What an incredible start to Dynamite 2/16. CM Punk throws down the gauntlet to MJF for a Dog Collar match at AEW Revolution. A true work of art by Punk, his accolades throughout his career, and turns it into a passionate plea to face MJF in the fashion of his idol, to be “Piper in Portland” – So let’s do just that. Punk wants an answer from MJF. The Salt of the Earth comes out… looking a bit scared. He stops, dropping the mic, and walks away, apparently unable to speak.
Bryan Danielson defeated Lee Moriarty
Now this is the Lee Moriarty I have been waiting to see. To go one-on-one with the American Dragon, keeping up and at times outpacing him. While Moriarty did not come out the winner, he sure as hell looked like one. It took Danielson to his dark place in order to come out on top.
However, this led to Danielson asking for an answer from Jon Moxley. He is obliged with Mox’s appearance, but not to his liking. Mox talks about their match at an indy show ten years ago where he lost. There’s a part of him who wants to go one more time. Perhaps Danielson is scared? He doesn’t want to face the Mox of 2022? However… Mox isn’t ready to say no to the offer yet. But Mox wants to know if Danielson has the guts to face him one more time, because Mox doesn’t want to team with someone who wouldn’t be willing to bleed against.
Intrigue indeed.
Backstage: We talk with Jurassic Express and find out Revolution will have a Triple Threat Tag Team Championship match with contenders being determined in two different battle royales.
Wardlow defeats Max Caster to qualify for the Revolution Ladder Match. Max tried, even with some help from Anthony Bowens was able to hit the Mic Drop, but Wardlow kicks out, leading to a powerbomb symphony and the win.
I would have been intrigued if Shawn Spears cost Wardlow the match and the spot. But alas, not to be.
Backstage: Team DMD promises to end Thunder Rosa tonight. John Kreese from Cobra Kai rolls up and if Mercedes Martinez fails, show No Mercy.
In the ring: Tony Schiavone with “Hangman” Adam Page attempt an interview, but is immediately cut off by an interrupting Adam Cole. Cole puts over Page, then gets into a brief history over “friendship” during their time in ROH and NJPW. This results in a “respectful” challenge for the future.
Respectfully my tukas, as Cole leaves, Bobby Fish and Kyle O’Reilly blindside Page, but is saved by security and the Dark Order.
Preston Vance goes bonkers and trashes security.
Santana and Ortiz w/Eddie Kingston defeated Chris Jericho and Jake Hager
What a damn good match. Santana and Ortiz looked like a billion dollars. Holy crap but some belts on them this year. Do it. Jericho and Hager looked solid as the aggressors during the match. Hager looked lean and tough, taking it to both men. Jericho would eat the Street Sweeper, but would also kick out! Jericho’s obsession with Eddie would ultimately cost him the match, attacking Eddie during the match, and as a wild Judas Effect was ducked, Santana leveled him with a discus lariat for the pinfall victory.
A clean win over Jericho. Damn!
After the match, Jericho and Eddie started to brawl, interestingly, the commentators pointing out Jericho was “unhinged” and was the one who struck first at Eddie.
Backstage: ReDragon wondering where the Young Bucks were. Well, Nick and Matt seem a bit uncomfortable with Adam Cole’s leadership and tensions within the Elite continue to build.
I’ll throw this in now, “Switchblade” Jay White cuts a promo later on, referencing Kenny Omega. It would seem when Omega comes back, there will be some explaining to do.
Thunder Rosa defeated Mercedes Martinez in a No DQ match
Holy hell what a match. This looked like a stiff fight to me. We got tables and chairs early, but before major damage happens, Rosa tosses Martinez through a barricade! The fight goes into the crowd and back into the ring where more weapons of destruction are used. Mercedes fights back crashing Thunder Rosa through a table off the apron with a Fisherman’s Buster! Thunder Rosa won’t stay down, and a Spider/German suplex off the turnbuckle followed by a falling elbowdrop still won’t keep her down! Rosa manages to turn the tide with a crucifix bomb, then with the Fire Thunder Driver into a stack of chairs for the win!
Thunder Rosa pays respect to Mercedes Martinez after the match, but Team DMD arrive, and per her sensei’s orders, they put the boots to both Rosa and Martinez.
This feud is heating up.
House of Black Promo, a third member is coming. Violence begets violence.
AEW Dynamite 2/16 Main Event: Sammy Guevara retains the TNT Championship against Darby Allin
This goes on the list for Match of the Year Candidate. Sammy and Darby put on a hell of a match. Holy crap. Starting with a handshake turns to going all for broke. Numerous death-defying spots. Darby launches Allin into the turnbuckle, who then flops and crashes off the apron to the floor. Later, Sammy takes Allin all the way down with a top rope Spanish Fly! Darby comes back later, capitalizing on an injured leg with a figure four! Last Supper Pinfall attempts but only a two! Darby in control, tries a dive to the floor but eats a cutter for it! Holy crap! Sammy attempts a swanton but he hits the ring apron!!
This match is getting crazy, Allin goes up for the Coffin Drop but Jose the Manservant interferes! Out comes Andrade! He clocks Darby with a tablet, Sammy, knows something is fishy, but wants to end it, and does just that with the GTH. After the match, Matt Hardy and Andrade attack both Darby and Sammy to close out the show, with Andrade stealing both TNT Championship belts.
What a Dynamite folks, this one was top notch tonight!
AEW Dynamite 2/16 is now streaming on the TBS and is available on demand.
