The special Dynamite on 34th Street edition is a pre-taped show so everyone can take a well-deserved break for the holidays. But just because it has been taped, doesn’t mean there is any lack of action. Taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the New York crowd is energetic and has no shortage of unique chants.
The show kicks off super-strongly where we see Konosuke Takeshita defeat Orange Cassidy in a Continental Classic bracket match. Very good match, but clearly Takeshita’s dominance was not going to get derailed by Freshly Squeezed. Still, a few moments where Cassidy could have believably scored the upset, as is one of his staples against much larger opponents. Cassidy took the NJPW Champion off his feet with a nice-looking Orange Punch which nearly saw a count-out victory. Lots of counters and reversals which teased the aforementioned upset, but it was not to be.
It appears we are headed towards an Okada/Takeshita clash. I have a crazy theory. Okada intentionally throwing the match just to avoid facing Takeshita. Think about it, we are all expecting Okada to want to fight, but instead, pulls the swerve of the century.
Mascara Dorada defeated Roderick Strong in a C2 Bracket Match
Another good match, a bit disappointing to see Roddy lose again. His demeanor coming into the match appeared somber and forlorn. Roddy looked great, but Dorada’s flashy and dizzying style dazed the Master of the Backbreaker enough for him to score a pinfall.
Promos throughout the night hype up World’s End.
A segment hosted by Renee Paquette with AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter breaks down into a near fight.
MJF defeated Dustin Waller
Short and to the point squash. This led to MJF taking the mic, but before he could speak, the crowd chanted “Happy Hanukkah.” Beautiful. Unfortunately, this was interrupted by “Hangman” Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, and AEW Men’s World Champion, Samoa Joe. All three took turns responding in kind to MJF’s promo from last week. Joe sent out his Dojo students who wound up getting beat up by everyone. Joe then taunts Page and Swerve while MJF positions himself to strike, but is caught. Page and Swerve then lock down MJF with a chain around his neck, delivering some choice words before laying him out.
You almost felt sorry for MJF being trapped like this, especially in front of a New York crowd. Then again, given the grey area in which all of these wrestlers walk, the labeling of heel or babyface goes out the window.
This Four-Way on Saturday night is going to be very interesting.
Bandido defeats Ricochet to win the Dynamite Diamond Ring
Fantastic match. Two fast-paced wrestlers delivered an unpredictable contest. Bandido uses strength early on to overpower Ricochet, until the AEW National Champion resorted to sly tactics in an effort to ground the flier. Late in the match, the Gates of Agony interfered, distracting the ref and helping Ricochet avoid the 21-Plex with a low blow. However, Ricochet got caught by Bandido who trapped him in a roll-up for the three count. A post match brawl was stopped by Big Bad Brody King.
Very cool and honestly unexpected to see Bandido win. He gets a World Title Match in January.
Here’s something interesting though. He’s got a Diamond Ring, and earlier in the night, MJF was seen wearing his. They could leave this alone or follow-up with it. In the past MJF was involved in “defending” it much like a title.
Backstage: Darby Allin is attacked by Gabe Kidd. He announces he is not medically cleared to return to action, but the good news is interrupted by the stalking Kidd. Darby gets thrown down the stairs.
Marina Shafir defeated Mina Shirakawa
Shirakawa, as much as we love her, didn’t stand a chance. She put up a valiant fight, but once she locked in the figure-four, it seemed to ignite an anger in Shafir which resulted in Mina being put to sleep. Post-match, “Timeless” Toni Storm tried to mount a rescue but was leveled instantly. Shafir being featured as an unstoppable menace is long overdue.
Backstage: The Young Bucks confirm they are injured and out for the rest of the year. Kenny Omega says the Elite are still unified as he pursues singles ventures.
Main Event: Jungle Jack Perry defeated PAC
Fantastic closer to the special edition of Dynamite. Perry perfectly plays the role of underdog, constantly fighting back and at times shutting down PAC’s unstoppable strength. Perry gets a mid-match rally with a brainbuster and a Poisonrana. Perry nearly had it won until PAC locked in the Brutalizer. Lots of near submissions, until Perry chomped PAC’s hang, rolled him up for the surprise three-count.
This again highlights one of the most important parts of the Continental Classic, anyone can win.
World’s End largely feels unpredictable. It seems on social media individuals feel this PPV may not deliver, but then again, this was said about Full Gear and some of the other events in 2025, only to be blown away.
With that being said, Happy Chanukah and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
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