The John Report: AEW Dynamite 09/15/21 Review
Welcome to the AEW Dynamite review here on TJRWrestling.
This is AEW Dynamite #102 from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Here’s my AEW Dynamite TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
The show began with the AEW Dynamite introduction video.
There was some pyro going off in the arena as Jim Ross welcomed us to the show (“It’s Wednesday night and you know what that means”) with Excalibur and Tony Schiavone on commentary. CM Punk made his entrance to a huge ovation with over 13,000 fans cheering for CM Punk, who made his way over to the commentary table. Before Punk could do that, he ran down the ramp and jumped over the barricade into the arms of the fans in New Jersey. Some of them had Punk shirts on, so he picked a good spot. Punk ran around the ring to salute some fans. Punk posed with a guy dressed like Dusty Rhodes and did a bionic elbow with him! That’s awesome. Punk ran back up the ramp to join the commentary team. The commentary team went over what’s coming up this week.
Adam Cole was up first making his AEW debut. The fans popped for Cole for his first match in AEW. Cole did his “boom” pose on the apron along with the “Adam Cole bay bay” chant in the ring. Frankie Kazarian was up next to much less of a reaction, but he’s a good worker with a lot of experience.
Adam Cole vs. Frankie Kazarian
Cole took control early with a belly to back suplex over the top to the floor. After Kazarian recovered, he hit a leg drop to the back of the head. Back in the ring, Cole hit a pump kick followed by punches. Kazarian countered a Cole move into a forward roll for two. Kazarian wrapped his legs around Cole’s body and pulled back on the arms, so Cole kicked him in the face to break free. Cole with the slam off the shoulder into the knee. Cole set up for a superkick, Kazarian blocked it and rolled through into a bridging German Suplex for a two count. Kazarian with a double knee attack into Cole against the turnbuckle. Cole kicked off the ropes into a pin attempt. Kazarian charged right into a superkick for a two count. It was not sweet enough chin music, apparently. Cole went to the middle turnbuckle, which led to a Panama Sunrise attempt, but Kazarian caught him with an Alabama Slam and a springboard legdrop for two. They exchanged forearms from the knees, then back up to their feet and Cole with a pump kick, but Kazarian hit a lariat. Cole with a cradle suplex into the knee for a two count led to a “this is awesome” chant. Cole countered a leg drop by Kazarian and he hit the Panama Sunrise. No pin attempt because Cole ran the ropes leading to the Last Shot knee to the back of the head for the pinfall win after about eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Adam Cole
Analysis: ***1/4 A very good match between two talented workers. Lots of counters from both guys leading to a hot finish. Cole winning his first match in AEW was obvious. The Panama Sunrise into the Last Shot is a great combo that Cole uses to win matches. Kazarian is there to have good matches and put over younger talent most of the time he’s on Dynamite.
Adam Cole did a promo saying that Luchasaurus, Jungle Boy and Christian Cage have gotten under his skin in the short time he has been there. Cole suggested a match between those three against Cole and The Young Bucks. Cole said that the “Super Clique” is back and the crowd cheered that even though they are heels. The crowd cheers a lot. Anyway, Cole left.
Analysis: I figured it would be a six-man or eight-man tag at the NYC Dynamite next week. I thought maybe Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega would be part of it, but I guess not. (Later in the show, we found out why!)
Lucha Brothers, the AEW Tag Team Champions, did a promo while at the same time as The Butcher & The Blade doing a promo. Alex Abrahantes said that if you want the gold, this Friday on Rampage you get your shot.
Analysis: That’s good to put a title match on Rampage. The Butcher & The Blade have no chance of winning, but that’s fine. Good for Lucha Bros to get wins.
MJF is up next.
(Commercial)
Sammy Guevara and Fuego del Sol were interviewed by Tony Schiavone with Fuego in front of “his” new car. Yeah, I’m sure he really has his car there. Anyway, Fuego challenged Miro to a TNT Title match on Rampage and put his car on the line if he loses.
Let’s Hear from MJF
Maxwell Jacob Friedman told the crowd they were sympathetic for Crying Brian, but now you should be sympathetic for him since he’s in the armpit of America – New Jersey. MJF ripped on some New Jersey things telling them they all suck as hard as the Jersey Shore skanks. MJF said that he was smartened up that some of his words might have offended you last week as the fans chanted “SHUT THE FUCK UP” at him. MJF said “no” and he didn’t care if his remarks offended the fans. MJF reminded us he’s the Salt of the Earth, he’s also a religious man and he wanted a conversation with the late, great Brian Pillman. MJF looked up, then looked down and said: “Mr. Pillman, we need to talk.” The insinuation is that Pillman is in hell, not heaven.
