The Dynamite 250 did not disappoint. For an episode which had one week of hype, they completely crushed it with a fantastic program. It seems we have entered the summer season where Dynamite has more of the supercard feel. Beach Break, AEW 250, and next week is Blood and Guts.
The show kicks off with the highest contender for Match of the Year, and this is no exaggeration. MJF defeated Will Ospreay for the AEW International Championship in 59 minutes and 57 seconds. While some may have felt unhappy with MJF using the Dynamite Diamond Ring to cheat his way to a victory, one has to remember this is the MJF. Besides, they wrestled for an hour. One hour. The chemistry and flawlessness displayed were works of art. Everything from the opening taunts and counters, mid-match wrestling to wear the other down, desperation power tactics, high-risk moves, brawls around the ring and even into the crowd, everything felt perfectly executed.
I believe the internet unanimously agrees Ospreay encouraging a seven-year-old fan to beat up MJF was priceless. MJF flipping her off was the chef’s kiss.
The opening was something one would expect from Ospreay and Ricochet. Except MJF did it. MJF is not known for flips and acrobatics, yet here he is, keeping pace and pulling off his own. Ospreay lights up the crowd with uncanny ability, while MJF riles them up with natural venom and disdain.
Again, great ring psychology as MJF attacked Ospreay’s leg, and later the arm to ground the champ and set up for possible submission finishers. One spot saw Ospreay run and crumple to the ground. MJF spiked Ospreay with one of the most fluid piledrivers I have ever seen. Did it again later with the Panama Sunrise. Ospreay scores with a curved superkick which MJF was gloating, later a PoisonRana and a hidden blade from the ring to the arena floor.
Ospreay crushed MJF with the Styles Clash, on the ring apron was bloody brilliant.
Did anyone expect Ospreay to lose? Doubtful. But a near-Broadway plus title change was likely not on the bingo card for anyone.
This is one of those times, where I run out of vocabulary and strongly suggest watching the entire match. But if you can’t, at least watch this 22-minute highlight reel from AEW.
My guess, is either we get a rematch between MJF and Will Ospreay in Wembley Stadium at All In, or is this where Daniel Garcia returns to exact revenge?
Until then, I will let this match live in my mind, rent-free until further notice.
Following the un-toppable, we had a few backstage segments prior to the next match.
The Acclaimed ask Mark Briscoe and Swerve Strickland to join their team for Blood and Guts. They promise to send a message to the Elite.
In the ring, TV Time with Chris Jericho and the Learning Tree. Jericho’s mouth gets him into big trouble, as Minoru Suzuki informs Jericho he has a contract to challenge for the FTW Championship, next week on Dynamite.
Suzuki headbutts Jericho, then waves “Bye Guys!” as he leaves.
This needs to be his new shirt, NOW. Suzuki comedy is the best comedy.
Backstage, The Young Bucks and Kazuchka Okada don’t care who is on Team Elite, all they care about is running and ruling the company. Mercedes Mone shows up again to thank them for having her back and banning Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. from the building. Mone does her CEO dance, leaving Okada sweating and seemingly having some respiratory problems.
The signs in the crowd for Okada were brilliant. Hire those people. “Okada’s email is gmail@okada.com” and “Okada can hear sign language.” Wow.
Mercedes Mone retains the TBS Championship against Nyla Rose
Yes, we know. Mone wasn’t losing a championship, but at points Rose made damn sure look like she would. Best spot, Mone attempts a tornado DDT, to which Nyla catches her, and shouts at her.
Nyla Rose caught Mercedes Moné doing a DDT.
“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?”
How can you not love Nyla. 😭 pic.twitter.com/GZvgdwpgKa— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) July 18, 2024
After some clever reversals, the CEO manages to force a submission victory. Post match a fan in a Sting match is abused by Mone. Guess what, it’s no ordinary fan, but Dr. Britt Baker! Mone runs away and is shielded by security as the DMD gives chase.
Baker better dethrone Mone at All In.
Mariah May segment, she comes out as the “Timeless” persona, completely mocking it and telling us what we already knew but didn’t want to admit. This was all a plot to get what she wants. What she wants is Toni Storm at Wembley Stadium.
A scathing promo. There’s some real venom and evil flowing here. I wonder if or how Mina Shirakawa will factor into the AEW Women’s Championship match. I also wonder if Jamie Hayter is slated to come back soon.
There were no excess pauses, no dramatic over-the-top whining. This was direct, to the point, like a knife thrust through the heart.
AEW Dynamite 250 Main Event: Swerve Strickland defeated Kazuchka Okada by DQ.
In a rare finish, the Bucks and Jack Perry (who beat up Brandon Cutler earlier in the night) ran in to save their partner but to also try to sabotage Blood and Guts. This brought out members of both teams, until “Hangman” Adam Page came out and stood face-to-face with AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland. This was electric. After weeks of teasing, there they were. But Okada dragged the champ out before anything could happen. Then, from the rafters, it’s Daaaaaaarrrrrbyyyyyyy Allin. I assume with the blessing of Sting, the man with a death wish descended from the rafters, to make it an even five-on-five, and a full-fledged preview for Blood and Guts next week on Dynamite.
I have to praise the commentary from Tony Schiavone. I thought he was on fire.
Fans were left speechless and the internet trolls had to really use the recesses of their minds to come up with something coherent. The complaints at this point sound like bots with broken loops. Get over it. AEW has been dying since day one? Go cry me a river.
Three matches and a few segments might not seem like a lot, but this was a clear example of quality television winning. MJF and Ospreay will be talked about for a long time. AEW gives fans quality wrestling and despite what others may think, I do believe AEW has a big future. Next week’s supercard has been set up very well, and the build for All In seems to be moving along at a very healthy and methodical pace. The AEW World Championship match has been months in the making. Ospreay, MJF, and others are anticipated to have some incredible matches in store for us fans.
I will sound like a bot with a broken loop, but AEW has been on a roll and hopefully will continue the streak they are on.
I can’t help but wonder, will there be a collaboration with DC Comics? Just announced as the newest promotion for the launch of The Absolute Universe of titles, the heroes of the DC universe are going… ALL IN.
