Reviews

The John Report: AEW Dynamite 12/11/24 Review (Winter Is Coming)

By John Canton • Published 11th December 2024
AEW Dynamite Winter Is Coming December 11

This week’s AEW Dynamite featured Jon Moxley & Pac against Jay White & Orange Cassidy, plus more Continental Classic matches, including Will Ospreay in action against Claudio Castagnoli.

It’s the annual “Winter Is Coming” episode that tends to feature some bigger matches than a usual Dynamite episode. It’s a very strong lineup in Kansas City.

Last week’s AEW Dynamite saw Jon Moxley’s Death Riders face an attack by Orange Cassidy, Jay White and “Hangman” Adam Page, so it was good to see some AEW guys fight back successfully against Moxley’s group. We’ll see how things from here. The final AEW PPV of the year is World’s End on December 28th.

This was AEW Dynamite episode #271 from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 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 & Nigel McGuinness.

The AEW World Champion John Moxley’s Death Riders group made their entrance in the back part of the arena. I thought this match might main event, but instead, it’s up first. Marina Shafir was carrying a briefcase that we assume has Moxley’s AEW World Title in it.

Death Riders – Jon Moxley & Pac (w/Wheeler Yuta & Marina Shafir) vs. Jay White & Orange Cassidy

White and Orange attacked Moxley and Pac as soon as the bell rang. They fought outside the ring with White sending Moxley into the apron and barricade while Orange sent Pac into the barricade. White did some forehead biting on Moxley. Orange and White switched so that Orange fought with Moxley on the floor while White sent Pac into the barricade. Orange hit a boot to Moxley’s head. White rammed Pac’s head into the commentary table. Moxley fought back with a hard whip that sent Orange into the steel steps. The referee finally maintained order to start the match.

White hit a backbreaker on Pac for two because Moxley broke it up. Moxley and White exchanged chops to the chest. White tried a Bladerunner, but Moxley shoved his way out of that. Orange tagged in and worked over Moxley with punches. Pac tagged himself in and hit a pump kick on Orange. Moxley gave Orange a belly-to-back slam on the commentary table. Pac stomped on Orange’s head in the ring. Christian Cage and his Patriarchy family was shown up in the suite in the arena. Cage has a contract for a shot at the AEW World Title. Orange created some space with a kick to the chest. White tagged in against Pac with a back body drop. White hit a running uppercut and a slick DDT. White hit Moxley with a DDT as well. White charged at Pac, who got a boot up to knock White down. They went to a picture-in-picture break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Moxley working over White with elbow strikes followed by Mox putting his knee against White’s face. Moxley nailed White with a forearm to the face. Pac was back in with a knee drop as White remained the face in peril. Cage was shown telling Nick Wayne, Kip Sabian and Mother Wayne to do something, so they left while Cage remained in his seat. Moxley was back in with a lariat for a two count. Pac went for a kick, White blocked it and White did a dragon screw leg whip to take Pac down. Orange tagged in against Moxley as they exchanged elbows and punches. Orange hit a running kick to the chest that barely touched him. Orange hit a Tornado DDT on illegal man Pac. Orange went up top, Orange bit Moxley in the head and Orange jumped off the top with a diving DDT for two. Orange hit another spinning DDT on Moxley. Pac was in the ring illegally, Pac stopped a DDT and Orange hit Stundog Millionaire. White hit an overhead suplex on Pac and Moxley kicked White. Orange hit the Beach Break slam on Moxley for a two count. Shafir tried to get involved and Orange knocked Yuta off the apron with a punch. Orange set up for Orange Punch, but that led to “Hangman” Adam Page going into the ring and punching Moxley for the DQ finish. It went 14 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: Death Riders – Jon Moxley & Pac

Analysis: ***1/4 They were on their way to a pretty good match and it was given a lot of time, but then it just ended abruptly with Hangman running in there for the interference. I was probably going to rate it higher, but you can’t ignore a finish like that. Moxley and Pac worked well as the heels while Orange did an excellent job with the babyface comeback. I liked the match.

After the match, Page was punching Moxley relentlessly. Orange pulled Page off and Page shoved Orange. Page went back to punching Moxley. Orange pulled Page off and Page fought with Orange. Jay White joined in and White hit a Bladerunner on Orange. That led to Moxley’s Death Riders group going back into the ring to beat up Page, Orange and White. After some kicks and punches, Moxley’s Death Riders group left the ring.

Analysis: Last week the Page-Orange-White trio were on the same page and worked together. This week they fought each other to show they don’t really get along.

The Claudio Castagnoli-Will Ospreay match was up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about the return of AEW’s Bandido. They showed some old school Western town when Bandido showed up on a horse. Bandido was told he was under arrest. That led to Bandido beating up four guys.

Analysis: It looks so cheesy, but at least it’s unique and it makes Bandido stand out.

Jon Moxley and his Death Riders group were backstage. Moxley said he’s a marked man and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Moxley said it’s the only way to live and feel alive. Moxley said that these guys are all about their ego wanting the next title shot. Moxley shouted about how their egos run their lives. Moxley said it’s not about him, it’s about his people. Moxley said that at Worlds End in Orlando, Florida it will be a fatal four-way. Moxley left.

Analysis: Jon Moxley wanting a Fatal 4-Way match for the AEW World Title is an interesting choice by the champion. It doesn’t appear to be a smart decision since you can lose the title without being pinned, but I think Moxley retaining is the most likely result.

Christian Cage appeared in his private suite talking about Jon Moxley wanting a Fatal 4-Way Match for the AEW World Title. Cage complained about Jay White costing him at Full Gear and Hangman Page didn’t live up to his end of the deal. Cage said that Orange Cassidy is a pissant who gets on his nerves. Cage said that Moxley has what he wants. Cage said that he could be waiting on the other side if Moxley retains the AEW World Title. Cage said that he’ll send Moxley to rock bottom and he’ll send Moxley back to rehab. Cage said that he is the face of TBS and he is the reigning, undisputed next AEW World Champion. The fans booed. Cage was about to say more, but Hook was outside the door and Hook broke the glass with his arm in a cast. Hook beat up Christian in the private box and applied the Red Rum submission. Hook teased dumping Christian over the balcony. Cage threw Cage into some food that was in the suite. Nick Wayne and Kip Sabian showed up to try to fight, but Hook beat them up. Cage ran away, so Hook went after him.

Analysis: It was a good speech as usual by Christian. I liked the attack by Hook getting revenge on Christian due to past attacks. Doing a brawl in a private suite in the arena is a unique spot as well, so give them credit for being creative.

Continental Classic Gold League: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Will Ospreay

Claudio is 2-0 with 6 points and Will is 1-0 with 3 points so far. These guys are two of my favorite wrestlers in AEW, so this should be awesome.

Will was on the attack early. Claudio bailed to the floor, so Will hit a handspring dive over the top onto Claudio on the floor. Will hit a springboard forearm for two. Claudio came back with an uppercut to counter a move. Will rolled up Claudio for a two count. Claudio hit an uppercut while Will came back with a hook kick to the head. Claudio got a hold of Will’s left arm and swung him into the turnbuckle. Claudio shoved Will into the barricade at ringside. Will jumped over the steel steps and then Will dropkicked the steps into Claudio’s legs. Claudio caught a leaping Will and sent Will face first into the barricade. Claudio did an uppercut to Will followed by a Giant Swing into the steel steps. Claudio broke the referee’s count in the ring. Claudio trapped Will’s left wrist against the steel steps and Claudio stomped on the left hand. Will got back into it with chops, but a springboard attack didn’t work because Claudio hit an uppercut to the chest. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

Will was in control with a top rope hurricanrana followed by Will bouncing off the ropes with a spinning kick to the head. Will hit a running kick to the head along with a suplex or maybe it was more like a brainbuster. Will hit a standing sky twister press for two. Will charged, Claudio hit him with a boot to the face and Will tried a submission, but Claudio got to the ropes. Claudio came back with a double foot stomp to the left arm and shoulder. Claudio hit a gutwrench suplex for two. Will went up top, Claudio met him there and Will headbutted Claudio down. Will went for a spinning attack off the top, Claudio avoided it and Claudio hit an uppercut for a two count. They exchanged forearms/uppercuts and Will ducked charging move leading to a springboard Oscutter, but there was no cover because Claudio rolled out of the ring to the floor. Will charged, Claudio tossed him into the air and hit an uppercut. Claudio bounced off the ropes with a running lariat for a two count. Claudio tried a move, but Will swept the legs and Will jumped forward with a jackknife pin for the three count after about 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Will Ospreay

Analysis: ***3/4 It was an awesome match from two of the best in AEW. The finish was a bit of surprise because Will won with a jackknife pin rather than using his finishing move. That kind of finish really works in a tournament match like this because it shows how evenly matched they are. I figured Will would in and I liked how Claudio came close to winning several times. It was a lot of fun to watch.

After the match, Claudio Castagnoli hit Will in the back of the head with a forearm. Claudio hit a Neutralizer slam. Claudio grabbed a steel chair to do more, but Darby Allin showed up with a baseball bat, so Claudio backed away.

Darby Allin had a staredown with Will Ospreay. They will face off on Dynamite in the Continental Classic next week.

Analysis: That’s an awesome match next week with Darby facing Will. They are two of the most popular guys in AEW, so the fans will be into it.

Ricochet was interviewed by Renee Paquette, who mentioned he is facing Brody King tonight in the Continental Classic. Ricochet said he’s there in AEW for the competition and he’s got Brody for the first time ever. Ricochet said he’s tough and scary, but he’s not Ricochet. Ricochet said tonight it’s him who holds all the cards while he looked at an MVP business card.

There was a car shown arriving in the parking lot. It was Maxwell Jacob Friedman in dress clothes with a scarf. MJF also had his Dynamite Diamond Ring on his finger as well.

(Commercial)

A clip was shown of ROH World Champion Chris Jericho beating up Matt Cardona last week.

Matt Cardona, who is very well-tanned, was interviewed by Renee Paquette about his ROH World Title match against Chris Jericho at Final Battle. Matt said it was great to be back in AEW and he said he belonged here. Matt said he is always ready and it says so on his t-shirt. Matt said that at ROH Final Battle, he has the biggest opportunity of his career for the ROH World Title. Matt said that he wants to face Bryan Keith this Friday on Rampage. Matt said he wanted Jericho to watch to see what’s in store for Final Battle.

Analysis: Matt Cardona was brought in as an opponent for Chris Jericho at ROH Final Battle. It’s a big name in some ways, but also shows how weak the ROH brand is since somebody whose not even on the show can get an ROH World Title match just like that. I don’t watch the ROH brand. I doubt a lot of AEW fans pay attention to it, but maybe Cardona’s name will lead to some people watching Final Battle. I don’t know.

Kyle O’Reilly was about to be interviewed by Renee Paquette backstage. Matt Taven and Mike Bennett interrupted. Taven said that they didn’t need to do this and Bennett said they are still family. Kyle said you should have thought about that before one of their brothers got hurt. That was a reference to Roderick Strong getting attacked and injured by MJF recently.

Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly

The winner of this match will face MJF at Worlds End with the winner gaining possession of the Dynamite Diamond Ring.

There was some quick mat wrestling early on with some nearfalls. Cole went for a superkick, but Kyle ducked it and left the ring. Kyle went for an armbar, Cole countered it into a leglock. Kyle went for a roundhouse kick, so Cole bailed to the floor to show they know eachother well. Kyle worked over Cole with kicks on the floor followed by a sweep kick. They went to a PIP break.

