Reviews

The John Report: AEW Dynamite 12/09/20 Review

By John Canton • Published 10th December 2020

Welcome to the AEW Dynamite review here on TJRWrestling. This week’s show is a follow up to last week when Kenny Omega became the AEW World Champion for the first time while the legendary wrestler Sting made his surprising AEW debut. This week’s show was taped last Thursday.

This is episode #62 of AEW Dynamite from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Here’s my AEW Dynamite TV review archive. Let’s get to it.

The AEW Dynamite introduction video aired to start the show. Sting is a part of it now. The pyro went off on the stage, there were wrestlers surrounding the ring as usual, a few hundred fans and the announce team of Jim Ross, Excalibur and Tony Schiavone were calling the action.

Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) vs. TH2 (Jack Evans and Angelico)

The Young Bucks were not defending the Tag Team Titles in this match. TH2 did not get introductions for this match.

TH2 tried attacking before the match, but Young Bucks fought them off with a suplex and dropkicks to clear the ring. Matt and Nick hit Spears on both opponents on the floor. Matt hit a running kick on both opponents on the floor while Nick hit a twisting splash over the top onto both opponents as well. Bucks did some double team moves on Evans including a double dropkick. Angelico tagged in for some theatrics with Nick with an arm drag and Matt jumped over the top with a leg drop on Angelico. Bucks kicked Evans off the apron as well. Evans tagged in with a moonsault off the top onto Nick, who wasn’t legal, on the floor. Evans with a double foot stomp off the top on Matt while Angelico was holding Matt. Evans hit an assisted flipping splash for a two count. Nick was illegally in the ring with a superkick for Evans (why have rules in tag team matches) with a superkick on Evans, then Angelico hit Nick with a kick and Matt kicked Angelico. Nick tagged in against Angelico, Nick with a knee to the face and a bulldog/clothesline combo. Both TH2 guys were still in the ring for a long time, I guess because Nick had to do his spot to knock Evans out of the ring and then Nick hit a jumping facebuster for two. Evans illegally grabbed Nick (the referee does nothing as usual) and Matt picked up Evans off the apron while tossing him into the Acclaimed tag team that confronted Young Bucks last week. Nick with a running knee on Angelico. Young Bucks hit the moonsault/splash combo on Angelico for two. Evans tagged in leading to a sequence of moves including an amazing 450 splash off the top, but that’s not going to win a match in AEW. Matt with counter of a powerbomb into the corner and then Nick got in a cheap shot kick to Angelico as Evans made the save for two. Nick went after Evans as the two illegal men in the match and Nick hit a Doomsday Device on the ramp on Evans. Both Bucks were illegally in the ring as they hit a double superkick on Angelico for two. The announcers were stunned that wasn’t the finish even though it is often used as a two count spot. They did a contrived spot with Angelico blocking a Nick splash, then Matt was selling his left leg and Evans went in illegally with a reverse rana on Matt. The referee Rick Knox does nothing. Evans hit a 450 Splash on Nick on the floor. Angelo slapped on a leg lock submission, Evans missed hitting Nick on the apron like a dumbass, so Nick (illegally again) hit a senton bomb off the top on Angelico. Matt held Angelico in the ring, Evans tripped up Nick and sent Matt to the floor. Evans hit a cartwheel into a move over the top to the floor. Matt held Evans on the floor, Nick jumped off the top leading to a spike piledriver on the floor on Evans, who was not legal. Angelico got a rollup on Matt, Nick with another illegal kick on Matt and the Bucks hit double superkicks. Nick finally got a tag leading to the BTE Trigger (double knees to the face) for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson)

Analysis: *** It was good enough, but it’s also frustrating to watch at times. They are just going through spots, not selling things enough, ignoring rules and kicking out of everything as if moves like a 450 Splash are routine off the top rope. The last three minutes featured so much action with guys not legally in the match, yet the referee stands there looking like a fool. Nick and Matt do a lot of cool stuff, I liked Angelico doing the submission hold that nearly won and Evans is underrated considering how athletic he is. I just think if they structured it like a regular tag team match it’s more fun to watch than a bunch of spots without tags. The refereeing is so bad during some of these tag team matches that it takes away from the action and this is stuff I have been writing about for over a year.

