The John Report: AEW Dynamite 08/14/24 Review
This week’s AEW Dynamite featured The Young Bucks against The Acclaimed, Swerve Strickland facing Wheeler Yuta, and more.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #254 from the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It’s Wednesday and you know what that means. It’s Excalibur on commentary with Tony Schiavone and Taz.
Mercedes Mone made her entrance as the TBS Champion for a title match to start the show.
TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone (w/Kamille) vs. Hikaru Shida
Shida was aggressive to start the match as she sent Mone into the ropes. Mone did a hair pull takedown. Shida hit a shoulder tackle. Mone got a rollup for two. Mone did a takedown leading to an armbar. Both women did dropkicks at the same time leading to a staredown. Shida did a hurricanrana followed by punches. Shida connected with a snap suplex for two. Shida went for a running knee, Mone reversed it and they exchanged pin attempts. Mone avoided a knee strike by bailing to the apron. The referee saw Kamille hold Mone’s leg to stop a suplex and didn’t eject Kamille for it. Shida hit a backbreaker. Mone was on the apron, Kamille got in Shida’s face on the floor and Mone hit the Meteora double knees on Shida on the floor. Mone hit a running double knee Meteora for a two count. Mone charged, Shida hit a boot to the face and Mone came back with a kick to the head. Mone hit Shida with the double knees against the turnbuckle for a two count. Shida hit a jumping enziguri kick to the head. Mone worked over Shida with elbow strikes. Shida came back with a missile dropkick. Shida punched Mone a few times followed by a jumping knee smash for two. Mone countered a move leading to a backstabber double knees to the back. Mone charged, Shida avoided it and Shida hit a knee to the back. Mone fought back and hit the Meteora double knees for a two count. Mone hit two vertical suplex, but Shida blocked a third suplex attempt and Shida hit a Falcon Arrow slam for two. Kamille pulled Mone out of the ring. Shida kicked Kamille, who was on the floor. Shida hit Kamille with a kendo stick to the body. Mone took the kendo stick, the referee was looking at Mone doing that and Kamille hit a boot to the head. Mone hit the Mone Maker slam into the mat for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Mercedes Mone
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match with a cheap finish since Kamille got in a cheap shot leading to Mone picking up the win right after it. The amount of double knee attacks in this match felt excessive to me, but I get that Mone does it as a regular move. Mone getting the win makes sense since she’s against Britt Baker at All In while Shida really isn’t being featured that much.
After the match, Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D’s music hit and Kamille attacked a fan sitting in the crowd who had a mask on because Baker was dressed like that in the past. Baker showed up from the crowd and attacked Mercedes Mone from behind. Baker took down Mone and tried to apply the Lockjaw, but Kamille saved Mone from it. Baker held up the TBS Title to celebrate. They didn’t reveal who the woman was that Kamille attacked.
Analysis: A decent post match angle to have Baker get her hands on Mone, but Kamille was there to stop it. I would rather see go after Britt with an attack rather than have Kamille retreat and look weak. Kamille needs to be stronger than that. I don’t think the story has been that hot although I expect Mone-Baker to have a great match at All In.
The group of Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt & Karen Jarrett were interviewed by Renee Paquette. Before it could go very far, “Hangman” Adam Page attacked Lethal and Jarrett. Hangman and Lethal went brawling down to the ringside area.
“Hangman” Adam Page vs. Jay Lethal
Lethal sent Page out of the ring and Lethal hit a suicide dive five times in a row. That was impressive to see since Lethal did the same move five times in a row. They were on the apron where Page hit a Deadeye slam on the apron. That move makes me feel bad for Hangman’s knees more than it makes me feel sorry for the guy taking the move. Page sent Lethal into the barricade and onto the timekeeper’s table. They went to a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
Page remained aggressive on offense with a forearm strike. Lethal got a rollup. Page hit a belly-to-belly side slam for two. Page connected with a Death Valley Driver for two. That looked like a rough landing for Lethal’s head/neck. Page was bleeding from the mouth. Page charged, Lethal got a rollup and Lethal sat on top for another pin attempt. Lethal did a backslide pin for two and a cradle for two. Lethal hit his Lethal Combination (backbreaker/flatliner) for two. Page got an armbar takedown leading to a Crossface, but Lethal got out of it. Page gouged the eyes and applied an inside cradle for two. Page nailed Lethal with a discus lariat. Page hit the Buckshot Lariat for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: “Hangman” Adam Page
Analysis: **3/4 A decisive win by Page after he controlled most of the match. Lethal hit those five dives early and then he didn’t get much offense other than trying for pin attempts. I don’t remember the last time Lethal won a match on Dynamite. It doesn’t happen. Page remains one of the best wrestlers in AEW and I really enjoy watching his matches.
There were highlights shown of MJF beating Michael Oku in a match at Rev Pro. MJF hit a Tiger Driver during the match and hit Oku with an American Title shot after the match. Will Ospreay made the save or his friend Oku, so MJF ran away.
A video aired about MJF facing Will Ospreay at the All In PPV taking place at Wembley Stadium. Ospreay said that this is legacy and he thinks he is the best in the world. Ospreay said that the game has changed since he got to AEW. MJF, the AEW American Champion, said that he was the best in the world. The video showed their history while MJF introduced the American Championship to replace the International Championship. Ospreay said that MJF disgraced that championship. MJF said that Ospreay lacks what it takes to be a real king in this sport and what Will lacks is a killer instinct. MJF said he’ll hit a Tiger Driver and keep his title. There were more comments by both guys.
Analysis: Good video although I think MJF is the best performer in AEW and when he’s not on the show in person, it hurts the show. I don’t know who is winning that match at AEW All In. I’m probably going with Will Ospreay to pick up the victory and rename it the AEW International Title. They might use Daniel Garcia to cost MJF the match, but that depends on if Garcia is staying in AEW long term.
Next week on AEW Dynamite from Cardiff, Wales: MJF goes face to face with Will Ospreay.
(Commercial)
Pac did a promo backstage saying that he was the number one contender for the AEW American Title even though it’s the International Title. Pac said that Will Ospreay took his match. Pac said he’s sick of this match. Pac said that was his ticket to his Wembley moment. Pac said that he will face the International/American Champion at All Out in Chicago. Pac said that he’s going to take back what’s his and show what The Bastard is capable of.
Darby Allin picked up wins on Rampage and Collision last week. That arena at Collision is so dark to hide the small crowd.
There was a video package about Darby Allin, who spoke about killing himself in the indies. Darby said that he heard AEW was starting, so then he realized it was a place where he can be himself. Darby spoke about AEW signing “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry while trashing him for not having to struggle to get there. Allin blasted Perry for being a child who takes everything for granted. Allin said that he goes out there every week and he kills himself. Allin said he wishes Perry got fired after the stuff he did last year. Allin said he wouldn’t miss Jack and the fans wouldn’t miss Jack. Allin said at Wembley, we’re going to end this.
Darby Allin made his entrance in the arena, but he was taken out by Jack Perry, who nailed Allin with a running knee while on the ramp. Perry sent Allin to the backstage area. There was a camera back there as Allin tripped up Jack on equipment cases. Jack did an eye gouge and then Jack threw a trash can at Allen. Perry threw Allin hard into the garage door. Perry pulled the garage door on Allin’s chest. Perry said that Allin will be sacrificed. Perry got a road case that he tried to roll into Perry, but security guys stopped that. Perry spoke into the camera saying he wanted a Coffin Match at All In.
Analysis: A Coffin Match at All In for the TNT Title sounds good to me. Allin and Perry will take some risks in the match to make it fun.
(Commercial)
Mariah May was featured in a video package. May wondered If it was better to be remembered or forgotten. May said that last year at Wembley Stadium, Toni Storm failed. May said this year it’s about her and not about Storm. May said if you want to be a star, now it’s time to burn. May burned some clothes that she wore to pay tribute to Storm. May said one day she’ll look out the window and wonder what happened to Toni Storm. May said they will both get to die, but May will get to write her eulogy.
Analysis: Nicely done. Mariah May has been one of the biggest stars in the women’s division this year in AEW. I think she’ll beat Toni Storm at All In.
Mina Shirakawa was interviewed by Renee Paquette, who asked if Mina had any contact with May or Storm. Mina said no and that she was broken by what happened. Mina said she didn’t know May was so vicious and has never seen Toni Storm so focused on revenge. Mina was asked to pick a winner and Mina said she hopes nobody gets hurt.
Analysis: Poor Mina. At least she dresses well. Just saying.
The TNT Championship match at All In is now a Coffin Match between champion Jack Perry and challenger Darby Allin. It’s official.
Orange Cassidy vs. Roderick Strong vs. Kyle O’Reilly
The winner gets to be the first entrant in the Casino Gauntlet Match at All In. Strong was aggressive to start the match as he sent Orange into the turnbuckle. Kyle hit Strong with a knee and a clothesline that sent Strong out of the ring. Orange hit a suicide dive on Strong. Kyle let Orange back into the ring as the show went to a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
Strong connected with a backbreaker on Kyle and Strong hit double knees on Orange. Strong gave Orange a uranage slam on Kyle for two. Strong hit backbreakers on both guys back to back. Strong connected with a back body drop for two. Kyle rolled up Orange, who came back with his own pin attempts. Strong got back into it with a double Stronghold submission on both guys, but then Strong lost the grip and let go. Orange with a boot to the face on a charging Strong. Orange went for something off the top, but Kyle kicked him down. Strong hit Kyle with numerous strikes to the forehead. Kyle applied a guillotine choke on Strong followed by Orange hitting a falling elbow drop off the top. All three guys were down. Matt Taven & Mike Bennett went out to ringside to support their buddy Strong. Mark Briscoe & Tomohiro Ishii made the save by taking out Taven & Bennett. Briscoe hit a somersault dive over the top onto both guys. Orange sat in a chair to avoid a chagrining Strong, who bumped to the floor. Orange hit a suicide dive onto Strong. Strong drove Orange into the apron and Strong slammed Kyle on the apron.
(Commercial)
The three guys were in the ring exchanging strikes as Kyle and Strong knocked eachother down with forearm. Orange did his stupid comedy kicks followed by some more kicks and then Orange did a hurricanrana on both opponents at the same time. Orange hit a DDT on Kyle and Orange hit Beach Break on Strong for two. Kyle trapped Orange in an armbar and then Kyle applied an ankle lock on Strong, but Orange stopped that with a kick to Strong as well. Kyle kicked Strong as well. Strong and Kyle hit a high-low kick on Orange at the same time. Strong kicked Kyle and then a jumping knee on Orange. Strong hit a running kick on Kyle. Kyle came back with a slam into an armbar, but then Orange grabbed Kyle and did a crucifix pin on Kyle for the three count. It went 16 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Orange Cassidy
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match between three talented wrestlers. There was something on the line for the winner, so that made me care more about it than a regular triple threat match that AEW does. They got plenty of time, which always helps build a match in terms of having exciting moments. I’m not surprised by Orange getting the win since he’s pushed more than the other two guys.
That win by Orange Cassidy means he is in the #1 spot in the Casino Gauntlet Match at AEW All In. The winner of that match gets an AEW World Title match.
Kazuchika Okada, the AEW Continental Champion, had a face-to-face segment with Claudio Castagnoli backstage. Renee Paquette conducted the interview between them. Claudio said that he’s going to make his Continental Championship shot count. Okada told Claudio he was very passionate. Okada said he’s the greatest tournament wrestler of all time and said he’s a 4-time NJPW G1 winner. Okada said Claudio will respect him when he beats him in Cardiff. Okada said: “Good luck, bitch.” Claudio said he wanted the Rainmaker, not The Elite’s lackey. Claudio said he wants the Tokyo Dome main event Rainmaker. Claudio told Okada that he better be ready because he’ll have 99 problems and this bitch will be number one. The Okada-Claudio match is on Dynamite next week.
Analysis: That’s going to be an awesome match between Okada and Claudio next week on Dynamite. I think that match certainly could have been saved for All In, but I don’t mind it being on Dynamite. I assume both guys have a role at All In and that could be the Casino Gauntlet match that will involve many people. Anyway, I think Okada will retain against Claudio, but I also wouldn’t mind a title change.
(Commercial)
Christian Cage and The Patriarchy were interviewed by Renee Paquette about the AEW Trios Tag Team Titles. Cage claimed that he was a fair referee in the match between House of Black and Bang Bang Gang that ended with no winner on Collision last week. Christian claimed he’ll hold every title in AEW before becoming AEW World Champion. Cage said he will hold every title in AEW at the same time. Cage said he won’t be on Rampage to watch Nick Wayne’s match with Kip Sabian. After Renee asked a question, Christian told her to get lost and go be a mother. Christian said she hopes she was a better mother than an interviewer. Christian reminded us that Patriarchy are the faces of TBS now and forever.
Analysis: I really don’t care that much about the AEW Trios Tag Team Tiles. However, it seems like it’s building to The Patriarchy vs. Bang Bang Gang vs. House of Black at All In.
Let’s Hear from Hook and Chris Jericho
Hook was interviewed in the ring by Tony Schiavone. Hook claimed he couldn’t see out of the left eye, but he could see out of the right eye. Hook said he is sick of Jericho’s shit and he wanted to face Chris Jericho right now.
The FTW Champion Chris Jericho appeared with his allies Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Jericho made it seem like he might accept Hook’s challenge for a match on Dynamite, but instead, Jericho said no to that idea. Instead, Jericho granted Hook an FTW Title match at All In. There were two caveats added by Jericho regarding the FTW Title match at All In. Jericho told Hook this would be his last shot at the FTW Title. Jericho also told Hook he had to face Big Bill next week on Dynamite. Hook said he would dump “Big Bi**h” on his head and tear Jericho apart. Hook ended the promo by telling Jericho he will never, ever be the same again. As longtime wrestling fans know, that is one of Chris Jericho’s famous catchphrases. Hook’s father Taz really liked that ending.
Analysis: This felt very average to me. I think Hook will beat Jericho for the FTW Title at All In. It’s not like that’s a coveted title when AEW has so many singles titles, but I get what they are trying to do by having Hook in a meaningful feud with a legendary wrestler like Chris Jericho. I can’t say it’s some riveting, exciting feud or anything like that although I do hope it benefits Hook in the long run.
(Commercial)
The Young Bucks made their entrance as the AEW Tag Team Champions. It’s a rare title defense for the Bucks, who won the titles in April and haven’t defended them in four months. The Acclaimed earned this title match over two months ago and are finally getting the match. Anyway, The Acclaimed attacked the Bucks on the stage. Bowens jumped off the stage onto both Bucks on the floor.
AEW Tag Team Championships: The Young Bucks – Matthew & Nicholas Jackson vs. The Acclaimed – Max Caster & Anthony Bowens
The Bucks connected with running dropkicks followed by slingshot cross body blocks over the top onto The Acclaimed on the floor. The bell rang to start the match. Bowens jumped over Matt leading to a Fameasser-like move for two. The old guy “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn made his way down to ringside. Caster tagged in for a double back elbow and then Caster sent Nick out of the ring. Nick made a blind tag and Nick connected with a dropkick. Nick gave Caster a jawbreaker while Matt tagged in for a double foot stomp on Caster’s arm. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
Bowens and Caster hit some combo offense including a forearm. Matt avoided the leg drop to the lower body and was scared of Billy at ringside. Nick did a cheap kick to Caster, so Nick ran away and Nick threw a chair at Billy. The referee saw Billy holding the chair over Nick, so the referee ejected Billy from ringside. The Bucks remained in control with a double back elbow on Caster. Nick took a fan’s “Dung Bucks” sign and ripped it up. Well played. Caster threw the broken sign at Nick. Way to sell that…paper? Anyway, The Bucks were in control of Caster briefly until Max avoided a kick and Nick kicked Matt by accident. Bowens got the tag leading to punches on both Bucks and then Nick superkicked Bowens. Matt hit Sliced Bread and Nick hit a running knee for two. Matt hit Bowens with a suplex for two. The crowd was quiet as the show went to a PIP break again.
(Commercial)
The Bucks double superkicked Caster off the apron and then Bowens came back with a clothesline on both Bucks. Caster got the tag with a back elbow followed by a Slingblade. Caster press slammed Matt into the top turnbuckle. Caster sent Nick out of the ring and then Caster went over the top onto Nick on the floor. Caster went up top and hit a cross body block on Nick for two because Matt broke it up. All four guys were in the ring leading to all four of them doing clotheslines and then they took bumps to sell the fatigue. Caster missed a corner splash, Nick delivered a kick and a bulldog. Nick jumped off the top with a Senton Bomb, but Caster got the knees up to block. Mattew gave Bowens a Powerbomb on the ramp. Nick got a rollup on Caster while grabbing the tights for a two count. Caster avoided a double team move and then referee Rick Knox was bumped against the turnbuckle. That led to Matt kicking Caster with a low blow kick to the groin. Matt tried to use the AEW Tag Team Title as a weapon, so FTR’s Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler went down to the ring. Dax took the title and Matt spit on Dax, so Dax tackled Matt and punched him. The referee saw it, so it was a disqualification. The crowd was dead quiet for that finish after 18 minutes of action.
Winners by disqualification: The Young Bucks – Matthew & Nicholas Jackson
Analysis: *** They were on their way to a great match and then it ended prematurely due to FTR getting involved. The DQ finish is groan inducing. I understand why they did it to set up FTR for a potential title shot due to their issues with The Acclaimed. I just think they might have been able to come up with a better finish to this match. That’s going to frustrate fans more because the AEW tag team division used to be a strength of AEW, but lately, it hasn’t been that strong. I thought the crowd was quieter than expected for a match like this.
After the match, Caster pulled Harwood off Matt and Caster complained about how FTR ruined their title shot. Security guys got into the ring as FTR argued with The Acclaimed. The Young Bucks celebrated and laughed about what happened.
Analysis: This situation is similar to the AEW Trios Tag Team Title situation where there are three teams involved.
They went backstage to Christopher Daniels watching on a TV backstage. Daniels, who was interviewed by Renee Paquette, announced that The Acclaimed will face FTR on Collision this Saturday. The winners of that match will challenge The Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Team Titles at All In.
Analysis: That’s a big match for Collision. Sometimes Collision is lacking in terms of meaningful and interesting matches. I think FTR facing The Acclaimed is a great idea. There is a legit gripe for The Acclaimed because they earned a shot and didn’t lose this match by getting pinned, yet now they must win another match to get a title match again.
There was an excellent video package about Bryan Danielson’s career set to the Green Day song “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life).” The video featured highlights of Bryan’s three-year run in AEW along with some ROH footage and some indy shows as well.
Analysis: It was a great video. Obviously, they aren’t able to show his WWE highlights from ten years there, but I think AEW did a nice job of paying tribute to Danielson with that video. I also believe the Green Day song “Good Riddance” was my high school graduation song. I’ve seen Green Day live four times I think. I’m one year older than Danielson. Just saying.
Bryan Danielson was in the first row to watch this match. Wheeler Yuta of the Blackpool Combat Club made his entrance to no reaction. The AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland was up next joined by Prince Nana as usual.
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) vs. Wheeler Yuta
Swerve sent Yuta out of the ring and Swerve sent Yuta into the barricade. Swerve whipped Yuta into the steel steps. Swerve told Bryan that he was nothing and Swerve was going to retire him. They went back into the ring where Yuta hit an arm drag, but Swerve caught a kick attempt and Swerve hit a backbreaker. Swerve hit another backbreaker. Swerve did a snapmare followed by an elbow smash to the back after jumping off the turnbuckle. Bryan tried to wake up the crowd supporting Yuta. Swerve stretched the limbs of Yuta on the mat. Swerve used his legs to tie up Yuta’s legs on the mat. Yuta held onto Swerve’s arms and connected with some kicks to the chest, but Swerve came back with up kicks. Yuta countered a Powerbomb by hitting a hurricanrana that sent Swerve out of the ring. Yuta hit a suicide dive elbow attack on the floor. Yuta jumped off the top, Swerve avoided it and Swerve applied his own version of the LeBell Lock that Bryan uses. Yuta rolled through leading to an Ankle Lock. Swerve broke free and hit a back elbow to the head. Yuta hit some elbows to the chest followed by a seatbelt pin for two. Yuta hit a German Suplex for two. Yuta slapped Swerve hard in the face, so Swerve laughed about it. Swerve hit a headbutt. Bryan encouraged Yuta to get up. Swerve hit a running House Call kick to the head. Swerve hit another House Call kick. The fans were chanting “one more time” so I can’t say they cared about Yuta’s health. Swerve hit a third House Call with a loud leg slap. Swerve held the arms while stomping on the head. Swerve punched Yuta in the head (sort of) repeatedly so the referee called for the bell. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by TKO/referee’s decision: Swerve Strickland
Analysis: *** There are often AEW matches where I complain about how a majorly pushed wrestler has to sell way too much for a guy who is barely on television. This is exactly how you need to book a match like this where Swerve dominated Yuta for most of the match and got the win win. If Swerve was selling for Yuta for 15 minutes it would make Swerve look weak. You need to book people strong. This was the right way to do it.
After the match, Swerve Strickland did a promo saying that was just an example of what he’ll do to Danielson at Wembley Stadium in front of 50,000 people. Swerve was on the ramp as he said this. Swerve said that he was going to do that to Bryan at All In and do that in front of Bryan’s daughter when she watches Bryan have his last match. Swerve said he’ll force Bryan to retire because that’s what he’ll do when he cripples Bryan.
Swerve looked like he was leaving, so Danielson turned his back to check on Yuta. Swerve went back in the ring and hit a House Call kick to Bryan’s head. The fans were booing Swerve for that. Swerve mocked the “YES” chant while Bryan was down in the ring. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: This was very heelish by Swerve Strickland, who has been a babyface champion. I think it’s just a way to add some heat to the story because Bryan is so beloved right now. As for the match at All In, I’m picking Bryan Danielson to beat Swerve Strickland to become the AEW World Champion. That’s my pick for now.
After the show, AEW posted this great video featuring Bryan Danielson helping Wheeler Yuta and then Bryan did this incredible promo.
“Here’s the thing. As if this wasn’t enough, as if it wasn’t enough for this to be my last chance to wrestle for the AEW Championship. As if it wasn’t enough that if I lose this match, I retire and never wrestle again. As if that wasn’t enough, that you hurt Wheeler Yuta. He’s like a son to me. As if all of that were not enough, you mentioned my daughter, and you mentioned crippling me in front of my f*cking daughter.”
“Guess what, Swerve? You are not gonna get underdog Bryan Danielson. You are not getting Bryan Danielson, who’s gonna fight from behind. You’re gonna get the Bryan Danielson that goes out there and kicks people’s f*cking head in. That’s what you’ve got coming at Wembley Stadium. I don’t think you know what you just did, doing that you did to Wheeler and talking about my family.”
“I saw what you did to Hangman [Page], when you broke into his house. Don’t you dare do that sh*t to me. Check what happened to the last person that broke into my house. Even for that you just did out there tonight, your fate at Wembley’s gonna be sealed, and I’m gonna be the new AEW World Heavyweight Champion.”
EXCLUSIVE: "I don't think you know what you just did." An impassioned @BryanDanielson warns the #AEW World Champion of what's to come at #AEWAllInLondon. pic.twitter.com/vFxawMJEek
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 15, 2024
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Three Stars of the Show
- Swerve Strickland
- Orange Cassidy
- “Hangman” Adam Page
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The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.25 out of 10
Last Week: 7.25
2024 Average: 7.49
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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite
I think it was a solid show, but I wouldn’t say great. That entire situation with The Young Bucks and The Acclaimed leading to FTR causing a DQ, it just didn’t work for me. I get that it sets up The Acclaimed-FTR in a match on Collision and that’s cool for the people that watch that show. It just felt like the crowd was dead for a lot of the match and then the finish hit leading to dead silence. The AEW tag team division used to be such a strength for this company. However, this year it just hasn’t been booked well at all.
They did a great job of advancing the Swerve Strickland-Bryan Danielson story for their World Title match at All In. Swerve came across as a heel because AEW is smart enough to push Danielson as the babyface that will retire if he loses (I think he’ll win). I don’t think Swerve is officially a heel or anything like that, but it’s the right move for him to be more aggressive in trying to play mind games with Danielson. I included a post-Dynamite promo from Bryan because it was awesome.
Everything else was okay. The Mercedes Mone-Hikaru Shida match was fine. I don’t think the Mone/Britt Baker feud is going that well. Their first segment together was by far the best part of it and since then it’s just been average stuff. Hangman Page is on fire yet he doesn’t have an obvious match at All In unless he’s against old guy Jeff Jarrett. Hook’s promo about Chris Jericho was okay although Jericho’s “Learning Tree” doesn’t come across as that interesting to me. Anyway, most of the All In lineup looks good as we get closer to the event ten days from now.
The next AEW pay-per-view is All In taking place at Wembley Stadium in London, England on August 25th. Here’s the lineup so far.
* AEW World Championship: Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Bryan Danielson – If Danielson loses then he will retire.
* AEW American Championship: Maxwell Jacob Friedman (c) vs. Will Ospreay
* AEW Women’s World Championship: “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) vs. Mariah May
* TNT Championship Coffin Match: Jack Perry (c) vs. Darby Allin
* TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone (c) vs. Britt Baker
* FTW Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Hook
* Casino Gauntlet Match – Winner receives AEW World Title match.
* Willow Nightingale & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway (ZERO HOUR PRE-SHOW)
There will be more matches added to the show.
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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @johnreport