Hi Scott!
Thanks again for all you do with the blog. It's pretty much THE way I keep up with wrestling, since I don't have a ton of time to watch all of the shows (and for most stuff I prefer reading anyway).
I watched Dynamite for the first time ever this week. In fact, it's the first full wrestling show I've watched for quite a while – the last time I think I watched a full show was maybe during NXT's heyday when Gargano and Champa were feuding. Overall, I really enjoyed it. One thing that really struck me about AEW's presentation was how they show the records before each match, facts like “Has won last 12 of last 14 matches”, etc. As a first time viewer, I really liked those touches, and gives both the audience (and the commentary team) immediate context – that make things like Lee Morarity's near falls on CM Punk that much more exciting. It gives the show a feeling like you're watching a SPORT, and that wins and losses matter, which is so refreshing.
I don't really recall a promotion really doing anything like this since the NWA in the 80s. I remember being able to look up the rankings in the local newspaper but they didn't show the actual won-loss records. I thought this was a really nice touch. I also loved the show's emphasis on matches and athleticism, and with just enough talking to place emphasis on rivalries, get you excited for upcoming matches, etc. It was very easy for me to suspend disbelief for the most part which I really liked. I think I might give it a go next week (and from what I've read here, this looks like maybe it was an off show as well!).
Hope this review helps you pad those checks from TK! 😉
P.S. – The Cody match was pretty stupid though, was NOT a fan of that match at all, that one was tough to “suspend disbelief”…
Thanks for writing! I get a bonus for every new viewer that I convert.