The John Report: AEW Dynasty 2026 Review

This is AEW Dynasty, featuring MJF against Kenny Omega for the AEW World Title, Jon Moxley facing Will Ospreay, FTR battling Cope & Cage, and more.

The AEW Dynasty PPV is the second AEW PPV of the year, following an outstanding Revolution PPV last month, which I rated 9 out of 10. That means it was one of the best AEW PPVs ever. This is the 3rd year that AEW has used the Dynasty name for a PPV. There are 9 matches on the main PPV and 3 on the pre-show. My biggest complaint with AEW is that their PPV shows are too long. Revolution went 4:39 for the main PPV last month and ended at 12:39 A.M. If you are going to go that long, start the show an hour or two earlier. People need to get home and get up for work/school in the morning. Plus, it sucks for fans in the UK. The counter to that is that I rated it 9/10, so it’s not like I disliked Revolution. I still think the shows are too long.

The pre-show “Zero Hour” matches took place before the main show. I don’t watch the pre-show matches because the main shows are long enough. I’ll put the Zero Hour match results here.

• Alex Windsor defeated Marina Shafir by pinfall.
• Kamille defeated Big Anne by pinfall.
• AEW National Championship: Jack Perry (c) defeated Mark Davis by pinfall.
• AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship: Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) (c) defeated Hyan and Maya World by pinfall.

This review will feature some matches where I’ll go with a summary style, and full play-by-play for others. It’s a long night of writing with most AEW shows running four hours or longer, so I need to pace myself, too. I ordered this show from AEW’s YouTube channel for $64.40 Canadian, including tax. Do I wish it were cheaper? Yes, but at least they are good shows. Let’s get to it.

AEW Dynasty
From Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia
Sunday, April 12, 2026

The show started off with The Young Bucks match against Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita.

It’s Sunday and you know what that means. The commentary team was Excalibur, Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness.

Don Callis Family – Kazuchika Okada & Konosuke Takeshita vs. The Young Bucks – Matt & Nick Jackson

Don Callis was on commentary. There was a double team counter by Nick Jackson, doing a headscissors/armdrag on both opponents at the same time. Both Bucks were in the ring for about a minute as they hit a German Suplex and clothesline on Takeshita to clear the ring. Nick hit an impressive moonsault off the top onto both opponents. The DCF guys took control as the fans chanted, “F**k Don Callis” and Don gave the fans a middle finger salute. Takeshita brought Matt out of the ring so Don gouged Matt’s eye. They did a spot with Matt trying to break free, but Okada prevented a tag and hit a DDT on Nick on the floor. Okada put on some Bucks gear and posed with it, which drew a big reaction. Matt superkicked Okada off the apron. Takeshita hit Matt with an Exploder Suplex for two. Matt came back with a double bulldog on his opponents. Nick was back in with a rolling kick and Nick hit a double foot stomp on Okada, followed by a Backstabber on Takeshita. Nick countered Okada into a Cutter for two. The Bucks applied double Sharpshooters on both opponents, so Okada and Takeshita slapped eachother to avoid tapping and they got to the ropes.

They went about a minute with all four guys in the ring at the same time because it’s a Young Bucks match. The Bucks were dominating with double team moves and a double superkick. The Bucks were on the opposite turnbuckles leading to a Senton Bomb and elbow drop combination so Matt got a two count. Okada and Takeshita hit their own versions of Tombstone piledrivers, leading to Takeshita getting a two count. Takeshita gave Matt a German Suplex off the top, with Matt landing on his feet after a moonsault bump. Takeshita hit a knee on Matt and Nick tackled Okada onto the pin to break it up. Okada was legal with a body slam and top rope elbow drop, followed by the middle finger salute. Nick went into the ring illegally with a knee and Takeshita went into the ring illegally as well. Matt jumped over the top for a sunset flip/German Suplex combo move that drew a good pop. Tony Schiavone was giddy about it. Takeshita hit a Blue Thunder Bomb on Matt and had to stay crouched, so Nick hit Takeshita with a Canadian Destroyer. Takeshita hit a double knee smash on both opponents. All four guys were down to sell it. Okada and Takeshita fought with eachother by exchanging forearms, so the fans went wild for that. Okada hit a dropkick while Takeshita hit a knee. They did a big spot where Takeshita went for a knee, Nick moved and Takeshita hit Okada by mistake. Nick hit a Reverse Rana on Takeshita. Takeshita came back with a double clothesline. Okada hit a Rainmaker lariat on Takeshita by mistake. The Bucks hit two double superkicks and a BTE Trigger (double knee) on Okada for two because Okada got his arm up. Takeshita held Nick’s leg as if he was going to stop a move, but then Takeshita let go and Nick jumped off the top for the TK Driver double team move by the Bucks for the pinfall win at 19:50.

Winners by pinfall: The Young Bucks – Matt & Nick Jackson

Analysis: **** An awesome match as you would expect between these four guys, and I’m going 4/5* for it. While there were a lot of nearfalls and serious moments, I felt like they went the comedy route a bit too much in this match. I get why it’s done, but it felt excessive. I’m also so tired of Young Bucks matches where tag team rules are ignored, and four guys are in the ring for way too long. The story of the finish was that Takeshita could have saved Okada, but he chose not to, and Okada suffered a loss as a result.

After the match, Takeshita talked trash to Okada and gave him the middle finger. Don Callis wasn’t happy about it.

The Chris Jericho-Ricochet match was next. A quick video aired about it.

Chris Jericho vs. Ricochet (w/Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun)

The graphic for Chris Jericho just says “Jericho,” but we can still call him by his full name. It is Jericho’s first match in 371 days (more than a year), and the fans love their fellow Canadian.

Jericho had some fun early in the match as he mocked Ricochet’s baldness. Ricochet did a backflip and posing, so Jericho chopped him. Ricochet jumped off the turnbuckle, but Jericho was ready with a dropkick and bulldog. Ricochet countered a Lionsault by pushing Jericho out of the ring. They battled on the apron as Ricochet hit a Death Valley Driver on the apron. Ricochet hit a suicide dive on the floor and sent Jericho into the steel steps. Ricochet pulled on Jericho’s right arm by the ropes. Liona pulled on Jericho’s arm after Jericho basically told him to do it. The referee, Aubrey Edwards, acted as if she didn’t see it, even though she did. Jericho got some offense going with a shoulder tackles. Ricochet tried a dropkick, and Jericho came back with a Lionsault off the ropes. Ricochet pulled Jericho into the middle turnbuckle. Jericho countered a move and went for the Walls of Jericho submission, but Liona distracted the referee and Kaun sent Jericho into the turnbuckle. Ricochet got a rollup for two.

Ricochet hit a Death Valley Driver and a running SSP for two. Jericho hit a Codebreaker knee attack for two. That was his old finishing move. Jericho set up Ricochet on the turnbuckle and hit a top rope hurricanrana. Ricochet caught Jericho’s next move attempt and hit a jumping kick. Ricochet hit a Northern Lights Suplex, a brainbuster and a Vertigo sitout slam for two. Ricochet went up top, Jericho tried to stop it and Ricochet went for an SSP, but Jericho hit a Codebreaker knee attack to counter it for a two count. Tony was overreacting to how good the match was, as usual, since he thinks every match is the greatest thing he’s ever seen. Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho submission, Jericho sat down deep and Liona pulled Ricochet to break free because Kaun was distracting the referee. Jericho kicked Ricochet into Liona to knock Liona down. Jericho went up top and hit a cross body block on the three heels on the floor. Jericho sent Liona into the barricade and hit a Judas elbow on Kaun. Toa came back with a shoulder tackle on Jericho while the referee was distracted. Ricochet went up top and hit a Shooting Star Press for two. Ricochet hit a Sprit Gun lariat. Ricochet went for a Lionsault like Jericho and got the pinfall win at 19:12.

Winner by pinfall: Ricochet

Analysis: ***1/2 The match was very good, but I’m not going to rate it like a classic because of how the announcers react to it. I’m very surprised that Jericho lost this match since I figured he would get the win in his return match. With that said, it’s a good thing for Jericho to put over younger talent like this, so I don’t mind the result too much. Ricochet beating Jericho with a Lionsault was a nice touch to get more heat on Ricochet since it’s a signature Jericho move.

The Darby Allin/Andrade El Idolo match was next, so there was a quick video package to set it up.

Darby Allin vs. Andrade El Idolo

It started with Allin doing some strikes. Andrade was able to apply a surfboard submission to weaken Allin a bit. Andrade charged and Allin jumped off the ropes, so Andrade posed on the ropes. That led to Allin hitting a suicide dive to put them bot through the ropes. Andrade sent Allin hard into the barricade. Andrade picked up Allin, walked the steel steps and put Allin on the turnbuckle. Andrade chopped Allin into the ring. Andrade noticed an attractive woman in the crowd, so he took a selfie with her at ringside. When Andrade turned around, Allin jumped off the top with a Coffin Drop onto Andrade on the floor. Allin and Andrade fought into the crowd. The referee, Aubrey Edwards, went into the crowd with them instead of counting them out. I’m not saying I want a countout finish, but I wish AEW wrestlers cared more about wrestling logically. Anyway, Allin hit a dropkick on Allin on the steps in the crowd. They went back into the ring as Allin hit a running back attack. Andrade got his knees up to stop a charging Allin. Andrade hit the Three Amigos suplexes like Eddie Guerrero, and in this case, the third one was a suplex into the turnbuckle. Andrade went for the running knee attack, Allin moved and Allin hit a flipping Stunner to put Andrade down. Allin went up top and Andrade tripped him up to crotch him on the top. Andrade was on the top rope with Allin on his shoulders and Andrade did a backflip, but Allin was able to counter him with a Crossface submission. That was crazy. Andrade got out of it. Andrade left the ring, so Allin hit a suicide dive onto Andrade on the floor. Allin did some head biting. Allin went up top and jumped off with a missile dropkick while Andrade was on the floor. Once again they were on the floor for a long time without the referee counting. After Allin put Andrade in the ring, Allin collapsed on the floor to sell the attack.

Allin was in the ring while Andrade was on the apron and Andrade suplexed Allin from the apron to the floor. Ouch. Referee Aubrey Edwards was talking to the wrestlers instead of counting them out, and then after 20 seconds, she started counting as Andrade brought Allin back in the ring. Andrade hit a running knee attack against the turnbuckle for two. Andrade took his pants off to reveal trunks and Andrade did his double moonsault spot off the top for two. Allin and Andrade exchanged slaps, but then Andrade hit more of a palm strike to the face. Allin hit a Scorpion Death Drop aka reverse DDT. Allin went up top and hit a Coffin Drop on Andrade for two because Andrade got his right shoulder up. Andrade countered a move and hit a back elbow to the jaw for two. Allin countered a move and hooked the legs into a bridging pin called the Last Supper for the win. It went 16:33.

Winner by pinfall: Darby Allin

Analysis: ***1/2 A competitive match to give Allin a big win to set him up for an AEW World Title match. Since Andrade kicked out of the Coffin Drop and lost to a move that was a creative pin attempt, it puts over Andrade as a guy who was hard to beat. Allin is insane as he reminded us throughout this match with some crazy bumps by him. Allin winning made sense.

That win means that Darby Allin will earn a shot at the AEW World Title. After the match, Andrade extended his hand for a handshake, and Allin shook his hand. Andrade raised Allin’s hand as the winner.

It’s FTR against Copeland & Cage up next. A video package aired about it.

AEW World Tag Team Championships: FTR – Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler (w/Stokely) vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage

This is Cope and Cage’s first match since September 2025, when they beat FTR. Cage had a brace on his left arm/elbow after getting attacked on Dynamite. The four guys were in the ring engaging in a slugfest to start. Cope splashed Cash against the ropes and the fans were singing O Canada for Cope & Cage. Cage hit a sidewalk slam/neckbreaker for two. Cash left the ring, so Cope hit him in the back with a forearm. Cope set Cash into the barricade. Cash managed to hit Cope with a knee smash, followed by a draping DDT off the ropes. Dax tagged in and worked over Cope with some kicks. Dax grabbed a headlock on Cope, so Cope hit a belly-to-back suplex. Cash tagged in, charged at Cope, who moved and Cage got the tag against Dax. Cage stepped on Dax’s head/neck against the ropes and Cage did it to Cash too. Cage worked over both FTR guys with punches to the head. Cage hit a reverse DDT on Cash and a low blow kick on Dax that the referee didn’t see. Cage hit a back body drop on Cash over the top to the floor. Cage jumped off the top with a cross body block on both opponents on the floor. Cage rolled up Dax for a two count. Dax hit a lefty lariat. Cage hit a Killswitch for two as Cash made the save. Cash attacked Cage’s left arm by pulling it against the ropes and Cash sent Cage into the barricade. Cage was isolated as FTR worked over Cage’s left arm for a few minutes. Dax hit a DDT on Cage for a two count. Cage bit Dax’s head to knock him down from the turnbuckle and Cage hit a diving headbutt off the top onto Dax.

Cope got the tag and was on fire with a top rope clothesline, an atomic drop, a clothesline and an Impaler DDT for two. Cope hit a superplex leading to Cage jumping off the top with a headbutt, but Dax got the knees up. Cash jumped off the top and Cope got his knees up on him. Cope applied a Crossface submission on Dax, and Cage did the same to Cash, so Cash bit Cage’s hand and slammed Cage onto Cope to break it up. They did a spot where Cash hit Cope in the head with a Tag Team Title while the referee wasn’t looking and Dax covered Cope for a two count. Good nearfall. C&C hit a Shatter Machine for a two count for Cope, who was bleeding heavily from the forehead after the belt shot. Stoke got involved by getting a hold of Cage, so Cope went after Stoke. FTR hit a Shatter Machine on Cope. Cage grabbed Stoke and threw him into the ring and that broke up the pin. That was creative. Stoke shoved the referee, so referee Paul Turner shoved him out of the ring. Cope hit a Spear on Dax for two because Cash broke it up. Cash hit a piledriver on Cope. Cash wanted to use a chair, Cage took it from him and Cash shoved Cage into the ring post. Cage’s left arm had a cast on it so he was out of it. Cash sent Cage over the barricade at ringside. FTR mocked the Young Bucks with superkicks and tried to do an FTR Trigger, but Cope avoided it. Cope hit a running Spear on both opponents. After Cope got back up, he went for a Spear, but Cash was ready for it, and FTR hit Shatter Machine for the pinfall win at 20:45.

Winners by pinfall: FTR – Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler

Analysis: ***3/4 This was a wild tag team match considering it was a regular tag. I thought a title change was possible here, but having FTR retain is certainly fine with me because they’re great. Cage was taken out by Wheeler on the floor, so that left Cope all alone, and while Cope put up a fight, he wasn’t able to get the win. I rewatched this match on Monday morning and liked it a lot. These guys are always going to tell an interesting story together. I see C&C winning the titles against FTR at some point this year, but it’s probably coming later in the year, whether that’s all All In London in August or some other show down the road.

After the match, the AEW doctor checked on Cope to see if he was okay.

A clip aired from Dynasty Zero Hour when Kamille finally returned to AEW and attacked TBS Champion Willow Nightingale in the backstage area.

Willow Nightingale did a promo saying if you wanted a title shot, just ask. Willow said she’ll face Kamille on Dynamite with the TBS Title on the line. A graphic was shown making it official for Dynamite.

The Casino Gauntlet Match for the TNT Title was up next, so a brief video aired to set it up.

Bryan Danielson took over for Nigel McGuinness on commentary. I’d rather Tony Schiavone leave since he acts like he’s never watched wrestling before and everything he sees is the greatest thing ever.

TNT Championship Casino Gauntlet Match

Wrestlers enter the match at random intervals, and we don’t know how many guys will be in the match. The first fall wins.

It was Tommaso Ciampa and Rush starting the match. After about three minutes with not much going on, Bandido was the third man in the match and he’s the ROH World Champion. Bandido hit a superkick on Rush, along with a dive onto Ciampa on the floor. Bandido hit a cannonball on Rush. Bandido hit a Frog Splash off the top onto Rush for two because Ciampa broke it up. Bandido charged at Ciampa, but Rush was up with an elbow smash. Rush sent Bandido into the barricade. Rush tossed Bandido across the ring.

The fourth man in the match was “Speedball” Mike Bailey in his home country of Canada. Bailey hit a springboard moonsault onto Rush on the floor. Bailey hit a missile dropkick off the top on Ciampa. Bailey worked over Ciampa with kicks and a running SSP for two. Rush nailed Bailey with an elbow smash.

There’s El Clon as the fifth entrant to no reaction. Clon knocked down two guys with kicks on the floor. Clon kicked Bailey on the apron. Clon hit a spinning backbreaker on Bandido for two.

The #6 man in the match was Pac from the Death Riders, so he made his entrance from the back part of the arena. Pac kicked Ciampa and hit a German Suplex on Clon. Pac gave Bayley a suplex into the turnbuckle. Pac hit a Black Arrow twisting splash from the top onto three guys on the floor. Bandido and Bailey worked together to hit superkicks on Pac to knock Pack down.

It’s Daniel Garcia in at #7 in the match and he’s a former TNT Champion. Garcia got a backslide pin on Bandido for two. Garcia rolled up Bandido for two and rolled up Ciampa for two. Garcia teased a dance, but then stopped and Clon superkicked him. Garcia and Clon exchanged pin attempts. Garcia kicked Clon, and Pac hit running elbows while Garcia clotheslined Clon. Garcia hit a belly-to-back suplex on Clon.

The #8 man is Anthony Bowens, who hit a clothesline and a neckbreaker. Bowens jumped over Bandido and hit a leg drop to the head. Bowens hit a spinning slam off the shoulders of Clon. Bailey hit a kick to the head. Bowens hit a dragon screw leg whip on Bailey. Bowens hit a DDT on Pac for a two count because Ciampa made the save.

In at #9 is Kevin Knight with a leaping clothesline on Ciampa on the ramp. Rush hit Knight with a forearm. Bailey hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Rush on the floor. Bailey and Knight cleaned house on Pac and Garcia. Bowens hit Garcia with a forearm and Rush made the save as he unloaded on Bowens with strikes. Rush hit a running dropkick on Bowens and Clon hit a diving foot stomp on Rush. Ciampa hit a backbreaker on Clon. Bandido hit a 21 Plex on Ciampa for two because two guys broke up the pin.

There is another Death Rider at #10 as Wheeler Yuta joined the match. Yuta hit a suicide dive onto Bowens on the floor. Bailey ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive onto Yuta on the floor. Bandido and Clon hit moves onto guys on the floor as Bandido did a somersault dive while Clon hit a moonsault at the same time. Ciampa got a hold of Knight on the top rope and Ciampa superplexed Knight onto a bunch of dudes on the floor. Pac set up Bailey in the ring and Pac hit a Black Arrow for a two count because Ciampa hit Pac with a knee to the head. Yuta pulled Pac out of that pin attempt. Garcia applied a Dragontamer on Bailey, but Knight jumped off the top with a UFO Splash on Garcia for the pinfall win at 21:05. New TNT Champion is Kevin Knight!

Winner by pinfall AND NEW TNT Champion: Kevin Knight

Analysis: ***3/4 A great match with an excellent finish as Kevin Knight got the win with the UFO Splash after saving his buddy Mike Bailey as he hit the move. The majority of the match is two people in the ring doing spots while the others are sitting on the floor and watching the action until it’s time to go in the ring. I think there’s a better way to tell a story in a match like this. These Casino Gauntlet matches are usually entertaining and this one certainly was. Knight is a fun guy to watch, so I’m happy for him winning the TNT Title as his first singles title in AEW.

Kevin Knight celebrated with the TNT Championship. The fans liked that. Knight acted like he was shocked to be the champion. Knight celebrated while his tag team partner, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, looked on.

The Thekla-Jamie Hayter match was next, so there was a video package to set it up.

AEW Women’s World Championship: Thekla vs. Jamie Hayter

There was some domination from Thekla early in the match. While Hayter was on the floor, Thekla went up top and Thekla hit a cross body block on Hayter. Good move. While Hayter was on the apron, Thekla kicked Hayter off the apron to the floor. Thekla brought Hayter into the ring and tossed Hayter out the other side. Thekla worked over Hayter with forearms to the face. Thekla hit a superkick along with a cocky cover for two. Thekla applied a submission on the upper body of Hayter, but Hayter managed to power out of it and grab the ropes to force a break. Thekla hit a running boot to the face to knock Hayter down on the apron. Hayter hit a headbutt while on the apron. Hayter suplexed Thekla on the apron and they bumped to the floor.

After they got back into the ring, Hayter hit a few forearms and a headbutt. Hayter hit a boot to the face to knock Thekla down. Hayter clotheslined Thekla two times in a row and Hayter hit a missile dropkick off the turnbuckle. Hayter hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count. Thekla went for a rollup for two. Hayter countered Thekla with a Tombstone piledriver for two. They battled by the turnbuckle, Thekla bit Hayter and then Thekla hit a spider suplex out of the corner. Thekla jumped off the top with a double foot stomp to the back. Thekla hit three kicks to the head for a two count. Thekla charged, so Hayter hit a knee and a backbreaker. Thekla raked the eyes and got a rollup with a bridging pin while holding onto the bottom rope for the pinfall win at 16:30. The referee didn’t see the rope grab.

Winner by pinfall: Thekla

Analysis: *** A long match with a flat finish. I don’t think it needed to be nearly 20 minutes, and there were parts of the match where the fans were dead quiet. Thekla winning was the obvious result since Hayter is there to be a credible wrestler, but she had no chance of winning since Thekla is going to have a long title reign.

After the match, Hayter’s tag team partner, Alex Windsor, told the referee that Thekla held onto the ropes. Thekla’s buddies, Julia Hart and Skye Blue, celebrated with their buddy Thekla.

The Jon Moxley-Will Ospreay match was next, so a video package set that up.

AEW Continental Championship: Jon Moxley vs. Will Ospreay

This match has a 20-minute time limit, with everybody banned from ringside. This is one of my favorite matches on the show.

Will hit a Hidden Blade elbow match to start the match. Will hit another Hidden Blade after that. Will hit a neckbreaker on the floor. When Will tried a spot by the steel steps, Moxley moved and Moxley hit a DDT on the floor. Moxley took control in the ring with a Sleeper Suplex. Moxley pulled back on Will’s mouth and head. Moxley worked over Will with strikes, so Will did a backflip off the ropes and hit a corkscrew kick. Will had kinesio tape on his upper back/neck, so he was selling the neck injury throughout the match. Will hit a springboard forearm that some might say was phenomenal. Moxley went to the floor, Will went to the turnbuckle, Moxley pulled him down and Will blocked a piledriver attempt. Will hit a lefty lariat into the ring. Will went for a springboard attack, but Moxley stopped that with a forearm. They did the “stand and throw strikes” spot that Moxley does in every match. Moxley went for a lariat, but Will absorbed it and stood tall. Will got a hold of Moxley and hit a Spanish Fly for two because Moxley countered it into a Bulldog Choke submission. They were past the 10-minute mark.

Moxley remained in control with a Gotch-style Piledriver for a two count. They went to the turnbuckle, where Moxley hit Will with a forearm to the head. Moxley went for a Sleeper Suplex, but Will landed on his feet. Moxley got a hold of Will and hit a Sleeper Suplex onto Will’s head. Will floated over to counter a move into a sitout Powerbomb for two. Will worked over Moxley with kicks and tried a leaping move, but Moxley hit a Paradigm Shift, followed by Will hitting an elbow like a Hidden Blade. Will superkicked Moxley and worked over Moxley with forearms. Referee Paul Turner pulled Will off, so Will shoved Turner down. Will picked up Paul. Moxley hit a lariat. Will countered a move into a jackknife pin attempt. Will hit a Styles Clash for a two count. Will got a hold of Moxley in a Sleeper, Moxley got back up and Moxley backed Will into the turnbuckle. Will hit another Hidden Blade and Will was clutching his left shoulder as he covered Mox for two. There were 5 minutes left. The fans booed that. Will went for a Tiger Driver, but Moxley was able to leave the ring. Will teased a move on the steel steps, but Moxley broke free and gouged the eyes. Moxley gave Will a safe Piledriver on the steel steps. After it took Will some time to get back into it, Moxley hit the Paradigm Shift two more times for a two count. That was a surprising kickout by Will. Moxley hit a Death Rider high angle DDT for the pinfall win at 18:33.

Winner by pinfall: Jon Moxley

Analysis: ****1/4 These guys are awesome, and I enjoyed the match a lot. Will did a great job of selling the neck injury, along with the left side of his upper body. With the way the match was going, I thought there would be a 20-minute time limit draw as the finish, but instead, it was Moxley winning relatively clean a few minutes before it reached the 20-minute mark. These guys did some moves on the floor, but at least they were able to tell a story by going back into the ring and not just doing a bunch of spots on the floor. They took their time to set up the spots; the moves made sense based on the injury that Ospreay was selling, and Moxley winning the way he did shows he is a ruthless wrestler who will find ways to win.

After the match, Jon Moxley celebrated the win while the AEW medical team checked on Will Ospreay and helped him to the back.

Analysis: I feel like Will Ospreay winning the AEW World Title at All In London is the right thing to do, so I think Will is going to win the Owen Hart Tournament to earn that title shot.

A commercial aired for AEW Double or Nothing on Sunday, May 24th, from Queens, New York.

Darby Allin was interviewed by Renee Paquette, who noted Allin was the number one contender for the AEW World Title. Allin mentioned Dynamite on Wednesday is in Everett, Washington, where he started in wrestling. Allin told Max and Kenny he’d be watching. Allin said this Wednesday on Dynamite, it’s showtime.

A video aired about The Dogs winning the AEW Trios Titles. That set up their title defense against Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong and a partner.

Welcome back, Kyle O’Reilly, for his in-ring return with Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong. Kyle is from BC, so the fans loved to see somebody from the area.

AEW World Trios Championships: The Dogs – David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Clark Connors vs. The Conglomeration – Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong

This was Kyle’s first match in 141 days. Kyle started with Finlay with some submission moves, but Finlay kicked Kyle to break free. Kyle hit a knee to the ribs. There was some Orange comedy with an elbow drop. The six guys went into the ring to fight. The faces cleared the ring. The faces tried attacks on the floor, but The Dogs were able to counter moves and take control. When Kyle dove onto Kidd on the floor, he went for an armbar on the left arm, but I noticed Kidd holding his right shoulder/arm. That’s a legit injury Kidd suffered. Finlay and Clark hit their suplex/Spear combo move on Kyle on the floor. Kidd was talking to the referee and then Kidd attacked Strong with kicks and a headbutt. Kidd hit a lefty clothesline on Strong. Orange went over to Kidd and then let him go as the AEW doctor checked on Kidd on the floor. The Dogs worked over Orange for a while as Finlay and Clark made some quick tags. Clark suplexed Orange and then Clark ran over Orange with a shoulder tackle. Orange broke free to bring in Strong. Strong was on fire with backbreakers and knee strikes. Strong tossed Orange into both opponents and Orange hit a leaping DDT on Finlay. Strong hit a Gutbuster onto the knees. Finlay went in illegally with a clothesline. Finlay hit a back elbow, Clark hit a shoulder tackle and Clark hit another running shoulder tackle on Strong, so Finlay got a two count on Strong. Strong was able to get some offense going with a back body drop out of the ring and a backbreaker. Kyle was finally back up and he unloaded with strikes on Clark, which included punches and a sweep kick. Kyle wrenched Finlay’s knee against the ropes. Kyle applied an Ankle Lock. Orange went for an Orange punch on Finlay, and Strong hit Finlay with a knee. Kyle applied a kneebar submission on Clark in the ring, while Orange hit an Orange Punch on Finlay on the floor. Kyle held onto the kneebar submission on Clark, who tapped out to give Kyle’s team the win. It went 10:02.

Winners by submission AND NEW AEW World Trios Champions: The Conglomeration – Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong

Analysis: *** I admit I wasn’t really into this match that much, and then it ended suddenly at a point when I figured there would be more of the match still to come. I didn’t expect a title change, since The Dogs won the titles one day earlier on Collision, yet here they are, suddenly losing them. As a match, it was fine, but nothing memorable about it. The return of Kyle O’Reilly in his hometown was cool to see, and I don’t mind seeing The Conglomeration with titles. In my opinion, the Trios titles are the most unnecessary titles in AEW, and if I could get rid of any titles in the company, these would be them.

UPDATE: The Wrestling Observer reports that Gabe Kidd suffered a dislocated right shoulder in the match. Also, the plan was for The Conglomeration to win the titles, so the finish wasn’t changed in the match. It was the planned finish.

The trio of Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly celebrated the win. Kyle’s father recently passed away, so it was an emotional moment for him.

It was main event time with MJF defending the AEW World Title against Kenny Omega. A video package aired to set it up.

AEW World Championship: Maxwell Jacob Friedman vs. Kenny Omega

The World Champion MJF was in control for the first few minutes. Omega finally slowed it down, put a table onto MJF and hit a foot stomp onto the table that was on MJF’s body on the floor. Omega broke the referee’s count that didn’t exist and Omega set up a table on the floor. Omega set up MJF on a table that was open on the floor. Omega went up top, MJF rolled into the ring and MJF hit the ropes to crotch Omega. MJF grabbed a chinlock, Omega broke free and MJF did a hair pull to knock Omega down. Omega went for a Powerbomb, MJF blocked it and Omega hit a chop. MJF got a hold of Omega and hit a Spinebuster for a two count. MJF worked over Omega with punches. Omega tripped up MJF to send MJF into the turnbuckle. Omega worked over MJF with ten punches, MJF came back with an atomic drop and then MJF jumped over Omega while faking a left knee injury. MJF hit a piledriver for two. MJF charged, Omega avoided him and Omega hit a Snapdragon Suplex to put Max down.

Omega was in control with a low dropkick and a leaping leg drop to send MJF into the mat. Omega hit a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle for a two count. MJF bailed to the floor, so Omega ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive over the top onto Max on the floor. Back in the ring, Omega went for a move, but MJF broke free and raked the eyes. MJF jumped off the turnbuckle, Omega moved and Omega hit a catapult into the turnbuckle. The fans were chanting “Let’s Go Kenny/MJF” like that. MJF avoided a move by the turnbuckle and bit Omega’s head. MJF teased a move off the turnbuckle, but Omega was able to break free. Omega hit a Snapdragon Suplex and a Reverse Rana. MJF countered Omega and hit a Reverse Rana of his own. MJF hit a Canadian Destroyer, which saw Omega land on his feet and Omega hit a knee smash for two. MJF went for a Heatseeker, Omega avoided it, Omega went leaping over the top and MJF hit a Cutter for a two count.

The match continued with Omega hitting a Powerbomb and a running knee for two. MJF got his knees up to counter a moonsault. Omega hit a hurricanrana to send MJF out of the ring. Omega went to the top turnbuckle and hit a moonsault onto MJF on the floor. After hitting that move, Omega was selling a stomach injury in this match around the 20-minute mark. Back in the ring, MJF hit a running knee to the ribs to knock Omega down. MJF hit another knee to the ribs. MJF trashed Omega while punching him in the ribs. Omega got a rollup for two. MJF and Omega ran the ropes leading to a cross body block spot that knocked them both down. Omega sent MJF’s head into the turnbuckle pad repeatedly. Omega worked over MJF with punches. Omega gave MJF a Buckle Bomb into the turnbuckle. Omega jumped off the top with a dropkick to MJF’s back. Omega went up top and MJF knocked him down with a punch. MJF tried jumping off a turnbuckle, but Omega hit a knee to the face. Omega picked up MJF on his shoulders and hit a One Winged Angel off the middle turnbuckle. That was impressive and not an easy move to do, but they did it perfectly. MJF rolled out of the ring to avoid being covered.

Omega put MJF back into the ring and MJF hit a knee to the ribs. MJF teased a Cross Rhodes, but Omega countered it and hit a kick to the back. Omega hit a V-Trigger knee, a Snapdragon Suplex and a V-Trigger knee for a two count. Omega went for One Winged Angel, MJF got out of it and MJF hit a Cross Rhodes. MJF hit a Package Piledriver for a two count. Great nearfall there! MJF worked over Omega with punches and a headbutt. Omega fought back against MJF with kicks against the turnbuckle and several punches to the face. Omega spit in MJF’s face and kicked MJF on the arm. Omega hit a V-Trigger knee to the side of the head. Omega punched MJF in the head. Omega charged at Max with a V-Trigger knee to the head again. MJF avoided a One Winged Angel, Omega went for a knee and MJF pulled referee Bryce Remsburg in front of him, so Omega hit a knee that knocked Remsburg down. MJF hit a low blow uppercut punch to the groin. MJF got the Dynamite Diamond Ring that the referee took from MJF before the match. MJF charged with a punch, but Omega avoided it and hit a V-Trigger knee. Omega hit a One Winged Angel and covered as referee Paul Turner went down to the ring, but MJF was able to kick out because Turner wasn’t there to count right away. They were on the apron while a table was on the floor. MJF used the Dynamite Diamond Ring to punch Omega in the ribs with the ring. The referee, Turner, was checking on Remsburg, so he never saw MJF cheat. MJF hit a Tombstone piledriver from the apron and put Omega through the table at ringside. MJF hit the Heatseeker for the pinfall win at 38:55.

Winner by pinfall: Maxwell Jacob Friedman

Analysis: ****1/2 That was an outstanding match by two of the best in the world. It was a crafty heel win by MJF, thanks to his Dynamite Diamond Ring shot to the ribs of Omega, which puts over the idea that Omega has a stomach issue due to his diverticulitis issue in the past. It’s a clever finish due to the issues Omega has had in his life, and it’s the right kind of ending for a heel champion like MJF, who shouldn’t win clean. MJF is an excellent heel champion and Omega put up a hell of a fight, but I didn’t expect a title change here. The champion retained as he should have.

MJF celebrated as the AEW World Champion while getting helped up the ramp. MJF sat down on a throne and put on a devil’s crown while holding up the AEW World Title. The announcers mentioned Darby Allin as the next title contender. Omega was being checked on by doctors at ringside. MJF continued to celebrate: “I’m the devil.” End show.

Analysis: I assume the plan is MJF/Allin at Double or Nothing next month. I think MJF will hold the title until at least All In London in August and maybe lose to Will Ospreay there. That’s my prediction anyway.

AEW Dynasty had a runtime of 4 hours and 19 minutes. AEW Revolution went 4:39.

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Five Stars of the Show

1. MJF
2. Jon Moxley
3. Kenny Omega
4. FTR, Young Bucks
5. Will Ospreay

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Final Thoughts On AEW Dynasty

It gets an 8 out of 10 from me.

It’s a show that was full of great matches, but in terms of storylines and big moments, it felt like there wasn’t a lot of that. The matches were mostly clean finishes, with a couple of cheap wins by heel champions like MJF and Thekla.

There were several outstanding matches with the Moxley-Ospreay, MJF-Omega, Young Bucks vs. Okada/Takeshita, and FTR vs. Cage/Cope standing out the most to me. Chris Jericho also looked sharp in a losing effort against Ricochet in what was Jericho’s first match in one year. If you follow AEW regularly, then you know that when you buy a PPV, you’re going to get amazing matches all night long, and there was plenty of that here.

I think this was a notch below Revolution, which I rated at 9/10, but nothing wrong with an 8/10 for this show. I find these 4+ hour shows too long when they end well past Midnight ET, but I’m also watching while sitting in a chair and trying to stay alert while typing 7000 words about the show. If I were watching by sitting on a couch with friends/family, then maybe I wouldn’t care about the show’s length as much. Anyway, I got through it even though I admittedly re-wrote some of it on Monday morning because I was exhausted on Sunday night. Life happens, my friends.

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