AEW made its final stop on the road to “WrestleDream” in Spokane, Wash., for a special “Title Tuesday” edition of “Dynamite.”
Considering this episode had to compete head-to-head with “NXT,” which featured Randy Orton, this seemed like a rather unambitious outing from AEW. Still, there was a lot to enjoy from this week’s installment of “Dynamite;” preparing us for this Saturday’s pay-per-view.
Let’s dive in.
MISS: Jon Moxley’s Cold Open
Last week, Chris Graham and I gushed over AEW’s recent implementation of cold opens. I am a sucker for a great promo, especially if it’s creating a narrative throughline to the main event.
The problem is that I just have no idea what Jon Moxley was saying. This wasn’t insightful. In fact, it wasn’t even really coherent. It felt like Moxley was impersonating the Ultimate Warrior.
MISS: Jeff Jarrett on Commentary
Evidently Taz will be taking an extended leave of absence after undergoing knee surgery. In his stead, Jeff Jarrett joined the commentary team for this week’s episode.
I’ve really become fond of the “Last Outlaw” over the last six months, so it hurts to say that I didn’t enjoy his commentary. I’ve never been fond of a three-man booth, so suffice it to say I would have preferred Excalibur and Tony Schiavone carrying on in Taz’s absence.
If Jarrett is filling in for Taz for the foreseeable future, maybe he’ll grow on me.
MISS: Darby Allin and Brody King
I hate to categorize anything Darby Allin is involved in as a “miss,” but I’d be going against my better judgment if I called this a “hit.”
The most memorable part of this segment was Brody King’s attire. It’s hard to articulate why this segment felt so vapid. Allin’s words often lack passion, intent, and focus. While he shouts, it seems like he’s unconvinced with what he’s saying.
This week, Allin took credit for AEW hiring Brody King; expecting gratitude from the House of Black’s goliath. Instead, he accused King of desperately wanting Allin’s “spot” in the company. I don’t know if Allin intended to sound like a self-entitled prick, but he did.
King’s criticisms of Allin were warranted. Allin wants to be the face of AEW, but his actions don’t reflect that desire. It’s hard to disagree with King.
Will this be a turning point for Darby Allin? Is he turning heel or will Brody King teach him a lesson in humility? Unfortunately, I feel like this is a classic case of AEW spinning its wheels with Allin.
HIT: Don Callis and Jake Roberts Make a Trade
This ruined Don Callis’ credibility as a manager. He just got fleeced by Jake Roberts! He traded Lance Archer for an entire faction.
This is an obligatory homerun, because Jake Roberts’ was involved. I hope La Facción Ingobernables experiences a renaissance under Roberts’ stewardship.
HIT: Hologram vs. Komander
I couldn’t write a blow-for-blow analysis of this match in less than 1,000 words. For brevity’s sake, this was a really fun match between two of wrestling’s most exciting luchadors. Hologram continues to amaze me, especially when he’s riffing off of another aerial artist like Komander.
After the match, Rush, Dralístico, and the Beast Mortos attacked both men; with Jake Roberts’ watching from afar. I’m excited to see how much Roberts’ can endear the LFI to an English speaking audience.
Rating: ***
HIT: Daniel Garcia Returns
Daniel Garcia has officially re-signed with AEW.
This is an obligatory “hit,” because his Stone Cold Steve Austin costume was fantastic.
HIT: Women’s Four Way Match
Britt Baker was unable to travel this week, so her match with Willow Nightingale was replaced with a Fatal-Four-Way match. Nightingale’s opponents were Jamie Hayter, Nyla Rose, and Saraya; all of whom are former AEW World Women’s Champions. The current champion, Mariah May, joined Excalibur and co. on commentary.
This match was a little clunky, but I’m sure that can be attributed to the lack of preparation. Then again, it might have been easier if Baker was only replaced by one woman, as opposed to three, but I digress. Still, I was happy to see the return of Penelope Ford, who attacked Jamie Hayter with a steel chair.
In the end, Nightingale pinned Saraya to earn her shot at Mariah May this Saturday at “WrestleDream.”
With her match secured, that means that Nightingale will have appeared at every AEW Pay-Per-View this year — whether it was on the “Zero Hour” pre-show or the main card.
Rating: **
HIT: Jay White
Jay White’s charisma is off the charts.
After handedly defeating local talent Cody Chhun, the “Switchblade” addressed his opponent for “WrestleDream,” “Hangman” Adam Page. White said that Page is just one-of-two “wrongs” that he must right, before he wins the AEW World Championship. After he defeats Page, he’ll turn his attention to the second “wrong.”
Who or what is the second “wrong” that Jay White is referring to? Can Jay White really stop the runaway freight train that is “Hangman” Adam Page this Saturday at “WrestleDream?” I’m excited to find out.
HIT: Mercedes Moné vs. Emi Sakura
This match continued the long and storied tradition of Emi Sakura failing to win on national television. Mercedes Moné still hasn’t thoroughly impressed me in the squared circle, but this match was a step in the right direction. Moné’s use of the Statement Maker (fka the Bank Statement) was a welcome change, because the Moné Maker never looks like it’s properly executed.
Afterwards, Kris Statlander sprinted down the aisle and exchanged a few blows with Kamille.
Statlander’s sudden face turn is indicative of mismanagement on the part of Tony Khan, but isn’t a fate worse than death. Admittedly, it’s hard to hate Statlander, so I’m glad she’s a face again.
I think Moné and Statlander will fare far better as foils than Moné and Baker did.
Rating: **
HIT: Will Ospreay Declares War on the Don Callis Family
It was only a matter of time. Will Ospreay has officially waged war on Don Callis, with the AEW International Championship on the line this Saturday at “WrestleDream” in a triple-threat match against Konosuke Takeshita and Ricochet.
While I’m excited to see Ospreay and Takeshita share the ring, the most exciting aspect of this feud is where Kyle Fletcher’s allegiance will ultimately lie. Will he side with his manager or his dear friend? Hopefully, Fletcher will exit this program as an even bigger star than he was before.
HIT: Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta vs. Claudio Castagnoli & PAC
Claudio Castagnoli told Sports Illustrated that this would be Bryan Danielson’s last match on “Dynamite.” The insinuation being that Moxley would be retiring Danielson this Saturday at “WrestleDream.” So, Danielson’s use of the Final Countdown as his entrance music only further drove home that possibility for me. The realization began to set in that this might be the last time we see Danielson wrestle on “Dynamite” for the foreseeable future.
If this was Danielson’s final match on “Dynamite,” then who better for him to share the ring with than his protege Wheeler Yuta, his longtime friend and ally Castagnoli, and a wrestler he deeply admires like PAC. This was a fantastic tag team contest, culminating in Danielson forcing PAC to submit via the LeBell Lock. After the match, all hell broke loose. Castagnoli, PAC, and Marina Shafir attacked Yuta with a hammer, while Danielson and Moxley fought backstage. Eventually, Danielson drug Moxley back to the ring and saved Yuta — forcing the Blackpool Combat Club to clear the ring.
It’s hard to believe that Moxley can beat Danielson at “WrestleDream” when Danielson just beat the entire BCC up, but that’s a minor complaint. I just hope Moxley isn’t the one to this incredible run that Danielson’s on.
Rating: ***½
The rest of the week’s programming
Friday Night “Rampage”
- The Conglomeration vs. Undisputed Kingdom
- Rocky Romero vs. Bryan Keith
- The Beast Mortos vs. The Butcher
- Kris Statlander in action
- Lance Archer in action
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