Last night, AEW celebrated the sixth anniversary of its flagship television program, Wednesday Night “Dynamite,” live from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla.
This was a massive two-and-a-half-hour episode and while the promotion took a moment to celebrate the past, this year’s anniversary show was focused on the present – continuing the road to the next pay-per-view, “WrestleDream.”
Two world title matches were announced; Kyle Fletcher defended his TNT Championship; El Clon made his long-awaited debut; and Andrade became the first wrestler to leave the WWE, join AEW, leave AEW, return to WWE, leave WWE, and return to AEW.
The big winner last night was Don Callis, who assimilated both El Clon and Andrade into his ranks. Through sheer quantity and quality, the Don Callis Family has become All Elite Wrestling’s most imposing faction.
Andrade and El Clon’s dueling debuts raises an important question, though. Is the whole greater than the sum of its parts? I would vehemently disagree. On X (formerly Twitter), Callis called his wrestlers a “union of genetically gifted 1 percenters.” In all caps, of course.
THIS IS A UNION, OF GENETICALLY GIFTED ONE PERCENTERS https://t.co/0W8v17eZrk
— The Invisible Hand (@TheDonCallis) October 2, 2025
He also declared that “we control the means of production,” and “if I call for a work stoppage this whole place shuts down.” Clearly, Callis’ solution is to overwhelm his enemies through sheer volume. While it’s an admirable strategy, it seems like Andrade and El Clon are doomed to become lost in the shuffle.
I’ll admit though, it was pleasant to hear Andrade’s entrance music again.
His debut came on the heels of Kenny Omega and Brodido’s victory over The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander. After the match, Omega thanked the fans for their continued support, only to be blindsided by Andrade.
Kenny Omega & Brodido vs. The Young Bucks & Josh Alexander
Rating: ***
— Ray Petree (@ray_petree) October 2, 2025
El Clon debuted during Kyle Fletcher’s TNT title defense against Orange Cassidy, under the guise of Cassidy’s fellow Conglomeration stablemate, Hologram. For weeks, El Clon has been teased on Saturday Night “Collision” as Hologram’s nemesis, biding his time until he was ready to strike.. Unfortunately, Hologram was injured last Wednesday on “Dynamite,” forcing Cassidy to step up to the plate.
Fletcher has become adept at depriving the fans of huge spots, preferring to slow down the pace and build greater anticipation for the babyfaces. Cassidy’s natural inclinations are antithetical to that approach, resulting in a fascinating clash in styles.
Kyle Fletcher [c] vs. Orange Cassidy
Rating: ***¼
— Ray Petree (@ray_petree) October 2, 2025
“Hangman” Adam Page joined forces with The Opps to face the Death Riders. However, it’s important to remember that Page and Samoa Joe were enemies long before they were allies. Last night, tempers flared and those lingering issues were brought to light. An argument ensued, resulting in their alliance being dissolved and a title fight at “WrestleDream.”
Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Daniel Garcia vs. “Hangman” Adam Page, Samoa Joe & Powerhouse Hobbs
Rating: ***½
— Ray Petree (@ray_petree) October 2, 2025
Meanwhile, “Timeless” Toni Storm, returned to face Tay Melo in singles action. After pinning Melo with a Storm Zero, the former world champion challenged Kris Statlander to a match at “WrestleDream.” Unfortunately, this was a classless crowd, and Storm’s promo was drowned out by the sound of “what” chants. Hopefully, AEW steers clear of Hollywood, FL in the future.
“Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Tay Melo
Rating: **¾
— Ray Petree (@ray_petree) October 2, 2025
Gates of Agony defeated The Swirl (Blake Christian & Lee Johnson) in tag team action. Afterwards, The Hurt Syndicate interrupted The Demand’s celebration to challenge them to a street fight, next week in Jacksonville, for the “Homecoming” edition of “Dynamite.”
Gates of Agony vs. The Swirl
Rating: **¾
— Ray Petree (@ray_petree) October 2, 2025
In the main event, Darby Allin and Kris Statlander joined forces in mixed tag team action to face the Death Riders’ Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir. This was an awesome romp, complete with huge bumps and thumbtacks to Shafir’s bare feet.
Darby Allin & Kris Statlander vs. Wheeler Yuta & Marina Shafir
Rating: ***½
— Ray Petree (@ray_petree) October 2, 2025
Clocking in at two-and-a-half hours, this sixth anniversary show was a massive episode—complete with six matches, two prominent debuts, and two more matches announced for “WrestleDream.” Ostensibly, that sounds like a winning formula. Unfortunately, the overall match quality was nothing to write home about and the crowd was horrendous.
Rating: ***¼
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