would've been awesome to see.

I wish I could have shown Amy Jo these during the convention (I tagged the photos via her IG account, close enough). Though I can't determine if she has seen other Power Rangers seasons outside of her own, I think she would be fascinated, especially given that her co-star and lifelong friend Jason David Frank returned for that season. I'm thankful I had the pleasure of meeting her and David that day. They were very sweet with their fans.

This autograph of the original cast holds a special place in my heart. I wish Thuy Trang (Trini) & JDF were still with us so we can have a full reunion. Although they are no longer with us, their legacy in the franchise will forever live on. May they rest in peace.

 

JimmytheTVFanatic

AEW All In: Texas 2025 PPV Review

I've been wanting to write a review on the most recent All In PPV held by AEW. I've been taking my time jotting down notes to reflect on my thoughts concerning the show. On July 12th, they held their annual All In PPV in Globelife Field in Arlington, Texas. The main event was the anticipated bout between the reigning World Champion Jon Moxley and challenger Hangman Adam Page in their second Texas Death Match (they previously fought under these rules at Revolution 2023). Hangman received this opportunity by participating in the 2025 Men's Owen Hart Cup Tournament that saw him defeating Will Ospreay in the finals at Double or Nothing. There was a lot at stake here as Moxley and the Death Riders have held the World Title hostage, being trapped inside of a briefcase for 9 months. After plowing through some of the notable acts like Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland/Edge, Samoa Joe, and Swerve Strickland, Moxley met his match when he crosses paths with the Millennial Cowboy once again. 

All In 2025 marks the first time I've ordered an AEW PPV. Having been a loyal follower of the product since the first Dynamite in 2019, it was a long time coming. The company has gone through so much the past six years for good and for bad. After the CM Punk fiasco that resulted in his firing combined with the decline in quality creative wise, it took awhile for AEW to get back on the saddle, reminding themselves why they were the alternative to the juggernaut that is the WWE. Once it expanded into streaming services such as HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, things slowly started to improve. CEO and head of creative Tony Khan oversaw the booking more heavily. By the time All In rolled around, they have been racking up seats up to nearly 30,000 people in attendance. When it's all said and done, did the PPV live up to expectations?

World Trios Championship Match - The Death Riders & Gabe Kidd vs. The Opps (c) 

Consisting of Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs (subbing for original member Hook), the Opps defeated The Death Riders at the Spring Break Thru edition of Dynamite to win the Trios Tag Titles. Since then, the war had raged on throughout late spring and into summer with both teams involved in the Anarchy in the Arena Match. Meanwhile, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) alumni Gabe Kidd becomes an honorary member of the Death Riders subbing for Pac who had been sidelined due to injury. It all comes ahead going into this PPV.

For an opening match, it didn't quite hit the mark I had hoped. While the match wasn't terrible, it played out like a TV tag match you would see on an episode of Dynamite or Collision. It was not without its merits though. I really enjoyed the spot where Wheeler Yuta attempted a crossbody but Hobbs catches him in mid air with a Powerslam. Apart from that, there wasn't much to make note of about the opener. Not great but not the ideal match to start off the show. 

Men's Casino Gauntlet Match 

All In continues the tradition of their Casino Gauntlet Match in which the winner would receive a World Title opportunity at any given date. Unlike traditional Gauntlet matches where competitors must eliminate their opponents via pinfall or submission, it is one fall to a finish which means the competitor can be pinned or submitted even before all of the participants have entered. Notable acts include former World Champion MJF, Ricochet, Brody King, Mark Briscoe, CMLL alumni Mistico plus the return of Bang Bang Gang member Juice Robinson. 

While the match has received mixed reviews, I will say this one I enjoyed a bit more than the opener. The conflict between Maxwell and Briscoe played into the early moments of the match as well as MJF's rivalry with lucha libre acts like Mistico who has started to do everything in his power to strip them of their dignity by removing their masks. I enjoyed the return of Juice Robinson as well as the return of the Gunns; Despite not being part of the match, they helped Juice take out Ricochet & The Gates of Agony. The ending came abrupt after Max Caster's entrance as MJF steals the pin for the win.

I'd give it ***1/4. Not the greatest Casino Gauntlet Match I've seen them do, but it kept me entertained at times. My notable gripe is that there were occasions where the participants were spending all of their time at ring side and there was no telling as to where they were while everyone in the ring was trying to make the cover on one another. The Mistico entrance, while a great theme, it didn't seem to garner the kind of reactions he and AEW hoped from Grand Slam Mexico. Regardless, I didn't mind the match as much. 

Vacant TNT Championship 4 Way Match - Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Sammy Guevara vs. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes

This was originally scheduled to be Adam Cole defending the belt against Kyle Fletcher. However, two hours before the main show, it was announced during Zero Hour that due to a head concussion, Cole would be out of action for the foreseeable future thus forcing to vacate the TNT Title. The Sons of Texas who worked earlier during the pre show ended up doing double duty as they would be inserted into the title match. Prior to the 4 Way, Adam Cole came out and delivered a heartfelt speech on the situation, leaving the door open as to whether he will make it back in the ring. 

The 4 Way Match itself was serviceable. All competitors did the best they could to deliver the action in the ring. A notable spot saw Garcia, Guevara, and Rhodes perform the Shattered Dreams on Kyle Fletcher. In the end, The Natural managed to pick up the victory as he would be crowned the new TNT Champion. 

