Reviews

The John Report: AEW Dynamite 09/29/21 Review

By John Canton • Published 30th September 2021

Welcome to the AEW Dynamite review here on TJRWrestling.

This is AEW Dynamite #104 from Rochester, NY. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Here’s my AEW Dynamite TV review archive. Let’s get to it.

The show began saying it was in memory of Jon “Brodie Lee” Huber, who died last year at the age of 40. He is from Rochester, which is where Dynamite is from this week.

The show began with Jim Ross welcoming us to the show with the line: “It’s Wednesday and you know what that means.” It was a line that Brodie Lee loved to use on Twitter, so it was fitting more than ever on this night.

CM Punk made his entrance to join the commentary team for the show. Punk was wearing a “Rancid” sweater. Punk ran around the ringside area to greet the fans. The announcers talked about the Jon Huber Legacy Foundation that AEW announced earlier in the day. Punk joined commentary with Jim Ross, Excalibur and Tony Schiavone. The announcers did a rundown of what’s coming up this week.

Analysis: CM Punk is good on commentary, but I hope he gets a meaningful feud soon.

Adam Cole made his entrance, he did his “BOOM” on the apron and “Adam Cole bay bay” with the crowd joining in. That’s always cool. Jungle Boy entered on his own.

Adam Cole vs. Jungle Boy

This should be awesome. Jungle Boy into the corner, he jumped over a charging Cole and then Cole slapped on a side headlock. Boy bounced off the ropes with a shoulder tackle. Cole with a kick to the ribs and an elbow to the head. Boy got the fingers linked up, then an armdrag off the ropes and a dropkick leading to applause from the crowd. Cole left the ring, Boy chased after and Cole got some stomps on Boy when they went back into the ring. Boy went to the turnbuckle, so Cole shoved him off the top to the floor. Cole with a neckbreaker into a headlock on the mat. When Boy got back up, Cole hit him with a running back elbow. Cole with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Cole whipped Boy to the turnbuckle again, Boy with a basement dropkick and a huge clothesline with Cole doing a backflip to sell it. They exchanged forearms, then kicks from each guy with Boy hitting a brainbuster. They both some time to get up, Boy with a belly to belly suplex and then a German Suplex. Boy set up Cole against the turnbuckle, Boy with a kick to the back and Boy hit a running dropkick for two. Boy lifted up Cole on the shoulders and Cole countered into a cradle for two. Cole with a backstabber followed by a suplex into the knee for a two count. Cole did some trash talk, so Boy slapped him and hit a Reverse Rana followed by a running forearm to the back for two. Boy hit a cradle Samoan Drop for a two count. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Boy ran the ropes and Cole hit a superkick to knock Boy out of the ring. Cole tried a move on the floor, Boy broke free and Cole hit a jumping kick. Cole was on the apron, Boy jumped over the top and Boy jumped over the top with a hurricanrana. Punk shouted: “WHAT A MANEUVER!” Yes! Back in the ring, Cole hit a superkick and a Panama Sunrise got a two count as Boy got his left shoulder up. Cole was stunned that it was only a two count. Cole lowered the knee pad, he ran the ropes and went for the Last Shot knee, but Boy slipped out of it. Boy applied the Snare Trap submission, Cole nearly got to the ropes, Boy pulled him back and Cole kicked him out of the ring. Cole and Boy were by the ropes, the referee couldn’t see it and Cole hit a low blow back-kick. Cole hit the Last Shot (or “Boom” I guess it’s called now) knee to the back of the head for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Adam Cole

Analysis: **** This was an excellent match as expected. They made the most of their time with a lot of action. I loved that spot where Jungle Boy jumped from inside the ring to deliver a hurricanrana on the apron to take down Cole on the floor. It would be nice if they sold a big spot like that a bit more, but a lot of guys are in a rush. There were some big moves by both guys with a lot of counters and exciting nearfalls. The finish was cheap, but that’s okay since Cole is a heel and it could lead to a rematch with Jungle Boy having a legit gripe for how he lost the match. At some point Jungle Boy needs a win over bigger names. It didn’t happen here.

