However, all good things come at a price. Unfortunately, that happened to be the health and well-being of Darby Allin, who found himself in a hospital bed last week – shortly after his match with Kevin Knight.
While Allin’s availability may be in jeopardy, his conspicuous absence didn’t hamper the proceedings. Kazuchika Okada scored three points with a victory over PAC; Kyle Fletcher earned his second victory with a win over Kevin Knight; and Claudio Castagnoli prevailed over his general, Jon Moxley, taking a lead in the Blue League.
The “Continental Classic” has given AEW a back-to-basics approach – signifying a marked departure from the plunder that was previously commonplace. That isn’t to say that this episode was without its unmitigated violence. The Timeless Love Bombs conquered Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir in a Holiday Hardcore Death Match – advancing to the finals of the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament.
This week’s episode began with a face-to-face encounter between Samoa Joe and Eddie Kingston, ahead of their match at “Winter is Coming.” Both the champion and challenger made incendiary remarks, which were enough to promote a world championship match. Still, I can’t help but feel like this could have been more. It’s unfortunate how quick the turnaround has been, particularly for Kingston – who always shines under the bright lights.
The other footnote of worth was The Opps’ victory over The Dark Order, in what was unofficially billed as an AEW World Trios eliminator match. The Dark Order, of course, failed rather predictably. “Hangman” Adam Page intervened in short order, but was thwarted by a deluge of security guards. Page promised he’d take care of Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata next week at “Winter is Coming,” albeit with a little help from his unlikely ally.
This was a fine episode of “Dynamite.” The highlights were the “Continental Classic” escapades. Unfortunately, the angles involving the Opps, Don Callis Family, and Elite all lack focus and intimacy due to the sheer number of wrestlers who were involved.
Rating: ***¼
Kazuchika Okada vs. PAC
PAC scored his first win in the “C2” last Thursday on the special Thanksgiving Day edition of “Collision,” defeating “Speedball” Mike Bailey. So, it was the reigning, defending Continental Champion, Kazuchika Okada, who entered this match in desperate need of a victory. PAC was predictably relentless, trying to smother “The Rainmaker” with agility and sheer force. That strategy rarely works against pro wrestling’s greatest counterpuncher.
Rating: ***½
Kyle Fletcher vs. Kevin Knight
A raucous exhibition between two of AEW’s brightest rising stars. Even in defeat, Kevin Knight has emerged as an early candidate for the MVP of this year’s “Continental Classic,” thanks to this performance.
Rating: ***¾
Timeless Love Bombs vs. Megan Bayne & Marina Shafir
“Timeless” Toni Storm excels in deathmatch scenarios. While this may have been her worst effort in the genre to date, it was still a fun exhibition. With their victory, the Timeless Love Bombs will now advance to the finals of the Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament, where they’ll face the Babes of Wrath at “Winter is Coming.”
Rating: ***¼
The Opps vs. The Dark Order
The fact that this exceeded the five-minute mark was an interesting choice on Tony Khan’s part. Calling this a match would be negligible at best. It was nice to see The Dark Order back on television, though.
Rating: **½
MATCH OF THE NIGHT: Jon Moxley vs. Claudio Castagnoli
The Ace strikes again.
Last Friday, Claudio Castagnoli ventured to Arena Mexico amidst the “Continental Classic” and defeated Gran Guerrero for the CMLL World Heavyweight Championship. Last night, Castagnoli entered the Fishers Event Center in Fishers, Ind., with his new title around his waist. His slow gait belied an unmistakable swagger, befitting a world heavyweight champion.
For years now, Castagnoli has been Moxley’s faithful adjutant – evolving into The Death Riders’ emissary of violence. This match presented Castagnoli with an opportunity to flip the dichotomy, amidst a speculative market. Will the Death Riders depose their king and put Moxley out to pasture, or is this an opportunity for iron to sharpen iron?
While the question remains, the fact of the matter is that Castagnoli proved to be the better man. The audience was bewildered, unsure of who to support in a war between two proper villains. However, it was Moxley who spurred them to cheer, through sheer force of competitive fervor and passion alone.
One year ago, I would have scoffed at the notion that Moxley would be the best wrestler in the world at the end of 2025. Now, he’s become the perpetual motion machine. Good thing “Ramblin’” Ray isn’t a gamblin’ man.
Rating: ***¾
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