Good morning folks! Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without coverage from the holiday edition of Dynamite!
AEW Dynamite 11/27/24 felt like a laid back, chill episode. Some storylines progress while we were also treated to a number of matches for this year’s Continental Classic, favorably known as the C2.
Kicking off the show was a fun bout between Shelton Benjamin and Mark Briscoe. Prior to the start, MVP cut a solid promo putting over Bobby Lashley with his victory over Swerve.
Shelton defeated Briscoe, and I very much enjoyed the match. Benjamin would launch Briscoe with some of the most brutal and devastating German suplexes I may have ever seen. The C2 can be fun, getting matches like these with unpredictable results, but also matches we can sit back and enjoy.
Mercedes Mone Segment with Renee Paquette
Probably one of the less desirable segments, Mone gloating about her win. Thankfully she put over Kris Statlander as the toughest competitor she’s faced… But I think she’s been saying that about every women’s wrestler she’s defeated lately so I can’t take it with too much stock. She pivoted to berate Kamille, who opted to quit the employ of the TBS and NJPW Strong Womens’ Champion before getting fired. Thankfully this will be the end of the really bad booking for Kamille who will come back as the ruthless machine she is.
Chris Jericho defeated Tomohiro Ishii to retain the Ring of Honor World Championship
Not a bad match, but not great either, which is difficult for me to say when a match involves Ishii. Majority of the match the two chopped and slapped each other relentlessly. While it’s certainly something different and I think been done once before when Jericho faced Minoru Suzuki, it might have gone a bit too far when Jericho’s face got busted hard, bleeding from both nose and mouth, and later on the right side of Ishii’s face was completely swollen. A few suplexes here and there followed by kickouts of signature moves from each. Ultimately Jericho pinned Ishii after consecutive Judas Effect strikes.
Not sure where Jericho’s angle is going but Big Bill’s commentary was pretty funny. He should rotate it every-so-often.
In-ring promo where “Hangman” Adam Page was tired of being passed over so he’s going to straight-up challenge for the AEW World Championship. This logically brings out Jay White who asks the same question we all are… if White beats him over and over, how on Earth does Page get a title shot? However, PAC and Yuta rush the ring, attacking both men. It seemed Yuta may have clipped Page a bit too hard in the leg as Page appeared to try and wave them off while rolling to the floor. Mox, Shafir, and Claudio arrive to assert their dominance. Crazy moment where it appears White was about to hit the Blade Runner on Shafir, but was countered into her own submission hold. Mox choked out White who was completely stomped into the ground harder than Yamcha.
I think there needs to be a bit more talk from potential challengers about dethroning Mox. There was zero discussion about the Death Riders trying to hold the company hostage. It was simply “I want a title shot” and no more than that.
Shafir needs to start wrestling. Otherwise, I’m not sure what her role is other than being the tough female component.
Claudio Castagnoli defeated Ricochet in a C2 Tournament match
Another fun one. Say what you want about Ricochet’s flying routines, they astound me every time. Great match, hopefully WWE fans will suspend their disdain for AEW to appreciate getting to see them face each other yet again. Claudio clearly became the aggressor early on, but sold Ricochet’s defensive and offense very well. Ricochet wasn’t willing to allow himself to get counted out, so he rushed in the ring only to get decapitated by a lariat which would make Stan Hansen proud. Once again the strong clothesline earns Claudio a win. Seems this may be his go-to finisher now.
Backstage: Adam Cole, Mike Bennett, and Matt Taven discussed the events at Full Gear and explained Roderick Strong’s absence. Kyle O’Reilly joins them and wants a shot at MJF. Adam Cole still wants revenge. A piano-playing MJF appears and the announcement is made next week there will be a battle royal to determine who gets a shot at MJF, and presumably, the Dynamite Diamond Ring, unless they are finally abandoning this gimmick.
NJPW International Women’s Cup Tournament Match
In another tournament hosted by NJPW with multiple promotions involved, the start of the AEW bracket saw Jamie Hayter defeat Queen Aminata in the first round. Both women looked great and certainly the strongest I have seen Aminata since her debut in AEW. I would not have complained if Aminata got the win, but given they seem to be trying to rebuild Hayter after her long injury, a loss wouldn’t have accomplished much at all.
Mariah May attacks Mina Shirakawa as they tried to announce at Winter is Coming on December 11th, the AEW Women’s Championship will be on the line as Shirakawa will be the challenger.
Seems like the women’s division has rightfully earned more attention and airtime.
Brody King defeated Darby Allin in the main event and in a C2 Tournament match
I kept hearing the Mortal Kombat voice of “fatality” and “brutality” throughout the match. However, perhaps “friendship” was also noted as they shook hands prior to the bell. Darby goes from broke throughout with an offensive I would think does just as much damage, but this is Darby we are talking about after all. King ultimately destroys Darby with a powerbomb-to-piledriver combo. Good grief. Loved this main event match.
Post match Claudio arrives, chair in hand to inflict more damage, but Brody King comes back and protects Darby! Next week will be Brody vs. Claudio in a C2 match!
A fun Thanksgiving Eve episode overall. Even let the kids watch!
