All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has found itself in the midst of yet another botch controversy, this time sparked by a recent match between Willow Nightingale and Skye Blue on Rampage. The match, which saw Nightingale defend her TBS Championship, included a series of violent spots, including chair shots that left much to be desired. WWE veteran Dutch Mantell, known for his no-holds-barred commentary, took aim at the botched move, criticizing the execution and overall safety of the match.
Mantell, a seasoned veteran with decades of experience, pulled no punches in his critique, highlighting the dangers of such botches and the potential consequences for the wrestlers involved. The Manitoba Massacre match, as it came to be known, raised eyebrows not only for its intensity but also for its sheer recklessness.
This is not the first time AEW has faced criticism for its botches. In recent months, the company has faced backlash for several high-profile mishaps, including a concussion suffered by Jon Moxley during a match with Rey Fenix on Dynamite: Grand Slam, and a botched move by Sammy Guevara that left Jeff Hardy concussed on AEW Rampage. The latter incident even led to Guevara’s suspension.
The frequency and severity of these botches have sparked concerns about the safety protocols in place at AEW, with many questioning the company’s ability to ensure the well-being of its wrestlers. As the number of incidents continues to grow, so too does the pressure on AEW to take action and address these issues.
Ultimately, the responsibility falls on AEW’s booking team, referees, and wrestlers to ensure that matches are executed safely and with the highest level of professionalism. With veteran personalities like Dutch Mantell speaking out against these botches, it remains to be seen how AEW will respond to the growing chorus of criticism and work to prevent such incidents in the future.
