The John Report: AEW Dynamite 05/24/23 Review
This week’s AEW Dynamite featured an ROH Tag Team Title match, a Jericho-Cole contract signing, MJF speaks and more on the last Dynamite before Double or Nothing.
I did not review last week’s show due to being on vacation. Double or Nothing is this Sunday night live on pay-per-view and I will likely write a live review of the show.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #190 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Check out the AEW PPV listing archive only on TJRWrestling as well. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It’s Wednesday night and you know what that means. Excalibur, Taz and Tony Schiavone were on commentary.
AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy vs. Kyle Fletcher
Kyle Fletcher is from the Aussie Open tag team. On Wednesday night, AEW signed that Fletcher and Mark Davis have been signed to AEW contracts. Davis is out of action with an injury right now.
Kyle hit a running kick followed by a brainbuster for two. Orange had tape on his back to sell injuries. Kyle kicked Orange off the apron to the floor. Kyle hit a suicide dive on Orange. Back in the ring, Kyle hit a clothesline for two. Kyle was on the turnbuckle, so Orange shoved him down onto the apron. Orange hit a sloppy DDT on the apron, but it’s not fair to criticize because it’s a risky move. Orange hit a Beach Break slam on the floor. Back in the ring, Orange hit a dropkick and Kyle hit a superkick for two. Kyle hit a delayed vertical suplex. They went to a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
Orange countered a move with a Stundog Millionaire and a leaping DDT for a two count. Kyle hit a running kick to knock Orange off the apron. They battled by the turnbuckle, Orange knocked him down, but Kyle caught him and hit a sitout Michinoku Driver for two. Kyle hit elbow strikes to the jaw along with a running kick. Orange basically no sold those moves and hit a brainbuster while deciding to sell at that point so there was no cover. Orange did his comedy punches, then a superkick and a Michinoku Driver. Kyle hit a Tombstone Piledriver twice in a row including a spinning version (it doesn’t look as good when you spin doing it) and that got a two count. Kyle hit a sitout Michinoku Driver off the turnbuckle for a two count. Kyle hit a running jumping side kick, but Orange came back with another DDT. Kyle with a superkick, Orange got out of a move while grabbing the legs and sat on top for the pinfall win after 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Orange Cassidy
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good match because Fletcher is talented just like Orange is, but it was obvious that Orange was going to win again. The finish was done in a way to show that Orange can beat people in a lot of ways, including counter moves and that’s what he did here. There are times in the match where I want these guys to slow down and sell moves, but they would rather just hit different moves without selling much. Anyway, it was a good choice for an opener.
Ricky Starks was interviewed backstage by Renee Paquette. Starks said he’s in the Blackjack Battle Royale at Double or Nothing. Starks complained about having to fight against Jay White & Juice Robinson, which led to Jay & Juice attacking Starks backstage. They beat up Starks throwing him into a case and hitting him with a steel chair to the back. Jay and Juice told Ricky they are not done with him.
Analysis: Poor Ricky Starks not being on the Double or Nothing card in a featured match is sad. He beat Chris Jericho at Revolution, yet who is in the bigger match? Jericho by far. Weak booking for Ricky since then. They also paid Jay White a lot of money to come to AEW and he’s in a battle royale instead of a high profile match.
(Commercial)
There were comments from “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry talking about his journey to make it to the Double or Nothing main event as a challenger for the AEW World Title. Jack said that the ring has given him a purpose and lets him live the life that he chooses to live. Jack says he’s going to become AEW World Champion.
A video aired about the AEW Tag Team Title feud between FTR and Jeff Jarrett/Jay Lethal with Karen Jarrett debuting in AEW to attacking FTR from behind and Jarrett/Lethal and friends did a cheap attack.
Let’s Hear from FTR
The FTR duo of Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler entered the ring for a promo. Cash said that Jarrett & Lethal have outsmarted them every step of the way, so he can’t take that away from them. Cash said they have been lucky, but at Double or Nothing their luck runs out. Dax said that Jeff has broken many guitars and still can’t remain relevant. Dax said that the head of the tag team division aren’t going to be some “rejects from TNA.” Dax told Jeff to call the “Queen of the Mountain” and said he didn’t mean his “bitch of a wife Karen” because he meant Dixie Carter. Ouch.
Mark Briscoe made his entrance to join FTR in the ring. Cash told Mark not to let them make Mark look stupid. Cash said three times they went to hell and back with The Briscoes and now they will go hell with him. Dax apologized to Mark for the piledriver. Mark pushed his hand away. Mark slapped Dax in the face. Cash tried to calm Mark down, so Mark left. Mark went up the ramp, pushed Karen & Sonjay away and slapped Jarrett in the face. Mark told Lethal that he is his boy, but Mark is getting tired of this bullshit. Mark went to the back.
Analysis: I don’t see FTR losing at Double or Nothing since they only won the titles recently. I don’t know why Jarrett & Lethal keep getting title shots. The Acclaimed should be on TV more.
Sammy Guevara was interviewed by Renee Paquette, who said MJF’s offer still stands for Sammy to lay down in the Double or Nothing main event and get a lot of money, but Sammy said he won’t do that. Sammy did his version of the “I’m going to win the AEW World Title” promo.
Analysis: Sammy is not going to win, but he’ll do some crazy flips, so that’s cool.
House of Black made their entrance for a match.
(Commercial)
AEW Trios Championships: House of Black – Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews & Brody King (w/Julia Hart) vs. Blake Christian, Metalik & AR Fox
The dealer’s choice for this match is no tags required. If somebody left the ring then somebody else could just go in.
They had some unique lighting for this House of Black match with more of a spotlight around the ring. Buddy kneed Christian out of the ring and Black knocked Metalik out of the ring. Blake hit a corkscrew kick on King, but then King caught Black and hit a powerslam. Black with a knee strike on Black. Metalik kicked Black, but then Black decked Metalik with a knee for him as well. Metalik walked the ropes leading to a dropkick. Blake and Metalik each hit dives on the floor. King knocked down Fox with an elbow. Fox kicked King out of the ring. Fox jumped off the top rope with an implosion senton onto a pile of dudes on the floor. Back in the ring, Buddy hit a Curb Stomp on Fox and applied an inverted Texas Cloverleaf submission, Fox got to the ropes and there was no rope break. Black applied a knee bar on Fox. Blake kicked Buddy in the head twice and Buddy no sold it. King choked Blake. Fox tapped out to Buddy.
Winners by pinfall: House of Black – Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews & Brody King
Analysis: **1/4 Easy win for House of Black after the opponents did some nice flips. Buddy no selling those superkicks in that spot make Blake Christian look weak. Poor guy. Anyway, this was fine for a shorter TV match, but no story or anything other than a HOB victory.
They showed highlights of the Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing 2022.
The Blackpool Combat Club was in the locker room. Bryan Danielson spoke first about how they are going to end The Elite. Jon Moxley said that they do this job the way it’s meant to be done and there is nobody better than them. Moxley wondered if you are willing to step up and deliver when it counts. Moxley said that this Sunday, the BCC will deliver. Moxley said that you will see the difference between professionals and amateur. Claudio & Wheeler said nothing, but they are in action later.
Analysis: I liked that Moxley promo. It was done without him yelling or anything like that. It was calm, cool and collected while speaking with a lot of confidence. Well done.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from MJF and Darby Allin
Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his entrance as the AEW World Champion. MJF drank some beverage that was on the commentary table and threw it on Tony Schiavone. Taz was laughing. Me too. MJF got into the ring for a promo.
MJF said that when you look around this arena, we should change the name to Virgin Vegas. MJF trashed Sammy, Darby and Jack as usual. MJF said he is fully aware of how important and monumental it is for the four of them to be in the main event. MJF said that they have been here since day one and they weren’t on national television four years prior. MJF said you didn’t know who they were, but they have beaten everybody and they have given you the best matches/moments in this company and “we are AEW.”
MJF claimed he was bored around here and sick of this place. MJF said he was sick of the lack of competition and sick of the fans not showing him the respect he greatly deserves. MJF mentioned his contract is coming up. MJF complained about how he doesn’t have to get pinned to lose his belt. MJF said that Tony Khan wants to have somebody take this title from him. MJF said that this title is his ball and he runs with it faster than anybody else. MJF said that these three men are talented, but none of them are on the level of The Devil (himself).
Darby Allin showed up for the interruption to join Max in the ring. They already had Jack & Sammy talk on the show, so now it is Max’s turn. Allin spoke about how he knows where he is going. Allin talked about how he chased after his pro wrestling dreams. Allin said that AEW saved his sanity because it lets him live the way he wants to live. Allin even mentioned climbing Mount Everest next year. Allin wants to be the face of AEW so he needs to be World Champion. Allin claimed he is taking Max’s championship and he might even do it with a headlock takeover.
MJF kicked Allin in the groin. Tony called him the lowest form of life on Earth. Sammy Guevara ran down the ramp and MJF ran away like a coward. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry made his entrance and clotheslined MJF on the ramp. Jack held up the AEW World Title while they all did some staring and MJF sold the clothesline on the ramp as the most devastating move ever. At least some people in AEW know how to sell.
Analysis: I liked the MJF promo as usual. Allin making it clear what his goal is was a good idea for his promo. It’s a relatable story and he’s an easy guy to root for. I liked how this was done for the most part. With all of that said, I think MJF is not losing the AEW World Title to any of these guys at Double or Nothing. The champion will retain.
Wardlow, the TNT Champion, did a backstage promo with Arn Anderson about Wardlow’s match with Christian Cage at Double or Nothing. Arn said it was four days away and held up four fingers saying that’s ironic referring to the Four Horsemen.
Analysis: Just to summarize this story, Christian Cage lost to Darby Allin at the last PPV, won no matches since then and is getting a TNT Title match just because he’s a jerk. Weak storytelling.
Taya Valkyrie vs. Lady Frost
Taya is challenging Jade Cargill for the TBS Title at Double or Nothing on Sunday night. Frost got a headscissors, Taya did an arm drag and then a sliding lariat for tow. Taya went for a charging attack, Frost moved and Frost hit the turnbuckle. Taya hit a running clothesline for a two count. Jade Cargill and friends appeared on the stage to watch the match.
(Commercial)
Frost hit a cannonball attack in the corner. Frost hit a twisting cross body boff the top, but Taya basically no sold that and hit a version of a Spear. Taya hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two followed by a stomp to the back to drive Frost’s body into the mat. The referee grabbed Taya’s arm and told her to move back, so that was weird. Maybe it was a time signal. Frost got a kick to the head. Taya hit a backbreaker. Taya with a knee strike. Taya hit the Road To Valhalla slam for the pinfall win. Always one of my favorite covering styles in wrestling. It went about eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Taya Valkyrie
Analysis: **1/4 Good win for my fellow Canadian Taya to build her up for the TBS Title match. Frost is talented, but she had no shot here. Taya is always going to have a solid match as a veteran that can work different styles, she has power and is believable to watch.
Tony Khan, the AEW CEO/President/GM did a taped promo announcing the AEW Collision debut will be on Saturday, June 17th at the United Center in Chicago. They did not announce CM Punk.
Analysis: They didn’t announce CM Punk, but we know he’ll be there most likely.
(Commercial)
There was a backstage interview with “Hangman” Adam Page wearing a ridiculous eye patch. Hangman talked about being friends with The Elite and feeling like family with them. Hangman talked about how The Elite will beat the Blackpool Combat Club in the Anarchy in the Arena match.
Analysis: A generic promo. The eye patch looks silly. I know that Hangman is selling the eye injury, but it looks weird.
Contract Signing: Adam Cole & Chris Jericho
Tony Schiavone moderated this with a table in the ring along with two chairs. Adam Cole entered first with Roderick Strong. Chris Jericho was next with the Jericho Appreciation Society’s Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker. Jericho faces Cole in an Unsanctioned Match at Double or Nothing on Sunday. Tony said they agreed to no contact.
Adam Cole recalled the moment when Jericho was shouting “again, again, again” when Saraya attacked Britt Baker with a kendo stick while Cole was handcuffed to the ropes. Cole said that Jericho is a scumbag that thinks he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants. Cole said we’ll find out how invincible Jericho is this Sunday when Cole beats the living hell out of him. Cole said that AEW should be thankful that it’s an unsanctioned match because the blood will be on his hands and that’s how he likes it. The fans chanted “Adam Cole” as Cole said he can’t beat him up now because of what they agreed to. Cole said on Sunday night we’ll find out if Jericho can walk because he’ll break his legs, he’ll shatter his jaw and break Jericho’s hands. Cole: “If I were you, I would sign the paper, bitch.” Cole signed the paper and tossed it across the ring.
Jericho stood up out of the chair: “I ain’t no bitch, I’m not from Las Vegas.” Jericho teased signing, but he decided to talk a bit. Jericho called for a video of Saraya beating Baker with a kendo stick while Cole was handcuffed.
Jericho got in Cole’s face and wondered what kind of man would allow that to happen to the love of his life. Jericho told Cole he is a coward. Jericho said you can’t beat The Ocho. Jericho signed the contract. Jericho said Cole got outsmarted since there are no rules and it’s five of them against two of Cole’s group.
Cole said he made a call to a man that lives in Las Vegas and he’s crazier than all of them combined. Cole introduced us to the ECW wrestling legend Sabu. Taz was marking out to his old friend/opponent.
Sabu made his entrance down to the ring. I wouldn’t say that Sabu walks great, but his active days are behind him. Sabu threw a chair at Menard’s face and the rest of the JAS ran away. The fans chanted “Sabu” to end it.
Analysis: Good promos there. Cole spoke with a lot of conviction while Jericho was at his heelish best. I guess we are supposed to believe that five guys against three guys is close to even now with Sabu helping Cole. Based on the story, Cole should win that match because I think AEW wants him to be a main event babyface so beating Jericho would be good for him.
A video aired about the AEW Women’s Title with Jamie Hayter defending the title against Toni Storm. There might be a title change there because there are rumors that Hayter has a legit right arm injury so she might be losing the title for that reason.
Daniel Garcia vs. Roderick Strong
They got into a chopfest with Strong winning that. Garcia with punches to the body, Strong with a boot to the jaw and a backbreaker by Strong leading to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
Garcia was in control after a stomp to the back to drive Strong into the mat along with some stomps to the body. Strong countered a move with a front suplex. Strong hit a dropkick, a running knee strike and a lifting powerslam for a two count. Strong with a leg capture backbreaker. Garcia got a rollup for two. Strong with a knee to the ribs. Garcia with overhead chops and a uranage slam for two. Garcia applied the Dragontamer submission, Strong turned out of it and hit a gutbuster with double knees. Strong with a suplex into the knees called the End of Heartache for the pinfall win after ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Roderick Strong
Analysis: **3/4 A good technical wrestling match featuring allies of Cole and Jericho, so there is at least a bit of a story there. They are using Strong like they tend to use newer guys with matches in consecutive weeks and then some of them disappear in the weeks after, so we’ll see how they use Strong in the future. It seems like Garcia is locked into this role as a guy that loses to Jericho rivals and doesn’t get many big wins. The fans were quiet for this match.
They showed a video of AEW’s Willow Nightingale winning the NJPW Strong Women’s Title. Willow beat Mercedes Mone to win the title.
Analysis: The reason for the title change is because Mercedes got hurt in the match and they had to have Mercedes win, but they aren’t going to say that in this promo.
There was a rundown of the Double or Nothing card for this Sunday night on PPV in Las Vegas.
AEW World Championship: MJF (c) vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin
TNT Championship Ladder Match: Wardlow (c) vs. Christian Cage
AEW Tag Team Championships: FTR – Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal – Mark Briscoe is the referee
AEW Women’s Championship: Jamie Hayter (c) vs. Toni Storm
Anarchy in the Arena Match: The Elite – Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Blackpool Combat Club – Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
Unsanctioned Match: Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie
AEW International Championship 21-Man Blackjack Battle Royale: Orange Cassidy defends against 20 opponents
The main event tag team match was up next.
(Commercial)
ROH Tag Team Championships: Lucha Brothers – Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix (w/Alex Abrahantes) Blackpool Combat Club – Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
Bryan Danielson joined commentary to support his BCC guys.
Penta and Fenix sent the challengers out of the ring. They hit suicide dives. Penta hit a cross body block on both opponents. Fenix also hit a cross body block on both guys on the floor. Penta with a sitout slam on Yuta for two because Claudio made the save. Fenix tagged in, Claudio was in illegally with an uppercut and a lariat to clean house. Penta illegally with a Blockbuster on Claudio and Fenix hit a running kick. Fenix jumped off the top with nothing as Claudio hit an uppercut for two.
(Commercial)
Yuta was in control of Fenix, then Claudio tagged in and did the Giant Swing leading to Yuta hitting a dropkick. Fenix countered a Claudio power move leading to a headscissors/slam type move. Penta tagged in against Yuta with a superkick, then a headscissors on Claudio and Penta hit a Powerbomb onto the knees for two. Penta went for an arm submission on Yuta, but Claudio kicked Penta. Fenix tagged in with a jumping kick on Claudio, a forearm on Yuta and Bros hit a double superkick. They did a few combo spots leading to Penta hitting a Canadian Destroyer on Claudio. Fenix hit a sitout Tombstone on Yuta for two with Bryan claiming they train their necks in the BCC so they can kick out of that. Claudio shoved Penta off the top rope. Claudio was in the ring illegally again with an uppercut and Claudio launched Yuta off the top for a splash for two with Fenix kicking out. Claudio hit a cheap shot on Fenix that the referee never saw, but in AEW do you really need to hit guys behind the backs where the referees do nothing about it? Anyway, Penta tagged in and Fenix was there for a double team move while The Young Bucks were under the ring and grabbed Claudio to prevent him from interfering. Lucha Bros hit the Fear Factor (spike piledriver) on Yuta for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Lucha Brothers – Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fenix
Analysis: ***1/2 A great tag team match with the champions retaining while The Young Bucks caused the challengers to lose because they took out Claudio on the floor. Fenix and Penta matches are fun to watch, but they also ignore tag team rules as much as any team in AEW (along with the Young Bucks) so it can be frustrating to watch in that way too. When Yuta is in matches with the BCC guys he is usually the guy that eats the pin. They need to stop doing that because it becomes too obvious, but I get not wanting to beat Claudio too.
There were a few minutes left as The Young Bucks left through the crowd. Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson went down to ringside.
Jon Moxley did a promo telling The Young Bucks to take pictures now because they will be disfigured. Moxley did one of his grunting promos about the Anarchy in the Arena. Moxley said if you’re squeamish about the sight of blood then buckle your seatbelt because you haven’t seen anything yet. Moxley’s music played as the announcers shilled Double or Nothing on Sunday. End show.
Analysis: I think The Elite will beat the BCC guys, but it really could go either way. That’s going to be an incredible match.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Lucha Bros
- Orange Cassidy
- Chris Jericho-Adam Cole
===
The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.25 out of 10
Last Week: No review
2023 Average: 7.5
===
Final Thoughts
A pretty good episode of Dynamite as the go-home show for Double or Nothing on Sunday. There are certain matches at Double or Nothing that were not featured much other than short videos, but you can’t get everything on the show. I liked most of the talking segments to build to Double or Nothing, especially by Chris Jericho and Adam Cole for their match. Nice surprise seeing Sabu on an AEW show.
I think in terms of match choices, this wasn’t as strong as the better AEW episodes. Some of the matches felt flat and had outcomes that were so obvious that it was tough to get into them. With that said, most of the finishes made sense.
The hardcore AEW fans that see no fault in the company will think that Double or Nothing is an incredible lineup. I think there are some things that could be booked better and certain people should be used in better spots, but I like the lineup overall.
The next AEW pay-per-view is Double or Nothing on Sunday, May 28th. Here’s the lineup:
AEW World Championship: MJF (c) vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry vs. Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin
Anarchy in the Arena Match: The Elite – Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Blackpool Combat Club – Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta
Unsanctioned Match: Chris Jericho vs. Adam Cole
TNT Championship Ladder Match: Wardlow (c) vs. Christian Cage
AEW Women’s Championship: Jamie Hayter (c) vs. Toni Storm
AEW Tag Team Championships: FTR – Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood (c) vs. Jeff Jarrett & Jay Lethal – Mark Briscoe is the referee
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Taya Valkyrie
AEW International Championship 21-Man Blackjack Battle Royale: Orange Cassidy defends against 20 opponents
Matt Hardy, Jeff Hardy & Isiah Kassidy vs. Ethan Page, Austin Gunn & Colten Gunn for control of Page’s contract
===
Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport