The John Report: AEW Dynamite 01/06/21 Review (New Year’s Smash Night 1)
It’s Thursday, you know what that means. Welcome to the AEW Dynamite review here on TJRWrestling. Last week’s tribute show celebrating the life of the late, great Mr. Brodie Lee was a memorable night. I thought AEW did a very nice job on what was an emotional night of pro wrestling for all of us that watched it. Now the AEW roster will continue to work hard to pay tribute to him and I look forward to seeing what they have in store for is in 2021.
This is episode #65 of AEW Dynamite from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Here’s my AEW Dynamite TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
The show began with the AEW intro video. Jim Ross said “It’s Wednesday night and you know what that means” in tribute to Brodie Lee. I hope they do that every week. The announce team this week is Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, Excalibur and Chris Jericho is on commentary this week as well.
It’s an eight-man tag team match to start the show with AEW Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks up first along with SCU’s Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels. Their opponents are The Acclaimed and The Hybrid 2 with Max Caster doing one of his pre-match raps on the way to the ring. Caster mentioned John Cena in his rap, so Jericho joked that he’s not sure you can even say some of the names he mentioned.
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and SCU (Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels) vs. The Acclaimed (Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) and The Hybrid 2 (Jack Evans and Angelico)
It started out wild as expected as there were multiple dives on the floor. Nick hit a double team arm drag/headscissors on the TH2 guys. Nick hit a dive off the top onto three guys on the floor. Bowens blocked Daniels from doing a moonsault and Evans hit a spinning kick on Daniels on the floor. Bowens with a running kick on Daniels and Caster got a nearfall. Evans tagged in with a double stomp while Angelico slammed Daniels down for a two count. Bowens with a blockbuster off the middle ropes, Caster with a splash, Evans with a Phoenix Splash, Angelico slapped on a submission, Excalibur said the name and JR said “what?” to it. Awkward. Daniels continued to battle as the face in peril, Bowens with a back elbow and Daniels hit a Blue Thunder Bomb. Evans tagged in against Kazarian with Kazarian cleaning house including a chop on Evans. There was a jumping kick by Evans, Kazarian moved and Evans hit one of his partners. Kazarian with a suplex, then Frankie punched Angelico and Evans with a kick to the face. Evans with a twisting splash for two. The announcers loved talking about how underrated these guys are. If everybody is underrated then who is rated? I don’t know. Anyway, Matt tagged in with a double suplex on Bowens and Evans. Matt hit a running dive over the top onto Evans, then a dive onto Caster and a Spear on Angelico on the floor. Matt with a body slam. Matt jumped off the top onto two guys on the floor. Nick illegally jumped off the top rope with a splash while Matt did a standing moonsault for a double team that got a two count. Buckle Bomb into a double kick on Bowens and Kazarian with a jumping DDT on Bowens with Matt getting a two count. Nick and Kazarian hit a BTE double knee for two with Evans getting saved. Evans tagged in, Angelico/Evans did a backbreaker combo and Evans did a 630 Splash, but it was blocked by the knees. Young Bucks went on a superkick spree taking care of the opponents. Evans with a backslide pin on Matt for two. Daniels tagged in and Matt held Evans for a long time as Nick hit a flip off the top onto the guys on the floor. Daniels hit a moonsault off the ropes like the moonsault he does, but then it was Tombstone by Matt so they called it Best Meltzer Ever because these guys love naming moves after wrestling writers. Anyway, Daniels covered Evans to win after 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and SCU (Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels)
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a chaotic tag team match with a lot of action early on and in the final few minutes, but they did settle down during the middle part of the match. I’m actually surprised that it wasn’t even more wild than usual. Anyway, there’s really no storylines or anything that interesting about a match like that. It’s just a way to start the show with a match where a bunch of guys are doing flips because that’s AEW. I’m fine with it. I just think they need to try to come up with stories sometimes. Daniels is the oldest guy in the match, so they’re putting over the old guy here.
Post match, Frankie Kazarian did a promo talking about how they had a great match. Kazarian said that he had a deal with Christopher Daniels saying that the next time they lose as a tag team, that will be their last match. Daniels told the Young Bucks that they have their back any time that they need SCU. Daniels said unless those AEW Tag Team Titles are on the line. Daniels said that they don’t just want those championships, they want to beat the best tag team in the world to beat them.
Analysis: That was a way to make it a storyline based on the tag team match. I guess this means that SCU won’t be together as a team for that much longer.
The announcers did a rundown of what’s coming up on this week’s show with the return of Jon Moxley up next.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley made his return as the former AEW World Champion making his first appearance at Daily’s Place since he lost the AEW World Title to Kenny Omega one month ago on December 2. Nice pop for Moxley from the crowd. JR complimented the shirt, JR said that he hates it and he’s the “Bizarro Mikey” referencing an old commercial. Google it, kids.
Moxley was in the ring doing a promo saying you might expect him to scream bloody murder about the events that happened on December 2. Moxley said that it’s an unforgiving sport and unforgiving world and sometimes you are on the bad end of a bad deal. Moxley said that when that happens you put your feet firmly in the ground, you stare at adversity and you don’t back down an inch. Moxley ripped on Kenny Omega and the guy that looks like used car salesman (Don Callis). Moxley said he had a no tolerance policy for shitty people, then he said “asshole” and he’ll beat them up with a crowbar. Moxley said that the AEW World Title is on the line with a guy like Rey Fenix getting to challenge for the title after 13 years with guts and heart like it is supposed to be. Moxley told Omega he is not safe, he will never be safe and Moxley said he’ll do something to him. Moxley said that no matter how long it takes, he will forever be in Kenny’s blind spot. Moxley promised Omega that one day he’ll look into the eyes of the devil and beg for mercy when Kenny realizes that he crossed the wrong guy. End promo.
Analysis: Awesome promo from Moxley, who is the best and top babyface in AEW these days. He speaks with conviction, so everything he says is believable. I think they will probably do the Omega/Moxley rematch at the Revolution PPV whenever it’s announced for late February.
Chuck Taylor and Orange Cassidy were interviewed by Dasha with Taylor saying that Trent is out 4-5 months with a torn pectoral muscle. Miro showed up with Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford for the interruption. Miro said that Trent is the leader of their little crew. Miro told Chuck he can be his best friend. Taylor told Miro he won’t be his “young boy” like they call people in Japan. Chuck challenged Miro to a match on Dynamite next week. Miro said that if he beats Taylor next week then Chuck can be his “young boy” until after the wedding. Miro told him he was stupider than he looks. Jericho explained that “young boy” is like protégé so Miro would then be like his mentor.
Analysis: I still think Miro should be doing more in AEW. I think Miro should be at or near the main event level and he’s not even close to that. At least he gets to have a match next week.
Jake Hager made his entrance followed by his opponent Wardlow. There was a pre-taped interview with Wardlow as well. Both guys are in Inner Circle so other Inner Circle members MJF, Santana, Ortiz and Sammy Guevara watched from the stage.
Jake Hager vs. Wardlow
They locked up with Jericho said that they had to have this match to get it out of their system. Hager got in some punches to the ribs. Wardlow sent Hager into the turnbuckle followed by punches. They did a double clothesline that stunned each guy. Wardlow did a leapfrog that barely cleared Hager’s head, then a clothesline to the floor where they did a double clothesline spot on the floor leading to a commercial picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Wardlow leaping over Hager by the turnbuckle and Wardlow hit a spinebuster. Wardlow with a suplex into a slam across the ring three times in a row for a two count. Hager avoided the F10 slam, Hager ran the ropes and hit a running splash. Hager with another running splash and a short arm clothesline. Hager with a lifting powerslam for a two count. Hager went for the Hager Bomb out of the corner, Wardlow blocked, Hager grabbed the ankle, Wardlow kicked out and Wardlow sent Hager to the apron leading to a running body attack into the barricade. Back in the ring, Wardlow with an overhead suplex and a German Suplex for two. Wardlow hit a Senton Bomb off the top for two as Hager turned it into a head/arm triangle choke with Wardlow getting his foot on the rope to get out of it. Hager went for a head/arm triangle choke by the turnbuckle and Wardlow countered by sending him into the turnbuckle. Wardlow hit the F10 slam off the shoulders for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Wardlow
Analysis: **3/4 A solid match that allowed both guys to show off their power since they are two of the biggest guys in AEW right now. The first half of it wasn’t that interesting while the last few minutes were done well. I think Wardlow is a guy that needs to be featured in matches on Dynamite more often and he should get a meaningful push too. Hager isn’t used in singles that much in AEW, so having him lose a match like this means nothing in terms of hurting him. I like the F10 finishing move a lot.
After the match was over, the other Inner Circle went into the ring to talk to the guys. Wardlow extended his fist, Hager touched it and that showed they were on the same page. Jericho was happy about it saying that’s the respect they show in the Inner Circle.
There was a backstage video with Private Party with some gin and Snoop brought along the juice for the Gin N Juice. Matt Hardy showed up with some contracts that he wanted Private Party to sign. Matt said he’s going to bring out their potential while adding that he’s taking a 30% fee from them. Hardy claimed that everything that they wanted is in the contract. Matt said that he can’t wait to make them an iconic team. Matt told them those third-party things Cameo and Twitch – they’ve still got that because he’s not a monster.
Analysis: That line about the third-party things is a shot at WWE taking away those things from their wrestlers. It’s AEW. They love to take shots at AEW. Anyway, hopefully Private Party is used more in 2021 because they weren’t utilized that much in the second half of 2020. The roster is too big with too many tag teams.
Brian Cage and Team Taz friends entered for a weigh-in segment.
(Commercial)
Darby Allin made his entrance as the AEW TNT Champion. Cage was joined by Team Taz leader Taz, plus teammates Powerhouse Hobbs, Ricky Starks and Taz’s son Hook (that’s a wrestling name, not a real name). Next week it’s Allin vs. Cage for the TNT Title.
Weigh-In for AEW TNT Title Match
Allin stood across from Cage, who had the FTW Title. Tony Schiavone was in the ring noting that Darby has the brand new TNT Championship belt because a week ago the red belt was given to Brodie Lee Jr. last week, which was cool.
Taz complained that Cage has to weigh-in first. Cage went onto the scale with shoes on and his clothes on with Tony reading that Cage was 272 pounds. Allin was reluctant going onto the scale with Taz assuring him that they won’t attack him. Tony read that Darby weighs 170 pounds. Taz pointed out that Darby is wearing a jacket, belt, shoes and all this other stuff on.
Allin said that Taz may say this feud has been nine months in the making, but Darby said it’s been 27 years because he’s dealt with this his entire life from people like them. Allin said that we know how this ends, so let’s get to the fun part. Allin grabbed his skateboard. Taz told Tony to get his ass out of the ring.
The lights went out as Sting’s video was shown as Sting made his entrance out of the tunnel. The five heels left the ring while Sting joined Allin in the ring. Taz said he’s sick of this snow, he’s sick of Sting and next week we crown a new TNT Champion – the “Machine” Brian Cage, you rotten son of a bitch. JR talked about the relationship between Sting and Allin, so the idea is that Sting sees Allin as a loner type character the way Sting was in his late WCW days.
Analysis: This was boring and uneventful. I’m not sure why we need to see a weigh-in to I don’t know how much AEW is paying Sting, but he makes a lot of money to hold a bat and do nothing. It also makes the heels look like cowards because five guys ran away from two including a man in his 60s. Anyway, Allin vs. Cage should be a good match next week. I’m not sure when or if Sting will have anything interesting to do in AEW. It hasn’t been that interesting so far.
There was a video with MJF going up to Jake Hager in the locker room with Jake looking mad about his lost. MJF said that he’s still Jake Hager, he’s still undefeated in the Octagon and he should be proud of himself. Hager thanked him for checking on him. They touched knuckles as a sign of respect.
Cody vs. Matt Sydal is next.
(Commercial)
There was a clip from AEW Dark with -1 (Brodie Lee Jr.) talking trash to Marko Stunt for their segment. Stunt said that Jurassic Express are going for the Tag Team Titles. FTR showed up to them calling Marko Stunt a loser. Stung said he’ll take Luchasaurus’ spot in the team and team with Jungle Boy against FTR, so FTR accepted it. Tully Blanchard tapped Marko on the head as the FTR guys left.
Matt Sydal made his entrance for a match. Cody Rhodes was up next as the opponent with Snoop Dogg joining him. Cody and Snoop are in the Go-Big Show that’s on TBS starting this Thursday. I won’t be watching it. Jericho: “Snoop jumped to AEW! Snoop jumped to AEW!” Cody’s theme song had a Snoop Dogg remix added to it. Snoop looked high, which means Snoop looked normal.
Cody Rhodes (w/Snoop Dogg) vs. Matt Sydal
They mentioned that Sydal was 10-3 in AEW in 2020. That must be on Dark because I don’t remember him in many Dynamite matches. Sydal jumped off the middle ropes with an arm drag and then a corner cannonball splash. Snoop was watching from the ramp. They left the ring with Sydal hit a double knee attack onto a standing Cody on the ramp. Back in the ring, Cody with an uppercut punch, but then Sydal came back with a running dropkick that sent Cody into the barricade. Cody with a punch, Sydal moved and Cody punched masked wrestler Serpentico that was behind the barricade. Luther was mad about Cody hitting Serpentico. Back in the ring, Sydal with a cross body block off the top and Cody slapped on a Scorpion Deathlock (or Sharpshooter) submission with Sydal getting his hand on the bottom rope.
(Commercial)
Cody hit a reverse suplex off the turnbuckle. Cody went up top, he jumped with a moonsault, Sydal moved and Cody hit the mat. Sydal with a jumping knee. Sydal went up top and went for a Shooting Star Press, but Cody got the knees up. Cody hit the reverse DDT for a two count. Cody went up top, Sydal charged, Cody jumped over him and Sydal went for a submission on the arms, but Cody elbowed his way out of it. Sydal with a kick to the chest and Cody hit a running clothesline over the top to the floor. Back in the ring, Cody hit a Disaster Kick off the ropes. There were some “this is awesome” chants that was a stretch. Sydal with a hurricanrana into a pin for two. Sydal with a kick to the head and a Lightning Spiral neckbreaker for a two count. Cody avoided a jumping knee leading to a Cross Rhodes from Cody and then he hit a second Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match between two faces. There wasn’t any story going into it, so it’s hard to get into matches like this sometimes. Sydal got a couple of good nearfalls, but I don’t think anybody thought he was going to win. Cody hit the Cross Rhodes twice because I think the first time Sydal was close to the ropes, so Cody decided to do it again.
After the match, Serpentico and Luther went into the ring attacking Cody with punches since Cody accidentally punched Serpentico earlier. Sydal with an enziguri kick that sent Luther out of the ring. Cody with a body slam on Serpentico. Snoop went up top slowly and Snoop hit the worst top rope splash ever (he landed with his feet on the mat) and Snoop hit a Snoop Splash on Serpentico. Snoop covered Serpentico for the pinfall with Cody counting the pin. Jericho called Snoop a big piece of spaghetti. Jericho: “I hate these guys! I hate all these guys!” Snoop celebrated his splash. The announcers laughed about the replay with Excalibur saying it was like a knee drop, which is true.
After the match, Snoop went over to the announce team to hug Jericho and the other announcers. Jericho was laughing about it as he said: “I still hate that guy!” The crowd seemed to like the Snoop appearance.
Analysis: This was a bit silly, but that’s okay. I think it was a comical moment to make people laugh and feel good while watching professional wrestling. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to take everything so seriously on a pro wrestling show. Yes, it sucks for Serpentico being in that spot where he has to take a shitty looking splash from Snoop. It’s fine, though. It might have got AEW some press with casual fans, so that’s why you do something like that.
(Commercial)
It was time for the Women’s Title match with the challenger Abadon crawling to the ring for her entrance. Abadon has a creepy look to her. Hikaru Shida was up next as the long-term AEW Women’s Champion. As Shida appeared on the stage, Abadon attacked and Shida hit her with a kendo stick to the head. Abadon sat up right away and then they got into the ring as the referee called for the bell to start the match.
AEW Women’s Title: Hikaru Shida vs. Abadon
Shida hit a running dropkick while the announcers talked about the unique lifestyle led by Abadon. This is the same company that also has a women’s wrestler that thinks she’s an alien. Anyway, Shida went for a running knee on the apron, but Abadon caught her and bit the thigh. Abadon sent Shida into the barricade followed by some screaming. Abadon pulled Shida under the ring, the referee Bryce Remsburg followed them under and Abadon looked like she had blood from her mouth. Shida appeared from under her neck with red blood on her neck to make it look like Abadon bit her neck. Abadon beat on Shida with punches.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Abadon still in control until Shida sent Abadon out of the ring. Shida jumped off the middle ropes with a frog splash cross body block onto a standing Abadon. They battled by the turnbuckle with Shida hitting a superplex. Abadon bridged back up with a clothesline for two. Shida rolled through with a sunset flip for two. Shida hit the running knee for the pinfall win after about seven minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Hikaru Shida
Analysis: ** It was just a decent match that wasn’t given a lot of time. The neck biting thing is silly. That’s pro wrestling, though. I thought that Abadon might win the title because she has been pushed hard as a unique character, but Shida found a way to win. The finish felt rushed because I thought Shida should have done some more moves to put Abadon way in a more decisive way.
Shida celebrated with the AEW World Title with Excalibur trying to say that was Shida’s toughest title defense. How can you say that when it was one of Shida’s shortest title defenses. It was just a random match to me.
Next week on AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash Night 2:
* TNT Champion Darby Allin defends the title against Brian Cage
* Chuck Taylor vs. Miro
* NWA Women’s Champion defends the title against Tay Conti
There was a promo from Tay Conti with Dark Order members supporters her.
* The Elite in action next week
* Jurassic Express vs. FTR
* Pac vs. Eddie Kingston
* What is Inner Circle’s New Year’s Resolution
* The Waiting Room with Dr. Britt Baker with Cody Rhodes as the guest
Analysis: That’s a decent lineup. I’m sure Tony Khan will call it a major show that will be great like he says about every show. I’m most interested in Pac vs. Eddie Kingston out of all the announced matches.
The main event for the AEW World Title is next.
Rey Fenix made his entrance as the challenger. Excalibur explained that Fenix was going to face Kenny Omega in the World Title contender tournament, but was injured, so now Fenix gets his shot. There was a pre-tape promo Pac with Fenix and Penta standing by his side.
Kenny Omega made his entrance with ring announcer Justin Roberts going over some ridiculous statements to put over this over the top character of Omega. The “North Carolina” mention is done to make it sound like Michael Jordan with the Chicago Bulls during his NBA career. When Roberts said Kenny’s hometown of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, Jericho cheered since he’s also from there. Anyway, Omega entered with manager Don Callis by his side as they went to break.
(Commercial)
The match began after the break with referee Aubrey Edwards holding up the AEW World Title.
AEW World Championship: Kenny Omega vs. Rey Fenix
Omega drove the knee of Fenix into the mat with Jericho said that Winnipeg was the wrestling capital of Canada. Omega caught Fenix with a snap hurricanrana that spiked Fenix on his head. Fenix came back with a step-up hurricanrana with Omega leaving the ring. Fenix kicked Omega off the apron to the floor and Fenix jumped onto Omega on the floor with a hurricanrana. That was sweet. Back in the ring, Fenix with a dropkick, then a hard chop to the chest and Omega with a chop that sent Fenix off the apron to the floor. Omega drove Fenix’s back into the barricade repeatedly. They battled on the floor with Fenix wanting to do a Cutter on the floor, but Omega hit a Snapdragon Suplex on the floor. Ouch. Omega with a back body drop that sent Fenix back first onto the barricade and then they went back in the ring. Omega was back in the ring with the Kitaro Crusher leg drop to the back of the head for two. Omega with a backbreaker. They exchanged some strikes with Omega hitting a forearm to the back. Fenix with a springboard attack off the ropes leading to a headbutt to the chest. Fenix with a punch to the face, then he jumped the ropes with a double springboard into a dropkick that knocked Omega out of the ring. Fenix with a dive onto Omega on the floor with both guys crashing into the barricade. Fans chanted “this is awesome” which I would agree with this time. Back in the ring, Fenix slipped out of a move, Omega with an elbow and Fenix did this amazing escape jumping onto the turnbuckle, then Fenix jumped over Omega leading to a German Suplex for two. Fenix is incredible! Wow! Fenix with a double foot stomp to the back of the head of Omega while Kenny was on the apron, which led to Omega bumping to the floor. They went to picture in picture for the break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Fenix using knee to the face to block a suplex, then a superkick by Fenix and Omega hit a rising knee. The knee led to Fenix doing a kip-up into a hook kick! Holy shit, that was so great. Both guys were down selling a bit as Tony screamed about the red marks on Fenix’s chest from the beating he has taken in the match. Fenix went up top with a spinning attack, but Omega with a rising knee to the face. Omega with a Powerbomb for two followed by the V-Trigger knee to the face for a two count. Omega with a running V-Trigger knee to the face of Fenix while Fenix was against the ropes. Fenix countered an Omega move with a reverse rana that drove Omega face first into the match. Callis yelled at Fenix, so Fenix was distracted a bit and Omega hit another running knee to the face. Fenix with a jumping kick to the face, then he jumped off the middle ropes and into the ring with an outside-in Cutter for a two count. Holy shit, that was great too. Fenix lifted up Omega with a knee to the face into the Fire Thunder Driver (thanks Excalibur for the name) for the two count. That was another awesome move. Fenix set upon the top rope, Eddie Guerrero tribute and a Frog Splash was blocked by Omega, who got the knees up to block. Fenix with a boot to the jaw, Omega caught him in his arms and hit a Tiger Driver ’98 followed by the V-Trigger knee for two with Fenix getting his shoulder up. Omega lifted up Fenix with the One Winged Angel for the pinfall win after 17 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kenny Omega
Analysis: ****1/4 This was an awesome match between two of the best athletes in AEW. They wrestled at a fast pace for a lot of the match, everything looked crisp and the fans were into it. Fenix kept up with Omega the whole way and you might say that Fenix had more creative offense in the match. There was this spot in the match where Fenix jumped off the turnbuckle, he jumped over Omega and hit this German Suplex that was one of the most innovative moves I have ever seen. The amazing thing is Fenix makes it all look so easy! Omega is obviously skilled in the ring too, but I just wanted to put over some of the stuff Fenix did because he’s so great. This was a lot of fun to watch. Did I think Fenix would win at any point? Absolutely not and I doubt most fans would think Fenix would win either. However, it was an excellent match to watch. These guys delivered a classic match in the main event of the first Dynamite of the year.
There were a few minutes left in the show. Don Callis did a promo saying that you have witnessed history. Callis said that something terrible has happened backstage. It was a shot of Eddie Kingston, The Butcher and The Blade attacking Pac and Penta. Callis said that this is an unsafe environment. Callis told Fenix there’s another One Winged Angel coming for him. Jon Moxley showed up with a barbed wire bat and he hit Omega in the ribs with the barbed wire bat as Callis left the ring and Fenix left too.
Moxley was pointing at Omega for another attack, but then the Good Brothers duo of Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson showed up. They are the Impact Wrestling Tag Team Champions. G&A beat up Moxley with the double team Magic Killer neckbreaker. Omega stomped on Moxley to keep him down. Omega had some blood on his arm/chest after the barbed wire bat attack. Omega hit Moxley in the back with the barbed wire bat. Omega hit Moxley about six times. Wrestlers like Brian Pillman Jr. and Griff Garrison tried to attack, but G&A beat them up easily. Omega beat up some guys as well. Everybody that tried to help was knocked down off the apron to the floor. Gallows gave a Powerbomb to a guy through a table at ringside. Omega with a barb wire bat shot to the ribs of Moxley again. Jericho noted that G&A don’t work there along with Callis. Omega spoke into the camera saying that Moxley made him flip the switch. Moxley got in a punch on Anderson, but Moxley was too hurt to keep fighting and he stayed down.
The Young Bucks showed up to get in the ring with Omega, Anderson and Gallows. It looked like The Young Bucks were trying to calm them down, but then Omega talked to them. Jericho said this is the first time these five guys wee together in years. Garrison and Pillman held Omega, so Gallows knocked Pillman down and Matt Jackson superkicked Garrison. Omega talked to the Young Bucks and held up the Bullet Club/Kliq hand signal. Gallows and Anderson did the hand sign while the Young Bucks joined in and Callis was excited about it. That was the end of the show with the announcers screaming about it. The group is together.
Analysis: This was a cool ending to the show that sets the tone for the year in AEW because it’s a reunion of five Bullet Club members. It was a nice surprise to see Impact’s Tag Team Champions Gallows and Anderson showing up to help Omega, which then led to the Young Bucks joining in as well. The concern I have with the angle is that AEW is loaded with stables already and they even have a prominent heel stable like the Inner Circle along with Team Taz. If you have too many stables at once, it gets to be overwhelming. I hope that they figure it out long term and that there’s not an overlap of stables, but AEW is loaded with groups of three or more guys right now.
Three Stars of the Show
- Kenny Omega
- Rey Fenix
- Jon Moxley
The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Final Thoughts
The main event was excellent with Kenny Omega and Rey Fenix putting on an athletic spectacle that was fun to watch. It was an outstanding match that lived up to the hype. The show ending angle that brought former Bullet Club members together again was a memorable way to end the night. That’s lead to some interesting situations with Omega, Young Bucks and Anderson/Gallows on the same page. Fans of those guys when they were the Bullet Club will love it while others that weren’t watching at the time will need to be told about it while NJPW has the rights to the Bullet Club name. I assume they are going with Omega vs. Moxley at the next PPV most likely in late February.
The rest of the show was okay. Some of the matches had no story, so it just felt random. The matches that had a story didn’t seem that strong to me. The women’s match was too short as usual for their women’s matches. The weigh-in was boring. After Sting’s debut a few weeks back, it feels like they have had nothing for him other than to walk in the ring to stand beside Darby Allin week after week.
To sum it all up, the last 30 minutes were amazing. The rest of Dynamite was mostly average. It’s still a very good show overall because of the performances of Omega, Fenix and the heel group forming at the end.
—
Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams and Toronto Raptors. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport