Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly AEW Dynamite hits and misses series.
All Elite Wrestling popped up in North Carolina for 8/7 Dynamite. The five-match card show featured appearances from MJF, Will Ospreay, Merecedes Mone, Dr. Britt Baker, and Byan Danielson among others.
Here’s what went down on the latest Wednesday Night Dynamite.
Hit – MJF vs. Kyle Fletcher
MJF and Kyle Fletcher collided in an AEW American Title Eliminator on Dynamite. Max taunted Fletcher with his usual antics. Both men went back and forth before taking all the action across the barricade. Fletcher got some near falls on MJF. Don Callis handed Fletcher a screwdriver but Fletcher hesitated. The moment’s distraction allowed Max to hit Fletcher with a lowblow followed by a brain buster for the win. Max busted open Fletcher with his Dynamite Diamond Ring. The champion escaped after Ospreay showed up inside the ring.
This was a very good opening match featuring two incredible athletes. Max never disappoints inside the ring. Fletcher has had an amazing year thus far. MJF’s limb work on Kyle was really well done. The top rope moonsault was risky but beautifully executed. This match didn’t need the Don Callis run-in. Ospreay took too long to get inside the ring or he might’ve saved his best friend before the ring spot. This match was another high point in the ongoing feud between Max and Ospreay. I’m looking forward to their next meeting.
Miss – Shibata vs. Bryan Keith on AEW Dynamite
Bryan Keith made his AEW Dynamite in-ring comeback against Shibata. Jericho and Big Bill were on commentary for the match. Keith got some offense on Shibata who bounced back with a barrage of assault. It took a submission for Shibata to get the win over Keith. The Learning Tree then ganged up on The Wrestler before HOOK arrived to make the save.
This match didn’t work for me at all even though I’m a huge fan of Shibata. The former NJPW star didn’t seem to be in the mood to put up a fight. Keith had the worst showing out of the two men. The Bounty Hunter somehow forgot to sell his arm injury despite getting stomped by Shibata in the early goings of the match. As for HOOK, he’s been stuck in the FTW picture for far too long. He has a familial connection to the title, but it feels like it limits him in the grand scheme.
Hit – FTR & Orange Cassidy vs. Roderick Strong, The Beast Mortos & RUSH
Orange Cassidy teamed up with FTR against Strong, Mortos and RUSH. All six men put on some high-octane action for the NC crowd. RUSH held his ground for a brief moment against both members of the FTR. OC caught RUSH off-guard with a flying punch allowing Wheeler and Harwood to hit their tag team finisher for the win.
A good ole’ trios tag team match on AEW Dynamite. FTR brought their throwback style to the ring. RUSH was as intense as ever. Beast Mortos delivered some strong offense. Speaking of Strong, the Messiah of the Backbreaker played his part as well. For those unaware, Dax and Harwood subbed for O’Reilly and Briscoe who couldn’t make it to the show due to flight issues.
Miss – Britt Baker & Mercedes Mone promo segment
Mercedes Mone accompanies Kamille to the ring for her match. Kamille squashed two enhancement talents. Mercedes cut a promo after the win but was interrupted by Dr. Britt Baker. Baker threw some major shade toward Mercedes and promised to win the TBS Championship at AEW All In.
This was another horrible promo by Mercedes. Schiavone told AEW fans Tony Khan had overruled The Elite’s suspension of Britt Baker. The AEW boss didn’t fire The Elite for taking him out but here he is overruling their decision on a suspension. If someone can make sense of this stuff, good for you, because I can’t.
Hit – AEW Dynamite main event
Jeff Jarrett attacked Bryan Danielson before the start of their match. Both men took the action into the crowd. They spend several minutes destroying each other on trash cans and other back area equipment. Danielson got the upper hand once he got inside the ring. A running knee to the face of Double J sealed the win for Danielson. Ricky Steamboat got inside the ring and raised their hands. Swerve Strickland showed up and said he’ll take on Wheeler Yuta next week on AEW Dynamite.
What a great main event to cap off the night. It’s amazing that Double J can really fire on all cylinders while almost touching 60. He previously had an incredible match against Hangman Page on weekly television. Danielson got the win despite receiving quite a beating from Jarrett. Both men showed each other respect. Swerve interrupting the celebration was good because it helps continue his feud with Danielson.
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