The John Report: AEW Dynamite 05/20/26 Review
This is AEW Dynamite, featuring Darby Allin facing Mike Bailey, a Ciampa/Briscoe “Anything Goes Match” and more.
AEW Dynamite is this Sunday, May 24th. It’s a 3-hour episode of AEW programming with 2 hours of Dynamite followed by 1 hour of Collision. I don’t review Collision, so I’m just doing Dynamite.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #346 from the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, Maine. 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 Taz.
A video aired showing Chris Jericho and The Young Bucks outside in Portland, Maine. Jericho apologized for beating up the Bucks dad in the past. The Young Bucks liked the name The Bucks of Jericho and Jericho suggested Y2Jackson. They said “two names, one team” to end it.
Ricochet, Andrade El Idolo & Mark Davis vs. Chris Jericho & The Young Bucks – Matt & Nick Jackson
Don Callis was on commentary to support Andrade and Davis. Andrade started with Jericho and left the ring to flirt with ladies at ringside. Jericho and the Bucks did some tandem offense, followed by Jericho hitting a missile dropkick. The Bucks and Jericho did some more tandem offense. Davis took control of Nick with a body slam and senton splash. After Nick broke free, Matt got some offense on all three opponents, including a flipping neckbreaker. Matt hit a superkick on Davis on the floor. Matt hit three Northern Lights Suplexes on Andrade, a slam on Ricochet and a double suplex on Ricochet and Andrade. The Bucks hit suicide dives on the floor. Jericho jumped off the top with a cross body block on Davis.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Nick Jackson as the face in peril. I’m not sure why AEW matches build for a tag when people can randomly go into the ring at any time. Nick did some gymnastics move to break free and bring in Jericho, who hit a top rope double axhandle on Andrade. They did a spot where all six guys were fighting in the ring and the three babyfaces hit top rope hurricanranas. The Bucks hit a double superkick on Andrade and Jericho hit a Codebreaker for two because Ricochet made the save. Andrade hit Three Amigos suplexes on Matt and he suplexed Nick on Matt. Both Bucks stayed in the ring for about a minute so they could do double team spots, including a BTE Trigger for two, because Ricochet hit a Ricosault. Jericho clotheslined Ricochet out of the ring. They went fighting into the crowd. They weren’t the legal guys in the match. Jericho gave Ricochet a belly-to-back suplex through two tables at ringside. Andrade elbowed Davis by accident, so the Bucks hit a double superkick and BTE Trigger on Andrade for just two. The Dogs attacked The Bucks as Edwards looked at Davis, so David Finlay hit Matt with a shillelagh and Andrade fell on top for the pinfall win. It went about 14 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Ricochet, Andrade El Idolo & Mark Davis
Analysis: ***1/2 A chaotic, typical AEW tag team match that was lacking psychology in a lot of ways, but it was still fun to watch. I’m not surprised by the cheap ending to give the heels to win because I think the babyfaces should win the Stadium Stampede match at Double or Nothing. Like I said in the review, what’s the point of building up hot tag spots if wrestlers go into the ring randomly throughout the match, which completely ignores the rules. Do it one way or the other, but not both ways.
After the match, Toa Liona attacked Matt, and Jack Perry went into the ring with a bag of onions for some reason. The heels fought with the babyfaces around the ring. The Hurt Business duo of Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin went to ringside to fight with the heels. There were guys fighting all around the arena, including the ringside area, and there were fights in the crowd. Lashley hit a Spear on Liona in the ring.
Analysis: It was some basic brawling to build up the Stadium Stampede match. I’m sure the Stadium Stampede match will be fun to watch, but I think a 14-man match (7-on-7) is going to be tough to present in terms of being able to film everybody fighting in the stadium. The 10-man matches were more than enough, but AEW loves going over the top.
A video package aired about Kazuchika Okada-Konosuke Takeshita at Double or Nothing for Okada’s International Title. That will be great.
(Commercial)
The AEW World Champion Darby Allin was interviewed by Renee Paquette. Allin said it’s the greatest feeling in the world to be World Champion. Allin said once he shaves MJF bald, then every red carpet he walks and interview he does, his hair being gone will eat MJF alive. Allin told Speedball he’ll do whatever it takes to keep this title and he wants Speedball to do the same.
A video aired about Darby Allin defending the AEW World Title against MJF at Double or Nothing. It is Allin’s AEW World Title against MJF’s hair.