(Commercial)

It was Cole in control as he went for a move off the turnbuckle, but Kyle hit a knee to the ribs. Cole hit a brainbuster onto the knee. Cole kicked Kyle in the leg and Kyle connected with a knee to the ribs. Kyle hit a driving knee to the face. Kyle jumped off the top with a knee drop, but Cole avoided it. Kyle managed to hit a knee and Cole bounced off the ropes leading to a running knee. They were both down selling for a few minutes. Cole and Kyle each hit kicks at the same time. Cole kicked Kyle, who bounced off the ropes into a clothesline. Kyle applied an Ankle Lock along with a body scissors, but Cole got his left hand on the bottom rope. They battled on the turnbuckle where Cole knocked Kyle down. Cole hit a Panama Sunrise piledriver, but Kyle recovered quickly to trap Cole in an Ankle Lock again. Cole managed to send Kyle out of the ring to the floor. Kyle tried a move on the floor, but Cole hit him with a superkick. Back in the ring, Kyle collapsed to the mat selling the idea like he was dazed or knocked out. The referee was checking on Kyle, MJF showed up and Cole superkicked MJF off the apron. Kyle got a rollup on Cole for two. Kyle went for a submission, but Cole got an inside cradle for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Adam Cole

Analysis: ***1/4 It was an even matchup most of the way with a lot of counter moves to show how well they know eachother. I didn’t like some of it such as when Cole hit a Panama Sunrise and Kyle barely sold it. Sometimes in AEW these guys don’t sell much because they are all about hitting their next moves. Selling is important. Do it the right way, please. Anyway, I’m not surprised by the Cole win.

The win by Adam Cole means he’ll face MJF for the Dynamite Diamond Ring at AEW Worlds End on December 28th.

After the match, Adam Cole looked at MJF on the floor and MJF ran away through the crowd. Mike Bennett and Matt Taven went into the ring to celebrate with Cole. When Cole wanted a handshake, Kyle refused and rolled out of the ring.

Analysis: That MJF-Cole grudge match may have been highly anticipated in the past, but I don’t think it is that anticipated right now. The fans really don’t respond much to Cole as a face except during his entrance.

It’s official for AEW Worlds End: Jon Moxley defends the AEW World Title vs. Adam Page vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Jay White.

The FTR team of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler spoke about the Fight for the Fallen show on January 1st. They talked about how AEW was coming to Asheville, NC to benefit victims of a hurricane. Harwood spoke about how they wanted to be in a big match at that show. Harwood called out Jon Moxley’s Death Riders group and told them to have a conversation with them on AEW Collision. Top guys, out.

Next week on AEW Holiday Bash on Dynamite:

* Mercedes Mone defends the TBS Championship vs. Anna Jay

* Continental Classic Gold League – Will Ospreay vs. Darby Allin

(Commercial)

The ROH World Champion Chris Jericho did a “New York Minute” promo with Bryan Keith behind him. Jericho said Cardona vs. Keith on Rampage is official. Jericho said on Ring of Honor, he’ll have a contract signing with Matt Cardona. Jericho said Cardona is delusional for thinking he’ll bet Jericho for the ROH World Title. Keith said he was there to make sure Cardona pays the price. Jericho thanked us for watching a New York Minute.

A video package aired about the Continental Classic matches from this past weekend. That crowd on Collision was very small. Just saying.

Darby Allin Interview

Darby Allin was interviewed by Tony Schiavone in a sitdown chat from earlier in the day. Allin said that Jon Moxley’s group was chipping away at everything that makes AEW special. Allin said that Bryan Danielson was the backbone of this place. Allin said he knows why the young guys don’t get involved because the yare making a living on pro wrestling. Allin said people thinks he’s reckless and impulsive. Allin punched himself and his mouth was bleeding. Allin said it didn’t bother him. Allin said the Continental Classic is what’s right about AEW. Allin said he needs to win this tournament because it represents the passion of AEW. Allin said that Moxley fails to remember that Moxley got a second chance here. Allin said that they gave Sting a proper farewell and it gave Allin a chance. Allin said that Moxley keeps lying and criticized Moxley for lying to himself. That was it.

Analysis: I think the long term vision is to have Darby Allin challenge Jon Moxley for the AEW World Title and Allin might be the guy who beats Moxley for that AEW World Title. I don’t know if Allin will be gone to climb Mount Everest early next year, so it could be later in 2025 when that finally happens. I’m not sure if they would wait until All In Texas next summer, but it could be that.

AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Ricochet vs. Brody King

They are both 1-1 with 3 points in the Gold League.

Ricochet used his speed to avoid the powerhouse King and Ricochet did a headscissors. Ricochet hit a jumping kick to the head followed by Ricochet jumping off the top, but King just knocked him down with a shoulder shrug. King pushed Ricochet over the top to the floor. King worked over Ricochet with chops to the chest. Ricochet jumped off the barricade followed by a superkick. Ricochet tried a move on the floor and King gave Ricochet a Powerbomb onto the ring apron. King sent Ricochet into the barricade followed by King hitting a cross body block against the barricade. That led to a PIP break.

(Commercial)

King was in control with a hard chop, Ricochet came back with punches and King caught Ricochet leading to a German Suplex for a two count. King delivered another hard chop along with a forearm to the jaw. Ricochet came back with a spinning enziguri kick to the head. Ricochet hit a springboard kick to knock King off the apron to the floor. Ricochet hit a twisting dive over the top onto King on the floor. Back in the ring, Ricochet did a springboard 450 Splash for just a one count. Ricochet kicked King a few times, but King punched the leg followed by a lariat for a two count. King went for a lifting move, Ricochet slipped out of it and got a sunset flip for two. Ricochet hit a knee to the jaw. Ricochet tried a lift, but King was too heavy and knocked Ricochet back into the turnbuckle. King hit a running cannonball splash against the turnbuckle for a two count. King set up Ricochet on the top rope, Ricochet fought back with punches to the back and Ricochet hit a Powerbomb while King pulled the top turnbuckle pad off. Ricochet went up top and hit a Shooting Star Press, but King choked Ricochet to no sell that move. King applied a sleeper, they went to the exposed turnbuckle and Ricochet did a neck snap across the top rope. King chopped Ricochet to stop a leaping attack. They battled on the turnbuckle where Ricochet sent King into the exposed turnbuckle two times so King’s head hit the steel twice. The fans booed Ricochet, who hit a running clothesline to the back of the head. Ricochet hit a running lariat called the Spirit Gun for the pinfall win after 13 minutes. Some fans were booing that result.

Winner by pinfall: Ricochet

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good match with Ricochet using some cheap tactics to win since he sent King face first into the exposed steel. The fans booed Ricochet for his actions, yet Ricochet acted like a face. I think the fans really like King as a badass who looks tough and backs it up with his actions. I think Ricochet should stick with a top rope move as a finisher because it looks more impressive than a running clothesline. There’s really nothing special about that.

Private Party (Marq Quen & Isiah Kassidy) were backstage with the AEW World Tag Team Titles. They were interrupted by Action Andretti and Lio Rush. Action asked if they could have some of that, so Private Party offered some booze, but Rush said they wanted the titles. Top Flight and Leyla Grey showed up so Top Flight mentioned Action & Rush haven’t won matches to earn a title shot. Action mentioned Top Flight lost in a battle royal. Private Party’s Isiah Kassidy suggested that Top Flight face Action & Rush face eachother on Collision and the winners get an AEW Tag Team Title match.

Analysis: I don’t see Private Party losing to either of those teams. It’s just a way to set up Private Party for a win.

The Mariah May-Mina Shirakawa main event was up next.

There were highlights shown of the AEW All In Texas ticket on sale date event. The crowd was very small at the event, but they showed clips from side angles to avoid showing the small crowd.

(Commercial)

The TBS & NJPW Strong Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone and Anna Jay were interviewed backstage by Renee Paquette. Mone faces Jay next week on Dynamite. Paquette thanked them for agreeing to no physicality. Renee credited Mone for being a fighting champion. Mone said she loves that Jay went to Japan to train and believes in herself. Mone said that Jay is 26 years old and just getting started while Mone was a five-time World Champion at that age. Mone said that there’s a price to pay when you mess with Mone. Jay called Mone a living legend and she admired what Mone does in the ring. Jay knows she’s an underdog and she keeps proving people wrong. Jay said when Mone makes the first mistake she’ll capitalize on it because she needs three seconds to shock the world to be the new TBS Champion. Jay left.

Analysis: I’ll pick Mercedes Mone in that match. Anna Jay has improved, but I don’t see Mone losing there.

A video aired about the Mariah May-Mina Shirakawa match.

AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May vs. Mina Shirakawa

It is rare to see a women’s match in a Dynamite main event, but here we are. There is a backstory because they were best friends until the cocky champion May turned her back on her friend and the fans like Mina.

May and Mina exchanged punches to start the match. That led to some hard slaps to the face. Mina hit a spin kick to the ribs. Mina hit a dropkick to the knee to take over leading to Mina kicking the legs a few times. Mina applied a Figure Four Leglock, but May countered it by rolling out of the ring. They spilled to the floor in the leglock. May sent Mina face first into the steel steps. May sent Mina into the barricade. Thunder Rosa was in the crowd with a sign. May hit a running dropkick to send Mina into the barricade. May went for a running kick, Mina blocked it and Mina rammed the leg into the ring post. Mina applied a Figure Four Leglock around the ring post and then Mina rammed the right leg into the ring post.

(Commercial)

The match returned with May in control. The show was past the top of the hour so they were into overrun time at this point. May charged, Mina jumped off the ropes and hit a jumping kick to the head. May and Mina exchanged forearms (I think every match has this spot) until Mina hit a rolling elbow. May hit a headbutt and Mina hit a spinning back fist. The referee checked on both women to likely give them a time cue. Mina was back up with a dropkick to the back of the left knee. Mina hit a backdrop suplex for two. May did a hurricanrana out of the corner. Mina hit a backfist and Mina hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Mina hit a draping DDT off the ropes for two because May got her right hand on the bottom rope. Nigel: “A Christmas miracle.” Nice one. May sent Mina into the middle rope followed by a running knee two times in a row. May had Mina on her shoulders leading to a May Day slam for a two count. Mina hit a Crucifix Driver for a two count. Mina hit a Slingblade off the middle turnbuckle. Mina hit a lifting sitout slam for a two count. Mina was shocked by it was just a two count, but the fans barely reacted. May hit a strike followed by a Storm Zero piledriver for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Mariah May

Analysis: *** It was a solid title match, but the fans really didn’t get behind Mina that much. They barely reacted when Mina did her finisher because we really haven’t seen Mina wrestle in AEW that much. It was an easy win for May hitting one move for the win.

After the match, Toni Storm appeared wearing her classic black leather look rather than the “Timeless” Toni Storm look. Storm stood at the top of the ramp and saluted the crowd while May looked confused in the ring since Storm had her classic look. The announcers screamed about how Storm was back for the first time since All In back in August. Storm had a big smile on her face as she saluted the crowd. That was the end of the show at 10:06 p.m. ET.

Analysis: Welcome back to Toni Storm. I’ll miss the “Timeless” Toni Storm gimmick because it was great, but I don’t mind seeing her more classic look when she’s in a babyface role. It should lead to a big Storm-May match perhaps at Worlds End or after that at some point.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Will Ospreay
  2. Claudio Castagnoli
  3. Jon Moxley & Pac

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The Scoreboard

This Week: 7.25 out of 10

Last Week: 7.5

2024 Average: 7.45

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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite

I liked the show, which was heavy about in-ring action as usual for AEW. They had some finishes that surprised me a bit like that DQ finishes, but I get it based on what happened after the opening tag team match.

The best match was the Will Ospreay-Claudio Castagnoli match. No surprise there since it’s an Ospreay match. Most of the other matches were fine although they didn’t stand out that much.

It was cool to see Toni Storm return with her classic look at the end of the show. I get why the May-Mina was put on last for that reason to bring Storm back. I just wish May-Mina was a better match. They did a solid job of building to AEW Worlds End.

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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