AEW has a lot going on, and everyone on the roster has busy schedules. This led to an attempt to create a visual trick for fans during the September 28 AEW Collision, though the ruse did not last long.
AEW taped last Saturdays episode of Collision: Grand Slam after Dynamite: Grand Slam earlier in the week. However, one match was taped for Collision before Dynamite, which was Jack Perry vs. Minoru Suzuki for the TNT Title. Fans may have noticed that Ian Riccaboni was announcing, yet he wasnt actually at the building in time for the match.
Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez discussed this on Wrestling Observer Radio. Alvarez stated, We had an amazing television moment. It was Jack Perry and Minoru Suzuki, and this match was taped before Dynamite, but it was taped for Collision. And Ian Riccaboni is an announcer on Collision.
At that point, Dave Meltzer added, Well, hes usually not. He was this week because of no Nigel. Then Bryan Alvarez continued to say that, The point is this: Ian was not in the building yet when they had to tape this match, and this match was going to be inserted in the middle of a show that he was expected to do commentary on. So of all of the ideas about how to explain Ian not being at ringside for this particular match.
Dave Meltzer further explained the situation with Ian Riccaboni, as he has been announcing, but he was doing so from a remote studio. Hes announcing the match. They announced it in studio, he remarked. Then Bryan Alvarez expanded on this to explain what happened in the situation.
Tony Schiavone had to act like Ian was under the desk, and Riccaboni played along with the bit. In the end, it might have worked for a bit, but their charade was quickly revealed as Ian wasnt actually around for the show. Footage of the moment from AEW Collision was quickly clipped and spread online. Many fans had their own reactions to this, from trolling to otherwise. Either way, they were certainly entertained.
Footage of the moment on Collision was quickly clipped and spread online. Many fans had their own reactions to this, from trolling to otherwise. Either way, they were certainly entertained.
We will keep an eye on this story for more updates. You never know what will happen next, but AEW is certainly going to do everything they can to make sure the show goes on as planned, even if they dont have everyone around for the broadcast first-hand.
What do you think of this move by AEW? Are you surprised they are doing this type of stuff? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