Adam Cole celebrated the win while sitting up against the turnbuckle. Cole remains undefeated in AEW so far. The Elite group of The Young Bucks, Doc Gallows, Karl Anderson, Brandon Cutler and the AEW World Champion made their entrance to join Cole in the ring. They went to break about 21 minutes into the show.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from The Elite

Karl Anderson did a promo about how they have the Impact World Tag Team Champions, Adam Cole, the AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, who are EVPs – Extremely Violent People.

Cole bragged about how he beat Jungle Boy by himself because he is elite. Cole noted that he was undefeated in AEW. Brandon Cutler tried to talk, so Nick told him to shut up. Nick asked if they were ready for the best promo in all of professional wrestling. Nakazawa was handed the microphone, the fans chanted “CM Punk” and Nakazawa said he had nothing to say.

Kenny Omega said that his mentions are full to the brim about how his AEW Dynamite match last week was possibly Dynamite and AEW’s greatest match. Omega said that Bryan Danielson took him to his limit and he’ll give him credit. The fan chanted “YES” as Kenny tried to talk. Kenny said that Bryan couldn’t get the job done when it counted. Omega said that you have no record, you don’t get a rematch and you won’t get to see him in the ring again.

Bryan Danielson was up wearing a white t-shirt once again. Danielson asked if you want to see a rematch, so that led to the predictable “YES” chant. Danielson said that the fans want a rematch, Danielson wants a rematch and it appears that Omega doesn’t have the balls to give him a rematch. The fans chanted “No Balls” at Omega. Danielson said he presents to us “Kenny No Balls Omega.” The fans kept on chanting “Kenny No Balls” with Punk noting that chant could make a t-shirt. Danielson said that he was challenging any member of The Elite to a match on Rampage. Omega said how about right now? Danielson said he was not coming alone, so it was Frankie Kazarian, Christian Cage and Jurassic Express joining him. The faces ran into the ring, so the heels left and the faces didn’t try to get them out of the ring. It’s like when you leave the ring, there’s a forcefield and you have to stop the attack. Omega had the microphone in hand, so I thought there would be more, but then Danielson’s music hit and that was the end of that. Omega will have to deal with the “Kenny No Balls” chant.

Analysis: Strong promo work from Bryan as usual. He is great at using the crowd to his advantage leading to that “YES” chant. Omega did a nice job as the heel champion that was hesitant to admit that maybe he can’t beat Danielson and it was the typical heel thing to do to not grant a rematch. Bryan calling out somebody else from The Elite will give him a fresh match, so that’s cool with me.

CM Punk talked about how Bryan Danielson had a desire to be the best and that’s what it was all about. A tag team match was next.

(Commercial)

Lucha Brothers and Alex were backstage with Andrade showing up to congratulate them for their titles. They asked where Pac was. Andrade’s guy in a suit told them they should defend those titles. Andrade said he had some friends to take those titles and Fenix said any time. Penta did his hand gesture to end it.

The team of Matt Sydal and Dante Martin entered for a tag team match. Both of them are part of brother tag teams, but Dante’s brother is hurt while Matt’s brother doesn’t get booked on Dynamite that often. Cody Rhodes made his entrance with some boos for him, but Cody doesn’t want to embrace the heel ways again. Cody was joined by tag team partner Lee Johnson along with coach Arn Anderson and Cody’s wife Brandi Rhodes. Punk joked that Cody’s entrance must cost a lot.

Matt Sydal & Dante Martin vs. Cody Rhodes & Lee Johnson (w/Arn Anderson & Brandi Rhodes)

Cody shook hands with Martin while Punk noted that the fans were “conflicted” when it comes to Cody. After Cody started with Martin, Johnson and Sydal tagged in. Sydal with a kick to Johnson’s back. Johnson with a shoulder tackle, Martin with a leapfrog and Martin showed off his aerial skills to avoid a charging Johnson. All four guys got into the ring. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Johnson hitting a dropkick on Sydal. They showed a spot during the commercial with Martin hitting an impressive somersault dive. Cody tagged in and the fans booed with Cody hitting a powerslam. Martin hit an impressive headscissors takedown. Cody and Martin fought over a couple of moves with Cody hitting a Vertebreaker for a two count. That’s a Shane Helms move. Sydal with a kick to the head, then a headscissors on Johnson and Martin jumped off the top with a missile dropkick on Cody for two. Martin with a double jump moonsault. Cody sent Martin over the top to the floor, Johnson tagged himself in, Sydal with a kick and Johnson with a kick on Sydal. Martin was legal so he got a rollup for two. Johnson with a Fisherman’s Buster into the knee for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Cody Rhodes & Lee Johnson

Analysis: *** Good match here with Dante Martin standing out with his athleticism. I liked seeing Johnson pick up the win because he’s a talented young guy as well and he needs wins like this to build him up a bit. The story was interesting with Johnson tagging himself in because he was frustrated that Cody wasn’t aggressive enough and Johnson ended up getting the win for the team.

Post match, Tony Schiavone went into the ring to interview Cody and Lee. The fans booed as Cody was about to speak. Cody said that Malakai Black should come out there right now. Arn Anderson told Cody to stop talking. Arn said that ever since Malakai Black got into their lives, he used Arn to get to Cody and then Cody took his boot off. Arn didn’t like that. Arn didn’t like Cody checking on Arn last week because it’s not about him. Arn said that Black will do anything to destroy them, then he said ask Lee, ask Brock and Arn would do it, but he’s too damn old. Arn said there are differences between him and Cody. If they pulled up to a red light, a man pulled you out of the car and said that they are taking Cody’s car, then Cody would say okay, take it…just don’t hurt me. Arn said what he would do is pull out a Glock gun, put it on his forehead and spill his brains all over the concrete! The fans cheered! Arn said he didn’t want to coach a loser like Cody and said at least Lee listens to him. Arn left with Lee. Cody was left alone in the ring.

Analysis: What a great promo from Arn! That’s no surprise if you know Arn’s career and his history. He was always an awesome talker, but that was a bit of a shock just because it looked like it was going to be a Cody interview until Arn took it over. That was cool. I like how Cody is at a bit off a crossroads (pun intended) because of how dominant Malakai Black has been since entering AEW. Maybe Cody will go heel even though he has said he doesn’t want to be a heel after doing that in WWE for a long time, but I think Cody should embrace it.

(Commercial)

The team of Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston and Darby Allin entered in the back part of the arena along with Sting and some security guys. This trio is 3-0 in trios matches.

Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston & Darby Allin vs. Anthony Greene, Bear Boulder & Bear Bronson

Kingston and Moxley fought the Bear guys on the floor. Allin went for a pin attempt on Greene, then a shoulder tackle and a deep arm drag. Kingston with a knee to the ribs. Moxley ran into Boulder, then a slap and Boulder caught Moxley with a powerslam. Bronson tagged in with a senton splash for two. Boulder lifted Bronson on his shoulders, but Kingston dropkicked Boulder. The referee didn’t care about non-legal guys in the ring as usual. Kingston with a German Suplex on Bronson. Moxley tried to lift Boulder, Greene tagged in, Moxley hit Boulder with a German Suplex. Allin did a Coffin Drop off the top on the two guys combining to weigh 600 pounds on the floor and they had to sell for it. Greene with a superkick and a knee. Moxley and Kingston were both in the ring, Greene’s move off the top led to a no sell cross body block and Moxley/Kingston did a clothesline/German Suplex combo for the pinfall win after about four minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston & Darby Allin

Analysis: *1/2 I guess this episode needed a squash match. The popular guys beat the guys rarely on this show. Cool.

Post match, Kingston held Greene for Sting to come in and Sting hit a Scorpion Death Drop on Greene. The fans liked that. Kingston held up a “Brodie Lee” sign.

Ruby Soho and Britt Baker did separate promos with Baker saying she proved why she was the most dominant woman in professional wrestling. Ruby said that next time she’ll get that AEW Women’s World Championship.

The Hardy Family Office guys were in the ring. Matt Hardy said that a year and a half ago he was supposed to debut in AEW in Rochester, but it was deleted because this place didn’t deserve his debut. Hardy said that Rochester is an awful town that produces awful people and doesn’t deserve Matt Hardy.

