The John Report: AEW Dynamite 04/22/26 Review
This is AEW Dynamite, featuring Darby Allin defending the AEW World Title against Tommaso Ciampa, Will Osprey facing Mark Davis, and more.
The AEW World Title changed hands on Dynamite last week as Darby Allin became AEW World Champion for the first time when he defeated MJF in a short match (it went 2:14). It was in Darby’s hometown. I was happy for Darby since he deserves it, but I also think MJF is the best performer in AEW, and I liked seeing him as the champ. I’m not sure if Darby will have a long title reign, so perhaps MJF wins it back soon.
For this review, I’ll go summary style for most of the show and then play-by-play for one or two matches.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #342 from the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means. Excalibur was on commentary with Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness.
There was a video package about Darby Allin beating MJF to win the AEW World Title last week on Dynamite.
Let’s Hear from MJF
The former AEW World Champion, Maxwell Jacob Friedman, walked out to the ring quickly in his wrestling gear and a jacket. The fans booed, so MJF told them to show him the respect he’s earned. MJF said that last week was the Seattle Screwjob. MJF said that three days prior, he was victorious in an all out war against Kenny Omega. MJF complained about having to defend the title on Dynamite, he was hit with a low blow and he claimed his shoulders were up. MJF said that Darby Allin is a dirty little cheat. MJF went on about how he wouldn’t lose to Allin if he were prepared. MJF claimed he’s the most complete wrestler in the history of this sport. MJF said he has beaten every top name that pro wrestling has to offer – heels lie on that one. MJF talked about how he has prevented Hangman Adam Page from getting another AEW World Title shot and he kicked out of the One Winged Angel like it was nothing. MJF said he’s the best wrestler alive. MJF called out Allin to give him his AEW World Title back.
The TNT Champion Kevin Knight walked out with his title around his waist. Knight said MJF was whining like a little bitch, so fans chanted “little bitch” at MJF. Knight said it’s about to get real. Knight bragged about how great he looks with the TNT Title around his waist. Knight said that a few weeks ago, he had MJF pinned in the ring and there was no count, so he should be the Jet Two Belts now.
MJF mocked Knight about his promo since Knight referred to himself as “The Jet” repeatedly. MJF reminded Knight that he beat him with a Heatseeker for an easy win. MJF said only he should be World Champion. MJF credited Knight for being the TNT Champion. MJF called Knight a workhorse, a good hand, and an average Joe. MJF said Knight has a ceiling and he’s somebody who will never be AEW World Champion. MJF said Knight should know better than to get in his face.
Knight threatened to slap Max’s big nose off his face. Knight said that anybody could look at him and see he’s an absolute goldmine. Knight trashed MJF for never holding the TNT Title. Knight threatened to hand MJF an ass-whooping.
MJF said he already proved that he’s better than Knight. MJF said that Knight made MJF want that TNT Title. MJF said he can tell how proud Knight is of that TNT Title, so he would love to turn that pride into depression. MJF told Knight to put the TNT Title on the line and Knight has a match. Knight said they should do it. Knight suggested that since they are in Rip City, he can rip MJF a new one right here and right now. MJF called out a referee to start the match, so referee Bryce Remsburg went into the ring.
MJF left the ring and went up the ramp. MJF told Knight he’ll dance with the devil next week.
Analysis: It was a solid promo exchange to set up a match for next week. Kevin Knight doesn’t get to do in-ring promos that often, but he is fine as a talker. MJF was terrific as usual as the cocky heel. I guess MJF is allowed to decide when his matches will take place? AEW needs a GM or authority figure to help weave these storylines so they make more sense.
The Demand’s Ricochet, Toa Liona, and Bishop Kaun were interviewed by Renee Paquette, who was also joined by Jericho. Ricochet said that Jericho has no friends because he’s burned every bridge in this company. Jericho had a shirt about getting beaten up by The Demand. Ricochet said there is nobody in that locker room who wants to team with Jericho, so The Demand will be up and Ricochet will pin with a Ricosault. Jericho said that he doesn’t have to find somebody who likes him, he just has to find anybody who doesn’t like Ricochet, the bald prick. Jericho left.
Brody King vs. Lio Rush
Lio Rush has some crazy man “Blackheart” gimmick where he makes weird faces. The bell rang and Rush had to be told to start the match. Rush wanted a handshake and King shook it tightly. The powerful King hit a body slam. They left the ring and King chopped Rush a few times, so Rush smiled about it. King went for a cross body block against the barricade, but Rush moved and King hit the barricade. Rush shoved King into the ring post and the barricade. They went on a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
The powerful King hit a running clothesline, and Rush did a flip bump. Rush wrenched on King’s left arm against the ropes. Rush kicked King off the apron, and Rush did a gallop around the ring, leading to a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Rush jumped off the top with a Frog Splash to the back for just a one count. King hit a sidewalk slam, followed by a cannonball and a Gonzo Bomb for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Brody King
Analysis: *** A solid TV match to give Brody King a victory over a guy who doesn’t appear on Dynamite much. Rush’s gimmick is… unique. I don’t know if it will be succesful. I thought this might go a few minutes shorter. They probably wanted to give Rush a chance to show off his new gimmick on Dynamite.
Brody King did a promo saying he’ll keep a close eye on the AEW World Title match between Darby Allin and Tommaso Ciampa. King said he’s so proud of Allin, but not proud enough not to bring the violence.
Analysis: It sets up Brody King as another title challenger.
Tommaso Ciampa was interviewed backstage by Renee Paquette. Ciampa said he’s been told what he’s not, like how he’s not 250 pounds, and he’s not a main eventer. Ciampa said he’s a husband, father, son, brother, and he’s about proving that glass ceilings are imaginary. Ciampa said this is about pro wrestling and the AEW World Title. Ciampa said you’ve never seen a man more prepared than he is for this moment. Ciampa wondered if Allin wants this more than Ciampa needs it.
(Commercial)
Adam Copeland was backstage talking about how FTR claimed that Adam and Christian Cage will never get an AEW Tag Team Title match. Cope said he thinks they deserve it, so he has come up with a plan. Cope admitted that FTR are one of the best teams ever. Cope said that at Double or Nothing, Cage and Cope challenge FTR to a New York Street Fight at Double or Nothing. Cage said if FTR wins then Cage and Cope will retire as a team. What do you think? Cope said he knows his answer. Cope said that deep down, FTR knows that Cope and Cage are better. Cope said the ball is in FTR’s court.
Analysis: It should lead to the match being made at Double or Nothing, and I think it also means Cope & Cage will be AEW Tag Team Champions.
Hikaru Shida (w/Kris Statlander) vs. Mina Shirakawa
They were aggressive early on with hair grab tosses across the ring and dropkick attempts. Mina got some offense going with a Slingblade. Shida hit a jumping knee to take control, leading to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
Mina hit a headscissors, along with a dropkick. Mina remained in control as Shida went to the floor and Mina dropkicked Shida into the knee. Shida gave Mina a headscissors into the steel steps, which was a bit of a silly spot since Mina ran into the steps almost in a comical way. Shida sat on Mina by the ring apron. Shida went up top with a Meteora knee attack for two. Mina countered Shida with a rolling elbow to the jaw. Both women were down selling for a few minutes. Mina hit a missile dropkick and a Slingblade from the top for two. Mina applied a Figure Fourg Leglock and Shida got to the ropes. Mina grabbed the kendo stick to prevent Shida from getting it. Statlander took the kendo stick from Mina. Shida hit a knee to the face and a Falcon Arrow for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Hikaru Shida
Analysis: ***1/4 A competitive match between two women who aren’t afraid to hit hard because it was a physical match. This could have gone either way, so I think they went with Shida winning to build her up since she’s come back after a long layoff. Mina is a solid babyface who is liked by the crowd, and she’ll always be featured to a certain degree.
A video aired about the AEW International Champion, Kazuchika Okada. At Double or Nothing, Okada defends his title against Konosuke Takeshita in a match between two members of the Don Callis Family.
(Commercial)
They showed Collision highlights from last week when The Boys attacked The Young Bucks and The Rascalz. This Saturday on Collision, it’s The Dogs and 3 of the Death Riders against The Young Bucks and The Rascalz.
Mark Davis vs. Will Ospreay
Don Callis was on commentary to support Davis. Will and Davis used to be allies in the United Empire group. The powerful Davis was in control with a body slam. Will had kinesio tape on his upper back/neck and left arm. They left the ring and Will hit a headscissors off the steel steps. Will hit a springboard forearm for a two count. Davis chopped Will and clotheslined Will out of the ring. They were fighting by the ramp for about a minute as Will jumped off the ramp with a cannonball on Davis. That led to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
The powerhouse Davis hit a neckbreaker off the turnbuckle and a forearm smash. Will came back with a backflip kick to the head. Will hit a forearm to the back of the neck for two. Davis clotheslined Will while he was on the top rope. Davis hit a powerslam for a two count. They exchanged kicks and Will hit a Spanish Fly slam for a two count. Davis caught a leaping Will and hit a backdrop suplex. Davis hit another backdrop suplex to work on the back/neck. Davis hit three backdrop suplexes in a row for two. Davis charged, but Will jumped up with an elbow smash like a Hidden Blade for a two count. Davis hit a clothesline, followed by a Piledriver for a two count because Will’s right foot was on the bottom rope during the pin attempt. Davis hit Piledriver on the apron. It was a very safe Piledriver with Davis’ ass taking the full bump. Referee Paul Turner made Davis back off. Will was grabbing his neck and Dr. Sampson checked on Will on the floor. Will tried to convince Doc that he could do it. Doc waved the match off, so Davis got the win. It went about 16 minutes.
Winner by doctor stoppage: Mark Davis
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a result I didn’t expect with Mark Davis getting the win. Will did a great job of selling the left arm and neck injury throughout the match. That played right into the finish since Will was selling it after the match as well. This also gives Davis arguably the biggest win of his career by beating Will, so it sets them up for a rematch. Davis usually doesn’t win matches like this. It’s a big boost for his career. When they do the rematch, Will should win, but Davis has a lot more credibility now.
After the match, Davis brought Will into the ring and teased another Piledriver. Marina Shafir showed up on the apron. Jon Moxley was in the ring and the other Death Riders showed up as well. Davis put Will down. The Death Riders’ Daniel Garcia and Wheeler Yuta took Will from ringside and Claudio Castagnoli carried Will to the back.
Analysis: Will Ospreay has been kidnapped by the Death Riders? I didn’t expect that.
(Commercial)
Alex Windsor was interviewed by Renee Paquette, whose husband’s group just took Will Ospreay, who is engaged to Windsor. Windsor issued a warning to Thekla. Persephone walked in to support Windsor and they’ll team up on Collision.
Analysis: They forgot to mention Will Ospreay getting taken away by the Death Riders. Oops.
Samoa Joe vs. Cody Chhun
Welcome back, former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe, from an injury, so he’s been out for the last three months. After Joe applied an armbar, Cody hit him with a punch. Joe hit a back elbow to knock Cody down. Cody went for a leap off the turnbuckle, so Joe walked away from it in a classic Joe spot. Joe sent Chhun into the turnbuckle. Joe hit a Muscle Buster for the pinfall win in a match that was under three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Samoa Joe
Analysis: * Squash city to give Joe some momentum after making his return.
After the match, Hook was on the apron and he applauded his mentor Joe. They are allies in The Opps group.
A video package aired about the AEW World Champion, Darby Allin, showing some of the crazy things he’s done in his career. Good song choice, “I’ve Gotta Be Me” is very fitting for Allin.
Chris Jericho appeared with a “Jericho” graphic and Renee Paquette asked who Jericho would team up with for the 6-man tag team match on Collision. Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin of The Hurt Syndicate walked out with their buddy MVP. MVP said it’s never personal, it’s just business. Jericho: “Bald.”
Analysis: It’s nice to see The Hurt Syndicate back in full force.
Let’s Hear from Darby Allin
The new AEW World Champion, Darby Allin, was introduced by Tony Schiavone. The fans were happy to see Allin as usual. The fans chanted, “You Deserve It” at Allin. Yes, you deserve to be scripted to win a pro wrestling match. I agree.
Allin sucked up to the crowd, saying he had his first match right here in Portland. Allin said this can all end in a matter of minutes when Tommaso Ciampa comes out here. Allin said it’s just a 15-minute ride. Allin said he sees what this championship does to people because it can grow their ego and be something they are not. Allin said that this is for his parents, whom he helped retire, his fiancée, whom he met on the school bus, and the sherpas who helped him on Mount Everest. Allin said this is for the fans too.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman walked out in his wrestling gear and a jacket. MJF said that Allin doesn’t deserve “s**t” and said give him his belt right now. Allin said no. MJF wanted a rematch right now. Allin said no. Allin said he won’t give MJF a rematch until he puts something on the line and said that everybody in the back deserves a shot at this. Allin said he’s going to put his body on the line and it all starts with Tommaso right now. Allin told MJF to get out of there.
Tommaso Ciampa made his entrance for the main event. MJF got into a staredown with Ciampa, who kissed MJF on the cheek. That’s unique.
Analysis: It was a short speech from Allin thanking the fans and talking about how who he loves in the world and why he fights so hard for everything he has. Allin is a very likable babyface, as we know. Allin telling MJF he has to put something on the line in the future to get a title shot is an interesting thing to say, and a tease of what may come in the future. It makes me think MJF will win the TNT Title and put it on the line against Allin for the World Title, and since Allin has held the TNT Title in the past, he’ll want it again.
AEW World Championship: Darby Allin vs. Tommaso Ciampa
There was a boot to the face by Ciampa and then Allin came back with a dropkick. Ciampa left the ring, so Allin jumped off the top with a Coffin Drop on Ciampa on the floor. Ciampa kicked Allin back first into the commentary table. Ciampa sent Allin into the barricade. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
The challenger Ciampa was in control as he put his boot on Allin’s throat while on the floor. Ciampa gave Allin a catapult into the frame of the ring. Ciampa charged at Allin on the floor, but Allin moved and Ciampa hit the barricade. Allin jumped off the ring post and hit a cross body block on Ciampa through the timekeeper’s table. That was an impressive move! They obviously planned that out beforehand, but it’s not an easy move to do and they nailed it perfectly. When Ciampa got up, Allin hit a cross body block into the commentary table. Ciampa’s head was bleeding…from his back bumping through a table…I guess? I understand doing a blade job and that’s fine, but it wasn’t even a head bump. Anyway, it’s not a major complaint, believe me. Just an observation. Back in the ring, Allin went up top, and Ciampa hit the ropes to knock him down. Ciampa went for a move, but Allin hit a Scorpion Death Drop. The turnbuckle pad was pulled off during that spot. Ciampa rolled out of the way. Allin went up top like a dumbass again and Ciampa tripped him up again. Ciampa got a hold of Allin on the middle turnbuckle, and Ciampa jumped to the floor and hit an Air Raid Crash. That was a crazy bump, and Ciampa was selling it too. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
A bloody Ciampa was aggressive on offense with a barrage of chops. Ciampa’s face was a bloody mess. Ciampa charged, Allin moved, and Ciampa sent Allin into the ropes, but Allin bounced back with a double foot stomp. Ciampa gave Allin a back body drop and a running knee strike. Allin jumped over Ciampa into a Code Red for a two count. Allin went up top, jumped off with a Coffin Drop and Ciampa applied a rear naked choke on the mat with a body scissors around the waist. Allin charged, Ciampa moved and Allin’s head hit the exposed steel. Ciampa hit a running knee to the face for a two count. Good nearfall. Ciampa hit a Powerbomb onto the knee for a backbreaker. Ciampa hit another running knee to the face for a two count. Ciampa teased a Scorpion Death Lock, then Allin countered it and applied the Scorpion Death Lock, so Ciampa tried to crawl to the ropes to fight it. Allin sat back deeper in the Scorpion Death Lock and Allin lost his balance. Allin regained his balance, so Ciampa tapped out to give Allin the win. It was a championship match that felt like a fight.
Winner by submission: Darby Allin
Analysis: ****1/4 That was an outstanding match. Going nearly 20 minutes and getting a four-star plus match in a TV main event is really cool and a reminder of how many great matches we get in pro wrestling in this era. I didn’t expect a title change here, but Allin is going to be the kind of champion that can lose at any time. That’s why Ciampa was a great choice as a first opponent for Allin because Ciampa has credibility as a tough guy. Ciampa hit those two running knee strikes that nearly won him the match, but then Allin was able to kick out and found a way to win with the Scorpion Death Lock submission.
After the match, Allin and Ciampa shook hands. Ciampa put the AEW World Title on Allin’s shoulder and applauded the champion for the win.
Brody King went into the ring and picked up Darby Allin. King said he was serious when he said he was proud of Allin. King said they spent countless nights talking about moments like this. King said that he talked to Tony Khan, and with Allin’s permission, it’s Allin against King for the AEW World Title. Allin shook King’s hand to accept the challenge.
That means that next week, Darby Allin will defend the AEW World Title against Brody King, and Kevin Knight will defend the TNT Title against MJF. Allin held up the AEW World Title to end the show.
Analysis: It continues the story that Darby Allin is a fighting champion who is willing to defend the AEW World Title every week, and it also means he’s a vulnerable champion whose title reign could end at any time.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Darby Allin
- Tommaso Ciampa
- Mark Davis and Will Ospreay
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The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.75 out of 10
Last Week: 7.75
2026 Average: 7.56
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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite
It was more of the same from AEW lately. Another very good show carried by some big matches. Darby Allin and Tommaso Ciampa had an outstanding main event while I liked the Will Ospreay/Mark Davis match as well because it had a surprising result with Davis winning. Brody King as the next threat for Allin is interesting, and I like how they set up the Knight-MJF match for next week.
I think they are lacking a bit in terms of promoting the women’s division and tag team division in an episode like this, but they were touched on briefly. It’s hard to feature everybody. It was a wrestling-heavy episode this week, which is a stregnth of AEW, as we know.
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John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport