Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes made a cameo on the premiere episode of AEW Dynamite. The duo known on-screen as Jay and Silent Bob continue a long tradition of mixing celebrity with the world of professional wrestling, particularly for important events. WWE has made a regular habit of this, garnering guest appearances over the years from names as varied as Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper, and Snooki of Jersey Shore fame. It occasionally leads to a memorable segment, with the celebrity returning for a follow-up appearance, and it seems that Smith and Mewes might be open to that possibility.
Smith is friends with AEW wrestler, and current champion, Chris Jericho. Jericho will be seen in Jay & Silent Bob Reboot. The former WWE superstar is also one of the leads in Killroy Was Here, an upcoming horror anthology written and directed by Smith. While the real life friendship between the two could lead to a collaboration in the ring, AEW kept its focus on the trained professionals for its highly-anticipated debut. NXT, which is AEW’s competitor in the timeslot, relied on title matches and unexpected returns. AEW had a bit of that as well, but the first episode was more interested in building on a solid foundation than landing with a big splash. Although, it did make time for Smith and Mewes to engage in some trash talk.
Early on in the show, Smith and Mewes were interviewed from their seats at ringside. Making sure to plug Jay & Silent Bob Reboot, and mention Jericho’s part in it, they quickly shifted the focus back to the wrestlers themselves. This wasn’t enough for Angelico & Jack Evans, a villainous tag team, who traded words with the actors. It could open up further involvement. But if not, Smith has his hands full. The director recently announced his renewed plans for the much-discussed Clerks 3.
AEW has proved to be busy as well. In only the first episode, Cody Rhodes defeated Sammy Guevara in the opening match; MJF, who doesn’t play Dungeons & Dragons, had a showcase; Pac squared off with Adam Page; and Riho bested Nyla Rose to become AEW’s first Women’s Champion. Jon Moxley also made an impact and Jake Hager, known as Jack Swagger from his time in WWE, made an unexpected appearance to close out the night.
It was the kind of first episode that was expected, given how AEW has presented itself: focused on wrestling, not on complicated storylines and elaborate presentations. It’s an alternative approach to WWE’s cultural dominance, but still flexible enough to welcome celebrity supporters like Smith and Mewes.
Source: All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