This was a great moment for Dustin Rhodes. I did not realize this until Brian Zane mentioned it in his All In review but this TNT title reign is his first singles championship in 23 years, his last being the Hardcore Championship in WWF/E. It had been a long drought considering he had been an enhancement talent for the remainder of his run over there. Given it was in his hometown, to celebrate it in front of a jam packed crowd is breathtaking. Just awesome all around. I can imagine Kyle Fletcher gunning for the TNT Title and possibly winning it from him. Based on this past week's Dynamite, that could be a possibility.

The Young Bucks vs. Will O'Spreay & Swerve Strickland

At Dynasty in April, The Bucks made their return to AEW programming since Halloween 2024, costing Swerve the opportunity to become AEW World Champion. Tensions boiled between him and the EVPs throughout all of May and June. Along the way, Will O'Spreay volunteers to team with Swerve when the Young Bucks attacked the two after their match ended in a time limit draw. They offered a stipulation to which if Ospreay & Swerve won, the Bucks would be stripped of their EVP duties; If the Bucks won, Ospreay & Swerve would be unable to challenge for the World Title for up to one year.

Given the stakes, this tag team match is exactly what you expect between the two teams. Each of them gave it everything they had with an emphasis on agility and acrobatics. Speaking of acrobatics, my favorite moment had to be the Bucks along with Swerve/Ospreay countering each others' moves, such as the Bucks performing a Sunset Flip on their opponents simultaneously but then Swerve & Ospreay fought back with a House Call + Hidden Blade forearm combo. There was also a spot I recalled when the Bucks delivered a TK Tombstone Piledriver on Swerve from the apron to ring side. Going into it, I thought for sure Matt & Nick would retain their EVP positions given their real life job titles, like how would you be stripped of that position in that situation? Surprisingly, Swerve & Ospreay picked up the victory to put an end to the Elite Takeover that had started since early last year. 

Women's Casino Gauntlet Match

Much like with the Men's, the Casino Gauntlet comprise of competitors in the Women's division competing to earn a title shot at the AEW Women's World Championship. Notable competitors in the Gauntlet include Willow Nightingale, Megan Bayne, Julia Hart, Teckla, Kris Statlander, Queen Aminata, and Athena.

I enjoyed this more than the Gauntlet Match from earlier. It showcased a majority of their best talent within the division. Willow received an amazing ovation when her entrance music played. Despite not vying for any of the TBS or Women's Title belts, she had been spotlighted in a high profile angle with the Death Riders mainly their bodyguard Marina Shafir. Although she did not participate in the actual match, Harley Cameron's return was unexpected as she and Anna Jay came out to support the recently returning Tay Melo. It is very surreal to see Athena on an AEW PPV for the first time in a few years. She had been competing in Ring of Honor since they acquired the promotion, re-establishing her role as their dominant force as ROH Women's Champion. She would end up prevailing in the match, becoming the number one contender for the AEW Women's Title. I guess my only gripe with the Gauntlet is I do wish some of the folks that were there at ring side were participants in the Gauntlet Match (i.e. Skye Blue, Anna Jay, Penelope Ford). Overall, I enjoyed it. 

World Tag Team Championship 3 Way Match - The Hurt Syndicate (c) vs. The Patriarchy vs. Jet-Speed

Since winning the titles in January, the team of Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin have ran roughshod at the competition. Accompanied by their wise man MVP, the group have carried the tag team division for a good portion of 2025. However, they would soon meet their match with a recently debuting duo of Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight known as Jet Speed. The latter carry a never say die attitude, frustrating the Tag Team Champions. However, Christian Cage and ROH TV Champion Nick Wayne vow to go after the belts as the Patriarchy look to collect more gold.

This was a fine performance from all 3 teams. It started off as an outside brawl between all the competitors involved. Since there was so many high spots, it is difficult to keep track of every detailed moment. But not to spoil the entire match, I recalled a spot where Shelton Benjamin performed a German Suplex on Speedball over the apron, but then he used that advantage to perform a Moonsault on everyone at ring side. Nick Wayne of the Patriarchy did a neat Handspring Stunner to one of his opponents (sadly I forget who). Jet-Speed stole the show in the match when Shelton attempted to counter Speedball's top rope Hurricanrana, but then Kevin Knight ran in to aide his partner by performing a Hurricanrana of his own. Towards the end of the match, Lashley shoved Christian towards FTR which led to them getting involved in the scuffle. Christian went for a Killswitch but Lashley countered, knocking Dax & Cash off the apron. Christian turned around only to be eaten by a Spear for The Almighty to score the pin fall in retaining the AEW Tag Titles. 

After the match, a shocking twist occurred when Nick Wayne turned on his partner aka father figure Christian by laying him out with the Killswitch. Along with Kip Sabian, the Patriarchy continue to assault him when an old ally in Adam Copeland arrived to take them out. He grabbed the microphone and reminded his estranged friend in Christian to "find himself."

The 3 Way Tag Match played out like a TV style match on Dynamite and/or Collision. It was nothing remotely earth shattering but nothing terrible either. I really enjoy the chemistry with Speedball & Kevin Knight. They are easily some of the best signings that AEW has made this year. Given the build to this feud, I felt it would've been more effective if it had been Jet-Speed vs. Hurt Syndicate. Going into the build, the Patriarchy served as the third wheel in the fight. The more I realized that the purpose of their involvement was to:

a.) Allow Jet-Speed to look strong in the loss despite not taking the pin

b.) To set up the shocking betrayal of Nick Wayne turning on Christian Cage 

Speaking of the betrayal, the way Nick attacked his partner reminds me of how Christian turned on Jack Perry when Jurassic Express lost the tag titles in 2022. A few months ago, I would've believed that Nick would be the babyface standing up to the ever toxic father figure of AEW. That would not be the case. Could we see a mentor versus student feud between the two down the road? It is something to think about.

