Celebrating Two Years With AEW

I didn’t bring a plus-one to AEW’s birthday party in Philadelphia. As a matter of fact, it was my first time attending a pro wrestling event alone.

I showed up outside the Liacouras Center on Temple University’s campus two hours before doors opened. Those were the most bizarre two hours of my life.

I posted up against the guardrail to catch a glimpse of the wrestlers as they pulled into the garage off Broad Street. After a half hour, people followed my lead, slowly gathering around me. All of a sudden, here comes Thunder Rosa! The popular badass (already in her elaborate face paint) signed autographs, acknowledging the City of Brotherly Love.

Soon after, I noticed a tattooed male with slicked black hair walking his dog up the ramp. I said to myself, “It’s clobberin’ time.” Never in my wildest dreams did I think CM Punk would be within 5 feet of my presence. Unfortunately, the golden treasure of AEW had no time for pictures, autographs, etc. I was disappointed until realizing that it wasn’t actually CM Punk before me. It was simply the creator of CM Punk, Phil Brooks. Considering it wouldn’t be show time for a couple more hours, Mr. Brooks certainly had no obligation to perform for us.

Thunder Rosa showing some of that Philly Love to the fans before AEW Dynamite. #AEWDynamite @TheWrestlingEst @thunderrosa22 @AEW pic.twitter.com/VgTuHzRnIi
— The BEST to EVER Game🎮🎗 (@MisterCheatCode) October 6, 2021

Inside the arena, I spotted many fans wearing Adam Cole shirts and when his theme hit, that was one of the loudest pops I’ve ever heard. I skipped the concession line and even blended in with a family to purchase some merch. When you attend events by yourself, you’re a chameleon.

I sat in the lower level and may I say, the money was well worth it. The crowd went bonkers when Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus came out, everybody dancing and singing along to “Tarzan Boy”. Let’s be honest, Jungle Boy needs to be a singles competitor; he has the look, quiet charisma, in-ring ability and he’s beloved. Hell, Bryan Danielson didn’t receive a reaction louder than the Jurassic Express.

Let’s talk about a homegrown star – Darby Allin. His relentless, daredevil attitude filled an incredible amount of seats. I saw Darby signs, shirts and even face painted maniacs all over the arena. He is the future of this company, but his health (and how much he risks it) remains a deciding factor.

Orange Cassidy, managed by Philadelphia 76ers’ mascot Franklin, was entertaining as usual, but Jon F’N Moxley mangled the arena when “Wild Thing” blasted. This is the city of violence and who better than Moxley to bring the anarchy? When the countdown for the Joker card went off, everyone lost their shit as “Hangman” Adam Page made his triumphant return. Rumors were swarming that Page would be the joker, but with the forbidden door wide open, anything was possible. Tony Khan gave the fans exactly what they asked for.

Cowboy Shit 💩#AEWDyanmite #AEW pic.twitter.com/KoP6HtsQJi
— The BEST to EVER Game🎮🎗 (@MisterCheatCode) October 7, 2021

My favorite moment didn’t happen on Dynamite. On AEW Dark: Elevation, Joey Janela wrestled veteran Crowbar. Not only is the former WCW name in exceptional shape, he worked his ass off to prove how much he belonged in the spotlight. I had the opportunity to see him return to the ECWA Super 8 earlier this year, and now seeing him in front of thousands in AEW felt like full circle. I wish he would’ve beat Janela, though, because if we’ve learned anything this year, Crowbar is timeless.

And time sure does fly by. AEW Dynamite has already been on the air for two years. It’s made Wednesday nights must-see TV and reignited the passion of many wrestling fans.

Happy Birthday, Dynamite, here’s to many more!