The John Report: AEW Dynamite 11/16/22 Review
This week’s AEW Dynamite featured Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara teaming up against Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli, plus some words exchanged by Jon Moxley and MJF on the last Dynamite before the Full Gear pay-per-view on Saturday.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #163 at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, CT. 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 and you know what that means. Excalibur welcomed us to the show along with Taz and Tony Schiavone.
The show started with tag team action with ROH World Champion Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara up first as the fans sang the “Judas” song for Jericho. Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson were up next as the opponents. Those four wrestlers are in the ROH World Title match at Full Gear on Saturday. Ian Riccaboni joined commentary for the match.
Blackpool Combat Club – Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Jericho Appreciation Society – Chris Jericho & Sammy Guevara
Claudio sent Jericho out of the ring while Sammy and Bryan battled in the ring. Sammy did some head biting on Bryan’s head while Claudio hit Jericho with a running uppercut. Bryan hit the running knee to the ribs, Jericho sent Claudio into the barricade and Jericho went back into the ring. Bryan and Claudio each worked over their opponents with elbows to the head. Very safe elbows. Just saying. Bryan had Sammy’s legs trapped leading to Claudio hitting a running kick. Sammy did a backflip leapfrog leading to a dropkick on Claudio for two. Claudio gave Sammy a delayed vertical suplex, Jericho into the ring and Claudio suplexed Jericho as well. Claudio hit a running splash on both guys. Bryan was back in with hard chops on Sammy, then Sammy did eye gouging and Jericho was back in with chops on Bryan. Bryan got a takedown leading to a stomp on Jericho’s left elbow and Claudio was back with some uppercuts. Bryan back in, Jericho chopped him into the heel corner, Sammy tagged in and JAS did a double shoulder tackle followed by a smiling Sammy/Jericho pose. Bryan worked over Sammy with chops/strikes, then Bryan hit two running dropkicks in the corner and Sammy got a drop toe hold sending Bryan into the turnbuckle. Jericho hit Bryan with the bat to the head leading to a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
Jericho and Sammy hit a double team suplex on Bryan leading to Jericho’s cocky pin attempt. Bryan made a comeback after some chops along with a running clothesline. Claudio was back in with a clothesline on Jericho, then uppercuts and he threw Sammy onto Jericho. Claudio with about a dozen uppercuts on Jericho, then he was forced to stop and Claudio did more uppercuts. Claudio hit a running clothesline for two. Claudio jumped off the middle rope with an uppercut for two. Claudio wanted a swing, but Sammy saved Jericho. That led to Jericho applying the Walls of Jericho while Sammy hit a running dive over the top onto Bryan on the floor. Bryan recovered to send Sammy into the ring post. Bryan went up top and hit a missile dropkick on Jericho. Bryan was back in against Sammy, who hit some forearms, then Bryan hit a rolling elbow and Bryan hit several kicks to the chest. Guevara bit the head near the eye, then a jumping knee strike and Bryan landed on his feet when Sammy tried the GTH. Bryan applied the LeBell Lock on Sammy, who got out of it and got to the rope. They battled by the turnbuckle, Sammy bit Bryan’s forehead again and Sammy hit a top rope Cutter. Jericho tagged in with a Lionsault for two with Claudio making the save. Claudio with a popup uppercut on Sammy, but Jericho tossed Claudio out of the ring. Bryan and Jericho ran the ropes leading to a collision spot to knock them both down. Claudio tagged in while Bryan hit a suicide dive onto Sammy on the floor. Jericho had the bat, Claudio with a trip and Claudio did the Giant Swing on Jericho, who still had the bat in his hand. Claudio took the bat from Jericho and applied the Sharpshooter leading to Jericho tapping out for the loss. It went about 19 minutes.
Winners by submission: Blackpool Combat Club – Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli
Analysis: ***1/2 A great tag team match. There were a lot of hard chops in this match. I thought they should have had more spots with Jericho trying to cheat because other than the bat shot, he didn’t cheat as much as usual. The finish was set up well with Claudio stopping Jericho from using the bat and applying the Sharpshooter for the win. Claudio has beaten Jericho a few times in matches that aren’t for the title, so it shows that Claudio can win against Jericho, which presents an interesting story going into the four-way match at Full Gear.
There was a video package that aired featuring AEW World Champion Jon Moxley and his Full Gear opponent, Maxwell Jacob Friedman. A lot of people in the video talked about how Moxley was the best in the world and MJF had to have the best match of his life to win. Both guys are coming up later in the show.
A match between Anthony Bowens and Swerve Strickland was up next.
(Commercial)
There was a video featuring Sting putting Darby Allin (who was in a body bag) into a car. Sting was driving the car and said: “Full Gear…it’s showtime.”
Jay Lethal, Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt and Satnam Singh were backstage for a promo with Jarrett saying that Sunday at Full Gear will be the last time that Sting says “it’s showtime.”
The Acclaimed, the AEW Tag Team Champions, made their entrance with Max Caster making a joke about Jay Leno putting himself on fire and mocked Swerve as well. Anthony Bowens shouted the catchphrases along with some scissoring with Daddy Ass to end it.
A new video aired that was The Acclaimed music video. Paul Wight was doing an interview as Captain Insano, which was his character from The Waterboy over 20 years ago. A music video aired after that with Caster doing the singing while Daddy Ass was in the background looking old. Two guys that were supposed to be Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland were mocked in the video.
Analysis: It was okay, I guess. A bit too long for my liking. At least Captain Insano is back after a nearly 25-year hiatus.
Swerve Strickland made his entrance, so Billy Gunn attacked Swerve as payback for Swerve “kidnapping” Gunn a few weeks ago.
Anthony Bowens vs. Swerve Strickland
Bowens hit a running leg drop to the back of the head for a two count. Swerve got a headscissors takedown, then a kick to the body and he sent Bowens out of the ring. Swerve hit a dive onto Bowens on the floor. Swerve with a kick to the head. Swerve gave Bowens a back body drop onto the barricade, which led to Bowens landing in the seats. Some fans helped Bowens back up as they went to a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
Swerve was in control with an armbar, Bowens had a bloody mouth and Swerve hit a kick to the back. Swerve went to the middle rope, but Bowens tripped him up. Bowens hit a running back elbow. Bowens with a running shoulder tackle, then some forearms/elbows to the head and Bowens hit two running elbows along with an Angle Slam for a two count. Swerve was able to come back with a brainbuster, then Swerve posed for about ten seconds leading to the running kick to the head. Swerve wrenched back the right shoulder and did a kick to the shoulder. Swerve jumped off the top with a Swerve Stomp for a two count. Bowens tried to fight back, but Swerve hit a JML Driver for the pinfall win. It went about ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Swerve Strickland
Analysis: *** A good match with Swerve getting the win in impressive fashion since he’s the more experienced singles wrestler out of the two guys. Bowens is very talented in the ring, but he really hasn’t had much TV exposure in singles in his career. They worked well together. Swerve targeting the shoulder of Bowens will add to the story of the tag team match at Full Gear where we see if Bowens can overcome the injury to help his team win.
Swerve was selling a right shoulder injury with the ringside doctor checking on him at ringside.
A video package aired about Jade Cargill defending the TBS Title against Nyla Rose, who stole the title. Tony Schiavone said with a straight face that Rose put herself in the title picture by stealing the title. It’s such a dumb storyline.
Let’s Hear from Samoa Joe
The ROH TV Champion Samoa Joe made his entrance as replays were shown of Joe turning on Wardlow last week. Tony Schiavone was in the ring for an interview asking Joe why did what he did. Joe said that Tony stated that what Joe did was a shocker and unexpected, but Joe asked if it’s shocking for a man to refuse to be a victim? Joe talked about how Wardlow failed to recognize the most dangerous man in the room and for that mistake, he paid the ultimate price. Joe said he refuses to wait to be a victim like most of the people in this building. Joe shouted if anybody had a problem with it, they can take it up with him.
Powerhouse Hobbs made his entrance saying Joe is late to the party because Hobbs has been kicking Wardlow’s ass for several weeks. Hobbs told Joe he’ll come kick his ass.
Wardlow was next up as the TNT Champion that jumped the barricade and hit Joe with a Spear in the ring. Hobbs went into the ring and he attacked Joe with punches. Wrestlers came out from the locker room to try to separate the wrestlers. Wardlow beat up security guys including a spinebuster. The Dark Order nerds didn’t stand in Wardlow’s way. That led to Wardlow running the ropes with a somersault dive onto a pile of guys on the floor.
Analysis: It was a decent segment to further this storyline with Joe turning on Wardlow and involving Hobbs to make it a triple threat feud. Wardlow standing tall was the right way to end it.
The Trios Tag Team Titles were up next.
