Shelton Benjamin’s Audacious Finish and the AEW Dynamite Miscommunication
A moment of improvisation during Wednesday night’s AEW Dynamite main event between Shelton Benjamin and “Speedball” Mike Bailey sparked confusion and debate among fans. What initially appeared to be a potential injury to Bailey was, in fact, the result of a miscommunication regarding the match’s intended finish. The incident, which occurred during a pivotal contest with implications for the upcoming Full Gear pay-per-view, has been clarified by Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live.
The Botch That Wasn’t: A Superkick and a Stopped Count
The closing sequence saw Benjamin deliver a powerful superkick to Bailey. The impact was significant, with Bailey executing a full-flip bump that, according to Alvarez, appeared devastating. Benjamin, believing the superkick should conclude the match due to its impact, signaled for the pin. However, the referee, seemingly unaware of Benjamin’s intention, halted the count despite Bailey’s shoulders being down. This led to a continuation of the match, ultimately ending with Benjamin securing the victory via a German suplex, a knee strike, and a final superkick.
SHELTON KNOCKS SPEEDBALLS HEAD OFF #AEWDynamite #AEW pic.twitter.com/H56CODBpws
— TalonWulf91 (@TalonWulf91) November 20, 2025
Initial concerns arose among viewers who feared Bailey had sustained an injury from the initial superkick. However, Alvarez confirmed that Bailey was unharmed. The core issue stemmed from Benjamin’s attempt to “call an audible,” believing the superkick’s impact warranted an immediate finish. The referee, not privy to this impromptu decision, maintained the match’s flow according to the pre-planned sequence.
Inside the Ring: Shelton Benjamin’s Perspective
“As it turns out, everybody is fine,” Alvarez relayed. “The finish was going to be a superkick. Shelton hits the kick, and Speedball takes this incredible full-flip bump – it looked like he was completely knocked out. Shelton decided it couldn’t get any better than that and signaled for the finish. The referee apparently didn’t hear him and stopped the count because it wasn’t supposed to be the end. You could blame the referee, you could blame Shelton, but you certainly can’t blame Speedball; he performed as expected.” Alvarez emphasized that the situation was a simple miscommunication, with the referee resuming the match before Benjamin could execute the planned finishing sequence.
This incident raises an interesting question: how much creative control should wrestlers have in the moment, and how can communication be improved to prevent such occurrences? Do you think wrestlers should be allowed more freedom to adjust finishes based on in-ring reactions, or should they strictly adhere to the pre-planned script?
Full Gear Implications: Benjamin’s Path to the AEW National Championship
Benjamin’s victory in the match secured his place as one of the first entrants in the Casino Gauntlet Match at Saturday’s Full Gear pay-per-view. He will begin the gauntlet against his Hurt Syndicate stablemate, Bobby Lashley. The winner of this grueling contest will be crowned the inaugural AEW National Champion, adding significant stakes to the encounter. Further details on the Full Gear card can be found here.
The AEW National Championship represents a new level of prestige within the promotion, and Benjamin’s journey to claim it began with a controversial, yet ultimately successful, night on Dynamite. Will Benjamin’s experience and power be enough to overcome the challenges of the gauntlet, or will another competitor seize the opportunity to become the first-ever AEW National Champion?
The Art of the Audible in Professional Wrestling
Improvisation, or “calling an audible,” is a long-standing tradition in professional wrestling. While matches are meticulously planned, experienced performers often adjust on the fly based on crowd reaction, opponent performance, or unforeseen circumstances. However, successful audibles rely heavily on clear communication between wrestlers and the referee. A breakdown in this communication, as seen in the Benjamin-Bailey match, can lead to moments of confusion and uncertainty.
The ability to adapt and react in real-time is a hallmark of a skilled professional wrestler. It requires not only physical prowess but also a deep understanding of ring psychology and the ability to read the crowd. WWE’s historical look at improvisation highlights several instances where wrestlers successfully altered match plans to create memorable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shelton Benjamin vs. Mike Bailey Finish
- What caused the confusion during the Shelton Benjamin and Mike Bailey match? The confusion stemmed from a miscommunication between Shelton Benjamin and the referee regarding the intended finish of the match. Benjamin attempted to end the match with a superkick, believing its impact warranted an immediate victory, but the referee was not aware of this change.
- Was Mike Bailey injured during the AEW Dynamite match? No, Mike Bailey was not injured. The initial concern among viewers was due to the impact of the superkick and Bailey’s impressive full-flip bump, which appeared particularly devastating.
- What is the significance of Shelton Benjamin’s victory? Shelton Benjamin’s victory earned him a spot in the Casino Gauntlet Match at Full Gear, where he will compete for the inaugural AEW National Championship.
- What is the Casino Gauntlet Match? The Casino Gauntlet Match is a multi-person contest where wrestlers enter at timed intervals, competing until only one remains. The winner is crowned the AEW National Champion.
- How important is communication between wrestlers and referees? Communication is crucial for a seamless wrestling match. Misunderstandings, like the one in the Benjamin-Bailey match, can disrupt the flow and create confusion for both performers and viewers.
Share this article with fellow wrestling fans and let us know your thoughts on the incident in the comments below!
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