For my prediction on the state of the Tag Team Championships, I can see the Hurt Syndicate carrying the tag titles into the autumn and potentially dropping them to FTR. While they did not compete on the main card this year, they provided guest commentary for the match, teasing a sign they are vying for the belts again. The tag team division has seen better days compared to what it was early in the decade. I'm positive that someday it will experience a resurgence of some sort. 

Women's World Championship Match - Toni Storm (c) vs. AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone

Since making her debut during the spring of 2024, Mercedes had been on an undefeated streak of sorts. In her first AEW match, she defeated Willow Nightingale to become the new TBS Champion. For over 200+ days she has plowed through the competition going over the likes of Kris Statlander, Anna Jay, Hikaru Shida, Harley Cameron among countless competitors. Along the way, she captured more gold throughout the wrestling world such as from Stardom, New Japan, and CMLL. By the time the summer of 2025 rolled around, she has held six championship belts hence the announcers coining the nickname Six Belts Mone. On the one year anniversary of her AEW in-ring debut, Mercedes defeated Jamie Hayter in the Women's Owen Hart Tournament finals to earn her a title opportunity against the reigning champion Toni Storm.

What is there more to say? To say this match was incredible would be an understatement. Two of AEW's top women faced off in front of nearly 30,000 people in Globe Life Field. Early on, Mercedes attacked Toni's bodyguard in Luther. After being escorted to the back, it was here that the match started to get rolling. Both women locked up in a series of chains and rest holds as they slowly got into second gear. There were moments where Mercedes attempted to apply the Statement Maker but Toni would find a way to escape the submission. Toni fought back even going as far as using her rear end running attack on Mercedes on numerous occasions. Mercedes seem to have Toni beat with the Mone Maker but Toni kicks out. The Women's Champion laid out the CEO with 3 Storm Zeros but Mercedes would not surrender. The final blow came when Toni lifted Mercedes up on the turnbuckle for an Avalanche Storm Zero to get the pin and the win. 

This match blew me away. That Storm Zero from the top rope was sickening that could've gone wrong had it been botched. Cool move to pull off as a viewer but at the same time, it is pretty brutal to take a bump to. Match wise it was an effective demonstration of grandiose and athleticism. Going into it, most folks believed Mercedes would defeat Toni Storm and add another championship belt to her collection. That was not the case. Through sheer resilience, Toni fought to the very end and displayed enough grit to put an end to Mercedes's undefeated streak in AEW and retained her Women's Championship. 

Winner-Take-All Match to Determine a New AEW Unified Champion - International Champion Kenny Omega vs. Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada

The anticipated match that harkens back to their series of encounters in New Japan. Their most infamous match was on January 20, 2017 in which both competitors went the distance in a hard fought contest that was heralded by notable purists such as Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. When All Elite Wrestling was launched, Kenny Omega departed from New Japan to broaden his star power over to North America. After five years of both men competing apart from one another, that changed when AEW signed Kazuchika Okada in the spring of 2024. As Omega remained sidelined during that time, Okada underwent a winning streak eventually capturing the Continental Championship from then champion Eddie Kingston. For the next year and a half, the Rainmaker plowed through the division, demonstrating his dominance and star power. After returning from injury to start off 2025, Omega captured the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita of the Don Callis Family. Speaking of Don Callis, the Young Bucks sold Okada's contract to the group, continuing to enhance their credibility. On Dynamite, Okada and Omega had a confrontation that led to an ambush which saw the Rainmaker land a diving elbow onto Omega, damaging a part of his torso that resulted in him coughing off blood. The contract would be signed for AEW's biggest PPV event in Texas in which the two competitors will put up their belts to determine a Unified Champion. 

A very entertaining contest between Omega and Okada. While not up to the level of their match(es) in NJPW, it was very serviceable given the wear and tear at their age. Okada dominated a good portion of the match working on the injured rib of Omega. Don Callis accompanied the Rainmaker at ring side while providing special guest commentary. Eventually, Omega used his resilience to give Okada a run for his money. I recalled a notable moment when Kenny went up the turnbuckle to deliver his opponent a release Dragon Suplex. At some point, members of Don Callis's Family ran in to aid the Continental Champion but Omega did his best to fight them off. Despite his efforts, Okada regained advantage when, after numerous failed attempts, hits Omega with the Rainmaker Clothesline to unify the International and Continental Titles.

It will be interesting what they plan to do with the belt. Personally, I am not a big fan of the name. Why not rechristen it to be the AEW Global Title? At the same time, I think AEW plans to keep the Continental Classic around in case Okada loses the belt and potentially de-unifying the belts. After watching Dynamite this past week, it appears they are teasing a program between him and Swerve Strickland. With Kenny Omega taking time off, it will be awhile before we see him back in action.