MJF ripped on Pillman saying that he will massacre Brian Pillman Jr. next week in Queens. MJF said that these people can chant “Pillman” all they want, which led to Pillman chants right on cue. MJF said that at the end of the day, it’ll be obvious that he’s better than you and…here comes Pillman.
Brian Pillman Jr. arrived in the ring behind MJF while Wardlow was in the aisle. Pillman had a chair, MJF left the ring and when Wardlow went back in, Pillman hit him in the face. Pillman avoided Wardlow, who went to the apron and Pillman stood tall in the ring with a chair.
Analysis: It was fine as a segment to continue building to the MJF match against Pillman next week. MJF promos are always a highlight of the show because he just doesn’t give a shit about who he pisses off by what he says and that’s a great thing to have as a wrestler. The fans of AEW cheer a lot of heels, but in MJF’s case, it’s pure boos and it’s great to hear whenever he’s out there. It made MJF and Wardlow look weak for running away from one guy, but I guess Pillman holding a chair was enough to hold them off.
There was an interview shown from earlier in the day. Brian Pillman Jr. was interviewed by Jim Ross, who mentioned he remembered when Brian called him 28 years ago when Brian was born. JR mentioned that Brian was humiliated last week and that we need to see MJF getting his ass kicked. Pillman said that JR knows how much he has to make his father proud and he felt like he let him down last week. Pillman said that while MJF was fed out of a silver spoon while Pillman had to fight for his life. Pillman said that you don’t know the adversity that he has been through and said that you’re not stepping into the ring with any man, you’re stepping into the ring with a Pillman.
Analysis: Nice promo from Pillman. I know Pillman is part of the Varsity Blonds tag team with Griff Garrison right now, but I can see Pillman breaking out as a singles star within the next year or two.
The announcers were shown with Punk saying he liked what MJF was doing playing mind games.
Dante Martin & Matt Sydal vs. FTR is next.
(Commercial)
The Jurassic Express guys were with Christian Cage for an interview conducted by Alex Marvez. Jungle Boy spoke a bit. Christian Cage: “”Adam Cole has great friends. They’re EVPs that throw him a lifeline and drag his sorry ass out of developmental.” Christian also took a shot at Cole losing the Wednesday “war” from his NXT days. Basically, they accepted the challenge that Cole issued earlier.
Dante Martin & Matt Sydal vs. FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (w/Tully Blanchard)
Sydal got some offense early, then Harwood slowed it down against Martin with some punches while against the turnbuckle. Martin fought back, he was on the turnbuckle and went for a springboard move, but then Wheeler kicked Martin to stop him from hitting a move. Wheeler tagged in and tossed Martin into the ring post. Wheeler with a low dropkick, headbutt and an aggressive chinlock. Sydal got the tag with a jumping heel kick and knee to knock Wheeler out of the ring. Sydal got Martin to join him on the apron leading to a cross body block off the apron with Martin jumping off the middle rope. They both landed on the FTR guys on the floor. They went to a picture in picture break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Martin tagging in and hitting an impressive missile dropkick on both FTR guys. Martin with a dropkick on Harwood and a headscissors on Wheeler. Martin with a senton splash on Harwood. Wheeler and Martin exchanged pin attempts, Harwood tagged in and Martin got a sunset flip on Harwood for two. Both FTR guys were in the ring for a long time, they isolated Martin and hit the Big Rig double team move for the pinfall win by Wheeler on Martin. They got about nine minutes.
Winners by pinfall: FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler)
Analysis: *** A pretty good tag team match as usual when FTR is involved. The regular team beat the athletic guys that were put together for this match. It’s always cool to see Martin’s high flying moves while Sydal has been doing it for a long time. FTR is one of my favorite teams in AEW, so it’s always good to see them get wins. I thought FTR’s rivalry with Santana/Ortiz was continuing, but it wasn’t pushed at all here.
CM Punk was shown on commentary saying that Minoru Suzuki is a pioneer in pro wrestling and MMA. Punk said that Suzuki felt insulted that his entrance music was cut off early.
Lance Archer and Minoru Suzuki of Suzuki-Gun did a promo with Archer saying it was unfair when Archer got to face Suzuki in Moxley’s hometown in Cincinnati. Archer said that in New York City he’ll team up with Suzuki and show Moxley & Eddie Kingston what strong style is all about.
