The John Report: AEW Dynamite 01/08/25 Review

This week’s AEW Dynamite featured a Casino Gauntlet Match, Will Ospreay in action against Buddy Matthews, Kenny Omega’s return to Dynamite, and more.

Kenny Omega is back on AEW Dynamite this week after picking up a big win over Gabe Kidd at NJPW Wrestle Dynasty this past weekend. I thought it was a great match and it’s nice to see Kenny back in action after missing over a year due to the serious diverticulitis illness.

This was AEW Dynamite episode #274 from the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

It’s Wednesday and you know what that means. Excalibur, Ian Riccaboni & Matt Menard were on commentary. They said Tony Schiavone was on assignment, so they gave Tony a break. That’s nice for Tony.

Will Ospreay vs. Buddy Matthews

I missed the first five minutes of the match. When I joined the match, Will hit a slingshot dive over the top onto Buddy on the floor. Back in the ring, Buddy did a snapmare followed by running kicks along with a knee drop. Excalibur spewed some bullshit about the AEW records restarting at the start of the year, which doesn’t really matter because they don’t use the records in storylines anymore in this company. Will and Buddy hit a cross body block collision spot to knock both guys down. Will hit a jumping kick to the head along with a springboard elbow. Buddy countered a Will move leading to Buddy hitting double knees to the back. Will was sent out of the ring, so Buddy jumped over the top with a somersault dive onto Will on the floor. Back in the ring, Buddy hit a top rope Meteora (double knees) for a two count. They battled on the apron where kicks were exchanged. Buddy hit a jumping knee, which led to Will coming back with a hook kick. Will went for an Oscutter on the apron, but Buddy caught him and sent Will crashing onto the commentary table at ringside. Buddy hit a running knee on Will on the floor. Buddy charged at Will, who delivered a superkick on the floor. Will jumped off the barricade and hit an Oscutter on the floor. There was an “AEW” chant after that. Back in the ring, Will hit a dropkick followed by an Oscutter for a two count. Will went for a Hidden Blade, but Buddy avoided it and hit a rising knee strike. Will came right back with an elbow like a Hidden Blade for a two count. Will hit some short kicks to the nose followed by a chop and a forearm. Buddy was back up with three boots to the face, but Will came back with an enziguri kick. Buddy had Will on his shoulders leading to a rising kick. Buddy hit The Stomp for a two count. Will sold that so well. Will countered a Buddy move leading to Will hitting a Styles Clash for two. Will nailed a running Hidden Blade elbow to the head for the pinfall win after about 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Will Ospreay

Analysis: **** This was an awesome match that was full of action the whole way. Murphy is a guy who is so skilled in the ring, but you know he’s in the midcard and not going to beat a top guy like Ospreay. With that said, I liked how competitive it was with Buddy showing a lot of what he can do in the ring. Buddy kicked out of a lot of big moves that Ospreay has used to win some of his best matches. I thought the last few minutes were outstanding. It’s a nice treat to have a four star match to open the show.

After the match, Will Ospreay did a promo telling the crowd to show some respect Buddy Matthews. Will said Buddy Murphy (his WWE name) first, but then corrected himself. Will told Buddy he has wrestled him and Brody King and they don’t need to be following anybody, which is a reference to Malakai Black. Will said that Buddy can go after tag team titles or singles gold and if he ever needs somebody in his corner, Will is there for him. Will and Buddy shook hands. The fans cheered.

Analysis: Perhaps it will lead to Buddy Matthews getting more of a shot as a singles wrestler in AEW moving forward. I would be fine with that. I don’t mind House of Black although I think if the group were to split up that would be fine too since they are rarely treated as a big deal in AEW.

A video aired about NJPW Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty featuring AEW wrestlers in action.

The AEW Tag Team Champions Private Party appeared by the entrance with some girls for a party. Isiah Kassidy spoke about how they successful retained the AEW Tag Team Titles on Collision last week. Kassidy said they were there to celebrate. The Hurt Business trio of MVP, Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley showed up to join the party. MVP suggested raiding a toast to Private Party. MVP did a toast to these incredibly talented athletes who successfully defended the Tag Team Titles. Lashley said here’s to The Hurt Syndicate taking the Tag Team Titles. Lashley poured his drink out.

Analysis: There’s a tease that The Hurt Business’ duo of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin are coming after the Tag Team Titles held by Private Party. I don’t think of Lashley as a tag team wrestler, but perhaps they will fail to win the titles and Lashley will go after singles gold.

Bobby Lashley (w/MVP & Shelton Benjamin) vs. Mark Briscoe

MVP joined commentary for this match. Lashley caught a charging Mark and hit him with a flatliner two times in a row. Lashley hit a suplex. Lashley connected with a neckbreaker. Lashley hit a spinning slam off the shoulders for two. Mark went for an attack off the turnbuckle, but Lashley hit an overhead suplex. Mark left the ring, so Lashley ran him over with a shoulder tackle. Lashley hit an overhead suplex on the floor. They went to a picture-in-picture commercial for the first break 28 minutes into the show.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Mark hitting a forearm to the jaw followed by chops. Mark went for a move off the turnbuckle, but Lashley caught him. Lashley hit a running elbow to knock Mark off the apron to the floor. Lashley left the ring where Mark hit Lashley with a chair to the leg. The referee never saw it. Mark jumped off a chair over the top onto Lashley on the floor. MVP complained about Mark using a weapon, but the referee never saw it. Mark shoved Lashley into the ring post. Mark went up top leading to a twisting cross body block onto Lashley on the floor. Back in the ring, Mark hit a Froggy Bow elbow off the top for just a one count. Lashley hit a back elbow to stagger Mark back along with a boot to the face. Lashley bounced off the ropes leading to a Spear. Lashley hit a huge spinebuster. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock submission, the referee checked Briscoe’s arm and that was it with Lashley getting the win. It went about 10 minutes.

Winner by submission: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: **3/4 I liked the match with Lashley dominating the first half until Mark found a way to make a comeback. Mark is such a fun babyface to watch because he is easy to like and support while looking realistic when he makes his comebacks. Lashley winning was not a surprise.

After the match, Shelton Benjamin beat up Mark with punches. Private Party went into the ring with steel chairs, but MVP got his boys to back off.

Analysis: This should lead to Private Party against The Hurt Business guys soon.

The Casino Gauntlet Match was up next.

(Commercial)

Casino Gauntlet Match

The winner gets an AEW World Title match against Jon Moxley next week on Dynamite Maximum Carnage. The first pinfall or submission wins the match and we don’t know how many people will be in the match or when the entrants will be joining the match.

The first participant was Jay White and “Hangman” Adam Page was in the second spot. Page knocked down White with a shoulder tackle for just a one count. White got an inside cradle for a two count. White and Page exchanged forearm strikes. White set up Page on the top rope leading to a superplex.

It was Wheeler Yuta as the third man in the match. When Yuta got in the ring, White hit Yuta with the Bladerunner, but Page broke up the pin. Page caught White leading to a fallaway slam. Page hit two running clotheslines on White. Page sent White to the apron leading to a necksnap on the apron and Page hit a springboard lariat on Yuta. Page hit a springboard lariat on White as well.

It was five minutes into the match as Ricochet entered as the fourth man in the match. It started out like Swerve Strickland’s song, but then it turned out to be Ricochet’s entrance. Yuta tried to toss Page out of the ring, but Page tossed Yuta out. Ricochet hit a springboard clothesline on Page and a suicide dive on White. Ricochet hit a top rope cross body block along with a moonsault press off the middle rope for a two count. The fans were booing Ricochet. They went to a PIP break.

(Commercial)

The fifth man entered after the break with Adam Cole joining Page and White in the ring. Cole superkicked both guys. Cole superkicked Yuta, who was on the apron. Ricochet tried a top rope attack, but Cole stopped that with a superkick. The fans did the “Adam Cole bay-bay” taunt right on cue. Cole jumped off the middle turnbuckle with the Panama City Sunrise on Ricochet for two.

Daniel Garcia was the sixth man in the match as the TNT Champion. Cole and Garcia exchanged strikes while the other guys were on the floor. Garcia countered Cole with a twisting neckbreaker. White was back in, Page was back in and Garcia took turns punching the three guys at the same time. That spot was a bit ridiculous, but the fans chanted along with it anyway. Yuta faced off with Garcia in the ring as they exchanged chops. Ricochet hit a running kick on Garcia. Yuta and Ricochet tossed Garcia out of the ring.

It was about 15 minutes into the match as Powerhouse Hobbs entered as the seventh man in the match. Hobbs pulled the top rope to send Ricochet flying over the top onto the floor. Hobbs hit an overhead suplex on Yuta and a suplex for White too. Hobbs gave White an overhead suplex as well. Page managed to knock Hobbs backward leading to a clothesline attempt, but Hobbs threw Page across the ring. They went to a PIP break again.

(Commercial)

Hobbs and Ricochet faced off in the ring leading to Hobbs hitting a clothesline, so Ricochet did a great flip bump to sell that. White ran the ropes with clotheslines to Hobbs, who no sold them. Hobbs gave White a body slam followed by “Meat” chants for Hobbs. White hit a drop toe hold to send Hobbs into the turnbuckle.

The 8th man in the match was Roderick Strong, who got no reaction as he hit a backbreaker on White and Page. Strong slammed Yuta onto Page. Strong hit a jumping knee on Hobbs. Ricochet punched Strong to knock him down, but Cole and Garcia sent Ricochet into the turnbuckles, so Hobbs hit a jumping knee on Ricochet. Hobbs was back in for a jumping double clothesline on Cole and Garcia. Strong was back in with a running kick. Page hit a discus lariat on Strong. Ricochet hit a springboard back elbow and White spiked Ricochet with a straight jacket suplex. Yuta was back in with a low blow on White and the referee Paul Turner didn’t see it even though I doubt that matters.

It is Lance Archer as the 9th entrant with chokeslams on Yuta and White. Archer gave Strong a Chokeslam onto Cole. Archer slammed Garcia into the turnbuckle. Archer tossed Ricochet down. Hobbs tossed Ricochet across the ring. Fans chanted “Meat” as Archer tossed Ricochet across the ring to send Ricochet to the floor. Hobbs hit a powerslam, Archer no sold that and Archer hit a spinning Bossman slam. Archer nailed Hobbs with forearms and punches.

The 10th entrant was Kyle O’Reilly, who unloaded on Yuta with kicks. Kyle did a leg whip on Archer on the ropes. Strong hit a stomach breaker to Ricochet and Kyle hit a knee drop. Page was kicked by Strong and Cole hit a neckbreaker onto the knee. Kyle hit a running kick on Page. Hobbs fought the trio of Cole, Strong and Kyle with punches. Hobbs slammed Garcia off his back. Cole superkicked Hobbs leading to Strong and Kyle doing a high/low combo on Hobbs.

It was Jeff Jarrett as the 11th man in the match and the fans popped for him (he’s also from Tennessee where this show is) unlike some of these guys. Yuta attacked Jarrett on the floor. They went fighting to the back. Kyle hit a running knee to knock Garcia out of the ring. Archer was in control with a running splash on Hobbs against the ropes. Hobbs came back with a clothesline that sent Archer out of the ring. Kyle worked over Hobbs with a chop block and kicks, but Hobbs hit a spinebuster on Kyle for the pinfall win after 17 minutes.

Winner: Powerhouse Hobbs

Analysis: ***1/4 I thought the match was pretty good, but I think they’ve had better Casino Gauntlet matches in the past. The fans cared more about Jeff Jarrett than most of the guys, but then Jarrett was easily taken out by Yuta and he was not a factor in the match at all. I think 11 guys being a part of a match in 17 minutes isn’t a good formula even though the idea is that it can end at any time. A lot of the match is just two guys fighting in the ring while the others on the floor wait around for their turn. As I said, they’ve had better Casino Gauntlet matches in the past. I’m fine with Powerhouse Hobbs winning since he is a credible opponent for Moxley even though most of us know that Hobbs isn’t going to win.

That win by Powerhouse Hobbs means he’ll challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Title next week on Dynamite Maximum Carnage.

Powerhouse Hobbs was in the ring as Renee Paquette talked to him about the big win and his match with Jon Moxley (Renee’s husband) next week. Hobbs said that Moxley was the one who brought Hobbs to AEW. Hobbs said he’s going to shock the world and he’s going to make Moxley his bitch. The fans cheered while Renee had a mixed reaction to that. Jeff Jarrett was by the entrance where he shook hands with Hobbs.

