5 Things You Probably Don't Remember About AEW Fyter Fest 2019
"The connection is what allowed event organizer Alex Jebailey a moment of wrestling absurdity, as he "wrestled" Michael Nakazawa in a comedy hardcore match..."
Though not one of the four pay-per-view pillars of the organization, the first AEW Fyter Fest proved to be highly significant. Without Dynamite on the air yet, the event helped tide curious fans over with fresh content last summer. The show also marked the first AEW match (however unofficial, due to the "unsanctioned" modifier) for incoming star Jon Moxley. And Cody Rhodes' blood loss following that chair shot from Shawn Spears that went awry...well, you don't quickly forget unintended gore like that.
While Fyter Fest 2019 was noteworthy in a few respects, it feels ancient in others, like it may well have occurred a decade ago. Only a year has passed since AEW descended upon Daytona Beach, FL for their second overall event, and the promotion is for sure a much different place today. Roster additions, establishments of championship scenes, and the fleshing out of numerous characters, all followed what was (in name, anyway) a cheeky Fyre Festival parody.
So while AEW gets geared up for its 11 planned matches in this year's two-night Fyter Fest, let's look back at some forgotten tidbits from the original.
5. It Was Part Of A Video Game Festival
For the event, AEW partnered with Community Effort Orlando (CEO), an annual fighting game tournament held in Daytona Beach. AEW wasn't the first wrestling organization to partner with the group, either: New Japan had done so one year earlier.
The connection is what allowed event organizer Alex Jebailey a moment of wrestling absurdity, as he "wrestled" Michael Nakazawa in a comedy hardcore match on the "Buy In" portion of the card. To put it rather mildly, the match was what it was.
Written by Justin Henry
In addition to writing lists and commentaries for Cultaholic, Justin is also a features writer and interviewer for Fighting Spirit Magazine, and is co-author of the WWE-related book Titan Screwed: Lost Smiles, Stunners, and Screwjobs.
