The John Report: AEW Dynamite 07/21/21 Review (Fyter Fest Night 2)
Welcome to the AEW Dynamite review here on TJRWrestling. This is their second Fyter Fest show. I don’t know why they need to add the “Fyter Fest” label onto Dynamite for two weeks, but that’s what they did. I’m just here to write, pal. I thought last week’s show was tremendous and I rated it 8.5 out of 10, so here’s hoping AEW can continue that positive momentum. Being on the road again certainly helps.
This is AEW Dynamite from the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland (Dallas), Texas. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Here’s my AEW Dynamite TV review archive. Let’s get to it.
The Dynamite video package aired. The pyro went off in the arena and the crowd was loud. Great to hear it. Jim Ross welcomed us with the “It’s Wednesday night and you know what that means” line with JR being joined by Excalibur and Tony Schiavone on commentary.
Chris Jericho made his entrance as the fans sang along with the “Judas” song. Jericho is 30-11-1 in his AEW career. This is the first Labours of Jericho match meaning he has to win five matches before he gets a match against MJF. Shawn Spears entered to lose a match as usual with Tully Blanchard by his side. Maxwell Jacob Friedman joined commentary making a fat joke about Jericho right away.
Chris Jericho vs. Shawn Spears (w/Tully Blanchard)
Spears is legally allowed to use a chair while Jericho cannot.
Jericho with a forearm and then a running elbow. Spears with chops, Jericho came back with a clothesline and Jericho knocked Spears off the apron. Jericho went after Spears on the floor and tossed him into the barricade. Jericho held a camera, filmed the crowd and got some cheers. MJF: “Do you know what you call a hot girl in Dallas, Texas? A tourist.” Jericho knocked Spears off the apron, so Spears got a chair from under the ring and Spears threw the chair into Jericho, who used his hands to block. Jericho with an enziguri kick. Jericho went up top and Spears met him with an overheard suplex. Spears hit the chair against Jericho’s elbow by the ring post. Spears with a running attack, Jericho moved, Jericho with two shoulder tackles and up top with a double axehandle. That used to be a missile dropkick. The fans chanted for Jericho as Chris hit Spears with some light punches followed by a hurricanrana off the top. Good job by the 50-year-old Jericho. Jericho charged right into a superkick for two. Spears with a sitout spinebuster. Spears grabbed another chair from ringside and a chair shot to the back. Spears teased a bigger chairshot that was obviously never going to happen and Jericho applied the Walls of Jericho submission. Blanchard distracted the referee, Spears tapped out and Sammy Guevara pulled Blanchard off the apron. Sammy chased Blanchard to the back. Spears with a chair to the head and a C4 slam off the shoulders for two. Spears picked up Jericho again, this time with a chair, Jericho got out of that, Jericho whipped Spears into a chair wedged against the turnbuckle and Jericho hit the Judas Effect elbow to win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Chris Jericho
Analysis: *** A solid match between two veterans. Spears didn’t use the chair that much, but every time he did they made it feel like a big deal. The problem with a match like this is that you knew Jericho was going to win, so there wasn’t that much drama during the nearfalls for Spears. They also made Spears’ finisher look awful since he couldn’t win a match after a chair shot and his finisher.
Post match, MJF did a promo congratulating Jericho while saying that Sammy Guevara helped, so if Jericho gets help again then the deal is off. MJF said that the next Labor of Jericho match will be a No Disqualification Match. MJF said this man once stabbed his opponent in the jugular, he once robbed a bank with no mask on and said that Labor #2 was Nick Gage, who appeared on the stage. The fans responded to Gage while Excalibur screamed about how he was a Deathmatch specialist.
Analysis: Gage got a decent response there. I don’t know much about him other than he’s got a reputation for being crazy. I didn’t watch the documentary about him. I had no interest in that.
The announcers did a rundown of matches coming up this week.
(Commercial)
Miro did a promo with the TNT Title on his shoulders. Miro wondered who can beat him? He said it was the word of The Redeemer. There wasn’t much to it. They need to find him a feud.
Doc Gallows (w/Karl Anderson) vs. Frankie Kazarian
Kazarian with a dropkick, then some chops to chest and Kazarian hit a missile dropkick. Gallows came back with a boot to the face followed by some whips into the turnbuckle along with sending Kazarian over the top to the floor. Anderson hit Kazarian with a cheap shot on the floor.
(Commercial)
Gallows was in control with a chinlock. Kazarian broke free to run the ropes leading to a clothesline and a backdrop suplex. Kazarian with a springboard legdrop for two. Anderson grabbed Kazarian, the inept referee didn’t see it and Gallows hit a kick to the head. Gallows hit a sitout spinebuster for the pinfall win after about seven minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Doc Gallows
Analysis: *3/4 Just a short, basic match here. Only four minutes were shown because of the commercial and I don’t watch during that part. I figured Kazarian would win since he’s the “Elite Hunter” and Gallows is a tag team wrestler, but instead Kazarian lost because of the brief distraction from Anderson.
Post match, Gallows and Anderson hit their Magic Killer double team move on Kazarian. Nobody helped Kazarian.
Kenny Omega, the AEW World Champion, made his entrance with Don Callis. Callis said that this is what happens when you mess with The Elite. Omega said: “Welcome to my humble abode.” Omega said that Frankie has been a thorn in their side and laughed at “The Elite Hunter.” Omega had a bit of difficulty saying it (on purpose because he asked Callis for help), but then he said that The Elite Hunter has become The Elite hunted.
That led to “Hangman” Adam Page making his entrance with a beverage in his hands. Page got into the ring. Callis said it’s on 4 on 1 right now. Callis said he knows cowboys aren’t very bright, so is Page stupid or drunk? Page fought against Gallows and Anderson while Omega bailed to the floor. That led to the Dark Order nerds running out to the ring to help Page. Silver and Reynolds hit moves on Anderson leading to a Buckshot Lariat by Page on Anderson. Omega was already on the floor.
Analysis: It was a fine segment to keep the story going between Omega and Page. We know there was already going to be ten-man tag team match coming in the future, so it was nothing new and just a continuation in this storyline. Good segment overall.
Brian Cage was about to be interviewed. Ricky Starks, the new FTW Champion, was with Team Taz talking about a championship celebration next week. Cage asked if they were still here and Dasha said she didn’t think so. Cage said next week is fine with him because he likes celebrations.
Darby Allin (w/Sting) vs. Wheeler Yuta (w/Orange Cassidy)
Allin had his ribs taped since he jumped through a wooden coffin last week. Allin went for a crucifix pin. Allin with a dropkick and then a stomp on a hand. Yuta with a kick to the ribs and a suplex that sent Allin ribs first into the top rope. Allin with chops, then a boot, but Yuta tripped up Allin and applied an octopus submission with Allin getting to the ropes. Yuta hit a bridging German Suplex for two. Allin went up top with Yuta and Allin hit an impressive superplex. That was the cue for Sting and Cassidy to go face to face on the floor while the guys in the ring were selling. Cassidy put hands in his pockets, then Sting did the light kick routine, so Cassidy did it back and the fans were into it as they touched feet. Sting did a lame version of pounding his chest. This was funny! I laughed. Might as well add some comedy that they probably practiced in the afternoon before the show. Yuta got a rollup for two and Yuta got a crucifix pin for two. Allin came back with a flipping Stunner. Allin went up top and hit a Coffin Drop splash for the pinfall win after five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Darby Allin
Analysis: **1/2 It was good for a shorter match with Allin continuing his winning ways with another victory. Yuta is a newer guy with a lot of talent, but he’s not going to get a win over somebody that’s pushed a lot like Allin. The Coffin Drop from Allin is very popular with the crowd. I liked the Sting/Cassidy spot. Silly? Sure, but it worked and popped the crowd.
Post match, The Blade went up to Orange Cassidy and Blade punched Cassidy with brass knuckles. It’s AEW, so they always have to do some post match attack. Cassidy faces Blade later in the show.
They showed a video about Jon Moxley and Lance Archer’s history including when Moxley beat Archer for the IWGP Texas Death Match and now they are doing that match again.
They showed Hikuleo from NJPW’s Bullet Club at ringside. He is the son of Haku/Meng as well.
The AEW Women’s Title match is next.
(Commercial)
There was a replay show of Nyla Rose attacking Britt Baker recently with a Powerbomb through the table.
It was time for the first title match of the night with Nyla Rose making her entrance joined by Vickie Guerrero. Britt Baker got a big ovation as the AEW Women’s Champion with Rebel joining her. Baker is cheered a lot even though she’s a heel, but I think It’s time to consider Baker as a face because she’s heading in that direction. Baker had Rebel with her with Rebel having a brace on her right knee and a crutch since her kneecap was dislocated a few weeks ago on Dynamite. It’s a painful injury. Baker got a pop in the ring too along with “DMD” chants as the “Dapper Yapper” Justin Roberts did the championship introductions.
AEW Women’s Championship: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. (w/Rebel) vs. Nyla Rose (w/Rebel)
Baker was going for submissions early, Rose powered out and drove Baker back first into the turnbuckle. Rose with a slam off the shoulders followed by a senton splash. Rose set up Baker across the top rope, but Rebel pulled Baker out of the way. Baker with a flatliner that sent Rose face first into the turnbuckle leading into a picture-in-picture break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Baker charging, Rose caught her and hit a uranage slam. Rose took control with two backbreakers into a fallaway slam across the ring. Rose with the running corner splash. Rose went for a cannonball, Baker moved and Rose hit the ropes. Baker with the Slingblade neckbreaker and Baker got a backslide pin for two although it looked like three, so the fans booed it. Baker hit a DDT on Rose for two. They need to get better camerawork on some of these pin attempts. Baker got a red glove from Rebel, Rose was back up and Baker countered into a pin attempt sitting on top. Baker went for the Lockjaw, Rose punched her way out of it and Rose hit a Death Valley Driver. Rose sent Baker across the top rope, Baker has to hold herself there for several seconds and Rose hit a diving knee drop to the back for a two count. Baker came back with a swinging neckbreaker, a superkick and another superkick for a two count. Baker off the ropes, Rose with a throat grab and Rose hit a quick Chokeslam for two. Baker hit a weak-looking crucifix pin for two and Baker did another crucifix pin. Neither one looked that good. Baker hit The Curb Stomp two times with Rose selling the second one a lot better. Rose hit a forearm to the face as both women went down. Rebel to the apron, Baker grabbed the Women’s Title and Baker tossed it over to Rose, but then Rose tossed it back to Baker. Vickie caused the confusion as a tribute to Eddie, so that was a nice spot that drew a pop. Rose hit a Beast Bomb for two. Baker fought out of a Beast Bomb attempt and Baker floated over into the Lockjaw with the fingers in the mouth. Rose tapped out to give Baker the win by submission after about 12 minutes.
Winner by submission: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.
Analysis: ***1/4 This was pretty good especially towards the end of the match. It was a significant win for Baker since Rose is a former champion that is also one of the biggest women on the AEW roster, so to have Baker win by submission makes Baker look more impressive. They had some moments that were a bit sloppy, but overall I enjoyed the match. It was the right call to have Baker win. No doubt about that result.
They had a fake press conference between FTR and Santana/Ortiz. Dax Harwood said that they may be different, but they all came from poverty. Ortiz said that they have been in AEW since day one. Ortiz said his mother gave birth to him when she was 15 years old. Santana said that her first apartment was a shithole in the Bronx. Santana said that her mom had to take slumlords just so they had a decent place to live. Harwood said he cares about God, his family and professional wrestling. That led to some yelling and the teams being kept apart.
Next week on AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen in Charlotte, NC it’s FTR vs. Santana & Ortiz. Konnan will be with Santana/Ortiz while Tully Blanchard will be with FTR.
Analysis: Finally we get this match I’ve been wanting to see for several months. Both teams aren’t featured on Dynamite in regular tag team matches enough and that’s a big mistake by the creative team, I think. They are my two favorite teams in AEW, so I’m looking forward to this.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Andrade El Idolo
Andrade El Idolo was introduced by Tony Schiavone for an in-ring interview. Andrade has called out the Death Triangle in the past. Andrade had an unknown man in a black suit with him. Andrade was in a suit with sunglasses because I guess it’s sunny indoors? Sure. Looks cool, I guess.
Andrade took the microphone from Tony and told him to take it easy. Andrade said he has a surprise for everyone. Tony introduced us to the new Executive Consultant for Andrade…it’s Chavo Guerrero!
Chavo got a nice pop from the crowd since he’s such a well-known name in pro wrestling over the last thirty years. Andrade was brought in by Vickie Guerrero, who is Chavo’s aunt due to her being married to Chavo’s legendary uncle Eddie. Chavo has a bald look to him now and there were “Chavo” chants for him.
Chavo: “Wow! You remember!” Chavo said of course they remember because this is Dallas, Texas. Chavo said he heard this is the place to be and he said he couldn’t believe all the talent backstage. Chavo said it was a great time to be a wrestling fan. Chavo said he didn’t see anybody that has as much talent as Andrade.
There’s Death Triangle – Pac, Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix. They had Alex Abrahantes with them too. Pac said that he heard their name in Andrade’s mouth, so let it be known that they hide from no one. Andrade thanked Pac for coming. Andrade said that Fenix and Penta are good, but with Andrade they are great. Andrade spoke in Spanish. Andrade said he’s a lead superstar. Chavo said that he’ll explain it to Pac. Chavo said that they are all talented, but they don’t have shiny waists with gold and it should be. Chavo said if you want to change that, start listening to Andrade. Andrade had a question – why do you work for Pac? Andrade told Penta and Fenix that they work for Andrade. Pac said that Penta and Fenix don’t work for them, Pac said that they are a team, they are a brotherhood. Fenix spoke in Spanish for a bit, but then he said in English that they are the real face of the Latinos. Penta spoke in Spanish, so Alex translated that Penta said Andrade is not on their level. Andrade said that everybody works for him. Referees showed up before there was a fight between the two sides.
Analysis: This was interesting. I like everybody involved and Chavo is a nice addition to the presentation of Andrade because he can be a translator while also being a manager that interferes. I don’t expect Chavo to wrestle that much if at all since he’s older now. Maybe they’ll use him as a producer for matches too. Anyway, I’m intrigued by where this is going. The referees showing up is strange because there are so many fights in AEW that never get broken up, yet in this case, they are out there before there was anything. Oh well. I understand wanting to save it.
There was a video shown from before the show when Hardy Family Office (without Matt Hardy) attacked Marko Stunt, so then Jurassic Express and Christian Cage made the save.
Christian Cage did a promo saying next week he wants to team with Jurassic Express against Private Party & Angelo to end the Hardy Family Office for good.
(Commercial)
QT Marshall and The Factory group were backstage with QT saying next week he’ll apologize to Tony Schiavone for pouring a drink on his head. Yawn. The Factory is not a good stable.
Orange Cassidy vs. The Blade (w/The Bunny)
Cassidy was aggressive early on, so Blade did a spot faking a left knee injury and then got in a cheap kick. Cassidy hit the Stundog Millionaire, which is his version of a Stunner since every AEW match needs a Stunner or Cutter I think. Blade tripped up Cassidy on the top rope and Blade gave Cassidy a Powerbomb on the top rope, so Cassidy bumped back first on the top rope leading to a bump to the floor.
(Commercial)
Cassidy sent Blade into the top turnbuckle three times, Cassidy up top and Cassidy hit a cross body block off the top. Cassidy hit a Tornado DDT for a two count. Bunny was on the apron to distract, but alien girl Kris Statlander pulled her down. Cassidy hit a suicide dive onto Blade and Statlander because Blade pulled Statlander in front. Cassidy shoved Blade into Blade’s wife The Bunny. Back in the ring, Blade blocked a DDT this time and suplexed Cassidy into the top rope. Blade hit a running clothesline and a corkscrew Tombstone piledriver for two. Blade went for a Powerbomb, Cassidy broke free, Blade with a kick and then Cassidy hit the Beach Break slam for two. Bunny on the apron again, so Statlander pulled her down. Bunny threw Blade the brass knuckles, Blade got them on his hand and Cassidy ducked. Cassidy went for the Orange Punch, Blade avoided it and Cassidy hit the Orange Punch to win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Orange Cassidy
Analysis: **3/4 A solid match with Cassidy picking up the win over a guy that never wins singles matches on Dynamite. Nobody thought Blade would win this. Cassidy gets pushed to a decent degree although they really don’t put him over top heels, so he’s able to beat the midcard or lower level heels all the time to keep him in the top five rankings. Anyway, I liked the spot with the brass knuckles for the finish since that was the build up to the match, Cassidy avoided it and then found a way to win. I think Cassidy should use Beach Break as his finisher instead of the Orange Punch, for what it’s worth.
After the match, Cassidy put the brass knuckles on and hit the Orange Punch with the brass knuckles. Cassidy put the brass knuckles in his pocket.
Chris Jericho was shown in the locker room with Alex Marvez. Jericho said if MJF is bringing in the most violent, demented man to face Jericho then Jericho is going to bring the Painmaker. Jericho had his face paint on like when he dresses as The Painmaker, so that’s his look for next week.
Next week on AEW Dynamite Fight for the Fallen in Charlotte, NC:
* Chris Jericho vs. Nick Gage in a No Rules Match (Easier to say Street Fight). Jericho wins.
* Santana & Ortiz vs. FTR. Either side winning is fine. I’ll go with FTR.
* Christian Cage, Jungle Boy & Luchasaurus vs. Hardy Family Office’s Private Party & Angelico. I guess Angelico is getting pinned there.
* Jon Moxley or Lance Archer defends the IWGP US Championship vs. Hikuleo.
* Tony Khan Will Announce a Major New Live Event. Way to put yourself over, TK.
* The Elite vs. Hangman Page & Dark Order. Page should win for his team.
In two weeks time on Dynamite on August 4, it’s Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes.
(Commercial)
It’s main event time with Justin Roberts letting us know the only way to win is by Knockout or Submission. Jon Moxley making his entrance with the IWGP US Championship. Justin Roberts did not yell the “Jon” part as loud as he usually does. I don’t know why. Moxley got a good pop from the crowd with fans cheering for the “Wild Thing” song as well. JR said “even Knox can’t screw this up” about referee Rick Knox, who is the worst referee that doesn’t enforce rules, but in this match, it’s a lot simpler. Lance Archer was up next and introduced as being from Dallas, Texas, so he got a nice pop. Jake Roberts was with Archer.
Texas Death Match for the IWPG United States Championship: Jon Moxley vs. Lance Archer (w/Jake Roberts)
The only way to win the Texas Death Match is by Knockout or Submission.
Moxley went after Archer as soon as Archer got into the ring. Moxley with some kendo stick shots, Archer no-sold that and Archer did a running pounce shoulder tackle. Archer hit a cannonball off the apron onto Moxley on the floor. Archer with kendo stick shots to the back. Archer charged, Moxley avoided and Moxley tackled Archer through the barricade. They fought into the crowd where they went up the steps near the fans. Moxley with punches and Moxley jumped off the steps onto Archer. Lance picked up a “fan” from ringside and slammed him onto Moxley. Back in the ring, Moxley with a clothesline and Archer stopped Moxley with a forearm to prevent a dive. Archer pulled up the mat on the floor. Archer picked up Moxley on the floor, Moxley slipped out of it and Moxley hit a DDT on the cement. Archer did a blade job after the bump on the cement. Archer slowly got back in the ring, Moxley had a fork and jabbed Archer in the face with the fork. They went to a picture in picture break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Moxley jumping off the middle rope onto a chair that was on the left knee of Archer. The referee counted Archer down, but Archer got back up before the ten count. Archer punched a trash can lid into Moxley’s head. They got into a slugfest with Moxley biting the forehead, which is gross and Archer hit a clothesline. Moxley with a German Suplex, Archer no-sold that, hit a boot to the face and Archer hit a spinning Bossman Slam. Archer hit Moxley in the head with a trash can. Moxley was bleeding too. Archer picked up Moxley going for a Blackout through two chairs, but Moxley slipped out and hit a low blow punch. Moxley put the two chairs back to back, but Archer was back up with a Chokeslam that sent the edge of the two chairs into the lower spine of Moxley! Ouch. That was brutal. Moxley got back up before the ten count. Archer with a boot to the face. Archer charged, Moxley hit a huge clothesline and Moxley a Paradigm Shift, but it looked more like a suplex. Archer got back up quickly. Moxley jabbed Archer in the head with the fork. Moxley set up two barbed wire boards onto two tables that were on the floor. They were on the apron over the two barbed wire boards, Archer used the fork to hit Moxley in the head repeatedly. Archer gave Moxley a Chokeslam through the barbed wire boards. Moxley was out of it as the referee counted to ten and Archer got the victory. It went 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW IWGP US Champion: Lance Archer
Analysis: **** That was a great match full of big spots, violence and it felt like a fight. Even though there wasn’t much of a story going into the match, it came across as a big deal because there was a title on the line and they ended it in a big way. Moxley doesn’t lose that much in AEW, but I think it was the right call to have Archer win in front of the Texas crowd. Moxley held the title for a very long time, he really didn’t need it and he didn’t defend it that much, so I think Archer winning is good for him. While it’s not an AEW Title, it’s still something good for Archer to carry around since he hasn’t won any titles in AEW yet. Something I would object to is that I don’t think both guys need to bleed in a 13-minute match like this. If you’re going over 20 minutes maybe that’s fine, but it just seems excessive in a match that isn’t that long. I liked the finish a lot. It was a huge move that looked painful. Moxley is a madman, but we already knew that.
Post match, Hikuleo from NJPW got in the ring with Archer. He’s a tall guy just like Archer is. That match is taking place next week on Dynamite. Archer held up his IWGP US Title some more. That was the end of the show.
Three Stars of the Show
- Lance Archer
- Jon Moxley
- Britt Baker
The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.5 out of 10
Last Week: 8.5
2021 Average: 7.37
Final Thoughts
It was a very good show that I enjoyed for the most part. It wasn’t at the same level as last week’s episode that might have been the best Dynamite of the year, but I like a lot of things here. Archer and Moxley worked hard in a violent main event match with a big ending as Moxley took a Chokeslam onto two barbed wire boards to put over Archer as the new IWGP US Champion.
Jericho beating Spears was obvious, but I liked the story they told. I don’t really care much about the Nick Gage guy that Jericho will face next week. Britt Baker beating Nyla Rose was expected. They had a few rough moments, but I liked the way the finish was set up. That Sting spot with Orange Cassidy during the Darby Allin match was really funny too. I’m sure people that take pro wrestling too seriously will complain about it. I think it’s okay to laugh a little.
The non-wrestling segments weren’t as strong this week, but I liked the addition of Chavo Guerrero as sort of a manager for Andrade. They can use Chavo to help with promos and maybe interfere in matches too. Chavo’s such a smart guy. Any wrestling company would benefit from having him. They are doing a nice job of setting up big matches in the coming weeks as well as in the future. I like how next week’s lineup looks, especially FTR vs. Santana/Ortiz and the ten-man tag team match.
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport