AEW turns up the heat in Brisbane: By Karina Johnson
AEW turns up the heat in Brisbane.
The air was electric at AEW on Saturday night. The crowd waited in anticipation, shouting ‘woo’ across the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The recorded safety message drew cheers as the crowd learned they could be struck by flying objects.
Everyone was keen to get into the show but also interested in the many Australian wrestling stars walking past. Tuckman strode along the walkway like he belonged in that arena. Stars like JXT and Kyla Knight sat backstage, waiting in the wings.
The first matches were for the Ring of Honor taping. They started strong with a comedic and camp flavour. The first chant of the night was ‘Jericho – you are a wanker’. We were only seven minutes into the show.
Big Bill paced the ring like a caged animal, his giant biceps glistening with sweat. Turbo Floyd gripped Big Bill with an armbar as he did a top rope walk around the entire ring. The crowd ate it up, awarding a ‘holy shit’. This was closely followed by chants of ‘We want Bill’ and ‘You’re not Bill’ as Jericho re-entered the ring. The Outriders won but copped a beat-down.
Robbie Eagles entered the arena next, competing with Lee Moriarty. The crowd was on his side, encouraging Eagles to ‘f… him up Robbie, f… him up.’ The booking was against Robbie, building heat for the main event.
What followed was a smorgasbord of wrestling, with something for everyone. These included meaty Mark Davis and Tommy Knight delivering deafening chops that echoed across the arena. They could probably get a sponsorship deal selling lamb.
There were many moments that seemed more like dancing, tightly choreographed. Some questionable butt-touching. And a huge pop for Dustin Rhodes.
The women’s match with Alex Windsor and Athena was one of the colder matches of the night, possibly caused by nerves as the crowd yelled ‘rip her tits off’. Tony Khan made an appearance before intermission to thank the crowd but his reception was also cold. Nobody wanted ad breaks as the overpriced chips had already sold out.
The first huge pop of the night was for Will Ospreay, the wrestler’s wrestler. This match earned a ‘fight forever’ chant. Ospreay and Kenny Omega went up against Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher, with Don Callis and Mark Davis supporting. It was a dizzying display of prowess that left the educated crowd members more than satisfied.
The John Moxley and Cope match was a personal favourite with a Brisbane Brawl, supported by Claudio Castagnoli and Jay White. There was pathos as everyone sang along to Cope’s entrance. There were hardcore moves as Moxley tangled with barbed wire, blood streaming down his back. The Cesaro swing was followed by a kendo stick to the face. And ultimately a defiant Moxley gave a double bird to the crowd before ambling out of the ring.
The temperature rose with the CEO Mercedes Moné and Harley Cameron championship match. The fierce bad girl and local hero tangled alongside Harley’s puppet of Mercedes. When the CEO went after the doll she was rewarded with heel heat and the chant ‘you sick f…’. There were many false finishes and the sound of thumping feet as the crowd willed Harley on. When she lost the crowd called ‘bullshit’.
Later in the night local hero Buddy Matthews went up against Kazuchika Okada. I didn’t like Buddy’s chances but as my press colleague said, ‘it’s the little bit of hope that gets you.’ And we nearly thought Buddy had him. He taunted Okada, telling him that he was a little bitch but in Australia he was also a wanker. The crowd agreed but ultimately Buddy lost.
The highlight of the night, predictably, was Toni Storm re-taking the championship. She lived the gimmick, appearing like a glamorous movie star in her navy gear and headdress with flowing white cloak. This was her moment and she goddamn knew it.
The crowd was vicious, encouraging Toni to f… Mariah up and ‘kick her in the c.…’ The crowd had come to see Australia win gold and would not go home empty-handed. Toni was ably supported by Luther the Butler in his cute bellhop gear. I suddenly wanted a bellhop of my own.
There was a good balance in the match, with the outcome never clear unless you remembered that most Australian and New Zealander stars had lost that night.
There was a turning point in the match with Toni choke-holding Mariah and slamming her head against the mat. The crowd ate it up, chanting ‘F… you Nigel’ to commentator and Mariah May fan Nigel McGuinness.
Toni won with a cradle and pin, and the crowd went wild. She mouthed ‘mate’ as she took in the 11,000 strong crowd cheering her name in her home town. It was a sweet moment that left the crowd eager for more as they made their way into the warm night, ready to party in the Valley and book their tickets to AEW’s show next year.
Karina catches up with some the fans in attendance, click here.
Karina Johnson is a writer who is interested in storytelling: about minority voices, big characters and what brings the wrestling community together. She promotes in Queensland through Red Castle Entertainment, known for good times, good vibes and a night out to remember. RedCastle Entertainment
