Hidden Details Only The Live Crowd At AEW Dynamite Grand Slam Saw
On a historic night for AEW and pro-wrestling fans, the company delivered a tremendous show which featured an all-time classic match by two of the industry's finest. There are several details at this epic event that didn't come across on screen, however. These details and moments were only accessible to the 20,000 plus fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.
Fans Were Cheering Before The Show Even Started
Before AEW Dynamite Grand Slam went on air, fans were anxious to blow the roof off of the massive tennis stadium. They were given several opportunities as the New York crowd showed their appreciation for some of the unsung heroes of All Elite Wrestling.
Justin Roberts got a massive pop from the New York City crowd. Lead referee Aubrey Edwards also received a lot of love from the crowd. Eddie Kingston was on commentary for the Dark Elevation matches; as soon the Yonkers native took his seat at the monitors - the crowd exploded. Thunderous chants of "Eddie! Eddie!" filled the arena, which he answered by throwing up his horns and sticking his tongue out.
But perhaps the biggest pre-show ovation was saved for Tony Kahn, who came out minutes before Dynamite went live. The AEW owner/booker received a standing ovation.
Electric Energy for Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson
AEW opted to open Dynamite Grand Slam with one of the most anticipated matches in the last two decades, Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson. From the moment the bell rang, the sound from the crowd was deafening! Although the volume for this contest came across through the television screens, it did not do the ear-splitting sound much justice.
During the last fifteen minutes of the contest, the capacity crowd was on their feet, breathless, hanging on every move, moment, and dramatic turn that these two legends were laying out.
When the broadcast went to commercial break and the fans in attendance were able to regain their composure and put some air back into their lungs, another round of applause filled the stadium. Fans hugged and high-fived each other, very aware that they had just witnessed something extraordinary.
Covid Vaccination Checks For Fans
Weeks before the event, AEW announced that Arthur Ashe Stadium would require proof of Covid vaccination to enter. Fans showed up in droves hours before the event in the hopes of avoiding a massive delay in getting into the stadium.
However, the staff handled the vaccination checks incredibly well. The team wisely opted to start checking vaccination cards and IDs before the gates even opened, making good use of stagnant time. Thirty minutes prior to show time, it appeared that most of the fans were already in the stadium.
MJF Got Cheered On AEW Dynamite Grand Slam
MJF has a doctorate's degree in getting heat from any crowd. And although he got his fair share of boos from the New York City fans, he also was on the receiving end of more cheers than he's probably ever had in his career.
The spattering but consistent cheers and chants for MJF weren't as audible on the broadcast but were undoubtedly present at the live event. As despicable as MJF's character is, the mild ovation he received does make some sense. Aficionados themselves, New Yorkers can appreciate a great heel.
Or, perhaps the more logical reason is that MJF is from nearby Long Island, New York. Freedman's parents were even in attendance, although they did come equipped with a sign that read, "We're MJF's Parents And Even We Think He Sucks."
RELATED: Every Member Of The Pinnacle, Ranked By In-Ring Skills
Tony Kahn Rap Battles The Acclaimed w/ Special Appearance by Lil' Uzi Vert
In between Dynamite and the taping of Rampage, the hip hop tag team The Acclaimed came out and delivered another one of their signature raps. This rhyme was directed at the boss himself, Tony Khan. Weeks ago, Khan suspended Max Caster for a controversial rap that targeted The Varsity Blondes and Julia Hart. Max Caster called out Tony Khan in front of the capacity crowd in response.
Tony Khan met the challenge with some reinforcements, rapper Lil Uzi Vert. With as little rhythm as humanly possible, Khan rapped, "My name is Tony Khan, and I'm here to say, I'll suspend The Acclaimed for another thirty days." This got a massive pop from the audience. "I'm the CEO; I don't have to respond. But you'll have to answer to the Varsity Blondes."
At that point, Brian Pillman, Jr. and Griff Garrison came out and stomped a mudhole in The Acclaimed.
Curtain Call For Fans Behind The Stage
On the day of Dynamite Grand Slam, AEW added several more tickets due to popular demand. These tickets were directly behind the stage, which was not the best vantage point for fans.
However, these fans had a great view of the babyface tunnel. Each time a babyface would walk back through that tunnel after their match, those seats were treated to the final "curtain call" wave. These heartwarming moments were significant for both the fans and indeed for the wrestlers as well.
Overall, AEW delivered on the enormous expectations they had set for themselves. The fans went home buzzing on seeing a great show. Time will tell if the company chooses to make Grand Slam an annual event, but it's hard to imagine why not after this fiscal and creative success.