The Acclaimed team of Caster and Bowens were about to attack The Young Bucks, but SCU’s Kazarian and Daniels made the save for the Bucks.

MJF did a promo with Wardlow standing in the background. MJF said he’s going to win the Dynamite Diamond ring because he’s better than us and we know it.

A video was shown with AEW TNT Champion Darby Allin. A man asked him about images that he sees on a paper and it was all of Team Taz. Allin said that he’s dealt with shit his whole life and now he wants to give Bryan Cage the opportunity at his title. When the guy held up a Sting image, Allin just smiled/smirked at it to end it.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance in a suit including a long jacket. Allin was shown in the crowd holding the TNT Championship. It took them 18 minutes to get to the first commercial.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes…with a Sting interruption

Cody was in the ring for an interview with coach Arn Anderson joining him and Tony Schiavone conducting the interview. Tony mentioned Sting’s appearance last week, so that led to Sting’s video playing as the legendary Sting showed up with the white/black face paint along with the black gear.

Sting got a huge ovation from the crowd as he entered with the AEW Sting shirt that’s now on sale. Sting joined the three men in the ring. There were loud “Sting” chants as Arn was about to speak.

Anderson said he had to get a little closer to make sure this was real. Anderson said that he knows Sting has an agenda and he knows Cody does, so for now he’ll see his way outta here. Arn left at that point. Tony handed Sting the microphone.

Sting hugged Tony and asked how many years has it been? Sting thanked Tony for supporting him so much in his career while yelling “It Stiiiiing” (Tony did that last week too) and Sting asked Tony if he could do it again now. That led to Tony doing it: “It’s Stiiiiiiiiiiiing!” Sting loved it and so did the crowd as Sting gave Tony a hug while fans chanted “this is awesome” for that. Tony left.

Cody said “welcome back” to Sting saying he should start by thanking Sting for the assist last week. Cody said that he had been waiting to share a ring with him for a very, very long time. Sting said that he was not here for Cody…at least not right now.

Sting said that there is something that makes him feel at home in this place. Sting pointed up to Allin holding the TNT Title making it feel familiar to him. Sting said that he sees the animals are the same, but different in a lot of ways, but this is the jungle and he’s come full circle because he’s on TNT once again. Fans chanted “welcome back” for Sting again. Cody: “Like I said sir, welcome back.”

Sting said that he knows Cody knows everything that goes on around this place. Sting said that the only thing that is going on with Sting is that he is signed to AEW and he plans to be part of AEW for a long time. Sting said he plans on spending a lot of time right here. Sting says that the way he chooses to play is his business and then he put his around him. Sting to Cody: “See ya around, kid.” Sting left.

Analysis: It was fine as an AEW debut promo from Sting as he made it clear to Cody that he’s a bit of a mystery. I like that he referenced Allin as a bit of a loner/enigma type character the way Sting was in the last few years of his WCW run. Cody wanted to get more information out of Sting, but Sting wasn’t giving it to him and that means that fans will have to tune in to see more of what Sting plans on doing in AEW. Cody calling Sting “sir” and Sting coming back with “kid” was a nice touch. I liked the Sting/Tony moment a lot as well. That was fun.

There was a Team Taz promo surrounded by Bryan Cage, Powerhouse Hobbs, Ricky Starks and his son Hook (not his real name but a nickname). They did a promo with Taz and Starks talking trash to Cody while adding that Taz’s son trains with them now. Cage did some yelling to end it.

Varsity Blondes (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr.) vs. FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) (w/Tully Blanchard)

The Varsity Blondes name is pretty good. They wrestle on Dark mostly. Harwood with a suplex and uppercut on Pillman. Wheeler tagged in, Pillman with a cross body block and then a dropkick. Nice tag team work by Garrison and Pillman with a neckbreaker into a leg drop. Pillman missed an attack off the middle rope when Wheeler moved. Harwood tagged in for a double team suplex onto the top rope leading into a commercial.

(Commercial)

FTR was still in control as Harwood hit a powerbomb on Pillman. Harwood held Pillman as Tully got in a cheap shot slap to the face. Pillman got some momentum with a springboard shoulder tackle on Harwood. Garrison tagged in with a boot to the face of Harwood and a forearm. Garrison with running splashes on both guys and a double Spear for a two count. Nice job by Garrison after the hot tag. Pillman tagged in, Harwood avoided an attack and Harwood hit a brainbuster for two. Wheeler tagged in leading to the double team finisher known as the Goodnight Express (Shatter Machine) that sees Harwood lift the guy into double knees from Wheeler for the pin on Pillman. It went eight minutes.

