Hello AEW fans
This was the final episode of Dynamite before the mega crossover event Forbidden Door. So let’s see whether this episode worked or not in building up the AEW/NJPW PPV.
1. Bryan Danielson teases a surprise replacement at Forbidden Door
A powerful promo by Bryan Danielson informing about his injury and at the same time promoting Forbidden Doors. Bryan also promised a suitable replacement to take his place in his stipulated match against Zack Sabre Jr.
What Worked
- As always, Bryan delivered a promo full of intensity.
- The way Bryan reminded everyone that he came out of Bad guy tunnel and refused to reveal his hand picked replacement was classic tweener stuff.
What Not
- It is always sad to have last minute changes in such important events due to an injury. Get well soon American Dragon.
2. Orange Cassidy/Trent Beretta/Rocky Romero vs Will Ospreay/Aussie Open
The sloth style sealed the deal for his team with an orange punch to Fletcher.
What worked
- The spot where Aussie open catch diving Romero and Cassidy and run them into each other was entertaining.
- The triple diving spot by face trio was again well synchronized.
- Ospreay selling the stundog millionaire.
- The pace of the match was exhilarating and the action was blink and miss towards the end
- Cassidy picking up the win was the right choice to build momentum for the Forbidden Door match.
What not
- Though it makes for comedy but the spot where opponents stop to allow Cassidy to put his hands in pocket is illogical.
- Trent seemed to have tweaked his knee right at the start. Even a whiff of injury is never a good news.
3. Christian Cage explains his actions on last show
A very powerful promo by Christian Cage explaining his betrayal of Jungle Boy. Started with typical heel heat but ended with thermonuclear heat.
What worked
- Long term storytelling in play with Christian explaining his reason behind betraying Jungle Boy. This long term storytelling sets AEW apart from other promotions.
- Christian using typical heel tactics of insulting the city, the show is being held in.
- The fact that Luchasaurus was conflicted adds another dimension to this storyline.
What not
- Christian insulting dead father of Jungle Boy was simply going too far. Let the dead rest in peace.
4. Malakai Black vs Penta Oscuro
The leader of house of black won thereby advancing to the fatal 4 way match for the All-Atlantic championship at Forbidden Door.
What worked
- Great in ring story work with focus on Penta’s injured lower back.
- Rolling cutter was innovative offense from Penta
- Great work by Penta selling the back injury after hitting Avalanche Fear Factor.
- Amazing promo by Miro setting up the stage for fatal 4 way.
What not
- The finishing sequence was too slow and abrupt.
5. Adam Page vs Silas Young
Hangman defeated Young in a match that was mostly dominated by Young.
What worked
- Adam Cole on commentary with Tony Schiavone was entertaining. It is appreciable that AEW keeps those little plots going whenever possible.
- Swinging neckbreaker by Young using top rope as support was well executed and the speed made it seem like it did legitimately hurt.
- Hangman and Silas Young worked a really good back and forth match and Silas dominating for most part was a good play on their history as rivals.
- Adam Coles facial expressions when Page would hit a move was perfect and displayed hate and disgust. End of a rivalry should not make two wrestlers impervious to emotions displayed during rivalry.
- The reaction to coin drop should shut up those who doubt the popularity of “The Rainmaker”
What not
- The trade of pinfalls at start of the match looked kind of clumsy
6. Toni Storm vs Marina Shafir
Toni Storm secured win in another botchfest thanks to Marina Shafir. Why do I get this feeling that AEW is prepping up Shafir to end Jade Cargill’s streak. (Shivers).
What worked
- Shafir kicking Storm in the gut at the start instead of regular lock-up was a fresh change from typical start
What not
- Shafir is too green. She keeps botching even basic wrestling moves.
- Shafir stumbled after kicking Storm which will interest botchamania.
- Shafir nearly dropped Storm on to her head with a botched german.
7. Jon Moxley/Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Chris Jericho/Lance Archer
Lance Archer got buried again as Tanahashi landed frog splash for 3 count. Standard tag team match which relied more on names but did not deliver something special.
What worked
- Post match brawl was the best part of the match.
- Sammy and Tay Conti have really embraced the heel persona like fish to water.
- Jericho and Tanahashi not breaking eye contact impervious to the Brawl outside.
What not
- Lance Archer had no reason to be in this match. Hager or Sammy could have been in this match instead.
- AEW really needs to stop putting Archer in such matches and eat losses. He is a monster and deserves to be pushed like one.
Overall, another good show from AEW. I really wonder why the ratings are declining when AEW is putting such stacked cards. Although, the woman’s division is really a mess right now. Marina Shafir is putting audience to sleep and I too dozed off and had to rewatch the show after 24 hours of Marina induced slumber.
Well, that is good in a way because now I can stay awake for Forbidden Door.