Anything Goes Match: Tommaso Ciampa vs. Mark Briscoe
It should be a wild match between two bearded veterans. The weapons started early as Ciampa hit Mark with a trash can to the back. Ciampa got his hand caught in a mousetrap in a trash can that Mark brought. Mark smashes a broom handle on Ciampa’s back. Mark put Ciampa on a chair on the floor and Mark hit a neckbreaker on the floor. Mark went up top, Ciampa went after him with a chain and Ciampa flipped Mark through two tables on the floor. Ciampa had a cheese grater, which he raked against Mark’s face, so Mark was a bloody mess because of it. They went on a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
There was a stuffed chicken in the ring for some reason. Mark had a fire extinguisher and he sprayed it at Ciampa. Mark was a bloody mess as he hit an overhead suplex. The fans chanted, “This is awesome” for them. Mark set up a table on the floor. Mark smashed Ciampa in the head with a cookie sheet. Mark put some weapons on the table, including barbed wire and even a staple gun. Mark was stapling barbed wire to the table. Ciampa was back up with a trash can to the ribs. Ciampa raked Mark’s face with some barbed wire. Ciampa stapled some papers onto Mark’s head. Ciampa charged with a running knee while the knee pad had tacks in it. Mark got a screwdriver that he used to jam into Ciampa’s head. Ciampa suplexed Mark into a ladder that was against the turnbuckle. Ciampa gouged the eyes and Ciampa hit a running knee smash with the thumbtack knee pad. Ciampa didn’t go for a cover. Ciampa set up two chairs in the ring, but Mark got out of an attempted move. Mark flipped Ciampa over so that Ciampa’s back hit the top of two chairs. They went to the apron, where Mark hit a Jay Driller off the apron through two tables on the floor. Mark went up top and hit a Froggy Bow for the pinfall win. It went about 14 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Mark Briscoe
Analysis: ***3/4 That was crazy, wild, and fun all at the same time. I’m a big fan of both guys, and they are perfect for a match like this. Each guy used a variety of weapons throughout the match, and some of the bumps they did looked brutal, like the slam onto the top of two chairs. The Jay Driller, which went through two tables on the floor that had barbed wire on them, was nasty, too. This match could have gone either way, and I don’t mind seeing Briscoe get the win as the babyface, while Ciampa will be just fine as a midcard heel.
Mark Briscoe celebrated the win.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Swerve Strickland…Gets Interrupted
Prince Nana interrupted Tony Schiavone from introducing Swerve Strickland and Nana told “old man” Tony to get out of the ring. Nana introduced Swerve Strickland. As Swerve made his entrance, Bandido attacked him since they are facing eachother at Double or Nothing in the Owen Hart Cup quarterfinals. Bandido hit a somersault dive over the top and sent Swerve into the steel steps. Nana got involved, so Swerve kicked Bandido in the knee. Swerve worked over Bandido with punches in the ring. Bandido picked up Swerve and did a press slam into the ring. Swerve threw a chair at Bandido, who caught the chair, and then Swerve left.
Analysis: This was okay. Nothing special about it. It was a way to try to build the Swerve/Bandido match at Double or Nothing, but it fell flat by the end of it. I thought there would be a Swerve promo, but instead it was just a fight.
The TBS Champion Willow Nightingale talked about how winning the championship was one of the greatest accomplishments of her career. Willow said in her most recent title defense against Red Velvet, she injured her right shoulder. Willow wanted to wrestle at Double or Nothing and go on to All In to become the AEW World Champion, but she has to withdraw from the Owen Hart Cup and relinquish the TBS Championship. Willow said after 10 successful title defenses, she was overjoyed to be the face of TBS. Willow said she will be back, she doesn’t know when, but she’s coming back to the top. Willow said thank you and left her TBS Title in the locker room.
Analysis: That sucks for Willow Nightingale having a shoulder injury and relinquishing the TBS Title. Willow is one of the best babyface women in AEW and has grown a lot as a performer in the last few years. I wish her the best in recovering from the shoulder injury.
AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly
If Kyle pins, submits or goes the distance (20 minutes) then he gets a shot at the AEW Continental Tile. They were exchanging holds early on until Moxley hit an elbow to the jaw to take control. Kyle got some kicks in, including a sweep kick. Kyle hit a snap suplex for a two count. They stood up and exchanged strikes. Moxley slapped Kyle in the ribs and Kyle went down to the mat to sell it. Moxley worked over Kyle with punches to the ribs. Kyle hit a back body drop out of the ring. Kyle was selling the rib injury after hitting the ropes, so Moxley kicked Kyle in the head. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Kyle hitting a dropkick to the front of the left knee. Kyle with a forearm, Moxley with a forearm and Moxley tried a sleeper, but Kyle blocked it. Kyle hit a leaping knee to the head. Kyle went for an Ankle Lock, Moxley got out of it and Kyle kicked Moxley to the floor. They did a double kick, double kick and double clothesline on the floor. That looked silly. They got back to the ring, where Kyle stomped on Moxley’s leg. Kyle went up top, Moxley got up with a punch and Moxley bit Kyle’s head a few times. It was announced that 15 minutes had gone by and 5 minutes were left as Moxley hit a superplex. Kyle countered Moxley and went for an Ankle Lock, so Moxley countered that into a Bulldog Choke. Moxley laid on top of Kyle until there was a rope break. They went to the apron where Kyle wrenched Moxley’s left arm into the mat. Kyle dropkicked Moxley into the barricade. Back in the ring, Moxley hit a Cutter out of nowhere for two. Kyle wrapped his arms around Moxley’s head for a choke attempt. Kyle hit an Exploder Suplex. Moxley fought off an Ankle Lock attempt, so then Kyle hit a running kick to the jaw. They did the “stand and throw strikes” spot again with 1-minute remaining. Kyle flipped over and applied the Ankle Lock as the announcers mentioned Moxley tapped out to it twice before. Moxley was on the mat, selling and looking like he might tap out, but the bell rang to stop the match at the 20-minute mark.
The time limit draw means that Jon Moxley will defend the AEW Continental Title against Kyle O’Reilly. We found out later that it would be at Double or Nothing.
Match Result: Time Limit Draw
Analysis: **** Great match between two talented veterans. Kyle has beaten Moxley twice before, so when he went for submission moves and nearfalls, there was credibility since he beat Moxley before. It was no surprise that these two guys could put on an excellent performance in a match like this.
Kyle O’Reilly did a promo saying Jon Moxley barely survived him. Kyle said that when he gets his rematch, it will be no time limit and Moxley is out of luck.
Analysis: It should be an outstanding match again at Double or Nothing. I think there’s a chance Kyle could win, but AEW sure loves giving Moxley long title reigns.
Hikaru Shida and Kris Statlander were interviewed by Renee Paquette. Shida spoke about being ready for the AEW Women’s World Title 4-way match at Double or Nothing, which Shida and Kris are both part of. Shida told the women’s division that they have their eyes on them. Kris warned Shida to watch herself. Kris left. Shida said the ladies should fight hard and get ready.
(Commercial)
Rush was featured in a backstage promo saying if Darby Allin survives this week, then he wants a shot at the AEW World Title. Rush ended with his catchphrase about how if you mess with the bull, you get the horns.
The Brawling Birds – Jamie Hayter & Alex Windsor, Mina Shirakawa & Thunder Rosa vs. Triangle of Madness – Thekla, Skye Blue & Julia Hart, and Athena
There were quick tags early on, leading to Hayter getting a kick on Blue. Mina had some success against Thekla with a punch, followed by a spinning splash. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
The heel side was in control as Athena hit a cartwheel elbow strike for two. Mina did a headscissors to send Athena face-first into the mat. Rosa got her turn in the match with two clotheslines on Blue and a knee strike. Rosa hit a running dropkick and a Northern Lights Suplex for two because Thekla broke it up. The other women went into the ring, hit moves and bumped out of the ring. Athena hit a couple of suplexes and an uppercut. All the women were down selling so that the fans could clap. Mina gave Athena a DDT on the floor. The Birds pulled Blye out of the ring, double punch and a leg sweep move. Hart sprayed the black mist into Rosa’s face and Thekla did a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Rosa for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Triangle of Madness – Thekla, Skye Blue & Julia Hart, and Athena
Analysis: **3/4 It was an okay match. I thought it was a weak, lazy finish. The black mist leading to a dreaded rollup is lame. Normally, in a match like this, the champion doesn’t get a win, so that you can build up somebody else, since the champion already has a title, so I was a bit surprised to see the AEW Women’s Champion, Thekla, getting the win. Anyway, I can’t really get into any of the women’s feuds in AEW right now. They don’t have a lot of staying power.
The Jetspeed duo of TNT Champion Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey talked about Speedball’s match with Darby Allin tonight. Knight wished him good luck and said he wants a title shot. Bailey said he was ready.
(Commercial)
The Death Riders were shown doing push-ups in a dark part of the arena where they train. Renee Paquette asked her husband, Jon Moxley, what would be different at Double or Nothing without a time limit. Moxley thanked Kyle O’Reilly for pushing him to be better. Moxley said Kyle has got him to think and act like a champion. Moxley said that the house finally wins this time. Moxley said that when the championship and everything are on the line, does Moxley miss? He left.
