With “Collision” taking a back seat to the NHL’s Stanley Cup Finals, this was also a four-hour long special — giving fans a PPV length program on “free” television.
Denver has become a hub of lucha libre in America, so it’s only fitting that AEW welcome the stars of Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) to continue promoting “Grand Slam: Mexico,” which will emanate from the historic Arena Mexico, on June 18.
Did this massive four-hour long episode of “Dynamite” deliver from beginning to end?
HIT: We hear from Will Ospreay
The show opened with Will Ospreay, joining Tony Schiavone in the ring to address the events that transpired last week after “Dynamite.”
To quickly review, Ospreay confronted Swerve Strickland — to reconsider his proposal last week. Strickland has no interest in reconciling with “Hangman” Adam Page to defeat The Death Riders, even if it’s a temporary truce.
Their argument devolved into a brief pull-apart, with Strickland sending Ospreay into a barricade.
Fast forward to last night and Ospreay is still convinced that he can unite Strickland and Page. However, he knows it’ll take a more heavy-handed approach. So, he’s going to beat some sense into Strickland, next week on the special “Summer Blockbuster” edition of “Dynamite,” in a highly anticipated sequel to their match at last year’s “Forbidden Door.”
Ospreay’s interview is interrupted by the CRU. Namely, Lio Rush, who has a lot of pent up rage. Why? I don’t know. Rush is looking for an outlet though and the “Aerial Assassin” is ready to oblige him. So, later tonight in the latter half of “Fyter Fest,” Ospreay will go one-on-one with Rush.
HIT: Jon Moxley vs. Mark Briscoe
The opening contest saw Mark Briscoe test his mettle against the AEW World champion, Jon Moxley.
While this match wasn’t for the title, it was an opportunity for Briscoe to prove to himself that he was on the world champion’s level. Unfortunately, he found himself at the mercy of Moxley’s jackals — Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir — and couldn’t overcome the overwhelming odds.
It’s a shame that this match wasn’t a little bit longer and a little more competitive. I truly believe that Briscoe could have pulled a vintage performance out of Moxley. This was good enough for what it was, though.
Rating: ***
HIT: “Timeless” Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. Julia Hart & Sky Blue
The second contest saw “Timeless” Toni Storm join forces with Mina Shirakawa, to face the battle tested combination of Julia Hart & Skye Blue.
Last Saturday, Shirakawa defeated Skye Blue in single’s competition. Julia Hart attacked Shirakawa, prompting Storm’s intervention and setting the stage for this contest.
Storm’s challenger at “All In” Texas, Mercedes Moné, was ringside for this match—with a sirloin steak and a glass of cabernet franc.
It feels like we’re on the cusp of a women’s tag team championship being introduced, so it’s only natural that we’re treated to more women’s tag team wrestling.
This was a fun contest, with Shirakawa and Storm demonstrating their own chemistry, in the face of Hart and Blue.
Rating: ***
HIT: Will Ospreay & MJF backstage
Will Ospreay was confronted backstage by Maxwell Jacob Friedman, who questioned Ospreay’s commitment to uniting Page and Strickland. Ospreay wasted little time resorting to violence, but quickly found himself surrounded by the other members of The Hurt Syndicate.
It’s clear that MJF has his sights set on the AEW World championship. He’s previously made enemies of Ospreay and Page, and has never hid his animosity towards Strickland.
HIT: The Hurt Syndicate appear live
The Hurt Syndicate took center stage after the commercial break, with MVP questioning who will step up in the tag team division, to challenge Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin.
Meanwhile, MJF is ready to begin climbing the proverbial, so he can earn a shot at his “Triple B.” So, he’s set his sights on Mexico’s biggest star, Mistico, at “Grand Slam Mexico.”
The trio of “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, & Komander interrupt The Hurt Syndicate, ready and willing to accept MVP’s challenge. MVP wants them to prove themselves first. Luckily, they already had a match scheduled last night.
HIT: “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, & Komander vs. RUSH, The Beast Mortos, & Dralistico
Bailey, Knight, & Komander continued their war against La Faccion Ingobernable: the imposing trio of RUSH, The Beast Mortos, & Dralistico.
My problem with AEW’s trios division, is that the matches often feel more like traditional six-man tag team wrestling, than lucha libre style trios wrestling.
This was more akin to the latter, playing fast and loose with the rules. While it may not have been the most engrossing affair, there’s a premium on watching cool wrestlers do cool things. All six of these men are undeniably cool and able to do cool things.
In the end, “Jet Speed’s” chemistry was on full display, with Knight clinching the victory with his version of the Five-Star Frog Splash.
Afterwards, MVP walked down the aisle to congratulate the victors, and offer them a match next week on “Summer Blockbuster,” against The Hurt Syndicate in trios action.
Rating: ***¼
HIT: Christian Cage & Nick Wayne backstage
Nick Wayne has returned from Japan, after competing in New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s annual tournament, the Best of the Super Juniors. With the tournament behind him, Wayne is ready to continue defending his ROH World TV championship.
So, Christian Cage has prepared another challenge for his “gimmick son.” This time, it’ll be a fatal four-way, taking place in the latter half of “Fyter Fest.”
HIT: Max Caster’s “Who Can Survive the Best Wrestler Alive” Open Challenge
Max Caster is still trying to find out “who can survive the best wrestler alive.”
This week, Caster’s open challenge was answered by Powerhouse Hobbs — who dispatched Caster in 50 seconds flat.
Caster is 0-11 in this open challenge series, and I’ve absolutely loved every bit of it. At this point, this is an obligatory hit.
Rating: N/A
HIT: Kenny Omega [c] vs. Brody King vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Máscara Dorada
This four-hour long episode of “Fyter Fest” was loosely divided into two sections: “Dynamite” and “Collision.”
This was the main event of “Dynamite’s” portion of “Fyter Fest.”
Kenny Omega defended his AEW International championship against Brody King, Claudio Castangoli, and CMLL’s young phenom, Máscara Dorada.
All four challengers represented their own nation’s, with one goal in mind: capture the coveted International championship. Unfortunately for the challengers, defeating Omega is no easy feat.
In fact, it’s nearly impossible.
King, Castangoli, and Dorada gave their all, though, battling amongst each other in what proved to be a truly dynamic affair.
Dorada in particular really impressed me, meeting Castagnoli and King’s smash-mouth style with grace and fluidity. Unfortunately, the 23-year-old’s effort wasn’t enough to escape Omega’s wrath, succumbing to the champion’s vaunted One-Winged Angel.
After the match, Kazuchika Okada confronted Omega. Both men wasted little time with the usual pleasantries, with their face-to-face confrontation quickly turning physical.
Omega countered Okada’s Rainmaker, but Okada escaped the One-Winged Angel—opting to retreat.
Rating: ***½
HIT: Ricochet in search of a faction
Ricochet is in-search-of loyal stooges, who will work tirelessly to help him capture championship gold. So, he’ll be watching closely, to find candidates capable of joining his new faction.
I love how transparent Ricochet has been. He has no grand, Machiavellian plan. He just knows that lines are being drawn in the sand and he needs an entourage.
I’m interested to see who joins him. Given his recent string of luck, it would be apropos if no one believed in Ricochet enough to follow him.
HIT: Will Ospreay vs. Lio Rush
Legendary junior heavyweight star Hiromu Takahashi once described Lio Rush as the “model junior heavyweight.”
Will Ospreay is arguably the greatest junior heavyweight in NJPW history.
From that standpoint, this was a thoroughly intriguing match—even if Rush doesn’t necessarily stand a chance. In all fairness though, I’m sure this was a treat for the crowd, even if it felt a little out-of-place. Ospreay is a bucket list performer, after all.
Rating: ***
HIT: Post-match angle
After his bout with Lio Rush, Will Ospreay was attacked by Action Andretti; with both men quickly gaining the upper hand in the conflict.
Enter “Hangman” Adam Page, who swiftly came to Ospreay’s rescue.
As Ospreay is escorted backstage by an official, Page addresses the elephant in the room—his animosity towards Swerve Strickland. Page still refuses to accept the help of a man who would threaten the safety of his family. Page vowed that he would defeat Moxley of his own volition.
Page was interrupted by the arrival of the AEW World champion, with The Death Riders circling the ring. Before The Death Riders could swarm the “Hangman,” Ospreay limped back down to the ring with two steel chairs; ready to fight off Moxley and co.
The Death Riders’ wisely opted to retreat.
It’ll be interesting to see how Page reacts to Ospreay’s match with Strickland next week. Will he be forced to intervene?
HIT: FTR vs. Atlantis Jr. & Templario
FTR are no strangers to the world of lucha libre, having previously held the AAA World tag team champions. Last night, they tested their mettle against two of CMLL’s youngest stars, Templario & Atlantis Jr.
As technico’s (lucha libre’s version of babyfaces), Templario & Atlantis Jr.’s fight against FTR is a righteous one. Unfortunately, FTR are the consummate heel tag team—employing any trick at their disposal with nefarious intent.
The two luchadores struggled to gain a decisive advantage in the contest, with FTR meeting them at every pass.
Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler thrive as heels in the ring, with unparalleled psychology and teamwork that appears telepathic at times. Hopefully, the generation of pro-wrestlers that follow FTR are studying their work, as opposed to some of their contemporaries.
Rating: ***¾
HIT: The Don Callis Family & Hechicero vs. Bandido & Los Outrunners
This was a star-studded eight-man tag team match, with former CMLL World champion, Hechicero, joining forces with Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher, dubbed “ProtoShita.”
Their opponents were the ROH World champion, Bandido, and The Outrunners—wearing lucha libre masks and performing as “Los Outrunners.”
The participants in this contest speak for themselves. I love Takeshita, Fletcher, Bandido, and Hechicero’s work in the ring; and The Outrunners are always a welcomed addition to any television program. Their lucha libre masks were an added bonus.
While Hechicero has competed in AEW before, his signature “llave” style is always a treat to watch. For those who are unfamiliar, “llave” is a submission-based style of wrestling that fiercely contrasts the conventional style of lucha libre.
Takeshita and Fletcher are no slouches either, with all three men managing to overcome the trio of Bandido & “Los Outrunners.”
Rating: ***¼
HIT: Tay Melo returns
Last Wednesday, Penelope Ford & Megan Bayne defeated the team of Anna Jay & Harley Cameron—injuring the latter. Now, with Cameron on the shelf, they’re ready to finish the job; revealing that they’ve captured Anna Jay.
Ford and Bayne drag Jay out to the entrance way. Before they could throw her off the top of the aisle, Tay Melo made her long-awaited return—saving her friend and former tag team partner.
TayJay is no stranger to a good old fashioned street fight. It’s also abundantly clear that a women’s tag team division is emerging in AEW. Hopefully, TayJay will be a staple of the division.
MISS: Nick Wayne [c] vs. Sammy Geuvara vs. Lee Johnson vs. AR Fox
Nick Wayne defended his ROH World TV championship against Sammy Guevara, Lee Johnson, and AR Fox.
If I may, this match was more than disappointing—it felt unnecessary. I understand that Christian Cage’s journey is inextricably tied to his gimmick son right now, but this was mediocre at best. More importantly, if any Ring of Honor championship is going to be defended on AEW television, why couldn’t it be Athena against some of CMLL’s luchadoras?
There were some fun sequences in this match, which is unsurprising given the talent involved.
For what it’s worth, Ricochet was on commentary—scouting the competitors for his future-faction.
In the end, Wayne retained his title and will live to fight another day.
Result: **½
HIT: Thekla’s debut
Last Wednesday, the “Toxic Spider,” Thekla, made her highly anticipated debut in AEW—assaulting Jamie Hayter.
Last night, the Austrian-born star returned to participate in her debut match, against Lady Frost.
Lady Frost has appeared numerous times in AEW, particularly on “Collision,” as well as Ring of Honor. However, as of late, she’s been competing in CMLL—winning seven of her last 10 matches. Unfortunately, she couldn’t carry her momentum into this contest.
Thekla ran roughshod over Lady Frost, winning her debut contest in dominant fashion. Hopefully, this is a sign of things to come, for the “Toxic Spider.”
Rating: N/A
HIT: Tony Khan’s huge announcement
At the beginning of the third hour, Tony Schiavone announced that Tony Khan had a “huge announcement” later in the program.
Long time AEW fans will remember Khan’s over-reliance on the news of a “huge announcement,” to attract viewers. It’s been a while since we’ve done this dance, hasn’t it?
In all fairness, this was a blockbuster announcement. Tony Khan has made it official: Kenny Omega will face Kazuchika Okada at “All In” Texas, in a winner takes all match.
Okada and Omega’s series of matches in NJPW elevated the promotion to ethereal heights in the late 2010s. Now, they’ll renew their historic rivalry in an AEW ring, facing off in single’s action for the fifth time.
To say I’m excited would be an understatement. “All In” Texas is shaping up to be a historic event for AEW.
HIT: The Don Callis Family vs. The Paragon & Daniel Garcia
The main event saw Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, & RPG Vice square off against The Paragon & Daniel Garcia.
For the final contest on a four-hour show, this was inoffensive enough. I honestly don’t care for The Paragon’s feud with The Don Callis Family. As things presently stand, it appears as though this might culminate in a Stadium Stampede match at “All In.” That would be fine, I suppose.
I don’t know if Orange Cassidy will return before “All In,” but a union between The Paragon and The Conglomeration seems likely—considering Tomohiro Ishii has reared his head in this feud.
Result: **¾
Final Verdict
I thoroughly enjoyed “Fyter Fest.” While I couldn’t handle four-hour long episodes every week, this was a great treat for fans of professional wrestling. However, the infusion of CMLL talent is inherently a polarizing decision.
Some fans only want to watch the stars of AEW ply their trade. I loved the influx of luchadores and am very excited for “Grand Slam Mexico.” Admittedly, I know I’m not the lowest common denominator, either.
My only real critique of this week’s show was the lack of women’s wrestling. While there were two women’s matches, Thekla’s match was hardly competitive. Nick Wayne’s title defense and the latter half’s main event easily could have been replaced with women’s wrestling matches, featuring talent from AEW, ROH, and CMLL’s luchadores.
Rating: ***¼
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