The matches at Double or Nothing on Sunday (May 24) delivered several big spots and high-impact moves, but those moments came even though AEW reportedly faced restrictions on the amount of violence that was allowed to occur.
The Wrestling Observer’s Bryan Alvarez on F4WOnline.com reported that the New York State Athletic Commission banned AEW from having intentional blood or fighting through the crowd at the event, which took place at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
Alvarez didn’t provide further details on the conditions he heard AEW faced for the event, but Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com touched on the report regarding restrictions from the commission.
“There was a rumor online that the New York State Athletic Commission wouldn’t allow fighting in the crowd,” Johnson wrote in his coverage of Double or Nothing. “Well, The Young Bucks and The Dogs fought from the floor to the second level of the stadium and back down to the floor again, so that rumor wasn’t true. ”
Johnson also stated: “Any blood on the show was legitimate and hard way as the New York State Athletic Commission doesn’t allow blading.“
Per Johnson’s note, Darby Allin was legitimately busted open during the main event, which saw him lose the AEW World Championship to MJF.
AEW owner/president Tony Khan was asked during his post-show media scrum about the New York State Athletic Commission not allowing blood or brawling in the crowd. While Khan didn’t exactly confirm reports about being told to tone down the violence, he somewhat confirmed there were restrictions in place by stating that “thankfully, we were able to keep the State of New York very happy with AEW tonight.”
What do you think, Cagesiders? Did Double or Nothing still deliver enough action for you? Should the New York State Athletic Commission ease up on any alleged restrictions on blood and brawling in the crowd? Let us know in the comments.