As the wrestling landscape continues to evolve, the absence of Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed from the October 21 broadcast of AEW Dynamite as reported had nothing to do with creative decisions or their ongoing storyline involving the AEW World Trios Championships.
Based on Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4WOnline.com, both members of The New Level were away from Wednesday’s television taping to attend the wedding of their longtime friend and past WWE stablemate, Notable E.
Substantial E married Kris Yim, the sister of WWE Star Mia Yim, additionally known as Michin — in a ceremony attended by family, friends, and several individuals from the professional wrestling industry. Kingston and Creed were among those in attendance, having maintained a close relationship with Big E following their years together in WWE.
One of WWE’s most successful factions, the three performers were longtime members of The New Day. In a separate but related matter, despite their careers taking different directions — their friendship has continued beyond their time working together as a trio.
The segment followed The Within the past few days introduced Level’s strap loss to Page and Brodido at AEW WrestleDream on October 17. Strickland came face to face with the new champions and demanded a rematch at AEW Full Gear — with Page agreeing to defend the titles against the ex champions.
With Kingston and Creed unavailable for Dynamite, Swerve Strickland represented The New Level alone during a in the back confrontation with the new AEW World Trios Champions, Hangman Adam Page and Brodido, the team of Bandido and Brody King.
On the other hand, the confrontation took a more personal switch when Strickland referenced his violent history with Page and put forward making the crown rematch a Texas Death Showdown. Recognizing that Strickland emerged to have motives extending beyond reclaiming the AEW World Trios Championships, page rejected the proposed stipulation.
The exchange allowed AEW to continue building the hostilities between the two teams while Kingston and Creed were away for Big E’s wedding.
Their absence was as relayed unrelated to any change in The Recently introduced Level’s creative direction, although neither man appeared on the October 21 broadcast. The group remains involved in the AEW World Trios Belt storyline heading toward Full Gear.