Continuing from last week, AEW Dynamite 5/11 added more high-profile matches to Double or Nothing on May 30th while adding more intrigue to ongoing storylines.
The show kicks off in proper fashion, as Jon Moxley defeats “Blue Justice” Yuji Nagata. Special note, Moxley now comes down to the ring with “Wild Thing” playing. There’s a perfect Shidduch for you. Great match, with a fantastic finish. I am not only referring to the pinfall, but the show of respect Moxley pays to Nagata, bowing on the canvas. The match at times turned into an absolutely hoss-fight. One has to wonder how so many Japanese wrestlers manage to continue competing into their late-50s and look good doing so. Nagata hits a trademark exploder, bringing a huge pop from the live crowd. The finish was well done, for a moment, I thought I had watched a match on NJPW Strong.
Backstage, Inner Circle members Hager, Ortiz, and Santana threaten to ruin Pinnacle’s night. They demand a rematch, or promise to put Pinnacle in graves. Apparently Santana was not present as he was arrested for stabbing his opponents with forks. New Jack should have warned him.
Cody Rhodes announces he will face Anthony Ogogo at Double or Nothing. He also goes on to talk about America, its checkered present, and also mentions his belief of stepping in the shoes of his father. Cody becomes tearful talking about being married to Brandi and expecting a baby girl very soon, even bringing up race issues which he and Brandi face together. In that vein, he will be, “The American Dream” at Double or Nothing against Ogogo. That, was a touching segment in my opinion. Was it a bit much to dip into race issues, possibly. A risky move which no doubt infuriates internet people.
The second contest featured the AEW Tag Team Championships on the line, with some unfortunate outcomes. Right to the point, The Young Bucks defeated SCU in a decent match, marred by the horrific cut suffered (or bladed?) by Daniels early on in the match, which seemed to send the match into a sprint to make it to the finish. I feel bad, it was clear this was the end of the road for SCU. I had hoped for a surprise ending of a title win, giving Daniels and Kazarian one last run, but it was not meant to be. Matt’s antics are starting to get a tad excessive. Sure, it makes us want to hate him more, and succeeds. Most internet people hate him. I enjoy the antics, but I could see the point by making fun of other wrestlers. Daniels being a bloody mess and visibly struggling was concerning, mostly at the moment where he slipped when lining up for the BME. The match ended, cutting quickly to Mox and Kingston destroying their locker room.
I imagine the match was cut short and SCU did not get the intended time to bid their farewell. My guess is something will be set aside for Daniels and Kazarian for next week to give the proper send-off.
Despite the misfortune, it was a really good match.
Backstage: Christian verbally smacks down Team Taz, but focusing on Taz himself, wondering if Taz continues to critique his moves, if Christian should critique Taz’s use of the buffet line. He puts an open challenge to any member of his team, but Matt Sydal arrives to challenge instead.
PAC vs. Orange Cassidy goes to a Double Count Out
Lightning struck twice tonight, a great match with a bit of an unfortunate outcome. Cassidy appeared to be injured following a Liger Bomb, prompting a quick change-up of the finish, having Kenny Omega clock PAC from behind, and the ref making a 10-count. Something was clearly up as the medical staff remained at ringside during the whole ordeal. It was late revealed on a dirtsheet, the plan was to end in a time-limit draw, with the same result. Omega would gloat about not having a challenger at Double or Nothing, only to be sideswiped with a three-way dance with both challengers instead. It’s a good move, as a one-on-one with either would be too predictable, but I still believe Omega is not losing at the PPV. If anything, just adds the anticipation factor of exactly how this match will unfold come May 30th. I am intrigued. It’s going to be good.
Backstage: The Young Bucks and Good Brothers discover the trashed room, but easily ID Mox and Kingston as the perps. Bucks don’t seem to care, so they issue a challenge for the PPV, but also reveal next week, they face the #1 Ranked Varsity Blondes in a tag team title match.
WHEN DID THE VARSITY BLONDES BECOME CONTENDERS!??! [Editor’s Note: See below]
See, now you have to pay attention to AEW Dark and AEW Elevation. Those matches count a lot!
The Pinnacle come out for their celebration. Cut to the chase Tully Blachard gives out fancy watches ala Horsemen, Wardlow flirts with the lovely ladies on the ring apron, while MJF gloats. This is interrupted by Inner Circle who reveal Chris Jericho is alive and mostly well. When MJF refuses a rematch, they douse him with a water cannon, claiming to be full of “A little bit of the Bubbly.” This prompts MJF to agree to a Stadium Stampede Match, however, if Inner Circle lose, they must disband. Heavy stipulations there.
It is hard to imagine an AEW without the Inner Circle. They’ve been around for a long time, almost the beginning.
A pre-taped interview with Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. and Jim Ross airs.
In short, Britt is at the top of her game, and intends on ushering in the next era of AEW Women’s Wrestling. She does put over Hikaru Shida for being a champion during a difficult time, but promises to be the next woman to carry the AEW women’s division on her back.
I believe it.
But I don’t think she needed to call herself the “Baddest B***h on the Planet.” Didn’t feel right.
A "guarantee" from #1 contender @RealBrittBaker for @shidahikaru and her #AEW Women's Championship at #DoubleOrNothing on May 30.
Watch #AEWDynamite Now on TNT! pic.twitter.com/gWePWYzLA3
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 13, 2021
Thunder Rosa defeats Jazmine Allure
Short squash of a match, with the announcement Serena Deeb will defend the NWA Women’s Championship against Red Velvet.
Promo with Jade Cargill, more individuals coming out of the woodwork to get hired as her manager. This past week, Mark Sterling attempts to court her, but to no avail. Cargill again uses her “I’m that b***h” catchphrase, which I’m just not a fan of. Just doesn’t sound appropriate, I think there’s better out there for her to use.
AEW Dynamite 5/12 Main Event: Miro defeats Darby Allin to become the new TNT Champion
What a main event. Allin selling every bump like a pro. The facial expressions are such an integral part of his character, and you can’t help but feel his physical and mental anguish with each attack. Miro strikes before the bell, but Allin doesn’t quit. Throughout the match he is completely overpowered and dominated, but finds a way to make a comeback. Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page attack Sting, but are chased off by the Dark Order. This did not prove useful, as Allin continued to be demolished by the larger wrestler. The tide begins to turn, for more than a couple of moments, one believed Darby could retain. Some quick rollups almost got the win, but Miro would power back with brute force. Catching Darby on a Coffin Drop, an attempted German Suplex was countered with two Stundog Millionaires, but a Code Red would be blocked, reversed into the most painful looking Game Over submission, forcing Allin to fade out, and Miro would have his hand raised as new champion.
The celebration did not last long, as Lance Archer with Jake Roberts hit the stage, making a promise to come for the championship.
This was quite the show, what say you Popbreakers?
