I have nothing against “Jungle” Jack Perry, not that I presume he should care if I did. However, within the moment, it didn’t really feel like the right decision to have PAC lose to Perry during this week’s episode of “AEW Dynamite.”

PAC has always been one of those names on the cusp of the main event, collecting titles and high-profile scalps but never really getting the solid push as a credible top guy. Even though he really seems like someone who could do a good turn in the role, especially with the aura that he has garnered as part of the Death Riders – a member that was brought in rather impromptu but has since made his mark on the group.

I’m not saying qualifying for the Continental Classic finals would have been a guarantee of a major push, but Perry was obviously given the win on this occasion because PAC is not destined to go through – if he had won it would have put him top of his group – and that’s also blatantly pouring cold water on the momentum he had. Neither am I saying this is the end of PAC and any dream of winning the World title, just because he has lost to someone the company clearly values highly.

It’s just that, looking at it for what it is, Perry shouldn’t have really been beating PAC, and it just communicated a ceiling being put on him, irrespective of talent. There was nothing wrong with the match itself, and on another day, maybe Perry getting the babyface underdog win would have worked. But this time around it just felt like a shame. Nothing too egregious. It really does just boil down to this writer’s taste, a belief that PAC is leagues better than Perry and should be booked in reflection of that. For me, it’s just a shame the result was what it was.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all those who celebrate!

Written by Max Everett