Glad to have you back for another Discussion Point of the Day on eWrestlingNews!
We have completed the first half of AEW Grand Slam 2024, courtesy of the episode from AEW Dynamite that aired last night. As we know, based on spoilers, what is scheduled to air on AEW Collision this Saturday night, we will refrain from discussing it until Sunday. For the time being, as it was a special event that had the feel of a mini pay-per-view, it’s fair to say there were a mix of pluses and minuses throughout.
Today, I would like to ask you “What were your positive and negative moments from the Dynamite edition of AEW Grand Slam?”
Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below.
In terms of my own response…
My greatest disappointment was undoubtedly the women’s title match. Other segments of the show were memorable in a superior way, and every other match was significantly better.
I didn’t feel like Yuka Sakazaki was presented as a legitimate contender heading into this event, with a few matches under her belt this year, most of which being in April. I’ve also given flak to Mariah May’s title reign. She isn’t being projected as the top woman in the company. Mercedes Mone clearly holds that status, and it is evident. To see that segment hinge on nothing more than a botched effort from Willow Nightingale to rescue Sakazaki from a post-bout attack and Mina Shirakawa’s bewildered appearance? That’s disappointing.
However, the rest of the show was top-notch. My match of the night (though not my overall highlight) would undoubtedly be the tag team title match. From start to finish, I found it most enjoyable, although I appreciated all the other bouts in their unique ways.
There were memorable moments like MVP’s appearance, the unsuccessful title shot attempt from Christian Cage, and the main event, but my top highlight was Hook’s retirement of the FTW Championship.
I’ve been an active supporter of the idea of Hook retiring the title for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, I think it’s fitting he is the last champion as it’s his father’s belt. Giving it to him and experiencing that moment was genuinely special. Secondly, to date, the “unrecognized” championship has held Hook back, forcing him to concentrate on it due to his lineage, to the point where he couldn’t focus on other pursuits.
Lastly, I believe AEW already has an excess of titles. I don’t understand the need for FOUR midcard men’s titles—SIX including the ROH Pure Championship and ROH World Television Championship. The FTW title was the least prestigious of all, and it was high time it was scrapped. Honestly, I’d like to see the TNT Championship, International Championship, and Continental Championship titles merge into just two. Theoretically, I’d eliminate the TNT title and give the TBS Championship a non-network identification, but for now, I’ll celebrate this victory.
If this decision wasn’t about eliminating a title but specifically eliminating this title, and Tony Khan wants to introduce a new championship down the line to replace it, at least it will be an AEW-branded title and won’t hinge on Taz’s company association. Perhaps it could even be an AEW Hardcore Championship or something similar, incorporating the FTW Rules extension into a “No DQ” format. I wouldn’t be opposed to that, although I’d prefer to let this go and not introduce a new title.
Regardless, I’m in favor of dropping this title, so observing this change finally happening was undoubtedly my overall highlight.
What are your thoughts? Share them below!