AEW World Championship Texas Death Match - Jon Moxley (c) vs. Hangman Adam Page

For three years, Hangman Adam Page has gone through an emotional rollercoaster. From losing the World Title to having his family endangered due to a home invasion, the Millennial Cowboy had gone off the deep end. His lowest point came when he got into an altercation with his Elite stablemate and AEW Commissioner Christopher Daniels, culminating in a Texas Death Match that resulted in his in ring retirement. It was that instant in which Hangman had to turn things around, and reclaim the moral support he once had. As spring rolled around, he would venture out into a program with MJF, putting him in his place as well as going on to compete in the Men's Owen Hart Cup, defeating Will Ospreay in the finals to not only win the tournament, but to go on to face the World Champion at All In.

 Meanwhile, Jon Moxley and the Death Riders have run rampant on AEW programming since last fall. The former Blackpool Combat Club members turned on their co-founding father in Bryan Danielson as Moxley became the ruler of the new and improved faction. Moxley feels that the talent have gotten complacent, forgetting as to why All Elite Wrestling's purpose was to be a safe haven for wrestlers who breathe professional wrestling. Moxley feels that the feeling has been lost and vows to take matters into their own hands by disciplining the talent in the locker room. Since he captured the World Title from their ex-teammate, the belt has been locked inside of a briefcase. For nine months, he has fought the likes of Orange Cassidy, Jay White, Powerhouse Hobbs, Adam Copeland, Swerve Strickland, and Samoa Joe. As the scorching heat segues way into All In, Hangman has seen what the Death Riders have done and now looks to put an end to their tyranny by taking back the big gold belt. To add another element, the main event would be more than just a traditional one-on-one match. Given the location of the PPV, Hangman proposed a Texas Death Match to which Moxley (reluctantly) agreed after declining the offer the first time. 

This match stipulation is exactly what viewers can expect. Two fierce competitors unhinged as they destroy each other by any means - no disqualifications, pin falls, and count outs. The main objective is to incapacitate your opponent via submission or by knock out at the count of ten to be declared the victor. During the beginning moments of the match, Hangman busted Moxley's forehead open using a fork which got the fans' at the edge of their seats. Some noteworthy spots I can recall involved the shard glass spots where Moxley dragged Hangman all throughout the ring. It's pretty sickening when I watched it as a viewer. Hangman laid out Moxley using the Dead Eye finisher through a barbed wire table. At some point, the Death Riders of Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, and Marina Shafir did their part to aid their leader. Despite the odds stacked against him, Hangman wasn't alone. Some video footage plays on the tron of Darby Allin at a cliff area of Mount Everest. It turns out to be a tease when Darby descended from the rafters, making his presence known in the stadium. In addition, Bryan Danielson made his return under the disguise of Blue Panther. He would take out Claudio and Wheeler along with Darby, two wrestlers who fell victim at the hands of the Death Riders. Hangman fought back for a bit until Marina assisted Moxley up following the table spot as mentioned. Then, the Young Bucks arrived from behind as they laid out Hangman with their Super Kicks. Just when all hope seemed lost, Swerve Strickland arrived with a chain in hand, using it to take out Matt and Nick Jackson. Swerve slid the chain to Hangman, wrapping it around Moxley's neck by the ropes, forcing him to tap out and become the NEW AEW World Champion.

This was a hellacious match but one that was filled with suspense and sick bumps on the tables, chairs, and a nail board. The sequel definitely lived up to the hype. While there were a number of run ins, it was not in the extent of which the interferences undermined the main event. After nine months, Jon Moxley's World title run has come to an end. Hangman Adam Page, after years of overcoming obstacles, is now a two time AEW World Champion. During post match, the Millennial Cowboy opened the briefcase to unveil the big gold belt for the first time since October 2024. The show concludes with Hangman standing tall as he celebrates as the new champion. 

Overall Thoughts

AEW has had a track record for giving viewers some of the best quality action there is when it comes to mainstream pro wrestling. All In was no exception. As my first AEW PPV I've ordered, it was certainly a treat to see some of the marquee matches I have been looking forward to. Toni versus Mercedes delivered as did the tag match between the Young Bucks and the Mogul Assassins of Swerve & Ospreay. While the Okada versus Omega match wasn't anywhere near the quality to their encounters in Japan, it was still a very enjoyable bout. The show opener and the Men's Gauntlet Match were my least favorite of the nine matches but they were average at best. However, on the bright side, the Texas Death Match will be forever etched in my brain especially the ending of the main event. With Hangman as the new World Champion, what potential feuds lie ahead of him? Is this the slow nail in the coffin for the Death Riders? Only time will tell.

JimmytheTVFanatic

In Memorium of Maximus

I don't normally post stuff that relates to my personal life. Just recently, I lost a close pet who holds very dear to me. He had played a huge role in my life since the tail end of my high school education going into college and throughout my young adult years. For 17 years, I've looked out for him, played with him, even treating him with snacks and going out for a stroll around the neighborhood. I am very flattered to have spent a good portion of my life around a special companion who has treated me with care and kindness during some of the highs and lows in my life. While he may be no longer with me physically, the memories we shared will forever live on in my heart. 

Thank you Maximus, my dear pet friend.

JimmytheTVFanatic

Some General Thoughts On The Current State of AEW + Ragebaiting in the Internet Wrestling Community

This has been a topic I've been contemplating to write for some time. For the past few years, tribalism has played a major role when it comes to the pro wrestling landscape. The birth of All Elite Wrestling has brought new life in North America that hadn't been felt before since the demise of World Championship Wrestling. While there had been alternative wrestling companies that came (and some that went) since, hardly any of them ever felt as grandiose. From their successful launch campaign in early 2019 to a string of critically acclaimed pay-per-views later that summer, it was around that time when Turner networks would bring professional wrestling back to their stations. On October 2, 2019, AEW premiered its weekly series Dynamite for 2 hours every Wednesday. 

Ever since the launching of the company has left a major impact in the wrestling community. It allowed folks to explore other opportunities that did not involve the backing of one wrestling powerhouse company (WWE) to publicly showcase their talent. As a lifelong follower, the product felt very uninspired with its formulaic booking that has agitated their fandom. With the birth of AEW, I would think it would help new generation of wrestling fans experience another major wrestling company in North America the way previous generations (myself included) experienced when WCW was in business. What soon followed resulted in the creation of a new camp in the community that detested the presentation that made AEW stand out from its competition. 

AEW's biggest strength was its core emphasis on in-ring action made up of a youthful roster possessing various wrestling styles both technically mat sound mixed with fast paced, high flying acrobatics. While they have had their share of effective storytelling behind the ropes, most of it is told inside the ring where it mattered. On the other station, WWE's presentation comprises of a larger than life atmosphere consisting of competitors expressing themselves through their promos on a grander scale. Its their concrete narrative is what drives their loyal viewers to go out their way to pay a ticket when their favorite wrestlers collide. Although they may have different philosophical approach, at the same time, its the beauty behind having multiple wrestling companies exist at once. 

Whenever I go online to find these share of naysayers coming up with misconceptions or blind hate towards something I love, I get peeved. Granted they have their flaws and we are all entitled to our opinions. Most of the algorithm that creeps up on Social Media is filled with hate or what has been referred to as rage-baiting. In recent years, it has reached a fever pitch. The best option I could do would be to either mute them or take a break from the platform to cool down my blood pressure. After all, there is more to life than getting agitated over a hobby. 

How did this came to be, you ask? During the All Out 2022 post show, CM Punk delivered a scathing rant on the AEW management, namely the EVPs of Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. It got completely out of hand that, once he left the scrum, a backstage fight broke out between him alongside Ace Steele and the Elite. This altercation resulted in Punk sustaining a torn bicep which would sideline him over the next nine months. Meanwhile, Omega and the Bucks would be suspended for two months before making their return at Full Gear. Since the incident, the wrestling fandom were divided with each party supporting one over the other. Dirt sheets spewed throughout the community regarding "he said/she said" in the months that followed. 

I was torn by the news. As someone who was very supportive of both parties, things started to get shaky behind the scenes of AEW. Whether if it was a lack of effective communication by the HR representatives or how the CEO Tony Khan handled things, it left a dark cloud hanging above the company. It was an unfortunate incident that could have been prevented. Even despite the major hiccup, I've been willing to give the company another chance.

Coincidentally enough, it was around the time in WWE when a major shakeup in management. After Vince McMahon relieved his duties as the chairman due to a series of sexual activities, Triple H took over the mantle as their company's head of creative. The product improved tremendously at the tail end of 2022 going into 2023 and beyond. They began to embrace themselves as a professional wrestling promotion while still maintaining its larger than life presentation that the company had been known for since the 20th century. It was received with much praise that the shift slowly began to turn from AEW to WWE.

In recent years, with the Brawl Out incident coinciding with the firing of CM Punk combined with the roster shakeups and poor ticket sales, AEW has been going through a rebuilding phase. Talent that had been around since its inception has either left the company in giving away to make room for new or established wrestlers from another promotion. The venues have been downsized after struggling to fill in seats due to expensive ticket prices and lack of promotion. There have been a number of attempts at a big angle to turn the tide, namely the takeover arc involving the Elite and (later) the Death Riders; Groups using their authority to discipline talent that have struggled to make any progress in the company. As of the date of this post, the story has been met with universally negative reviews due to its unclear narrative and unremarkable matches from the heel faction.

I'll admit I'm not a huge fan of the direction. I have enjoyed the Blackpool Combat Club since they formed in 2022 with William Regal managing the group. But the recent repackaging of the group just feels as though they have been sucked out of any personality they once had. Each time they come out, the crowd goes awkwardly silent with each passing moment. The initial start of the angle was promising when the BCC turned on Bryan Danielson except for Wheeler Yuta who was torn between the two sides. They could have made a potential star making moment for him, a fan favorite if you will. Eventually, Yuta showed his true colors and betrayed Danielson very similar to Daniel Garcia during his conflict with the Jericho Appreciation Society. Along with Claudio & Pac, the three have been the Trios Champions since All In and have barely defended the belts in any meaningful way. The best case solution to come out of this would be a title change with reigning World Champion Jon Moxley dropping the title to any beloved fan favorite at the moment.

Despite my grievances with the main storyline, not everything is all doom and gloom. I've been digging Ricochet's heel turn thus far and his ongoing feud with former World Champion Swerve Strickland. They should have a star stellar match this coming Wednesday on Dynamite. Kenny Omega made his recent return after fighting through illness and has not lost a step in the ring. Rising talent such as Kyle Fletcher, Ricochet, and Powerhouse Hobbs are being spotlighted while established talent consisting the likes of Will Ospreay, Hangman Adam Page, Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, the Hurt Syndicate, and more have continued to entertain me as a viewer. Their recent small sized shows have their share of unique venues that make AEW's weekly TV stand out from one another. Also, their vignette promos known to hype up rising wrestlers have gotten me invested in seeing them perform. A prime example would be Bandido's Wild West promo where he was fending off the criminals. Another one that comes to mind is the recent vignette involving the return of Hologram with his mystical powers similar to a superhero character like The Flash. Those are some positive aspects of AEW I can think of in recent memory.

It's not so much the criticism in itself I have a problem with (some have been valid). It's the hyperbole surrounding criticism where I have an issue with. This is a case in which fans exaggerate things to where they believe the company is going out of business or that they've witnessed the worst moment or match they've seen ever. 

The negativity is blown out of proportion!

While there is nothing wrong with expressing opinions, some may come across ignorant or just a matter of blind hate. Tribalism runs rampant in every fandom and pro wrestling is no exception. Rage baiting is a common trend on social media. Any topic that spills any sort of bad faith, doom posting, and all things negativity is bound to get massive attention. For instance, if you stumble upon a title of a YouTube video involving a rant, chances are it will receive massive attention. It's an unfortunate side effect that can make an online user feel down or bitter about themselves. The best case scenarios would be to either:

1. Take a step back by logging out of Social Media, turn off your phone or computer, and get some fresh air. 

2. Mute or block any trolls in your feed with the click of a button. 

3. Unsubscribe to any online users that aren't worth your time as you thought. 

Going through these has helped me alleviate stress when it comes to appreciating my areas of interests. If there is an instance that you aren't enjoying what you once loved, find something else that makes you happy. Unless there is an aspect of something you have fondness for despite its detractors, is hate worth the energy? Those are my few cents and I thought I get my points across to the best of my ability. As long as Warner Bros and AEW continues to invest time and money in their product, the company is not going anywhere. Only time will tell the day AEW starts booming again. Anything is possible in the world of wrestling.

JimmytheTVFanatic

If I Had Written: Freaky Death Day - A Happy Death Day & Freaky Movie Crossover (Part 2)

Note: When I made this blog, I intended to pitch out general ideas on how I would've done a crossover of the two films. Next thing you know, I ended up making a concrete synopsis on the plot. Despite getting carrying away, I hope you enjoy the ride.

As Tree remained unconscious, Millie along with Carter and Ryan provided her with the treatment necessary to ease the bleeding from her wound. After they finished patching up, the boys considered taking her to the hospital until Millie convinced them otherwise. She makes note that it isn’t safe much to their chagrin. Despite initial vagueness behind her explanation, she explains that the dagger Tombs attacked Tree with contains a curse that results in a body switcheroo between the two involved. While Carter was surprised by the revelation, Ryan looked at Millie dumbfounded. What would Tombs hope to gain by gaining control of another person’s body let alone Tree’s? Millie gets into her prior knowledge on La Dola, an Aztechian dagger whose origins trace back to the late 1680s used for ritual sacrifice. It was previously under the care of a wealthy family when the Blissfield Butcher infiltrated the mansion, murdering a group of teens to retrieve the artifact. Millie informs them that she came into contact with the dagger as she and the criminal exchanged bodies. Upon hearing the backstory has left Carter and Ryan concerned that Tombs may be inhabiting Tree’s body. Without La Dola, the gang would be unable to reverse the spell.  

Millie convinces the boys to find a less populated area where Tombs cannot harm anyone. Carter prays with hope that the real Tree (in Tombs’s body) is safe. Millie wraps her hand around his to reassure him they will find a way to undo the curse. In the meantime, Ryan takes the gang over to his van, driving to a forest secluded from the populated city of Bayfield.

Tree awoke to find herself in an unfamiliar safehouse. Her head remained fatigued from the mugging she endured at the hands of John Tombs. Struggling to sit up, she looked at her surroundings which were littered with beer bottles, spilled canned food, and dirty laundry. The walls had been eroded with decay that indicated signs of wear and tear. Something wasn’t right. She did not recognize the sound of her voice nor did she recognize the dark clothing she wore the other night. The instant she spotted her reflection from the mirror, terror struck her face. She has now inhabited the vessel of the criminal that attempted to murder her. As Tree panicked, she searched the room for Tombs’s phone. Before she could pick it up, the Babyface Killer stood behind her.

Tree (inside Tombs’s body) flees the scene, saving herself from the danger targeting her. She used the environment around her to defend herself from the masked murderer. Despite her efforts, the Babyface Killer would be one step ahead. When Tree prepared to enter the kitchen, the Killer whacked her with a steel tray to the back of the head. 

Tree awoke to find herself tied to a chair. He taunted her knowing full well of the woman’s inability to adjust to her new body. Using a modulated voice device, he points out that her friends have no idea about the swap; It didn’t help matters what Tombs’s actions may cause under Tree’s vessel - How would her peers react to her sudden change in behavior? The Killer makes note that sooner or later, her world is about to change. In 24 hours, when the clock strikes midnight, the body swap will become permanent. Tree would remain in Tombs’s body for eternity until death would come knocking on her door. This revelation terrifies her. Tree asks what they did to her, the dagger they used to initiate the swap, and where he may have hidden the weapon. The Babyface Killer refuses to give a clear answer until he confesses that he has abdicated the dagger to a special someone. Tree demands a response but the Killer dodges the verbatim, finding an excuse to leave his victim in all her lonesome.

Having their van parked someplace secluded in Bayfield Forest, Carter and Ryan tied Tombs (in Tree’s body) to a tree branch. Tombs awakens only to find himself restrained. The gang spends the next several minutes interrogating him, even asking him about the real Tree’s whereabouts as well as where they have hidden La Dola. Tombs refuses to answer much to their annoyance. Carter and Ryan continued to get under his skin until he confessed. However, Millie takes it farther by attempting to stab him with a pocket knife she found from Ryan’s vehicle. Carter stops her tracks, warning him that if he fails to give them an answer, they will call the police and make it as though Tombs started an altercation with the trio. He laughs as he does not believe their cover up is convincing enough for authorities to arrest him/her. However, what he can tell them though is exactly what his partner had explained to Tree (in Tomb’s body). He says the reason for his heinous act, and how he wanted to make Tree suffer by doing everything in his power to damage her reputation. While in prison, Tombs researched the history of La Dola, a weapon in which its true power is initiated during a séance that causes the exchanging of souls between two people. Tombs has had a track record of preying and murdering young women especially the blondes. By gaining possession of Tree’s body, he will go out his way to destroy any goodwill she had built as his way of getting back at her after being locked up and tortured by the prisoners and guards. 

In the midst of the conversation, Samar and Dre were riding in their vehicle when they noticed Ryan’s van parked in the middle of nowhere. When they pulled over to wonder what was going on, they would be informed about the body switch between Tree and Tombs. At first, they were confused as though it was nonsense. With all of the commotion unfolding, Tombs (in Tree’s body) uses this opportunity to find a way to free himself. Noticing a pocket knife dropped on the ground, he reaches for the knife as he manages to cut the rope deep enough to be uncuffed from the chair. Tombs threatens the gang, pointing the knife at them. While they backed away, the criminal committed a grand theft auto with Ryan’s van. The gang was left hopeless with no leads for Tree’s whereabouts as Tombs flees unscathed. This leaves them seemingly stranded for a moment until Samar and Dre give the trio a lift back to campus.

Some time passed since Tree discovered herself inhabiting the life of another person. As Tree (in Tombs’s body) remained cuffed to a chair, she looked at her surroundings of an object to free herself from. While her forearms were tied, that was not the case as far as her legs were concerned. Slowly, Tree stood on her feet, channeled her might to smash the chair against the wall. After multiple attempts, a piece from the chair came loose. With the broken piece intact, she utilized it as a knife to cut the rope. The strategy would prove to be a success.

Realizing the windows have been barricaded by wooden planks, she utilized her stealth ability to sneak her way out of the bedroom. Tree approached the stairs, doing her best to ensure the constant creaking from her footsteps did not alarm her attacker. When she made her way onto the main floor of the house, the doorbell sounding startled her. Tree peaked by the window, noticing Ryan’s van parked in the driveway. It seemed like it could be her ticket out of here. The instant she overheard her own voice by the doorway, danger loomed. As she crawled out from the table, she pulled out a knife from the kitchen drawer. Tombs entered the house while looking for his partner. Tree gasped with the reality that he has now inhabited her body. She tried her best in maintaining her composure while buying some time to coordinate her move. It was there when she decided to ambush Tombs. Both of them brawled along the halls with the knife being the key emphasis of the fight. Tree demands Tombs to reveal where he has hidden La Dola. Tombs doesn’t answer. As they continue to brawl, Dr Butler enters the house in awe to find his house had been vandalized. A confused Tree resulted in Tombs stabbing her with the knife he retrieved from her. Tree screams in anguish from the pain she endured.

Tombs (in Tree’s body) cries to Butler that she had been kidnapped by him and he had no idea the doctor lived here. Butler comforts her not knowing of the body swap that transpired. While Gregory caresses Tombs, Tree (in Tombs’s body) grabs the keys Tombs placed by the counter. Soon she crawled away, approaching the kitchen door that led outside to the backyard. Tombs (in Tree’s body) and Gregory notices the criminal had escaped. Noticing the back door had opened, Gregory attempts to go after him. Slowly, Tree pulled herself up limping her way towards Ryan’s van. Tree turns on the ignition key as she escapes.

Still shaken from the events that transpired the other night, the gang arrived back to campus the following morning. While gathering at the science lab, they devised a strategy in search of Tree and Tombs as well as the La Dola. Ryan had considered using S.I.S.S.Y in order to go back in time to prevent the body swap. However, with the government in full control of the device, he is unable to operate the machine. Carter attempted to search for Tree using his tracking app; The weak signal as a result of the outage caused by the Sisi experiment failed to detect her location. Samar and Dre explain that sometime after Tree returned from the other dimension, she informed them about the tracking app behind Lori’s effectiveness in learning her whereabouts. Prior to September 18th, the duo revealed that they were working on the app but their commitments to helping Ryan on the S.I.S.S.Y project prevented them from completing the work. When Lori overheard about this potentially groundbreaking invention, she was stoked. She hoped to be the first person to test out the app on her device. Samar and Dre had no idea what intentions she had going into the process. All they could think about was finding a test subject to help perfect their invention. Samar and Dre made it known that while there are still kinks they need to be fixed, they will use this as a resource to locate the two (utilizing Lori’s phone that had been left behind that she used to stalk Tree with).

Carter ponders alone, expressing concern over Tree’s well being. He blames himself for his inability to stop Tombs from initiating the spell. He had vouched for Tree even when she wasn’t in the best place in her life. Millie notices this as he lends him her support. She insists he shouldn’t feel down despite what went down the other night. When she was body swapped, it was the scariest feeling in the world; The idea of not only living in the life of another person, but adapting to their physique felt surreal yet an uneasy experience for her. Add to the fact that a criminal stirred chaos while disguised in her body led to some misunderstanding towards her peers. Carter prays she (Tree) is doing alright and that Tombs will pay for what he did to her. Millie reassures him they will find La Dola and have their bodies restored to normal.

Tree (in Tombs’s body) arrives at the campus dressed up in a hood with sunglasses. Since the body transfer, she has remained vigilant to prevent suspicion of mistaken identity from the Bayfield College students. After navigating through the site undetected, she climbed up using a ladder to open the window to her dorm room. When she arrived, she dug through the notes she researched regarding La Dola. It was there when she overheard nearby footsteps. Tree hid behind the wardrobe closet as Carter entered. When he notices a pile of notebooks that wasn’t there before, a hunch has it that someone may have broken into her room. Carter surveyed the area in search of possible intruders. When he stumbles into an heirloom that belonged to Tree’s mother, Tree’s gasp causes her to blow her cover.

Carter grabs a baseball bat by the wall, defending himself from Tombs. However, Tree convinces him that despite the mistaken identity, it is her in Tombs’s body. Carter thinks back to Millie’s comment about her body swap. After asking trivial questions she knew to which Tree answers honestly, she and Carter have an immediate embrace. Carter tries to notify the gang. However, Tree insists that it’s not the time as she is disguised under Tombs’s body and that the campus would be on high alert if she is seen on campus. Carter nods while they devise a way to reunite with their friends someplace private.

Danielle exited out of the coffee shop sipping away a cup of d-caffe. She felt a cold breeze swooping by when the distraction caused her to spill coffee on Dr. Gregory Butler. While greeting one another, Danielle admires him for his willingness to help others in times of need. Gregory is flattered by the compliment. The more back and forth their conversations became, it gave them the impression that they may share a connection. Danielle’s face illuminated with excitement which prompted the doctor to ask her out on a date. Tombs (in Tree’s body) chimes in right when Danielle walks off. At that moment, Gregory slipped a tracking device inside Danielle’s purse. Little did she know about Tree’s connection with Gregory let alone the body swap that ensued between her and Tombs. The doctor takes interest in hopes of getting out of the slump he has experienced since his wife filed for divorce. When Tombs asks what he hopes to gain out from stalking Danielle, Dr. Butler makes mention of her connection towards Tree and to make an example out of her by harming those close to her. With Tombs in possession of Tree’s body, he can make that happen. By agreeing to date Danielle, a stern expression from Gregory indicated evil intentions have yet to come. 

The gang gathered by the outskirts of Bayfield. Initially, the group felt uneasy by Tree’s unusual presence (in Tombs’s body) until remembering the swap that unfolded the other night. When asked if she had the dagger, Tree informs them she was unable to retrieve La Dola. While she is eager to get her body back, they remind her they need to know where the dagger is located, and devise a game plan to retrieve the weapon. She informs them that the Babyface Killer sold it off with no lead as to who now holds possession of it. Millie asks Tree about Tombs’s hatred towards her and what he hopes to gain by taking over her body. Tree informs them that she had been abducted inside what turned out to be Dr. Butler’s home; Given what he knew of him from the alternate timeline, she does not rule out the possibility of his involvement with Tombs. Due to these speculations, she is concerned about the potential havoc the criminal will cause in the area, including the consequence(s) his action(s) may have (while in her body). In an attempt to gather leads, the gang intends to get into contact with the victims and family members that have known John. They divide into pairs with Millie and Carter collaborating with his parents while Ryan & the like interact with the victims.

Elsewhere, Tombs (in Tree’s body) finds a sticky note containing Tree’s passcode, gaining access through her phone. She scrolled through her social media app to a profile of Tree’s including her photos involving the Kappa sorority as well as photos taken with her and her parents. Tombs used this as an opportunity to learn about his victim Whether it was through studying her mannerisms through v-logs or feelings from her online blogs, Tombs hoped to ensure there would be no suspicion regarding people’s perception of Tree's seemingly change in behavior. Suddenly, he receives a text message from Tree’s father for a father-daughter night. An incoming phone call arises when he gets deep into the conversation as they share ideas on what they plan on doing. Tombs looks through cliff notes he took about Tree’s interests. They include:

• dining/restaurant
• cabaret
• recreational activities - going to a museum/golf/bowling/attending some sporting event

After reaching a compromise, Tree’s father finalizes the decision for their upcoming get together. After hanging up, he let out an evil smirk on his face. 

When the Bayfield college gang (minus Carter and Millie) arrive at the gas station, Dre, Samar, and Tree (in Tombs’s body) remain in the van while Ryan takes this opportunity to replenish their vehicle with gas while scoping for snacks. While purchasing at the cash register, he would be caught off guard by a surprise appearance from Tombs (in Tree’s body). He did his best to keep calm, looking away while Tree navigated the aisle for her purchases. At some point, their paths intersect leading to some smack talk amongst the two standing in line.  As tensions boiled, a simple misunderstanding occurred when Tombs shouts for help while Ryan demands to know where she put the La Dola. Ryan releases her just as he notices the cashier preparing to call their manager. When Samar enters the convenient shop to wonder what was taking Ryan so long, he is stunned to find Tombs (disguised as Tree) as the criminal falsely accuses them of harassment. At the wrong place at the wrong time, Samar and Ryan run off from the cops’ attempt to file their arrests. The duo regrouped with Tree (in Tombs’s body) and Dre while being pursued by the police in a high speed chase. After a series of lane changes and cutting, the wheels from Ryan’s van get caught in a trench. The police capture the gang including their most wanted suspect in “Tombs” while arresting them in the process.

To be continued…..Stay tuned for Part 3….