While AEW has been white hot over the last few months, the city of Omaha is bracing a blizzard. With last-minute changes made to accommodate travel delays, how did this week’s episode of “Dynamite” fare?
HIT: International Championship Elimination Tournament Fourway
With Mark Davis and Ricochet winning their requisite first-round matches on last weekend’s edition of Saturday Night “Collision,” both men have advanced to the finale of International Championship Elimination Tournament, joining Orange Cassidy and “Speedball” Mike Bailey.
Last night, all four men squared off in a fatal-fourway match to determine Kenny Omega’s challenger at “Dynasty.”
There was a lot to like about the opening contest. Which includes, but was certainly not limited to:
- This was a marvelous clash of styles.
- “Speedball” Mike Bailey continues to impress me in the squared circle.
- Midway through the match, Ricochet stole Excalibur’s headset to demean his opponents and Tony Schiavone.
- I loved hearing Taz talk about Mark Davis’ derriere.
In the end, Ricochet and Bailey pinned Davis simultaneously. The former used the ropes to stack Davis, unbeknownst to referee Bryce Remsburg, while the latter initiated the pin with a backslide. So, both Ricochet and Bailey will advance to “Dynasty,” to challenge Omega for the AEW International Championship.
I know it might be trite, but I love a properly executed double pinfall. More importantly though, I’m very excited to see Ricochet and Bailey face the “God of Professional Wrestling” in Philadelphia.
Rating: ***¼
HIT: Mercedes Mone vs. Billie Starkz
Billie Starkz is a true prodigy. Starkz signed with AEW when she was only 18, having previously challenged Jade Cargill for the TBS Women’s Championship nearly two years ago. Since then, Starkz has honed her craft in Ring of Honor under the stewardship of ROH Women’s World Champion, Athena.
Now, at only 20, Starkz has tested her mettle against a first-ballot Hall of Famer in Mercedes Mone.
There’s a reason why Mone’s theme samples the infamous “Chords of Dvorak.” And, it’s never more apparent than in circumstances such as these. For Starkz, defeating Mone would be tantamount to slaying a colossus. While she gave a valiant effort, it proved to be for naught.
Mone is now 21-0 since debuting in AEW and 6-0 in 2025. The question now is whether or not her encounter with Billie Starkz will garner the attention of the aforementioned ROH champion, Athena.
Rating: ***¼
HIT: Jon Moxley [c] vs. Adam Copeland (Street Fight)
This wasn’t a championship title match. It was a (street) fight.
The action began in the production truck, when Adam Copeland attacked Jon Moxley while he was entering the stadium. Both men gradually moved towards the ring area, until the action bled out into the stands.
From there, the match devolved into absolute insanity. Moxley drove Copeland’s head into the steel enforced announce desk with a Paradigm Shift. Copeland hit Moxley so hard in the back with his weapon, “Spike,” that it was physically stuck in the champion’s skin. Then, the previously injured members of The Death Riders returned to intervene in the affair. First, it was Wheeler Yuta, followed by both PAC and Claudio Castagnoli. FTR entered the fray to even the odds, with Dax Harwood delivering an emphatic piledriver to the champion. Then, Marina Shafir attacked Copeland, but was neutralized by Willow Nightingale.
Ultimately, though, even the “Rated R Superstar’s” best wasn’t enough to overcome the “One, True King.” Moxley endured Copeland’s vicious assault, rendering him unconscious with a Bulldog Chokehold. However, he was only able to gain the upper hand after Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne inexplicably interfered and attacked Copeland, acting on behalf of Christian Cage.
After the match, Copeland received a standing ovation, much to the chagrin of Dax Harwood. Cash Wheeler tried to stop his partner, but Harwood refused to relent.
The ultimate question however, is where was “Switchblade” Jay White? Did inclement weather prevent White from reaching Omaha, or was this by design?
This was a thoroughly entertaining match though, aside from The Patriarchy’s intervention. We’re left with plenty of questions, whether it be FTR’s future, White’s absence, or what lies ahead for Copeland.
Rating: ***¼
HIT: Will Ospreay vs. AR Fox
AR Fox has returned to “Dynamite” yet again, to perform the time honored tradition: a job. This time though, it was for Will Ospreay.
Last week, the “Aerial Assassin” called his shot at “All In” for the AEW World Championship. This week, it was revealed that in order to compete in the main event, he’d have to win the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.
As far as this match was concerned, it was short, sweet, and to the point. Ospreay made quick work of Fox, matching his unreal athleticism with the explosiveness of a cruiserweight and the stopping power of a heavyweight.
Rating: **¾
HIT: “Hangman” Adam Page’s announcement
“Hangman” Adam Page is backstage with Renee Paquette, to discuss the AEW World Heavyweight Championship picture.
Page was adamant that, if Swerve Strickland did beat Moxley at “Dynasty,” he’ll do everything in his power to take the title from Strickland. But, in order to do that, he’ll need to earn his shot at the championship. So, he’s throwing his name into the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament as well.
So far, the Owen Hart Cup has two juggernauts vying for a spot at “All In.”
HIT: Megan Bayne vs. Kris Statlander
Last Saturday on “Collision,” Megan Bayne defeated former AEW Women’s World Champion, Thunder Rosa, in single’s competition. Last night, she tested her mettle against Kris Statlander, in a highly anticipated rematch.
Against most opponents, Kris Statlander holds an overwhelming advantage in both size and power. The “Megasus” is certainly an exception to the rule. Thankfully, Statlander is a five-tool player, whose stature belies her athleticism and dexterity. Those qualities added a layer of depth that turned an otherwise exciting match into a great one.
“Timeless” Toni Storm’s contributions on the announce table only made this that much better. In the end though, it was Bayne who stood victorious, once again defeating Statlander with her Fates Descent.
After the match, Storm met Bayne in the center of the ring with great vengeance and furious anger. After trading blows, Storm cut a terrific promo and announced that, at “Dynasty,” she’ll defend her championship against the “Megasus.”
Rating: ***¼
Final Verdict
This was yet another terrific outing from AEW, who are currently white hot and still building momentum by the week. All of the evening’s matches were entertaining, the “Dynasty” card is becoming clearer, and the AEW World Heavyweight Championship was defended on “free” television.
Rating: ****
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Chris Graham