Analysis: I don’t expect Powerhouse Hobbs to get the win against Jon Moxley, but it’s an interesting match for Dynamite. Hobbs lost to Konosuke Takeshita at Worlds End for the International Title and now Hobbs gets a World Title shot. He’s not going to win obviously. At least it’s a push for a TV match.

A video package aired about Christian Cage facing Hook next week on Dynamite.

Let’s Hear from Jeff Jarrett…and MJF

Jeff Jarrett was interviewed in the ring by Ian Riccaboni. Jarrett said he has to wonder if he has what it takes to be a World Champion again. Maxwell Jacob Friedman interrupted the promo and joined Jarrett in the ring. MJF told “bible-thumping prick” Ian Riccaboni to get out of his ring, so Ian left.

MJF said that he doesn’t think Jeff has had the privilege of meeting him even though they work in the same place. MJF said that he’s the longest reigning AEW World Champion of all time and he reminded us his name is MJF. MJF said that Jon Moxley is a dictator while Powerhouse Hobbs is number one contender because Jeff got beat up by Wheeler Yuta. MJF mentioned some men going after the AEW World Title. MJF said that none of them were worthy of holding the AEW World Title (Triple B) and then MJF put over Jarrett as a 12-time World Champion and two-time Hall of Famer. The fans chanted “Double J” for Jarrett. MJF said he had to Google the accomplishments of Jarrett while claiming his dad was a Jarrett fan when MJF’s dad was a kid.

MJF said that the clock is ticking on Jeff’s career. MJF said that the contract that Jeff signed was only for one more year and then he acted like he wasn’t supposed to say that. MJF said that Jeff had to sign that contract because that’s what pro wrestling thinks Jeff has left to give. MJF said he’s not there to piss off Jarrett, he’s there to help. MJF said that Jeff has one year to prove that he’s still got it. MJF said that Jeff has one year to make it back to the top of the mountain. MJF claimed he could help Jarrett do it. MJF wanted one tiny, little favor saying when he helps Jarrett capture the Triple B (World Title), MJF wants the first title shot. MJF asked if Jarrett wanted to make a deal with him.

Jarrett told Max that he was the AEW World Champion and he was the longest reigning World Champion of all time in this company. Jeff said that you learn from your failures more than you do from your successes. Jeff said it doesn’t mean MJF will get there again. Jeff said that they call people like MJF “one hit wonders.” The fans chanted “one hit wonder” at MJF. Jeff said he knows the road he has to go down while claiming he’s been at rock bottom and he’s comfortable there. Jarrett said it allows him to fight his way back to the top of the mountain. Jarrett told Max he could have been in the Casino Gauntlet, but instead, he’s out here trying to scheme and connive. Jeff said that he’s going to make the most out of 2025. Jeff said he didn’t want Max’s help and called him an “entitled prick.” Jeff put the microphone against MJF’s chest and Jeff left the ring while MJF had an angry look on his face.

Analysis: I thought it was okay, but it took a long time for them to make their points. I felt like it dragged on a bit too much. Jeff Jarrett trying to win one more World Title is an interesting storyline if he was a popular face for his career, but he has been a heel for most of his run and it has been a very long time since he was in a World Title position even in TNA. It’s not like the Jarrett title chasing story is as appealing as John Cena doing the same thing in WWE. It certainly doesn’t feel original. Anyway, I assume this leads to an MJF match with Jarrett, which might appeal to some people. I wish MJF was booked better. The last year hasn’t been good for him.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Darby Allin getting beat up by the Death Riders and they said that Allin hasn’t been seen since then.

Let’s Hear from Adam Copeland aka Cope

Adam Copeland, who goes by the name of Cope, made his entrance for a promo. His team with FTR known as Rated FTR picked up two wins last week. Cope mentioned Jon Moxley, the AEW World Champion. Cope said that they took out Bryan Danielson and they threw Darby Allin down a flight of stairs, so we haven’t seen him since. Cope said that they tried to take out FTR, which was a big mistake. Cope mentioned Moxley claimed that others in AEW don’t have what it takes to handle the grind to be the AEW World Champion. Cope talked about how nobody can compare to him because he has fought so hard to keep going. Cope said that he broke his neck against Eddie Guerrero, fought for 20 minutes, and won that match. Cope talked about how he beat Malakai Black after he broke his leg in a Steel Cage Match. Cope wondered what can Moxley do to him that hadn’t been done before?

The Death Riders made their entrance including AEW World Champion Jon Moxley with Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta in the back part of the arena. They did a slow walk toward the ring. FTR’s Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler showed up to start a fight with the Death Riders guys.

Cope fought with Moxley in the ring where Cope hit a boot to the face. Marina Shafir slid the briefcase into the ring while Cope grabbed Shafir onto the apron. Pac was back and he hit Cope with the briefcase that had the AEW World Title in it. Claudio sent both FTR guys into the barricade at ringside. Moxley applied the Bulldog Choke submission on Cope in the ring, so Cope sold it like he was passed out. Moxley had a plastic bag to try to suffocate Cope, but Powerhouse Hobbs made his entrance.

Powerhouse Hobbs walked down to the ring, so all five members of the Death Riders backed out of the ring. FTR went into the ring to check on Cope. Hobbs stared down Moxley and friends to end the segment.

Analysis: That was a better talking segment. It seems likely that Cope will be against Moxley at the Revolution PPV which is two months away, so they have a lot of time to get there. It was good to see Pac back after he had a few weeks off. The numbers game helped the Death Riders until Powerhouse Hobbs showed up to scare Moxley out of there. As I mentioned last week, I also think Beth Copeland (aka Beth Phoenix) will be in AEW soon to fight with Marina Shafir during one of these segments. Once again, they do have plenty of time to get there since Revolution is in March.

(Commercial)

The AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May was backstage on a chair talking about how next week is the first Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match for a shot at her Women’s World Title. Harley Cameron interrupted and she looked great as always. Cameron challenged May to a match on Collision for some “hot girl graps.” May liked “hot girl graps” and then she’ll rip Cameron’s head off. Cameron said she’d “feel the wrath” and left.

Analysis: It’s a simple way to set up a match for Collision this Saturday. Harley is an over the top character while May likely accepted the match because she thinks she can beat Harley, who isn’t known for winning a lot of matches.

Toni Storm vs. Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander

The winner gets to be the #1 entrant in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match next week. Storm is doing the gimmick where she doesn’t remember her past.

They all got rollup pin attempts to start the match. Willow hit an enziguri kick to knock Kris out of the ring. Willow hit Storm with a spinebuster. Kris tripped up Willow and then missed a splash. Willow and Kris each got pin attempts. Willow knocked down Kris with a shoulder tackle. Storm was sent to the floor two times in a row so she was frustrated. Storm got back into it by going up top and hitting a cross body block on both opponents. Willow did a slingshot on Storm that led to a low blow on Kris. That was a unique spot going into a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Storm going for a cross body block on both women, but they caught Storm and slammed her down. Kris and Storm exchanged forearms. Storm did a headbutt on Kris while Willow hit a clothesline on Kris and all three women were down selling. Kris dropkicked Storm into the turnbuckle. Willow followed up with a Pounce on Kris to knock her down. Willow sent Storm into the turnbuckle followed by a clothesline. Willow hit a cannonball on both opponents and a Death Valley Driver on Storm for a two count. Storm hit a German Suplex, Willow with a clothesline, Kris with a clothesline and they did a spot where Willow hit a double German Suplex on both opponents. Kris blocked Willow trying a move by sending Willow out of the ring. Kris hit Wednesday Night Fever on Storm for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Kris Statlander

Analysis: ***1/4 They worked hard and had a competitive match. There was just a multi-person match with pin breakups so a lot of spots felt repetitive because you can only do so many spots in that kind of match. I liked that it could have gone any of three ways because they are all former champions in AEW. Willow looked like she might win, but Kris came back to send Willow out of the ring and put Storm away. Any result would have been fine with me because they’re all good performers.

The win by Kris Statlander means she’ll start the Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match next week on Dynamite.

The Kenny Omega segment was up next.

(Commercial)

Toni Storm was interviewed by Renee Paquette backstage. Storm said she’s not surprised that she failed to win. Storm claimed she was just not ready and it was an honor to be out there with Willow while Kris deserved it. Storm said she is not ready, but she’ll keep working hard. Toni said it can’t be Toni Time all the time.

Analysis: It continued the gimmick that Toni Storm has where she forgets what she has accomplished in her AEW career as a former champion.

Let’s Hear From Kenny Omega

Kenny Omega made his entrance to a big ovation from the crowd. Omega greeted a lot of fans around ringside. There were “Kenny” chants, a big ovation and “welcome back” chants. The AEW website wrote out most of Kenny’s promo, so I’ll just paste it in here for you, dear reader.

“Thank you. It was a little over a year ago, I checked myself into the hospital that I was given the bad news that I had something called diverticulitis. For those that don’t know what that is, well, it took two feet of my intestines from me and if I didn’t get help when I did, the doctor told me, ‘Kenny, you would have been dead.’

“So for the past year it’s been this roller coaster ride. Upon a successful surgery I had two questions. How long would recovery take and when is it that I can get back in a ring? The doctor said I’d be lucky if I could return to a normal way of life, let along return to the ring or be the Kenny Omega that you used to be.

“So being a pro wrestler, you push things a little too hard. I had to ask myself, can I even do it? I can’t lie, there was a moment in time when I felt like giving up was maybe the safest option. And once I considered that option, I realized what purpose do I even have if I don’t have you people with me? A few days ago I tested that theory, and I found my purpose in Tokyo, Japan, just like I found my purpose tonight. If I’m not in the ring giving you people everything I have, then I’m just not living.

“Even though I might not be the same guy or do the same things I used to be able to do, this new version of Kenny Omega that isn’t concerned about money, power, or revenge, this version can prove that he is—.”

That’s when Don Callis arrived. Callis said “look who’s back from the dead” so Omega attacked Callis with punches while on the floor by the entrance area. Brian Cage and Lance Archer from the Don Callis Family attacked Omega. They sent Omega into the ring.

Omega tried to fight back against Cage and Archer, but Kyle Fletcher went into the ring too. Fletcher nailed Omega with a forearm to the head. Cage punched Omega right in the stomach since Omega had diverticulitis last year.

Will Ospreay’s music hit and he hit Archer with a chair to the ribs along with a chair to the back. Ospreay went into the ring, so Fletcher and Cage left the ring. Ospreay had a tense staredown with Omega. The fans chanted “holy shit” for that. Omega and Ospreay stared at eachother as Excalibur reminded us that they were two men who Don Callis betrayed. Omega and Ospreay had a staredown.

Analysis: It’s great to see Kenny Omega back on the show. They gave him time to speak from the heart to talk about the physical pain he went through and I’m very happy to see my fellow Canadian Omega back on AEW TV. I thought Kenny did a nice job with his promo. Callis interrupting was fine due to their long history. I didn’t know who would make the save, so seeing Ospreay i in that spot was cool due to his long history with Omega. I like the idea of Ospreay and Omega as a team against the Callis stable. That could be a lot of fun to watch. The fans would love it, that’s for sure.

There was a rundown of the Dynamite Maximum Carnage lineup for next week:

* AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley vs. Powerhouse Hobbs

* Christian Cage vs. Hook

* Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match

* Kenny Omega vs. Brian Cage

Analysis: That means Kenny’s return match in AEW is against Brian Cage, which should be a good match that Omega wins easily since Cage doesn’t get a lot of TV time in AEW these days.

Omega stood in the ring talking to Ospreay, who was on the apron. Ospreay left to walk to the back while Omega stayed in the ring. Omega was shown in the ring as the show ended there.

Dynamite had a runtime of 2 hours, 5 minutes this week.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Kenny Omega – Welcome back!
2. Will Ospreay
3. Powerhouse Hobbs

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The Scoreboard

This Week: 7.25 out of 10

Last Week: 7.25

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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite

I thought it was an enjoyable Dynamite this week. Great start with the entertaining Ospreay-Buddy match. Will is always going to have an awesome match and I’m glad Buddy got to show what he can do. The Casino Gauntlet match wasn’t as good as past editions of those matches, but I’m certainly fine with Powerhouse Hobbs winning. The women’s match was okay while Lashley’s win was basic stuff to put him over strong.

The promos were a bit of a mixed bag. I didn’t care much for the MJF-Jeff Jarrett exchange and it feels like a waste of MJF. Jarrett getting TV time over so many talented people doing nothing in this company isn’t something I support. The Moxley/Cope segment was okay with Death Riders looking strong for most of it until Cope got some help.

I’m glad Kenny Omega is back. A storyline with Will Ospreay as a potential ally is an interesting one considering their long history as competitors. I like it.

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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X: @johnreport