Winners by pinfall: FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler)

Analysis: **1/2 A solid tag team match to put over the veteran team while giving the younger guys some offense to show what they can do. I was impressed by Pillman and Garrison, who was on fire after a hot tag. Unlike the first tag team match on this show, these teams actually followed tag team rules. No surprise with FTR involved since they’re the best team in AEW.

Post match, Jurassic Express had a staredown with FTR with FTR shoving Marko Stunt, so that should set up a tag team match between those teams. Luchasaurus is one of the most underutilized guys in AEW.

There was an earlier today promo with “Hangman” Adam Page being interviewed in the bar by Alex Marvez. Page has to pick two partners against Matt Hardy and Private Party, so John Silver and Alex Reynolds stood up behind the bar. Page said okay they can be his partners, but he is not joining Dark Order or doing their hand gestures. That tag team match is next week.

Ten of the Dark Order was in the match with Dark Order guys as the camera focused in on Silver, who the company is clearly pushing as a star of the group. No sign of Brodie Lee again.

(Commercial)

Dustin Rhodes made his entrance with Lee Johnson from the Nightmare Family group.

Ten vs. Dustin Rhodes (w/Lee Johnson)

The action spilled to the floor with Ten sending Dustin into the apron. Ten hit a spinebuster. Ten knocked Dustin off the apron to the floor. As Ten walked around the ring (Dustin was back in the ring) Aaron Solow grabbed Ten and then Ten kicked Solow to knock him down. Solow is the long-time boyfriend (or maybe fiancé) of WWE’s Bayley. Anyway, ten kicked Solow to knock him down. Rhodes with two uppercut punches, then some face biting by Dustin. A running bulldog from Dustin led to the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dustin Rhodes

Analysis: *1/2 A quick match that meant nothing. A simple bulldog can win a match for Dustin Rhodes, yet moves like 450 splashes get two counts. This company is weird about some of the finishers they have and some of the nearfalls they have.

Post match, Evil Uno of the Dark Order entered the ring with other Dark Order members joining him on the stage. Uno said that Dustin’s legacy has gone on for five decades, but his name comes with pressure. Uno said that Dustin is just the third most Rhodes, so the Dark Order can help. Uno: “Will you take your rightful place as SEVEN of the Dark Order?” Dustin had this shocked look on his face while Tony said that he didn’t want to be THAT number. Uno asked again, Dustin extended his hand and Dustin slapped Uno in the face to knock him on his ass. Uno told his guys to back up. Uno said that when Dustin sees what he understands, Dustin will come begging for it.

Analysis: The whole point of the match was for the promo after the match. The “seven” thing was a reference to Dustin’s failed character in WCW. I assume AEW’s creative team thinks all fans understand 20-year-old WCW references, but I don’t think that’s true. It was still mildly funny because of what Tony said. I just don’t know if insider references from WCW days are going to work wit the masses. Then again, AEW has a lot of hardcore wrestling fans too.

There was a pre-taped interview segment with Tony Schiavone sitting down with Brandi Rhodes (in an arm sling) along with NBA on TNT’s and Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal. They were all sitting in chairs. Shaq said that just the other day he was watching Jade’s interaction with Cody, but Shaq didn’t appreciate what Jade did to Brandi’s arm. Brandi said that she didn’t deserve that. Brandi said that she hopes they can stop all this and nobody can get hurt. Shaq said that he would like to see them settle it on Dynamite. Shaq said that no disrespect to the wrestlers, they’re the best athletes in the world, he’s a big fan of Cody, his brother and his father and he was just messing around on Twitter. Shaq said he can’t wait to see Jade vs. Brandi, so Brandi left. Shaq said that maybe Brandi should get some pointers from Jade. Brandi said that she’s sick of this shit, she tossed a glass of water on Shaq and called him an overgrown asshole. They did not bleep swear words.

Analysis: That was interesting for the few minutes that they got. I didn’t expect Brandi to throw a glass of water on Shaq, so that means the story is going to continue with Shaq supporting Jade Cargill in that rivalry with Brandi, which could lead to Shaq wrestling Cody Rhodes down the road. I don’t know if Shaq is going to wrestle since he’s in his late 40s now, but I’m sure AEW appreciates him appearing.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from the Inner Circle

The Inner Circle group made their entrance with Chris Jericho leading the way along with MJF, Jake Hager, Wardlow, Sammy Guevara and Ortiz. There was no Santana, who posted on Thursday that his stepfather died recently, so best wishes to him. The crowd sang the “Judas” song as usual.

Jericho said that they are either the most powerful group in history or they disband. Jericho said “shit” so there’s another swear word on this show with Jericho said that last week’s arguing will never happen again. Jericho claimed that Santana was so pissed off that he didn’t even show up this week (I covered that above). Jericho told his guys to air their grievances.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman spoke up saying he loves them all like brothers, but he’s starting to understand what is going on. MJF said that maybe he is the issue. MJF said that people think he wants to break up this group or take over this group. MJF said that he chose to join this group, he wanted to be a part of the greatest faction in all of professional wrestling and to be a band of brothers. MJF said that he loved Sammy, so Sammy told him to shut his damn mouth and they argued. Jericho said that they watched Dynamite when MJF saw him hold up the towel in his hand. MJF said that he had sweat on his brow.

Ortiz said that Santana made him realize something – MJF and Wardlow are great talents that are definitely beneficial to the group. Ortiz said that as human beings, that’s debatable. Ortiz said that Wardlow is great and should never change while MJF is growing on him like a fungus. Ortiz told Sammy to shake MJF’s hand. Ortiz said that in life, you don’t get to choose the hand that you’re dealt and together they’re the winning hand. Ortiz told Sammy that he’s better than MJF and he knows it. That is MJF’s catchphrase.

Sammy said he’ll shake his hand because he trusts Chris more than anything. Sammy said but if there’s one more thing then he’s telling MJF and Jericho that he will quit the Inner Circle if anything else happens here. Jericho said okay. Sammy shook MJF’s hand and they stared at eachother while they did that.

Jericho said that this is huge and he appreciates what Ortiz said. Jericho said everything is cool, right? Jake Hager wondered why Wardlow was staring at him. Wardlow said that Hager has been staring at him since he started in this company. Jericho suggested they stop staring at eachother and Hager said that he can stop staring, so Wardlow stopped staring too. Jericho said that they can all agree they should stay together and dominate AEW like they know they can. Jericho said it’s time to agree to be together for the future. MJF said that he’s going to beat up Orange Cassidy, who beat his friend Chris Jericho twice and Jericho told him he’s ruining it.

They all put their middle fingers together to show they are together for now.

Analysis: I like everybody involved here and the promos were fine, but this felt like a way to kill ten minutes of TV time. Jericho can do whatever he wants on AEW TV whenever he wants to, so that’s what this was. There’s no storyline for the group right now other than MJF having issues with Sammy, which could lead to Sammy becoming a big babyface early next year if that’s the direction AEW chooses to go with him. Ortiz did a nice job with his part of the promo.

FTR team Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood were with Tully Blanchard for an interview with Alex Marvez. Cash said he made a mistake in the title match, Tully said that he wasn’t there for the match and they are a cohesive group. Harwood said that they are the best tag team on the plant, said that their goal is winning the AEW Tag Team Titles and “fear the revelation” (that’s FTR) to end it.

Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade with The Bunny made their entrance for a tag team match.

(Commercial)

Lance Archer made his entrance with Jake Roberts and he hit a cross body block onto his three opponents. The six guys were all brawling out of the ring. Butcher gave Penta a suplex into a slam through a table that was ringside.

Lance Archer (w/Jake Roberts), Penta El Zero and Rey Fenix vs. Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade (w/The Bunny)

This is a weird mix with Archer positioned as a face, but I’m not sure if that’s going to be a long-term thing for him. Archer started with Kingston while Penta was helped to the back. A table bump takes out a guy during a match? That’s a bit of a stretch, but that’s what happened with this injury angle. The heel side isolated Fenix with Kingston hitting a body slam and an elbow drop. Blade tagged in with a stomp to Fenix with Bunny getting in a forearm to the back of Fenix while the referee was distracted. Fenix came back with a springboard Cutter on Kingston to put him down. Archer tagged in with a full nelson slam on Blade. Archer sent Butcher into the turnbuckle, Archer with running elbow smashes on both guys and Archer hit a cross body block on Butcher/Blade leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Blade ran the ropes, Jake grabbed the foot and referee Aubrey Edwards wasn’t looking, so Archer hit a German Suplex on Blade. Fenix got the tag with a springboard cross body block on Blade. Fenix with a kick to the head leading to a headscissors/armbar combo. Fenix hit a dive between the top/middle rope on Kingston on the floor. Blade caught Fenix and that led to a Powerbomb/neckbreaker on Fenix for the pinfall win. Kingston knocked Archer off the apron to prevent a save. The match went about nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade

Analysis: **1/2 It was a solid tag team match with the heels getting the win since it was a 3 on 2 scenario after Penta was taken out, so that’s why it was booked that way. The finish was a bit flat because I thought Archer would save Fenix until I realized Archer was knocked off the apron. Fenix didn’t get to show off the usual amount of athleticism that he does in a typical match, but he had a few moments. I would have liked to see Kingston get the win for the team although it’s good for Butcher/Blade to win a tag team match too.

Post match, Archer attacked the three victors in the back. Archer with a clothesline on Butcher. Blade hit Archer in the back, so Archer hit a forearm and then an overhead toss across the ring. Kingston bailed to the floor. Archer went for his finish on Blade, but Butcher saved his partner and the heels ran away.

Analysis: It is weird seeing Archer in more of a face role now. Since he wasn’t doing much as a heel for a few months, they might as well try something different.

There was a backstage scene with Nyla Rose with Vickie Guerrero and Jade Cargill beating up Red Velvet, but then other women like Serena Deeb showed up to try to break it up. Ivelisse was also there until referees arrived to break it all up.

Analysis: The women’s division segment are so brief and rushed on this show. That was too quick. They need to give them more of a chance to tell a story.

Abadon vs. Tesha Price

Abadon looked bizarre with the white/red face paint and the red hair. Abadon beat on Price with punches and a STO leg trip. Abadon lifted Price on her back and then fell onto her butt for a slam for the pinfall win in a match that went about one minute.

Winner by pinfall: Abadon

Analysis: 1/4* A dominant win for Abadon as you would expect here.

Abadon attacked Price after the match, so AEW Women’s Champion Hikaru Shida showed up since Abadon confronted Shida two weeks ago. Shida had a kendo stick and she hit Abadon in the head. Abadon did a slow sit up, so Shida left with Price to help her to the back.

Analysis: At least there is a storyline for the AEW Women’s Champion for the first time in several months. Abadon is a unique character that might be the next champion since she isn’t selling much and having dominant performances.

The new AEW World Champion Kenny Omega was up next.

Chris Jericho and the Inner Circle (without MJF and Wardlow) were interviewed backstage by Dasha. Jericho said that they are absolutely on the same page, which is why they’ll join MJF and Wardlow at ringside to make sure MJF beats Orange Cassidy in the main event.

(Commercial)

There was a shot of a helicopter arriving to the stadium with JR saying “what an impact” (wink, wink) and Excalibur said that they were arriving from Nashville. In reality, this was taped last Thursday and the Impact promo they did was from last Saturday, but Impact aired on Tuesday and now this is on Wednesday. All that matters is when it airs. Omega and Don Callis exited the helicopter.

Let’s Hear from Kenny Omega with Don Callis

Kenny Omega got an elaborate introducing from Justin Roberts while four women were on stage with brooms since Kenny is “The Cleaner” again. Omega entered in a suit jacket with his friend Don Callis joining him for the promo. Excalibur noted that Omega entered by the opposite (heel) tunnel this week.

Omega and Callis were in the ring with Tony Schiavone, who mentioned the gentleman’s agreement with Jon Moxley. Tony said that he has never been more disgusted in his life than what happened last week on Dynamite. Callis said that the fans are also upset and so is Tony Khan. Callis said that they invited Callis there and he told Tony Khan: “Welcome to the wrestling business, kid.” Callis said that the stakes were much higher last week on Dynamite than the Montreal Screwjob in 1997 with Callis noting he was there that night too. Shoutout to the Jackal. Callis said Omega was on Impact Wrestling this week too. Callis said he’s known Kenny since he was ten years old, he watched him become a world class athlete and he watched him become the best wrestler in the world like an invisible hand watching and protecting. Callis said that three years ago he was part of Omega vs. Jericho, which is the match that Tony Khan has said without that match there’s no AEW, so you might say that Kenny and Don created AEW. Callis said that Jim Ross said that they stole this, but you cannot steal what you created. Callis said you wanted the best bout machine, you wanted seven star Kenny Omega, so here’s Kenny Omega.

Analysis: That was an incredible promo from Callis. He’s such an amazing talker, which isn’t new to me. I’m just saying it was a really great promo here.

Omega said that he never begged for AEW to hire his friends and family. Instead, Omega waited for over a year until they plodded and planned. Omega said that they pulled it off the most successfully. Omega spoke about all of the things he’s won, but they all pale in comparison to what he’s holding right now – the AEW World Title. Omega said that it was a seven star classic professional wrestling match last week and it was a performance that was fine art that was inspirational. Omega said that everybody watching at home fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Omega said he could care less who fell for it. Omega said that they needed Moxley to buy in. Omega showed off a scar above his eye while noting that Moxley doesn’t get it in his head the way Callis get it. Omega said yeah he used a microphone, but nobody kicks out of the One Winged Angel (Kenny’s finisher). Omega said that they are just getting started.

Callis said that some people make matches, some people make money while Kenny Omega makes history. Omega did his classic promo: “Without any further adieu, I must bid you adieu, so goodbye and goodnight…bang!” That was the end of that.

Analysis: It was an egotistical heel promo from Omega with Callis as they bragged about their cheating ways that led to Omega becoming the AEW World Champion. I liked it for what it was. I also watched the promo they did on Impact Wrestling on Tuesday and it was similar to a lot of things they said there, which is fine because it’s all about establishing this new Omega heel persona.

The announcers went over next week’s card with Excalibur saying it looks like a gigantic show.

* Cody Rhodes vs. Angelico

* Matt Hardy and Private Party vs. Hangman Page, John Silver and Alex Reynolds

* The Acclaimed vs. SCU

* Serena Deeb and Big Swole vs. Ivelisse and Diamante

Analysis: That’s one of the weakest lineups I can ever remember then advertising, yet the announcers always claim it’s a huge show. Weird.

December 23 Dynamite is after the Celtics/Bucks NBA game starting around 10pmET. December 30 is New Year’s Smash Night 1 with Chris Jericho on commentary and New Year’s Smash Night 2 is January 6 with Snoop Dogg making an appearance.

The main event is the Dynamite Diamond Ring match after these two wrestlers were the last two men in the battle royal last week. MJF entered as the first competitor.

(Commercial)

Orange Cassidy made his entrance with his Best Friends buddies.

This is basically AEW’s King of the Ring crown with a different name. MJF won it last year and used the ring as a weapon a lot. Now MJF gets the chance to win it again.

Dynamite Diamond Ring Match: Maxwell Jacob Friedman (w/Wardlow, Chris Jericho, Jake Hager, Ortiz and Sammy Guevara) vs. Orange Cassidy (w/Trent and Chuck Taylor)

MJF attacked as soon as the bell rang followed by suplex. Cassidy threw his shirt at MJF, so MJF strangled him with the shirt. MJF went for a suplex again, but Cassidy countered with a Stundog Millionaire (stunner) to send MJF to the apron. Cassidy charged on the apron, MJF moved and Cassidy ended up punching the ring post. MJF put Cassidy’s hands in the pockets leading to a Powerbomb on the apron so that the hands of MJF hit the apron. MJF put some of Cassidy’s fingers against part of the steel by the turnbuckle and pulled back on the fingers. MJF hit a flatliner, a stomp on the hand and a running back elbow for two. MJF tossed Cassidy out of the ring while Inner Circle beat up Cassidy with Sammy tossing Cassidy into the ring post. MJF distracted referee Bryce Remsburg, who didn’t see it.

(Commercial)

The match continued with MJF taunting Cassidy while Best Friends got some babyface friends to join them at ringside. Cassidy sent MJF out of the ring, then a suicide dive and a cross body block off the top. Cassidy hit an impressive DDT, then Cassidy jumped off the top and hit a diving DDT for a two count. Nice sequence of moves by Cassidy there. MJF attacked the hand of Cassidy again, Cassidy got a rollup and then MJF sent Cassidy into the turnbuckle. MJF hooked up Cassidy with a shoulderbreaker and then a Tiger Driver slam for a two count. Cassidy countered a move on the apron by dumping MJF to the floor and Cassidy followed up with a twisting dive off the top onto a bunch of Inner Circle guys. MJF was back in the ring, Cassidy on the apron and MJF hit the Heatseeker piledriver like move for two with the feet on the ropes because the friends of Cassidy stopped that. The referee was looking at Best Friends, MJF made it look like he was hit by the bat, then he had the bat, Cassidy fell down to act like he was hit by the bat and the referee threw the bat out of the ring. Cassidy hit the Beach Break slam off his back for a two count. Nice nearfall there. MJF went for the armbar on the right hand, then pulled on the fingers and Cassidy came back with the Orange Punch that MJF sold very well. That only got a two count as well. Cassidy hit a second Orange Punch to the face as Wardlow put MJF’s foot on the bottom rope, so the referee stopped the count. All of the wrestlers on the floor got into a brawl, then Miro ran out to the ring and decked Cassidy with a clothesline. The referee never saw it because he was looking on the floor. MJF put his arm on Cassidy and pinned Cassidy, who lost to a clothesline after 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: MJF

The win means that MJF has won the Dynamite Diamond Ring for the second year in a row.

Analysis: ***1/4 This was pretty good with MJF controlling a lot of it and Cassidy is fun to watch when he’s taking a match seriously instead of when he relies on the comedy bits too much. There were some dramatic nearfalls in this match that I liked a lot. It was a cheap win for one of AEW’s best heels, which is good because if you’re going to have a bunch of guys on the floor then you might as well use them to cheat to win. The announcers could have done a better job of explaining why Miro was out there since Miro had issues with Best Friends in the past. It might have felt random to some viewers. Anyway, Cassidy didn’t lose clean, so he gets screwed out of the win and will look for revenge down the road.

Post match, Miro and his buddy Kip Sabian were laughing about their work in the match. That led to Best Friends going after them. Miro beat up some security guys including a slam off the stage where a guy landed on some object that we couldn’t see. Miro with a clothesline on the stage. Tony was screaming about how it’s Christmas and these guys have families. That’s not supposed to be funny, but I laughed at it. The camera focused on Miro standing on the stage with Sabian. Meanwhile, MJF had the diamond ring on saying he beat him clean in the ring. Miro did some serious faces to end the show.

Analysis: Thank you AEW for finally booking Miro in a serious way and like the dominant wrestler that he is. This is how he should have been booked from day one in the company. Instead, he was being sad about a video game as if he was a teenager. This was much better.

After the show, AEW boss Tony Khan announced a 7 on 7 tag team match for next week.

That will be chaotic. Good luck with that.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Sting – First promo in AEW, so I’ll give it to him.
  2. MJF
  3. Orange Cassidy

The Scoreboard

This week: 6.75 (out of 10)

Last week: 8

2020 Average: 7.17

Final Thoughts

This episode of Dynamite was good, but it didn’t really stand out that much to me. Last week was a bigger and better show. There was a lot of anticipation this week due to Sting’s first AEW promo and Kenny Omega’s appearance as AEW World Champion. Those promos were fine, but not like anything happened that you must see if you missed it.

I liked some of the finishes to matches while others were disappointing. The Young Bucks vs. TH2 ignored tag team rules for several minutes as you would expect and I think that’s a negative thing for the show. The women’s division is barely utilized on the show again. There was barely a mention of former AEW World Champion Jon Moxley, so hopefully we get to hear from him soon. I liked the MJF vs. Orange Cassidy match a lot and it was so nice to see Miro booked like more of a dominant wrestler. That’s how it should be.

Sometimes I see the AEW diehards talk about these shows like every episode is a big deal. I just don’t see it like that even though I like the product. This didn’t feel like a big show going in and coming out of it, this just felt like an average AEW show. They say next week’s lineup is “gigantic” yet it looks very average to me. I like to think I’m fair in my reviews rather than being biased like some people might be.

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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: @johnreport

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