It was main event time as “Speedball” Mike Bailey made his entrance to a decent ovation. The daredevil AEW World Champion Darby Allin made his entrance to a big ovation. Allin has had six successful title defenses as AEW World Champion. The announcers mentioned Darby Allin nearly lost the title against Sammy Guevara on Collision. Yeah, sure, AEW, as if he’s going to lose on Collision.
AEW World Championship: Darby Allin vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
Maxwell Jacob Friedman made his entrance to watch the match. MJF joined commentary and wanted Bailey to win so MJF wouldn’t have to put his Hair on the line against Allin.
Bailey hit a kick, followed by a missile dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. Bailey hit a spinning kick. Allin went to the apron, so Bailey kicked him several times. Bailey did a sweep kick to knock Allin down on the floor. Bailey hit a springboard moonsault. Bailey sent Allin into the barricade. Bailey hit a double knee drop on the floor. MJF had a feeling Speedball would win tonight. Heels lie, my friends. Bailey hit a body slam on the floor. Bailey jumped off the steel steps with a double knee drop on Allin on the floor. Bailey was on the barricade and Allin tripped up Bailey to crotch him. Allin gave Bailey a Scorpion Death Drop on the top of the barricade. They went on a PIP break.
(Commercial)
Allin and Bailey battled on the floor as Allin trapped Bailey’s foot under the steel steps. After Bailey got free, Allin hit a suicide dive on Bailey on the floor. Back in the ring, Allin went for a Coffin Drop, but Bailey was back up with a dropkick to the back. Bailey hit a spinning kick to the head. Bailey went for the Ultimate Weapon knee attack, but Allin moved and Bailey hit the mat. Allin went up top and hit a Coffin Drop on Bailey for two because MJF put Bailey’s foot on the bottom rope. The TNT Champion Kevin Knight went to ringside to confront MJF at ringside. Bailey got a side headlock takeover for two. Allin went for a cradle, Bailey rolled out of it and Bailey flipped over Allin for a two count. Bailey hit a spin kick to the head. Bailey hit a running spin kick for two. Bailey hit a backflip double knee drop. Bailey hit a thrust kick that knocked Allin into the turnbuckle. Allin and Bailey countered eachother again as Allin hit a Scorpion Death Drop. Allin stomped on Bailey and applied the Scorpion Death Lock submission, so Bailey got to the ropes. Allin went up top and hit a Coffin Drop on the lower back. Allin applied the Scorpion Death Lock submission again and Bailey tried to get out of it, but Bailey couldn’t fight anymore and tapped out. It went 11 minutes.
Winner by submission: Darby Allin
Analysis: ***3/4 That was a fast-paced match that was full of action with Speedball getting plenty of offense and nearly winning a few times, but I certainly didn’t expect Allin to lose here. I liked that there was some psychology at the end since Allin hit the Coffin Drop on Bailey’s back to weaken it and then that set up the Scorpion Death Drop for the finish with Bailey tapping out since Allin worked on the back so much. It’s a finish that made sense within the story of the match, which is what I like to see.
That was the end of Dynamite. They did Collision for 1 hour after this. I don’t review Collision, so that’s it for me.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Darby Allin
- Jon Moxley/Kyle O’Reilly
- Mark Briscoe, Mike Bailey, Tommaso Ciampa
===
The Scoreboard
This Week: 8 out of 10
Last Week: 7.5
2026 Average: 7.60
===
Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite
The match quality was really strong throughout the show, so it’s an 8/10 type of show to me. I enjoyed the Moxley/O’Reilly, Allin/Bailey and Briscoe/Ciampa matches a lot. The tags were solid too. I think the show was lacking a bit in terms of hard sell promos for the Double or Nothing matches, but in terms of in-ring action, this show definitely delivered.
The next AEW PPV is Double or Nothing on Sunday, May 24th in Queens, New York. Here’s the lineup so far:
* AEW World Championship – Title vs. Hair: Darby Allin (c) vs. Maxwell Jacob Friedman
* AEW International Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita
* AEW World Tag Team Championship I Quit Match: FTR – Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage (If Cope and Cage lose, they must retire as a tag team)
* 14-man Stadium Stampede Match: Chris Jericho, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin), and The Elite (Kenny Omega, “Jungle” Jack Perry, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona), The Dogs (David Finlay & Clark Connors) and The Don Callis Family (Mark Davis and Andrade El Idolo
* AEW Women’s World Championship: Thekla (c) vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Kris Statlander
* AEW Continental Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly
* Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinals: Samoa Joe vs. Will Ospreay
* Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinals: Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido
* Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinals: Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa
===
Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport