On a recent episode of the “Busted Open Podcast,” Dave LaGreca and guest Nic Nemeth delved into the complex, multi-layered storyline surrounding “Hangman” Adam Page on AEW Dynamite, particularly his interaction with Will Ospreay and Swerve Strickland. Both lauded the segment for its emotional depth and storytelling intricacy, suggesting it has “Shakespearean” potential.
LaGreca noted the fan shift towards Hangman Page, even when Ospreay was the favorite, and highlighted a powerful shot of Page standing over the AEW logo, wanting to be “the guy to save AEW.” Nemeth agreed, pointing out the compelling contrast between Ospreay’s readiness and Hangman’s “I have to win this” desperation. “That means you’ve really done a nice piece of work, a nice piece of art out there for that match,” Nemeth said of the crowd’s reaction.
Nemeth emphasized the strength of AEW incorporating emotional storytelling into its wrestling-focused presentation. “Seeing the emotion from everyone involved, and then Swerve kind of making some fair points… I really liked the story around this,” he stated. “When there’s all these layers to it, let us have it. Let us soak it in… have us like drooling and going, when are they going to get to this match? Because I’m so invested in the story.”
LaGreca praised Ospreay putting over Hangman as “the guy” but also loved Swerve Strickland’s refusal to forget their violent past. “This guy tried to kill me, burnt down my house. Like, I’m not, like, come on,” LaGreca said, channeling Swerve’s perspective. “I love that opening segment. And the fact that now there’s a lot of turmoil, there’s a lot of drama. This makes me want to tune back in next week.”
Nemeth envisioned the storyline’s potential climax, where Swerve’s allegiance could be the deciding factor. “You don’t know if he’s gonna make the right call or make the right call for him,” Nemeth mused. “You might see that moment of Swerve, just sitting there… and he makes the right call, and that blows the roof off. And now you’ve made Swerve, and you’ve made Hangman… and now you have an entire new landscape for AEW.” He concluded, “It is a beautiful work of art. And right now, AEW’s got it figured out. I hope they continue this way down to the title match.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Busted Open Radio with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
