This match holds a special place in the hearts of AEW fans, primarily due to one unforgettable word: “Meat.” Whenever heavyweights like Hobbs put on a display of strength, you can count on the audience to chant “MEAT” enthusiastically. Hobbs and Miro faced the challenge of following an intense AEW TNT Championship match between Darby Allin and Luchasaurus, and with limited time to build anticipation, they needed to capture the crowd’s attention swiftly.
The encounter can be described as a tale of two segments. Commentator Jim Ross aptly labeled the first half a “super heavyweight slugfest.” Right from the opening bell, both competitors unleashed powerful strikes, creating an atmosphere where it seemed like neither could be contained in the ring. Miro, a crowd favorite, found himself largely on the defensive, allowing Hobbs to shine while engaging in conversation with him that was audible to the ringside audience. While the early action was thrilling, it didn’t completely blow the audience away, leaving them perceiving it merely as a solid television match… until everything changed.
As Miro fought back after taking significant punishment from Hobbs, they exchanged strikes, and instead of the typical “boo”s and “yay”s from the crowd, fans began to chant “MEAT!” with renewed enthusiasm after each hit. While it’s unclear whether the energy shift originated from the crowd’s reaction, Miro joining in on the chants catalyzed a thrilling momentum, making the match electrifying.
A lively crowd can elevate a good show into a great experience, and that’s precisely what occurred here. Miro and Hobbs embraced chants of “Eternal Flesh,” “That Was Flesh,” and “Sacred Flesh,” infusing the bout with renewed vigor. The final moments, where Hobbs tapped out after evading Miro’s Game Over once, felt both fitting and earned. Though overshadowed by later events of the night, the match received a standing ovation, leaving both performers with much to be proud of.
Fan Take: This match exemplifies the essential role of crowd energy in wrestling, demonstrating how audience engagement can elevate a contest to new heights. For wrestling fans, moments like these are crucial, as they deepen the connection between performers and supporters, ultimately enhancing the sport’s excitement and appeal.
