AEW Dynamite certainly lived up to its expectations as the Holiday Bash. From opener to closer, the action was non-stop and more than one match exceeded Beyond expectations. The show opens up with an opening interview backstage with Orange Cassidy and Jay White, who are inevitably interrupted by the crazy cowboy,”Hangman” Adam Page. It’s pretty clear tonight nobody’s going to be on the same page and for some strange reason I’m looking forward to it.
Mercedes Mone defeated Anna Jay
Fun match to open the show with. I was disappointed that Jay did not win the championship, I really thought after recent failed attempts to win the Women’s Championship from Mariah May this would be the title she would have won. I agree with those who say Anna Jay has vastly improved since her debut in the company. Over the years she has become one of the female workhorses of the company. One day I hope to see her with a championship around her waist, she absolutely deserves it. I’ll give Mone credit as well. As much as I’m not a big fan she put on a solid performance in putting over Jay while also being the egotistical dominator through various parts of the match. It does seem that they’re starting to line up some of the AEW mainstays as potential future challengers, my guess is that inevitably Kamille will return to dethrone Monet for the championship.
MJF in-ring promo
It’s HANUKKAH TIME! I love it when he wears his Chanukah suit to the ring. He puts over the eight-night holiday while revealing the dreaded secret that Santa isn’t real. Hilarious promo where MJF claims to have started a foundation to help a poor child, when in reality it is an orange-over-tanned Cole. However, Cole, Taven, and Bennett appear on screen to taunt MJF, closing with… “Have I kicked your ass yet?” Revealing this was a taped bit and attacks MJF from behind.
This feud has run its course. It’s time for it to come to a conclusion at World’s End.
Christian Cage & Nick Wayne defeated Hook & Katsuyori Shibata
I will never, EVER, complain when Shibata honors us with a TV appearance. However, I was shockingly disappointed to see him take the pinfall in this tag team match. To be honest, I did not have Shibata versus Christian Cage on any bingo card. It was a little surprising to see how aggressive Wayne was during the match, trying to build him up to stand toe-to-toe to the imposing Shibata, but to be fair it was hard to believe it. it took some underhanded tactics for the patriarchy to gain the win which was the only thing convincing about this.
Shibata is awesome. No matter what. His chops on both Cage and Wayne hit hard.
I get they Want to push Wayne as someone who can legitimately go up against big names, but there’s just something about his in ring presence which makes it very difficult for it to be believable.
Shelton Benjamin defeated The Beast Mortos
Prior to the match, Ricochet attempted to cut an in-ring promo, only to be interrupted by the Hurt Syndicate. he tried kissing up to them a bit, joking about all their flashy suits. However this only led to Lashley nearly strangling him while MVP ripped up his business card. effectively, rescinding their offer to join them. They let Ricochet go unharmed mostly, as Benjamin was ready for his tournament match.
Excellent, fun, 100% entertaining. The crowd was evenly split between Benjamin and Mortos, Both men dishing out an impressive display of offense throughout the match. Benjamin suplex Mortos was ridiculous to watch, and the live crowd wanted more. Benjamin, after the match, obliged the live crowd. Again, I will never complain about seeing either man on television, but it was disappointing for Mortos to lose in the C2 yet again. Daniel Garcia and Mark Briscoe came to make the save, but their efforts were futile.
RJ City Interviews Toni Storm Who is just so absolutely giddy with excitement to be part of the all elite wrestling roster! She can’t wait to face the likes of Thunder Rosa, Dr Britt Baker, and even Mariah May. When asked about her previous three time Women’s Championship record, she Shrugged it off as something to Aspire to.\
Storm, by far, is the most charismatic and versatile actress in professional wrestling. Her gimmick continues to stay on point yet evolves so methodically with artistic finesse.
Darby Allin defeated Will Ospreay – Match of the Year Candidate
Point 1: Perfect outcome.
Point 2: This is a Match of the Year Candidate.
Point 3: The sort of match which drew fans to AEW four years ago.
This is a match where you have to see it to believe it. words can only do so much to describe the level of smooth movements, counters, reversals in which you both men try to outmaneuver the other. The things the two of them did together were indescribable and can only be witnessed. I’m not sure how they pulled some of these chain reversals off but they did it with such precision and smooth transition. but more than trying to counter each other Darby constantly putting his body on the line where Ospreay continued to use stronger and stronger, more powerful moves to keep him down and watching Darby return from each one was a work of art.
The chant of “You Killed Darby!” Following a Styles Clash from the ring apron to the floor was appropriate.
12-star match.
The Death Riders (Mox, Yuta, PAC) defeated Jay White, Adam Page, and Orange Cassidy
As expected the Death Riders won after the baby faces could not get their act together. The constant bickering and fighting led to Mox easily rolling up Cassidy for the pinfall victory. Earlier in the match each man was able to take the death rider down a notch or two but ultimately the miscommunication would be their downfall. This was the story of the match, furthering the point that the main eventers of AEW can’t get their act together.
I fully expect Mox to retain the world championship at the Pay-Per-View, leading the AEW roster to need a locker room leader. That leader in 2025 should be one Eddie Kingston.