Orange Cassidy made his entrance with a 16-1-1 record in 2021. Joining Cassidy were seven members of the Dark Order. Brodie Lee’s son Negative One was there with a mask on.

Orange Cassidy and Dark Order (John Silver, Alex Reynolds, Ten, Evil Uno, Colt Cabana, Stu Grayson & Alan Angels) vs. Matt Hardy Family Office (Matt Hardy, Mark Quen, Isaiah Kassidy, The Butcher, The Blade, Angelico, Jack Evans & Jora Johl)

It’s 8 on 8 here. The fans chanted “Thank You Brodie” as the match began. Private Party hit a double team flapjack for a two count. Cassidy hit a double dropkick to knock down both Private Party guys. Everybody went into the ring to set up a picture in picture commercial break.

(Commercial)

The heel side had Angelico and Evans in there, but Grayson hit a jumping kick. Reynolds tagged in with dropkicks. Uno tagged in with a boot to Evans. Angelico tossed Reynolds into Uno. Reynolds with a knee to Evans and Cassidy tagged in with a lazy splash off the top. Uno and Reynolds argued outside the ring. Evans tried a pin on Cassidy and then everybody went into the ring. Uno, Grayson and Cabana were on the ramp arguing, so Negative One showed up with his mom Amanda Huber along with Anna Jay and Tay Conti. Negative One threw the papers at them like Brodie Lee loved to do! Amanda yelled at them to get back in there and do it for Brodie, so they went down to the ring. The ring was full of wrestlers with the faces clearing house. Grayson hit a dive, Cabana and Angels hit moonsaults, Reynolds hit a dive, Ten hit a Spear and Silver went crazy on everybody. Silver went up top and Ten hit a spinebuster on Jora Johl, who I don’t really know, but that’s the name. Cassidy with the Orange Punch to Hardy. Dark Order hit their tag team moves and then Grayson hit the Fatality with Uno on Johl. Silver covered for the pinfall win. It went eight minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Orange Cassidy and Dark Order (John Silver, Alex Reynolds, Ten, Evil Uno, Colt Cabana, Stu Grayson & Alan Angels)

Analysis: **1/2 It was not about star ratings at all. It was about creating a cool moment for the memory of Brodie Lee, to make his family happy and the fans in attendance as well as those of us watching at home. I liked the story they told with the Dark Order guys coming together in honor of Brodie Lee and that’s why they got the win. Plus, Matt Hardy’s stable loses a lot. The result was never in doubt here.

After the match, Negative One went into the ring along with Amanda Huber, Anna Jay and Tay Conti. The Dark Order group all hugged in the ring. They lifted up Negative One to celebrate this moment in memory of his father.

Analysis: Cool moment in honor of Brodie Lee. Well done by AEW.

Lio Rush did a promo talking about how he’s coming to AEW. It was about how rich he is or something like that.

(Commercial)

There was a promo from FTR’s Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler with Tully Blanchard. Harwood said that they are re-energized and re-focused. Harwood mentioned that it’s good news for FTR and Pinnacle, which is barely shown together. The others didn’t talk.

Let’s Hear from Dan Lambert and Men of the Year

Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky were in the ring with Dan Lambert, who was ranting as usual. Lambert said that Jericho was still dealing with the knee from Jorge Masvidal last week. Lambert said that Jericho’s greatest accomplishment was in this startup company, he put it on his shoulders and turned it into the hottest promotion in decades. Lambert mentioned AEW fans a “happy ending” with a masturbation hand gesture. That’s classy. Lambert said that America’s Top Team has put Jericho’s career to an end, there will be no more Fozzy records and his earning potential is zero. Lambert said that you “junior jockriders” that want to see the circus will never swing on the “Balls of Jericho.” The fans chanted “shut the f**k up” at Lambert. Sky said about a year ago, he asked if you are paying attention and noted that he was one of the first champions here that has one of the best records in this company since day one. Sky said Dan Lambert was paying attention because he sees what you ignore – he sees Scorpio Sky as a main eventer just like Ethan Page. That led to Page calling the fans idiots. Page said that the idiots look past them. Page said that he has never been pinned or submitted in AEW, yet they have no action figure, no show poster and no show intro. Page said that they are not being overlooked ever again. Page said that he dresses like a champ, talks like a champ, walks like a champion and now he rolls with champions because America’s Top Team and Men of the Year are THE top team.

Analysis: I assume the feud with Jericho and Hager will continue after these guys beat them up along with some friends. Lambert’s promos are always great. It was nice to see Sky and Page getting a chance to talk as well. I have said for months that they are underutilized, so maybe this promo will mean that they will be booked in matches more often. The creative team really hasn’t featured them much. I hope that changes because I like Sky and Page a lot.

Hikaru Shida talked about how she’s been in AEW for the first two years, she’s the longest reigning AEW Women’s Champion and she’ll face Serena Deeb next week for AEW’s second anniversary. Serena also spoke in the video as well saying she’s the woman of 1,000 holds. That should be an entertaining match.

The Bunny and Penelope Ford entered first followed by Anna Jay and Tay Conti, who are called Tay Jay. Punk wondered if these are the better-looking members of the HFO (Bunny and Ford) with Excalibur having a great line: “It’s either that or The Butcher!” Well played. Sorry Butcher fans.

Tay Conti & Anna Jay vs. The Bunny & Penelope Ford

Conti and Jay attacked before the match, so they brawled on the floor a bit. Back in the ring, all four women were in there fighting for a bit. Conti with arm drags on Ford, then Jay and Conti hit kicks. When Conti went for a running kick, Bunny moved and Conti bumped to the floor. Ford hit a backstabber on Jay. Bunny with a neckbreaker against the top rope. Ford with a double knee drop to the ribs. There was a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Jay tagging in Conti while Ford was tagged in. Conti with clotheslines, a superkick and a springboard cross body block. Jay back in with a double-team suplex for two as Bunny broke up the pin. Ford hit a Stunner on Jay and a double knee gutbuster to the ribs for a two count. Ford missed a moonsault when Jay moved out of the way. Conti hit the Tay-KO on Bunny on the ford. Jay with a back kick and then Queen Slayer rear naked choke for the submission win after about seven minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Tay Conti & Anna Jay

Analysis: ** An average match. There was a story going into it over the last few weeks with the heels getting the advantage, so it made sense for the faces to get the win. It’s typical AEW booking to put the women in this spot where they go a few minutes, picture in picture break and then right to the finish. If they timed it better they would go to the commercial before the match began and then they could show the whole seven minutes. I get that they want some picture-in-picture action, but I’d rather watch a whole match on a 60-inch TV instead of chopping it up halfway through.

Post match, Negative One aka Brodie Jr. hugged Tay and Anna since they are in the Dark Order. Punk: “He’s a smart kid.” For sure. They are pretty women, that’s for sure.

Jade Cargill, Thunder Rosa and Nyla Rose did promos about their triple threat match on Rampage this Friday.

Let’s Hear from MJF

Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his entrance with Wardlow by his side. MJF insulted the crowd being from upstate New York. MJF said that he wants this company to be successful and he’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen as long as he is given what he deserves. MJF said that they keep building more and more momentum. MJF noted that there are a handful of young men that will keep pushing this forward for the next couple of decades. MJF said that there are four men to be exact, four pillars (he said right into the camera). MJF made a reference to the Pillars of AEW, which is interesting because Marc Madison of TJRWrestling wrote an article about the Four Pillars of AEW just last week. It could be a coincidence or maybe there’s something there.

MJF mentioned Jungle Boy while noting he beat him, he mentioned Sammy Guevara saying he beat him, Darby Allin (whatever) and then the most important is himself…MJF. MJF bragged about his accomplishments while reminding us that he’s better than you and you know it. MJF said that without him, “this company ain’t shit.” MJF said that he’s the past, present and future, so that’s why he deserves to be the AEW World Champion. Tony Schiavone told him to earn it in the ring. MJF said Tony Khan’s his buddy and “out of all the Khan’s in professional wrestling you’re easily in my top two.” (A reference to WWE President Nick Khan.) That’s funny. The fans chanted “CM Punk” at him. MJF said if Tony doesn’t give him the opportunities, he’s got other friends from back in the day and he replied “whatever” to that. MJF said that he’s got a friend from his MLW days saying he knows Bruce Prichard (WWE Executive Director) and he’s got Brucey on speed dial.

