Following an opening video package hyping up the AEW Dynamite 1/17 show, the first of three championship matches kick off this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite. Christian Cage retains the TNT Championship against Dustin Rhodes. Of course, no one expected Dustin to win the belt, but the longer the match went, and the more Dustin seemed to outmaneuver Cage, there was an air of believability he could win. Gotta hand it to two older wrestlers, they can still put on as good a match as anyone.
Christian did hit a spear on Rhodes, followed by two Killswitch drivers for the win.
Rhodes easily gains fan support while in contrast Christian Cage easily pisses off a crowd just by showing his face. I’ve said it before but this might just be the best heel version he’s ever done.
Orange Cassidy & Trent Barreta defeated Komander & Penta El Zero M
Fun and fantastic. Healthy mix of fast paced action and more methodical wrestling whenever Trent was in the ring. Very noticeable to see Trent take a more aggressive stance. Not sure if this will lead to the heel turn fans are expecting, but I like it. Also liked Trent hitting the Strong Zero for the pinfall.
Can’t explain it, but I feel great when Trent wins. Dude deserves them.
After the match Undisputed Kingdom came to the ring, Roderick Strong playing mind-games with OC, taunting him for a match. While OC was willing to give him a title show right then and there, he balked, saving it for Revolution.
Never could imagine Roddy getting such major heat from the crowd. Good for him.
Tribute to Jay Briscoe.
Yep. I cried. Everyone had to cry. If you didn’t cry then you need some sort of professional help. I can’t recall the last time I listened to an entire arena go silent. It was chilling and even added to the intense sadness Mark was expressing. He brought out his nieces, Jay’s children, that they are still recovering but still have more to go.
The tribute package video which aired afterwards was amazing. Kudos to the AEW team.
Interview with Corporate Bucks… Or whatever they’ll be calling themselves
Welp, if the intent was to set social media on fire and trigger more tribalism among the IWC… Mission accomplished. Matt… I mean, Matthew pretty much took shots at multiple people with some clear references, before pivoting to respecting Sting but ultimately wanted to take being EVPs more seriously and to keep AEW what it should be without the old guard.
Things are definitely taking a turn.
Bullet Club Gold defeated Mogul Embassy to win the Ring of Honor Six Man Tag Team Championships
Wow. I had a feeling the BCGold could win, but wasn’t sure they would pull the trigger on it. It seems as though with The Acclaimed as AEW Trios and now BCGold with their own set, things could get interesting. Keep in mind Undisputed Kingdom might want a go at some trios titles, for all we know they could go after both Acclaimed and BCGold.
The live crowd was hot for this one. To be completely fair, Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun look like menaces. Brian Cage added in becomes the big man who seems like the unstoppable Juggernaut. Hopefully the loss of the ROH Six-Man titles doesn’t impact their stable.
Video package featuring Sting and Darby Allin, doing some storytelling which leads to wanting one run for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
Hear me out. Before Revolution they somehow defeat Ricky Starks and Big Bill, only to then drop the championships to the Jacksons.
Boy, will that make a lot of people angry. Which just might be what their plan is.
Deonna Purrazzo defeated Anna Jay
I wasn’t a fan of Jay being handed another loss right after failing to win the TBS Championship last week. However, Jay putting Purrazzo over emphasizes how much of a threat Deonna will eventually become. I hope Purrazzo isn’t rushed straight to a title match come March, but a slower build to another big event. Even though we have six weeks until the PPV, I feel like rushing her to a title bout might do more harm than good.
As always, “Timeless” Toni Storm is hysterical on commentary. Her “mistaking” Ian Riccaboni as Tony Schiavone was insane. Gotta love it. Don’t forget the post match crazy talk and flying shoooooooes!
Private Party defeated Top Flight
With no one getting hurt or injured. Fun match, and surprisingly fewer rushed spot moments one would have expected. Which is a good thing. While both teams are known for their high flying antics, they can also keep it on the mat and perform just as well there too. Enjoyable match.
Main Event of AEW Dynamite 1/17: Samoa Joe retains the AEW World Championship against Hook
For a match with a predictable outcome, the live crowd was el fuego for it. I got caught up with the intense brutality. While Hook tried to gain an early advantage, Joe tossed him all over the place, including a horrific powerbomb through the announce table. Joe gloated throughout the match, as Hook could not get an offensive in whatsoever. Joe crushed Hook with the Muscle Buster to which Hook kicked out at ONE!?
BOOM! Live crowd erupted. Hook gets a short rally with flying clotheslines and even a bigtime overhead suplex. But alas, it was not enough as Joe countered the Redrum into the Clutch Choke and out goes the challenger.
Even after the match, Hook taunted Joe, earning himself a second Muscle Buster. Seems Hook wasn’t done, but before Joe could deliver a third, “Hangman” Adam Page rushed the ring for the save. As Joe leaves triumphant, we also see Swerve Strickland with Prince Nana in the crowd.
The main event felt big. From underdog Hook to the ongoing build between Hangman, Swerve, and Joe, tonight’s Dynamite fired on all cylinders.
AEW Dynamite 1/17 is now streaming on the TBS app.