Analysis: That’s going to be an awesome and violent tag team match. Archer is underutilized in AEW these days, so I’m glad he’s involved since he always has good matches with Moxley.
Let’s Hear from Malakai Black
Malakai Black made his mysterious and dark entrance with the spotlight on him. They turn the lights off at the start, then they turn it off when he gets near the ring and Black poses on the apron with a creepy mask on his face. Black followed that up with a seated pose in the ring and a creepy smile.
Malakai asked the “Members of the House of Black” to please rise. Black said that they had an enemy in their midst. Black pointed out actress Rosario Dawson wearing a Nightmare Family jacket. Excalibur mentioned she is a judge on the Go Big Show with Cody Rhodes. Dawson got in Black’s face and then Cody Rhodes showed up in the aisle in the crowd in a red suit. Dawson jumped on Black’s back until Cody made it to ringside. Cody went down to ringside and got into a brawl with Black. They went brawling into the crowd. Dawson was flexing at ringside. They were fighting in the aisle with Cody rocking Black with a punch. Cody smashed a drink into Black’s head. Cody worked over Black with punches. Black connected with some kicks to the body and Black hit Cody with a drink to the head. They reached the top of the steps as the show went to break.
Analysis: It was another segment to build to a big match next week since Rhodes is facing Black as payback for their first match that Black won. Fighting in the crowd is always a good way to get people to care more since the fans are right there to react to it. It was a smart booking move. Also, nice job by Rosario Dawson getting involved by jumping on Black’s back as well. She did that well.
(Commercial)
The announcers talked about what happened before the break with Punk saying maybe Black started something that he isn’t able to finish with Cody Rhodes. That match is next week.
A video aired about The Bunny facing Anna Jay as they showed highlights of their history. They have a match on AEW Rampage this Friday.
Anna Jay was interviewed by Alex Marvez with other members of The Dark Order. Evil Uno cut off Anna quickly, then Alex Reynolds complained about Evil Uno, then a bunch of other guys argued and Tay Conti left with Evil Uno. That was it.
Let’s Hear from Dan Lambert
Dan Lambert was in the ring with his MMA friends like Junior Dos Santos, Andrei Arlovski along with Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page. Lambert ripped on the fans for being fat. Lambert complained about a 5’8” guy throwing superkicks, do a backflip through tables and then kick out at two. Lambert said that “you morons will go crazy” for that.
Chris Jericho of The Inner Circle made his entrance with his buddy Jake Hager. The fans sang with “Judas” and then Lambert told them to shut off this shitty music. Lambert said that they were reading the words off their phones and told them to turn this “shit” song off. The fans sang after the music stopped. Jericho said it sounded like there’s 15,000 people there who love that song. Jericho said that Lambert’s song is “I’m a fat-faced dipshit” and he made up the song on the spot.
Lambert said that he was surprised to see Jericho and Hager to represent this company. Lambert said that Jericho will do anything to get these idiots to spend their money on his stupid books and records.
Jericho wondered why Lambert was screaming at the crowd surrounded by the meatheads of the American Top Team. Jericho wondered: “Which one of you guys is on top?” The fans chanted “ooohhh” and the fans asked: “Who’s on top?” Jericho said that you rely on intimidation and scare tactics. Jericho noted that Big Jake is undefeated in MMA. Jericho made references to “fights” with Brock Lesnar and Bill Goldberg although the Lesnar thing was nothing. He did take down Goldberg with a headlock or something. Jericho suggested that he and Jake go down there to knock his teeth down his throat.
Lambert told Jericho that if this is going to do down, it’s not going to happen in this “shit hole” New Jersey. Lambert said that if you want to do this tag team match against Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page then it will be in New York City next week. Jericho mentioned the movie “Escape from New York” as he accepted the challenge.
Analysis: That was a fun promo segment. Dan Lambert’s promos ripping on AEW and the fans always entertain me. I find it very entertaining although logically why would you let a guy do promos like that on the show? Anyway, I would like to hear from Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky sometimes since they are good talkers too, but they just stand there while Lambert does the promos. Jericho was great at pandering to the crowd as he has done many times over the years in a babyface role. It was yet another promo to set up a match for next week. A lot of swearing in those promos too.
The Gunn Club did a promo. It’s Billy Gunn along with sons Colten and Austin. Billy said wins and losses are supposed to matter. Billy noted that they are all undefeated as a tag team and a trios team. They seem to want some more respect as a team, but didn’t mention anything specific. Billy said that if anybody has a problem with what he said, just say when.
Analysis: I mentioned the Colten Gunn undefeated record a few weeks ago. Good to see acknowledged it. Thanks for reading, AEW people.
Jade Cargill (w/Mark Sterling) vs. Leyla Hirsch
Cargill bailed to the floor early, so Leyla hit a dive onto Sterling on the floor. Back in the ring, Leyla hit a running forearm and a double knee attack against the turnbuckle. Leyla went for a cross armbreaker, but Cargill powered out of it and hit a Powerbomb. They went to picture in picture break.
(Commercial)
Cargill lifted Hirsch on her shoulders, then Hirsch when for a choke and Cargill managed to get her down. Cargill with elbows to the head, but then Hirsch hit an impressive German Suplex. Hirsch hit a suicide dive onto Cargill on the floor. Back in the ring, Hirsch with a running knee for two. Hirsch went up top, moonsault attempt and Cargill moved. Cargill with a jumping kick to knock Hirsch down. Cargill hit the Glam Slam finisher for the pinfall win after eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jade Cargill
Analysis: ** Decent match. Cargill still has a lot to improve on in terms of selling. Hirsch is impressive for somebody that is so small in stature, but she makes up for it in how she hits and executes moves. I am shocked they went as long as they did since Cargill usually wins in a quick fashion.
Andrade El Idolo did a promo saying he has his assistant Jose with him and he didn’t like Chavo getting involved in Andrade’s match with Pac last week. Andrade beat up Pac after the match. Andrade said that he is The Kingpin saying he can beat Pac or anyone when he wants.
The announcers were shown on camera with Taz complaining to CM Punk about how he was taking Taz’s job. Taz had his son Hook with him. Punk said he was not taking his job. Taz backed away while Punk walked up to Hook on the stage. Powerhouse Hobbs showed up with a forearm from the back. Mr. Obvious Tony Schiavone: “This was a plan from the get go!” Do you think so? Hook got a hold of Punk in a dragon sleeper and Hobbs kicked Punk in the ribs. Hook cleared off the announce table and Hobbs gave Punk a Chokeslam onto the table, which did not break. Punk slid off the table basically and was grabbing his neck.
Analysis: It was a continuation of the story with Team Taz targeting CM Punk as Punk’s next feud in AEW. The cheap attack was obviously going to come when Taz first got out there and then they had Tony shriek about it to drive the point home. I hope AEW gets tables that are more breakable for spots like that. It looks more brutal when the table doesn’t break.
(Commercial)
They showed a replay of what happened before the break.
There was a brief promo from Shawn Spears talking smack about Darby Allin. Spears made his entrance. They showed a highlight from July 13, 2019 when Spears beat Allin at an AEW show. Darby Allin got a good pop with “uncle” Sting by his side.
Darby Allin (w/Sting) vs. Shawn Spears (w/Tully Blanchard)
Spears attacked Allin against the turnbuckle and then sent Allin out of the ring. Spears whipped Allin into the steel steps followed by some taunting of Sting at ringside. Spears whipped Allin into the steel steps followed by knees while Allin’s head was against the steps. Spears went for a running knee, Allin moved and Spears hit the steps with his left knee. Allin teased a dive, Blanchard got in front of Spears and that allowed Spears to trip up Allin on the apron with Darby flipping around to take that bump. Spears put some water on a towel and rubbed the face paint off Allin. The fans booed that. They went to picture in picture break.
(Commercial)
Allin was in control as he got nearfall. I missed it coming back from a break myself. Allin went up top, Spears went after him and Allin punched the left knee that Spears hurt earlier. Spears pulled the chain around Darby’s neck and slammed him into the ring. JR said that Darby has worn the chain all the time for about three years. Allin avoided a move on the apron, he hit a flipping Stunner and then a suicide dive while Spears was seated on the steel steps. Allin went up top and hit the Coffin Drop off the top for the pinfall win after eight minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Darby Allin
Analysis: **3/4 This was a solid match with Allin getting the win over Spears to get a victory after Allin lost to CM Punk recently. They tried to tell the story with Spears hurting the knee and then Allin really didn’t go after it that much. I would have liked to see Allin go after the knee a bit more. Instead, he just three moves and won that way.
Post match, FTR was in the ring with Sting and Allin. FTR are part of The Pinnacle with Spears and Blanchard although the group isn’t featured that much. Sting and Allin got control for a bit, so Blanchard hit Sting with a steel chair to the back. Sting no sold the chair, went after Blanchard and FTR beat up Sting with punches. Allin tried to save Sting. FTR hit a Spike Piledriver on Sting with Harwood doing the move while Wheeler did the spike. Blanchard got a wet towel and wiped some of Sting’s facepaint off. The fans booed that. FTR celebrated the attack.
Analysis: If I have learned anything this week it’s that this crowd really hates wiping face paint off. Believe me, I understand the disrespect factor. I just think it’s a major overreaction from the crowd, but I guess it’s simple and it works, so the wrestlers might as well do it. Anyway, good luck to Sting getting revenge for the dreaded “facepaint wipe” attack.
Bryan Danielson said that The Elite sounds like people that are insecure. Danielson said he’s going after Kenny Omega. Danielson said he’s heard how great Kenny Omega is and seen how great Kenny Omega is. Danielson said that this is the best version of him there’s ever been. Bryan said that he’s here, he’s game and let’s go. That’s the promo they showed on Rampage.
Let’s Hear from Bryan Danielson
Tony Schiavone was in the ring for an interview as he called out Bryan Danielson. Huge pop for Danielson who arrived in a white t-shirt just like when he arrived at All Out ten days earlier. The fans chanted “YES” for him with Danielson not doing the hand gesture with them. Tony didn’t ask a question. He just handed Danielson the microphone.
Danielson asked the fans what they think. Don Callis showed up in a pink suit with Kenny Omega walking behind him wearing the AEW World Title. Callis called Danielson the “Hippy Millionaire.” What a nickname! Callis and Omega got into the ring with Callis calling Danielson a sanctimonious son of a bitch he is. Callis said that this is the number one wrestling promotion in the world that was built on the back of Kenny Omega. Callis said that Danielson claimed he was doing what was best for the entire wrestling business and Callis said: “And people call me a carny piece of shit.” That led to a “piece of shit” chant.
Callis said that Kenny told Don that is how Bryan really thinks. Callis said if that’s how Bryan thinks then he’s just a mark like all of these people. Fans hate being called marks. Danielson told Callis to shut up.
Danielson said he was there to talk to Kenny Omega. Danielson said that some day this will be about the title, but right now it’s just about who is better. Danielson told Omega: “Let’s give the people what they want: Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson.” The fans chanted “YES” repeatedly with Callis saying “no” and “not a chance” so Danielson called Callis a “piece of shit.” That led to another “piece of shit” chant.
Danielson said that he came to AEW to fight the best bout machine, the God of Professional Wrestling, but since he’s been there all he sees is a guy that hangs out with a bunch of goofy stooges and let’s this “piece of shit” (Callis) talk for him. Danielson said that some people think Kenny lost a step, Bryan didn’t think that was true and said that Kenny has lost his balls. Bryan asked Kenny, yes or no?
Omega said that Bryan wanted the best bout machine and the God of Professional Wrestling, then his answer is…yes! Callis was not happy about it. The fans chanted “YES” for this. Omega tossed the microphone down. The fans chanted “AEW” as Omega and Danielson talked without microphones by their faces.
Analysis: This was great. The fans really want to see the match, so now we get it. Danielson made a point to say that at some point in the future the title may be on the line, but not now because he just wants a match. Callis was tremendous as usual, Danielson showed a lot of fire and Omega said enough when he had to. I liked it a lot.
Miro, the TNT Champion, was backstage doing a promo. Miro wondered why Fuego del Sol was calling him out. Miro said he will bash Fuego’s brain and his car.
Eddie Kingston & Jon Moxley vs. 2point0 is the main event up next.
(Commercial)
Matt Hardy did a promo complaining about how Orange Cassidy broke his nose although I don’t think that’s really true. Matt did have a bloody nose, though. Hardy said that he’s going to shave Orange Cassidy’s head.
This Friday on AEW Rampage:
* AEW Tag Team Championships: Lucha Bros vs. Butcher & The Blade
* Anna Jay vs. The Bunny
* AEW TNT Championship: Miro vs. Fuego del Sol
AEW Dynamite Grand Slam in NYC on Wednesday:
* Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson – It is not for Omega’s AEW World Title. It is Danielson’s first AEW match.
* CM Punk interview
* Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black
* MJF vs. Brian Pillman Jr.
* AEW Women’s Championship: Britt Baker vs. Ruby Soho
* FTR vs. Sting & Darby Allin
AEW Rampage Grand Slam in NYC on Friday for a special two-hour episode:
* Adam Cole & Young Bucks vs. Christian Cage & Jurassic Express
* Powerhouse Hobbs vs. CM Punk in Punk’s first TV match in seven years.
* Men of the Year – Ethan Page & Scorpio Sky vs. The Inner Circle – Chris Jericho & Jake Hager
They didn’t mention Moxley/Kingston vs. Archer/Suzuki, but it was featured in a promo earlier.
Analysis: Those are some loaded cards right there. Some big AEW names are missing, but a lot of them are there, so that’s cool. I’m excited about next week’s shows. The Rampage show will be taped, so spoilers will get out about what happens.
Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston made their entrance through the crowd. Big pop for them.
Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston vs. 2.0 (Jeff Parker & Matt Lee) (w/Daniel Garcia)
The team of Parker and Lee attacked at ringside before the match, but Moxley and Kingston fought them off easily. Moxley beat up Parker for a bit. Moxley bit Lee in the face, so Lee left the ring. When Moxley left the ring, he sent Garcia into the steps and Parker dropkicked Moxley in the back. They went to picture in picture break.
(Commercial)
Most of the break featured the 2.0 guys beating up Moxley for about three minutes, so Mox was the face in peril. The show returned with Moxley fighting out of the corner and Parker jumped off Lee’s back with an elbow drop. Moxley hit a clothesline on Lee leading to Kingston getting the tag to a big pop. Kingston with some punches while the opponents fed to the punches and Kingston chopped Lee repeatedly. Kingston knocked Garcia off the apron, Parker got a rollup and Kingston with a spinning back fist. Kingston with a DDT on Lee. Moxley tagged in leading to a German Suplex/lariat combo for the pinfall win after about six minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston
Analysis: **1/4 A dominant win to put over Moxley and Kingston in a clean manner. The 2.0 guys are usually put against top guys to do the job. That clothesline into a German Suplex is a devastating double team move too.
Post match, Minoru Suzuki’s music hit as he made his entrance to confront Moxley in the ring. Suzuki touched his eyebrow since it was busted open last week. Lance Archer showed up behind Kingston and tossed him into the barricade.
Suzuki and Moxley fought around ringside. Archer went brawling into the crowd with Kingston. Suzuki sent Moxley into the side of the ring apron. Moxley sent Suzuki into the table by the timekeeper. Moxley and Suzuki exchanged punches and Moxley hit Suzuki with a microphone to the face. There were guys around the ring trying to tell them that the show was about to end. Moxley kept fighting Suzuki around the ring while Kingston fought Archer into the crowd. Moxley and Suzuki went into the crowd too. The show ended there.
Analysis: A chaotic ending to the show. They love ending Dynamite episodes like that. It was better than the match before it.
Three Stars of the Show
- Adam Cole
- Bryan Danielson/Kenny Omega/Don Callis
- MJF
The Scoreboard
This Week: 7 out of 10
Last Week: 7.5
2021 Average: 7.33
Final Thoughts
It was a good show overall, but not as great as a typical Dynamite episode of late. I was going to go under 7 out of 10, but then I thought about it and feel like it’s at that 7 out of 10 level. This was a step back from last week because it was mostly an advertisement for next week’s Dynamite and Rampage in NYC. Every match on the show was predictable with a pushed wrestler (or wrestlers) beating people that are usually on Dynamite to lose matches. I felt bad for the fans because they kept shitting on New Jersey saying stuff like we’re not going to do this here, we’ll do it in New York City next week and it just makes this episode feel second-rate. I guess people from Jersey are used to it.
I think AEW needs to put on better main event matches than what we got here. While I like 2.0 as a tag team, they are not a main event level tag team. Fans see 2.0 as losers because they are on TV to lose. If you want to put over Moxley and Kingston that’s great, but get them better opponents.
There was a lot of swearing on the show too. It doesn’t bug me at all, but if you’re a parent that watches with a kid then it might bother you a bit. The only thing I would say is it’s fine to do once in a while although when you overdo it like they did here, it just seems like too much.
Next week’s Dynamite and Rampage lineup look incredible. It will be AEW’s biggest TV show ever in New York City in front of a huge crowd. It’s PPV quality, so I’m expecting the TV rating for next week’s Dynamite to possibly be the biggest ever or close to it. I don’t really care about the ratings that much and I think it’s a flawed system, but it’s something people like to talk about. Anyway, I’m really looking forward to it next week.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Rams. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport