What a simple and dumb premise that hit on all the right pro wrestling notes.
MJF whipping the will to fight right out of Cody Rhodes was something to watch. Back in January, MJF laid out three simple stipulations in order for Rhodes to secure a match with him.
One, Rhodes could not put his hands on MJF before their match on Feb. 29 at Revolution. Second, Cody must defeat Wardlow in a steel cage match. Finally, Rhodes would agree to receive 10 lashes with a leather belt courtesy of MJF.
Tonight (Feb. 5) Rhodes had to meet MJF’s third stipulation.
Both Cody and MJF were in peak form on Wednesday night, and what could have been a really bad pro wrestling trope turned into a Dynamite highlight AEW can lean on for years.
.@dustinrhodes tries to step in for his brother @codyrhodes to take the rest of the lashes.
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) February 6, 2020
Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama 8e/7c #AEWonTNT @AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/2IBWJBJGlY
The heels watching from the top of the ramp, Arn Anderson trying to coach Rhodes through the pain, the Young Bucks being there for their friend, Brandi Rhodes crying, and Dustin Rhodes offering to sacrifice himself could have made this an overbooked mess.
Instead everyone played their role to a T.
"STAY DOWN" - @The_MJF. Watch #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama 8e/7c #AEWonTNT @AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/xZ7NiktFru
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) February 6, 2020
Just great theater playing out inside the squared circle.
Could any babyface-heel combination in pro wrestling today pull off what Cody Rhodes and MJF just did on Dynamite?
Get complete Dynamite results and coverage here.