Darby Allin made his entrance with Punk joking that everybody has Bruce on speed dial, so that’s nothing to brag about. Allin got in MJF’s face. MJF said as much as he loves the “school shooter mime on a skateboard routine” (that drew an “ooohhh” reaction), he’s not a huge fan of Allin interrupting him. MJF said that Allin is jealous of MJF, but there is nothing wrong with being the second-best pillar. MJF mentioned some number two guys are incredible like Mark Messier, Lou Gehrig, Scottie Pippen and said Sting was a number two guy. MJF said that he’s Wayne Gretzky, Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan because he’s number one around here. Allin told Max to leave if he doesn’t get what he wants. Allin said nobody would care if Max left. Allin said he is AEW for life…until death. Allin wondered how MJF can be a pillar when he (Allin) is the only one to win a championship between them. Good line.

MJF mocked Darby’s “Batman voice” while noting Allin is straight edge. MJF said when Darby was a wee little boy, he went into the car with his alcoholic uncle and they went for a joy ride. MJF mentioned that they got into an accident and Darby’s uncle died that night. The fans chanted “Asshole” at MJF, who said that night, the wrong man died. Allin said he won’t hit Max because won’t break him mentally. Allin dared him to keep talking. MJF repeated what Allin said as if he was being dared to try to break Allin mentally. MJF said “okay” and left with Wardlow. Punk said MJF is a bully, so when a bully is stood up to, they retreat.

Analysis: It was a way to start a new feud. That’s cool with me because both of these guys have needed a new storyline, so now they have it. The two WWE references by MJF are not a surprise in mentioning Nick Khan (without saying his full name) and also Bruce Prichard. It just shows that MJF is a different kind of heel that’s willing to do or say anything to get heat. He’s so great at it. MJF did more of his despicable heel work by making it personal talking about Allin’s dead uncle. I can remember hearing that story in the past, but hearing it as a part of a storyline by a heel saying it is a different feeling for sure. Keep building the rivalry up and they can probably have a great match at Full Gear in November.

This Friday on Rampage (which was taped after Dynamite):

* Nick Jackson vs. Bryan Danielson. That should be amazing.

* Nyla Rose vs. Jade Cargill vs. Thunder Rosa.

* Orange Cassidy vs. Jack Evans.

Next Wednesday on AEW Dynamite in Philadelphia on the two-year anniversary show:

* The Elite (Kenny Omega, Adam Cole and Young Bucks) vs. Bryan Danielson, Christian Cage, Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus. That match has been building for a while. Big main event tag!

* Hikaru Shida vs. Serena Deeb

* Casino Ladder Match where the winner receives a World Title Match. They did not say who was in the match.

The main event time is next with Miro defending the TNT Championship against Sammy Guevara.

A video aired about TNT Champion Miro beating Fuego Del Sol repeatedly. Fuego even lost his car in betting it against Miro. Sammy Guevara is Fuego’s best friend and he’s going to buy Fuego a new car while becoming TNT Champion.

(Commercial)

Sammy Guevara of the Inner Circle made his entrance to a good pop as the “Spanish God.” Sammy is 7-3 in 2021.

Analysis: One of my biggest complaints about AEW is their ranking system is flawed. Why does Sammy only have ten matches this year? On top of that, Sammy isn’t ranked in their top five ranking system. Sammy gets the title shot because he saved his friend. Why should we care about records and rankings if they don’t really lead to title matches? I just want AEW to be consistent with their own ranking system that they want us to care about. If it means nothing, don’t try to put over the rankings at other times. This has nothing to do with Sammy or Miro or any wrestler. I like both guys. Sammy is underutilized big time. It’s about the booking. That’s all.

Miro was up next as the TNT Champion with a 15-0 singles record in AEW. Miro walked all around the wring with the TNT Championship in his hands.

TNT Championship: Miro vs. Sammy Guevara

Miro was in control early with punches and kicks to knock the big man down. Miro with a suplex. Miro with a running back elbow. Miro choked MJF with the necklace he wore around his neck and it broke the necklace in half, so Miro tossed it out of the ring. Sammy finally got some offense going with a running cross body block that sent Miro over the top to the floor. Sammy ran Miro into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Sammy went for a Shooting Star Press, Miro caught him and hit a belly to belly suplex across the ring. They went to a picture in picture break.

(Commercial)

Miro was in control with a headlock on the mat. Sammy tried a running attack, but Miro caught him again and hit another suplex across the ring. Miro rocked Sammy with two clotheslines. The fans chanted “one more time” so Miro went off the ropes for a clothesline, but Sammy hit him with a Spanish Fly takedown. Great spot. Miro with a superkick followed by a running knee. Miro avoided a pump kick, he went for a suplex, Sammy landed on his feet and Miro charged, which led to Sammy moving and Miro bumped over the top to the floor. Sammy hit a twisting attack over the top onto Miro on the floor! Great spot. Back in the ring, Sammy went up top, jumped off with nothing, Miro was backup and Miro hit a spinning sidewalk slam for two. Miro set up in the corner as Sammy got back up, Sammy moved out of the way, Miro missed a running kick and Sammy hit Miro with two knees to the face. Sammy with a jumping kick to the head. Sammy went up top, Miro met him with punches, but Sammy hit him with headbutts to knock him down. Sammy jumped off the top with a Cutter! Great move. Miro got out of a Sammy move and hit a superkick for two. Miro wanted to finish him off, but Sammy rolled out of bounds. Miro ripped off the top turnbuckle pad off three turnbuckles. Fuego Del Sol got in Miro’s face, Miro punched him, but Fuego did nothing to him. Sammy was back in with a knee that led to Miro hitting the exposed steel. Sammy hit a Tornado DDT. Sammy with a slam off the shoulder into the knee and hit the GTH (so it’s like a Go to Sleep but different). Sammy went up top and hit a 630 Senton Splash on Miro for the one…two…and three! JR: “Are you kidding me? Sammy! Sammy! Sammy!” It went 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW TNT Championship: Sammy Guevara

Analysis: *** This was a good match that made the fans happy with the babyface title win while Miro suffered his first singles loss in AEW. There were some chemistry issues early on I think, but by the end of it, the crowd was really into it and wanted Sammy to win the title, which he did. Miro controlled most of the match, Sammy made the big comeback with strikes, Miro slowed him down and then Sammy found another way to get the win. Miro looked like a bit of a dumbass since he was obsessed with tearing off turnbuckle pads instead of finishing his opponent. I liked the story of the match for the most part.

Sammy was handed the TNT Championship by Fuego. Other babyface wrestlers spilled into the ring to celebrate with Sammy. They also said that Sammy was going to be on Rampage. Sammy’s celebration lasted less than a minute with no replays because they were right at the top of the hour. End show.

Analysis: I’m glad that Sammy has won his first title in AEW. Well deserved. Miro did a great job as champion too.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sammy Guevara – I know it wasn’t the best match, but happy for him winning a title.
  2. Adam Cole
  3. Jungle Boy

The Scoreboard

This Week: 7.5 out of 10

Last Week: 8.5

2021 Average: 7.36

Final Thoughts

I thought it was a very good show overall. The match of the night was the opener with Cole/Jungle Boy putting on a great showing as expected by guys as talented as them. Some of the matches in the middle weren’t that great, but I liked how the show ended with Sammy beating Miro with the TNT Title.

It was fitting that the TNT Title change happened in Rochester where former TNT Brodie Lee was from, and it was a show in tribute to him. They did a tremendous job in honoring a man that is missed by so many not just in AEW, but in WWE as well and of course all of us fans as well.

I like that they started a storyline with MJF and Darby Allin. That should be a great rivalry that is hopefully beneficial for both guys. Also, Arn Anderson’s promo. Wow. Did not see that coming. Do not try to carjack Arn Anderson. Just some advice, pal.

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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

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