(Commercial)
Britt Baker Speaks
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. did a promo talking into the camera backstage wearing a lot of makeup around her eyes. Baker said that in three years, she went from a nervous girl that turned into a leader in this company. Baker said she became her own damn role model. Baker said she took the opportunity, she ran with it and became undeniable. Baker mentioned the fans doing the “DMD” thing when she says her name. Baker talked about how she wrestled at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, she was there for a year when the fans couldn’t come, they kept it going and that’s an era that Saraya will never know. Baker said she respected Saraya fighting addiction, coming back from a horrible neck injury and paving the way in this business. Baker said that this business owes Saraya nothing, so she will not let Saraya belittle Baker because Saraya is stuck in the past. Baker said she’s the heart, soul and pulse of AEW. Baker said if you think you’re above that, you can get the hell out because this is Baker’s house.
Analysis: Awesome promo. I think it was better than what they did in the ring last week, but doing it backstage with just a camera in front of you is easier than doing it in front of a crowd that might react to you and it throws you off a bit. Baker has become a great talker in the last few years and she has definitely grown as a performer. Nice job by her there.
AEW Trios Tag Team Championships: Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo) (w/Alex Abrahantes) vs. Dante Martin, Darius Martin & AR Fox
It is Darius Martin’s first match in 204 days after a scary car accident causing injuries. He’s only 23 and he’s back with younger brother Dante again. Welcome back, Darius. I really like Top Flight’s potential as a team.
Fenix and Darius did some moves leading to a bunch of counters leading to an arm drag, then some flips and a stalemate after about 30 seconds. Penta faced off with Dante leading to some more flipping going including a suplex by Dante followed by a dropkick that sent Penta out of the ring. Fox was in there against Pac with the announcers putting over Fox as a 15-year pro that has trained a lot of wrestlers. Pac and Fox did their gymnastics routine leading to Pac getting a kick to the gut. Fox came back with an enziguri kick to the head. Fox hit a Cutter leading to Pac rolling out of the ring, so Fox hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Pac on the floor. Back in the ring, Fox hit a senton bomb for two as Penta broke it up with the kick. The other guys went into the ring to do some illegal spots while the inept referee was waving his arms in the air. The Martin boys launched Pac into the air for a Cutter by Fox. The champs were back in the ring with superkicks and a triple dropkick on Fox. Death Triangle did more triple-team offense including a double splash on Fox for two. This is legal somehow as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with a spot where four guys were in the ring doing moves, then Penta went in illegally and the faces were in control after knocking the heels out of the ring. Darius hit a suicide dive onto Penta, Dante hit a springboard dive onto Pac/Fenix and then Fox hit an impressive spinning dive off the middle rope on Pac/Fenix as well. Fox hit a Spanish Fly on Fenix and a 450 Splash off the top for two with Pac breaking up the pin attempt. Pac and Fenix hit a Fear Factor/Stomp combo and Fenix hit a dive on Top Flight on the floor. Pac tagged in with the Black Arrow splash off the top for two. It went 12 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fenix & Penta El Zero Miedo)
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a typical AEW car crash tag team match. A lot of flipping going on as expected. I don’t think spending the first three minutes doing gymnastics moves is very entertaining, but maybe that’s just me. They had an entertaining match although if you like telling stories or selling moves longer than three seconds then this wasn’t for you. I watch matches like this and want the guys to slow down, but they are so intent on getting to the next spot. Fox got a lot of moves in, so you can tell the guys were working hard to get him over, which is cool. Anyway, it was a typical AEW match where the winner is obvious so it’s hard to get into the nearfalls for the challengers in a match like this. Death Triangle took a lot of from the challengers, but it was obvious they were going to win.
Post match, Pac asked the crowd if people think Death Triangle are stupid? Pac said they are aware of what’s going on, they’ve seen the videos and they have seen the rumors. Pac said that if there are wrestlers that are going to come back and think they can beat the Death Triangle, that’s ridiculous. Pac shouted that “you know who you are” referring to The Elite. They said they are Death Triangle and Pac told them to bring the heat this Saturday because they run from nobody. Penta said they had zero fear as usual. A graphic was shown confirming The Elite trio of Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks will face Death Triangle at Full Gear. The fans popped when they saw the graphic. Pac: “Finally some transparency.” Pac said that Death Triangle faces The Elite at Full Gear with Pac saying that they have been waiting for them.
Analysis: I hope it doesn’t turn into a locker room fight. Too soon? Welcome back to The Elite after over two months off due to a suspension/vacation or whatever you want to call it. I’ve never had two months off in my life.
Ricky Starks did a promo talking about his match with Lance Archer on Rampage saying he wasn’t medically cleared after a previous attack from Archer. Starks said they should start backstage. Starks said he talks in absolutes saying that he is going to beat Archer.
Ethan Page did a promo on the way to the ring complaining about the reaction and said he’s walking through Bandido. Ethan said that he’s going to win the World Title Eliminator tournament at Full Gear and he didn’t care if it was Mox or Max because he’s going to be the champion.
AEW World Title Tournament Eliminator Semifinals: “All Ego” Ethan Page (w/Stokely Hathaway) vs. Bandido
This tournament has been booked and organized poorly. This is a semifinal match. Meanwhile, Ricky Starks and Lance Archer still haven’t had the first round match while Brian Cage awaits the winner in the semifinals. If they organized it better, we’d have a better picture of what the final match would be at Full Gear. I guess they could do the Cage semifinal match on the Full Gear pre-show and then the final match on the main show.
Bandido got a headscissors takeover, then a running back elbow in the corner and Bandido hit a suplex on his bigger opponent. Ethan did a referee distraction, Stokely tripped up Bandido and Ethan got in some cheap shots to knock Bandido down as the show went to picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Bandido getting a kick in the corner leading to a dropkick sending Ethan out of the ring. Bandido went to the top of the ring post leading to a moonsault onto Ethan on the floor. Back in the ring, Bandido with tornedo twisting cross body block on Ethan for two. Ethan blocked a move with a back elbow followed by a Cutter (a popular move on this show) for a two count. Ethan went for a top rope Powerbomb, but Bandido did a smooth counter in a hurricanrana. That’s a classic Rey Mysterio from over 25 years ago that I’ve seen many times although it’s always going to look great while getting a big reaction. Bandido hit a press slam that looked impressive. Bandido jumped off the top with a Frog Splash for two. Bandido went up top again, Ethan tripped him up and Bandido went up top with Ethan. That was a mistake because Ethan did a body slam off the top along with a shoulder tackle. Ethan hit the Ego’s Edge release Powerbomb for the pinfall win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ethan Page
Analysis: **3/4 It was fun for the time given, but a little short on time prevented it from being really good. The last few minutes were great. I’m happy to see my fellow Canadian Ethan getting the win because he has been booked poorly for a long time. With that said, it’s a bit surprising to see Bandido doing a clean job so soon after he was just signed by the company. It was good in the sense that it was hard to know who was going to win, so I liked that from an unpredictability standpoint.
Ethan Page moves on to the finals of the AEW World Title Eliminator tournament at Full Gear.
A video aired about the Luchasaurus-Jungle Boy Steel Cage Match at Full Gear with promos from Christian Cage as well.
There was a video with Saraya from earlier in the day with Renee Paquette asking about how she is doing. Saraya said that she is feeling great, she chose to be in AEW and she is tired of this back-and-forth talk. Saraya said she’ll see Britt on Saturday at Full Gear.
(Commercial)
A video aired promoting Eddie Kingston & Ortiz facing Jun Akiyama & Konosuke Takeshita this Friday on a live Rampage. Kingston talked about how it was a dream for him to face Akiyama.
Toni Storm vs. Anna Jay A.S.
Storm is the Interim AEW Women’s Champion for this non-title match. Storm with a boot on a ducking Jay followed by a running boot. Storm with a monkey flip out of the corner. The crowd was dead silent so Storm tried to wake them up. Jay kicked Storm’s leg and hit a backstabber. Jay hit a rolling kick to the head. She shouldn’t have done the rolling part because it made the move look worse. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
They exchanged strikes followed by Storm getting a Thesz Press, then Storm hit a lariat and a Fisherman’s Suplex for two. Jay was on the apron, so Storm hit a running hip attack to knock Jay down to the floor. Storm followed, which was dumb, so Jay sent Storm into the steps. Jay hit a Gory Bomb on the floor. Jay with a light kick to the head and a Gory Bomb in the ring for two. No reaction from the crowd for that nearfall. Storm got a takedown followed by a dropkick and a running hip attack in the corner. Storm applied the Texas Cloverleaf submission with Jay tapping out quickly. It went about seven minutes.
Winner by submission: Toni Storm
Analysis: ** A flat match, which is not a good sign for a champion. Easy win for Storm to keep her strong going into Full Gear on Saturday. The crowd was asleep for most of it. They only got seven minutes with picture-in-picture action for nearly half of it, so that sucks for the women. They worked hard, but it wasn’t that interesting.
After the match, Jamie Hayter walked out with Britt Baker and Rebel. Hayter went into the ring with Storm for a staredown. They are former friends that are facing eachother at Full Gear.
Analysis: I think Hayter should win at Full Gear because the crowd actually reacts to her while they are dead quiet for some of Storm’s matches.
A graphic was shown saying that AEW heads to London, England in 2023. No dates were announced.
This Friday night on a live Rampage:
* Hook defends the FTR Championship against Lee Moriarty.
* Athena vs. Madison Rayne.
* World Title Eliminator Tournament Quarterfinals: Lance Archer vs. Ricky Starks
* Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Jun Akiyama & Konosuke Takeshita
Analysis: I might not write a detailed Rampage review this week. I’m going to be so busy. I might just post results on TJRWrestling instead. I don’t know for sure yet.
The fast-talking Excalibur did a rundown of the Full Gear pay-per-view card for this Saturday. I have it at the bottom of the post, but I will post it here too.
* AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman
* AEW Tag Team Championships: The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens and Max Caster) (c) vs. Swerve In Our Glory (Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland)
* AEW Interim Women’s Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Jamie Hayter
* ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara
* AEW TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Nyla Rose
* Darby Allin & Sting vs. Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett
* Saraya vs. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.
* TNT Championship: Wardlow (c) vs. Samoa Joe vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
* Steel Cage Match: Luchasaurus vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
* AEW Trios Tag Team Championships: Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fenix & Penta) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks – Matt & Nick Jackson)
The AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament Final was also scheduled, but was not mentioned. There will probably be more matches. Why? Because it’s AEW.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Jon Moxley and MJF
The AEW World Champion Jon Moxley made his entrance in the back part of the arena with William Regal of the Blackpool Combat Club joining him. They walked around the crowd a bit before going into the ring.
Moxley said he is the AEW World Champion. Moxley said he’s the best professional wrestler on planet Earth, the baddest son of a bitch, he talks shit and backs it up. Moxley talked about taking on all comers and he has defined the AEW World Championship (held by Regal). Moxley said that loving to fight is not a good thing, he’s literally sick in the head and he’s addicted to the fights and the pain. Moxley said he loves it. Moxley said you can’t hurt him because he literally doesn’t care.
Moxley remarked that last week he asked who really is MJF? Moxley said he did some research and found out that MJF is actually a really good singer. Moxley also mentioned that MJF has only won one match in the last six months when he beat Mox’s young boy (that’s Wheeler Yuta) and mentioned MJF taking a summer vacation. Moxley said MJF came back wearing a mask and somebody handed him in a poker chip in the worst ending to a ladder match I’ve ever seen (ouch) and now he’s got a shot at the World Championship. Moxley said forgive him if he’s not exactly shaking in his boots. Moxley talked about how MJF has prepared speeches, handpicked opponents, a man dripping in security and a kid playing wrestler because he’s in fear that he won’t live up to the hype. Moxley said you’ll see the World Champion do what he does best. Moxley talked about how he’s challenging MJF to show Moxley something like proving he has guts and balls. Moxley wanted MJF to show that he is the future of this industry.
The Firm’s Stokely Hathaway appeared on the ramp leading to members of the group like W. Morrissey, Ethan Page, Lee Moriarty, Gunn Club and more attacking Moxley and Regal in the ring.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his entrance next for this promo segment wearing a tank top. The Firm’s jobber guys Austin, Colten and Moriarty ran at MJF so he can hit them with clotheslines. Morrissey grabbed MJF by the throat, MJF kicked MJF in the groin, Ethan tried a kick, MJF moved and Ethan kicked Morrissey out of the ring, so MJF did a low blow kick to Ethan as well. MJF punched Ethan to knock him out. MJF told The Firm to get out of Connecticut before MJF takes his boots and shoves it up their ass. I guess he’s been watching Rock promos.
Analysis: I don’t know why The Firm was needed here. If anything, it made MJF look like more of a face because he took care of them rather easily. The only reason why you have them there is to tease the possibility that MJF’s issues with them is a swerve and that they are really going to help MJF win, which is certainly possible.
MJF spoke to Moxley, who was down in the ring, saying he didn’t save his ass because he likes Moxley. MJF said he did it because he didn’t want any of the pissant mark fan club to make excuses for Moxley when MJF knocks his lights out. MJF said no Dynamite Diamond Ring necessary and looked at Regal’s face.
MJF said that when he got in this business his ultimate goal is to be the best wrestler in the world. MJF talked about how he’s not the same person he was when they first fought for that gold. MJF said he will not stop because he needs that belt more than he needs water, food and oxygen. MJF said when you’re the man that holds the AEW World Title, that makes you the best wrestler on God’s Green Earth and it is his time. The fans cheered. MJF said that the greatest trick ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist (The Usual Suspects is a great film). MJF told Mox: “This Saturday at Full Gear, you are going to find out that I am The Devil himself because my name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman and I’m better than you…” but Mox was back up to take the microphone. The fans were chanting at the end of it.
Analysis: Spouting catchphrases that the fans chant along with does not seem very devilish to me. Just saying.
Moxley said he never really saw what the big deal was with MJF anyway. Moxley said this weekend at Full Gear, we’re going to find out and if MJF can’t find it himself, Moxley will reach into him and pull it out because that’s his job. Moxley said this Sunday (it’s actually Saturday, Mox corrected himself), the training wheels come off. Moxley was about to leave, but instead, he did the staredown while Regal stood in the background staring at MJF as well. Moxley walked out of the ring bumping MJF’s chest with Regal leaving with him while MJF was alone in the ring. Excalibur shouted some stuff to promote things and the show ended there showing MJF in the ring.
Analysis: It was a pretty good promo exchange from two strong talkers although it was weaker by Moxley. I think the crowd was behind MJF more than Moxley. The roles of the characters are pretty simple with Moxley as the noble, fighting champion while MJF wants to prove just how good he is in his quest to become the champion. I wouldn’t call it a great story, but they are both very talented professional wrestlers that should have a great match. I think that a swerve taking place is very possible with MJF winning because of The Firm or even Regal turning on Moxley. I’m not saying I am officially picking MJF because I will save it for the preview. I’m just saying that kind of ending is certainly possible in this case.
Three Stars of the Show
1. Claudio Castagnoli/Bryan Danielson
2. Death Triangle
3. MJF
The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.25 out of 10
Last Week: 7.25
Final Thoughts
It was mostly a good show, but I wouldn’t call it great. I liked the Moxley/MJF promo exchange in the main event a bit although I said for weeks now they should have had more segments together to build the match. The crowd seems to be behind MJF more than Moxley and I don’t know what AEW wants, but a win for MJF is something new and fresh. I think the Full Gear crowd in New Jersey will want MJF to win.
The opening tag was pretty good with Claudio Castagnoli/Bryan Danielson getting the win over Chris Jericho/Sammy Guevera in a clean way. Jericho losing tag team matches makes him vulnerable in title defenses like the 4-way match at Full Gear. The trios tag was a typical chaotic AEW six-man tag with a lot of flips and very little selling. Good athletes, though. That promo by Britt Baker was great while Saraya’s promo was very short. I think the segment they did last week sold their match well. That’s a better story compared to the two other women’s matches at Full Gear.
I guess the big news is The Elite (Kenny Omega & Young Bucks) are officially back for Full Gear on Saturday against Death Triangle for the Trios Tag Team Titles. That was building via videos for the last month, so now it’s official. Some of the other Full Gear matches could have used more time on this show to build to their matches, but it is what it is. They still have a live Rampage on Friday night too. Anyway, our TJR Full Gear preview is coming on Friday.
The next AEW pay-per-view is Full Gear on Saturday, November 16th. Here’s what we know so far.
* AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman
* ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Bryan Danielson vs. Sammy Guevara
* AEW Tag Team Championships: The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens and Max Caster) (c) vs. Swerve In Our Glory (Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland)
* AEW Trios Tag Team Championships: Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fenix & Penta) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks – Matt & Nick Jackson)
* AEW Interim Women’s Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Jamie Hayter
* Darby Allin & Sting vs. Jay Lethal & Jeff Jarrett
* Steel Cage Match: Luchasaurus vs. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry
* Saraya vs. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.
* TNT Championship: Wardlow (c) vs. Samoa Joe vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
* AEW TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Nyla Rose
* AEW World Title Eliminator Tournament Finals
We will have a Full Gear preview up on Friday and I will write a live review on Saturday.
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John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport