Eddie Kingston debuts in AEW with a crazy thumbtacks spot

Cody Rhodes played heel last week on Dynamite when he defended the TNT championship against Sonny Kiss. He was back in the pure babyface role this week (July 22) when Eddie Kingston showed up talking trash and challenging Cody to a No Disqualification match for the TNT title. Kingston was indeed the top independent wrestler that AEW promised to deliver as Cody’s opponent.

Kingston was talked up on commentary as the dirtiest and most experienced wrestler to challenge Cody for the title thus far. Before the match, he threatened to gouge Arn Anderson’s eye out. This was clearly not going to be a respectful fight that would end with a post-match handshake.

Cody worked over Kingston’s knee throughout the intense brawl. The big spot of the match occurred when Eddie Kingston covered the ring in thumbtacks. Cody’s flesh became well-acquainted with the tacks after a powerbomb from Kingston.

That wouldn’t be enough to extinguish Cody’s babyface fire. He fought back with a fury and forced Kingston to tap out to a figure four leglock, thereby retaining the TNT championship.

What did you think of Eddie Kingston’s AEW debut?

Get complete Dynamite results and coverage here.