Weeks upon weeks of conflict led to the implosion of the Inner Circle on the February 16 episode of AEW Dynamite.
Before the tag team bout between Santana and Ortiz and the duo of Chris Jericho and Jake Hager began, Eddie Kingston came to ringside. This appearance marked the first time “The Mad King” was seen on AEW TV in several weeks, as he has been recovering from an orbital injury. “The Mad King” has practically been at the center of the conflict within the stable, as he has helped Santana and Ortiz see some of the flaws of their association with Jericho.
WELCOME BACK @MadKing1981!
But what is his business here??It’s @IAmJericho/@RealJakeHager v @Santana_Proud/@Ortiz_Powerful!
Watch #AEWDynamite on @TBSNetwork right now! pic.twitter.com/7487FwAi4z— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 17, 2022
Once the bell rang, both teams waged war for several minutes in a hard-fought bout. In one highlight, Jericho kicked out of the Street Sweeper after Santana and Ortiz countered the Lionsault and neutralized Hager at ringside. Later in the match, Jericho took his eye off the ball by dropkicking Kingston off the apron. The distraction helped Santana and Ortiz clinch the win by pinning Jericho.
https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1494134910415740930?s=20&t=rt6SiDP5VNG6iG5wMubGOA
After the bout, infuriated by the loss, Jericho tried to brawl with Kingston, but security officials quickly separated them.
RELATED: AEW Dynamite Results (2/16/22)
