Dave Meltzer isn’t alone in loving the AEW Dynamite 10/21 episode. It’s funny, in the last three weeks, this and the episode featuring the 30th Anniversary of Chris Jericho in wrestling were two of the best episodes.
Coming off last week’s “average” episode, this show blew the roof off, clearly setting important arcs to be attentive in the days come.
Eddie Kingston. The Mad King. Mic Master.
Damn right he’s mad. During the show we saw some promos, then an in-ring promo on Moxley. I will give Kingston credit where due. He knows how to stab without overtly naming his target. The man radiates passion for his wrestling, and likely real-life persona. This feud has taken a personal turn, with Kingston accusing Moxley of leaving him and others while he went to be a “sports-entertainer” while Kingston and Mox’s friends were left behind. Kingston calls Mox a sellout for pandering to the “big rich guys” while the little guys still fight over crumbs.
Mox had a counter-promo admitting Kingston being right in some ways, but wrong in others. Mox and Kingston both see themselves as more the best-friends, but brothers coming up together in the wrestling industry. However, paths deviated and the chips fell where they did.
Mox cuts a great promo, but wow, Mad King Eddie Kingston is microphone gold.
"I never quit and NOTHING in my life, and I'm not gonna quit on the 7th. You're gonna have to go to a very very dark place…and you know what Jon…I live in that place" – @MadKing1981
WATCH #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama! pic.twitter.com/4pWldjKfZz
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 22, 2020
Wardlow defeated Jungle Boy to advance in the #1 Contender’s Tournament
This may have surprised a lot of people, myself included, but this was a happy surprise. Having “Jungle Jack” Perry advance would have been a typical “underdog story” which wouldn’t have gone far judging by the rest of the competitors and the inevitable story. I may be in the minority, but I’m digging Wardlow. This match didn’t “wow” me but had some solid action between the two. Wardlow F-10ing Jungle Boy twice was insane.
Kenny Omega Cleaned House on Sonny Kiss to advance in the #1 Contender’s Tournament
We’ve got a flashy-dancey new entrance for Kenny Omega. In case you weren’t watching, Justin Roberts read off a ridiculous list of accomplishments (including nods to Dave Meltzer), along with two bikini-clad ladies dancing with brooms is a not-so-subtle hint of things to come. Ring the bell, flying knee to the head, One-Winged Angel, and BOOM this one is over. Omega with some faux respect show towards Kiss, and it’s clear, we’ve got ourselves a Cleaner.
Well…that's one way to do it.@KennyOmegamanX advances to the next round.
WATCH #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama! pic.twitter.com/9WAWThxmAg— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 22, 2020
Rey Fenix defeated Penta El Zero M to advance in the #1 Contender’s Tournament
Good lord. I think a Dynamite Match of the Year Candidate. This is what you get from two wrestling brothers who know and can predict every move they make. There were spots I have never seen before. I couldn’t even describe them. Find the match on a replay on TNT’s website. This is a must-see-it-to-believe-it. The dueling chops were painful to watch, you could hear it during the picture-in-picture. A top tope Spanish Fly was incredible. However, a dangerous reversal on the top turnbuckle with Fenix taking down Penta with a head-scissors appeared to have crashed Fenix on his head. He seemed dazed for a moment as it was clear Aubrey Edwards had concern and advised caution. Fenix, thankfully was able to get back into the bout, easing the fear of a severe injury. Later on, it seemed Penta had victory in-hand following a massive powerbomb, and arm-breaking maneuver. However, as Penta went for the finish, Fenix pulls out an insane counter to which I have no words other than super-spinning-flying-Destroyer Driver, earning the pinfall victory.
Eddie Kingston on commentary, seemed to side with Penta. I wonder if this will hold anything into the future.
DON'T BLINK!
WATCH #AEWDynamite NOW on @TNTDrama! pic.twitter.com/ytPUKeoqtS— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 22, 2020
“Hangman” Adam Page defeated Colt Cabana to advance in the #1 Contender’s Tournament
Not a squash by any means, even though we knew the inevitable outcome. This was a really fun match to watch, and probably the best match Colt had thus far in AEW. The negative was knowing Cabana wasn’t winning, but there were some “holy crap” moments which suspended this belief even for just a moment. The final moments looked a bit off, but the number of counters, fakes, and reversals gave viewers enough pause to wonder how the match would end.
Team TAZ: Taz cuts a promo with Ricky Starks and Brian Cage with some heavy threats of punishment towards Darby Allin and Will Hobbs.
Le Dinner Debonair with Chris Jericho and Maxwell Jacob Friedman
First off, I hope it was a Kosher restaurant.
Second. I laughed my tuchas off. This segment I have no doubt divided the wrestling fans like this year’s elections. I thought it was brilliant, and for those who say “If WWE booked it we would have crapped on it” might be right, but it would have to be done with two individuals who could pull it off. Jericho and MJF are those two.
In typical one-upsmanship, they initially debate over the waitress’ name. Then, in some bout of competitiveness, lower the grade of meat from well-done to bloody bare rare. As they “cut the BS” regarding MJF and the Inner Circle, we learn Jericho will hold a Town Hall with the Inner Circle next week. But wait! Suddenly the bow-tied clad gentlemen break out into “Me and My Shadow” with full on duo performance and dancers in the background. My wife, a music artist and performer herself, stops her work and watches this. She loved it.
This my friends, was genius. This was unexpected and quite entertaining in my opinion. Jericho and MJF are the right duo to pull this off.
Dr. Britt Baker DMD defeated Kilynn King
I have noticed King has been appearing on Dynamite more often. Granted, in a losing effort, but if she’s been on Dynamite it may be a sign of positive things to come. She put on a decent effort, but ultimately was outmatched by Baker.
The Young Bucks defeated Alex Reynolds & John Silver, Private Party, and Butcher & The Blade in a 4-Way Tag Team Contender’s Match
The main event of AEW Dynamite 10/21. It might have appeared a lock for the Bucks to get the win. However it wouldn’t have surprised me if any of the other teams would win, which shows just how damn solid the AEW Tag Team Division is. Some great action throughout the match. It seemed Bucks didn’t see a lot of ring time, perhaps as part of their heelish persona to stay away when possible. However at one point, Nick Jackson turned the dial up to 11 and rampaged all over everyone, something Marc Quen also did at one point.
Scary moment, Quen and Kassidy hit the Tidal Wave/Hardy Party dual top-rope splash/legdrop combo, with Kassidy slightly overshooting and sitting on Reynold’s face. He was legit KO’d for a moment, and had to be brought to a corner to tag out and get him out of the ring. The end saw The Bucks go for the Meltzer Driver, but Nick was cut off by Quen, allowing Kassidy to roll up Matt, who reversed and cleanly picked up the pinfall victory.
The meeting between The Young Bucks and FTR has been brewing even before AEW. Going back to Twitter, social media posts and the indys, a confrontation between FTR and the Bucks has been the fantasy booking talk for a couple of years. Come FULL GEAR, it will be a reality.
