Shelton Benjamin Defeats Mike Bailey in Confusing Finish

On the November 19 episode of AEW Dynamite, aired live from the Agganis Arena in Boston, Shelton Benjamin defeated Mike Bailey in a match to determine the number two entrant in the Casino Gauntlet for the inaugural AEW National Championship at Full Gear, though the finish drew confusion due to an in-ring miscommunication.

The bout, part of a combined Dynamite and Collision broadcast, showcased both competitors' athletic styles. Bailey, known as Speedball, started aggressively with rapid kicks, submission holds, and a shooting star press that nearly secured a pin. Benjamin countered with power moves, including a slam outside the ring and a pivotal superkick that flipped Bailey backward dramatically. Benjamin immediately covered for the pin, but the referee halted the count at two, even as Bailey's shoulders remained on the mat. The action continued with Benjamin delivering a German suplex, a knee strike, and a second superkick before securing the three-count victory.

Reports later clarified the incident as a split-second error. Benjamin, impressed by the impact of the first superkick and Bailey's selling of the move, attempted to call an audible to end the match there. The...