If you grew up watching professional wrestling in the ’80s and mid-90s, then AEW Dynamite 6/3/26 was right up your alley. Tons of action, felt like it was one massive hit after another. The Owen Hart Memorial Tournament continues, rivalries continue to intensify, it feels like a massive fight is going to break out at any moment.
These were the staples of WCW and WWF programming and would constantly draw big audiences.
Kicking off hard with MJF retaining the AEW Men’s World Championship against RUSH. Once again, there was no way the championship would change hands. However, RUSH has proven to be insanely over with fans, I would like to believe he should stick around the main event scene more often. Fantastic match, really selling injuries throughout, going as far as to nearly call the match off during a commercial. RUSH clobbers a medic who sells like a cartoon character. Pretty funny.
The shoulder injury proved too much for RUSH, as he passed out to the STF.
MJF wins, but does he really? It seems contenders are coming out of the woodwork to challenge him, as he immediately denies the next threat, Mark Briscoe. While Darby Allin welcomed any and all challengers, MJF feels very differently about defending the championship.
Mark Briscoe defeated “Blackheart” Lio Rush
We go from one Rush to another, as the bizarre Blackheart comes to the ring. They continue the comedy antics which began on Collision where the Conglomeration try valiantly not to gain unwanted attention. Seeing Orange Cassidy being the recipient of comedy is a great twist.
A very fun and well-paced match saw Briscoe gain the win, but also seemed to respect the wild and unpredictable Rush. After the match, Briscoe cut probably one of his best and most impassioned promos ever, highlighting the memory of his brother Jay Briscoe and how difficult it was to go from a tag team wrestler to a singles, both in and out of the ring. He credits AEW for bringing joy in wrestling back to him.
To hype up a potential big Main Event match between Mark Briscoe and Maxwell Jacob Friedman, using personal struggles is not uncommon. However Briscoe has greased the main event title scene a few times already, it would be a big disappointment to see him once again fail to capture a world championship. Then again, to win the championship only to lose it would be equally as heartbreaking.
Thekla came out with Skye Blue and Julia Hart, to cut a scathing promo against her former promotion of Stardom. It seems that personal and professional experience is going to highlight a major inter-promotional feud going towards Forbidden Door.
Andrade defeated DK Vandu
Not much to report here, this was a quick squash match. Andrade reiterated his desire to pursue the world championship however it seems this cannot happen as long as he is with the Don Callis Family due to some contractual agreement between the two parties. Instead, we were introduced to the newest member of the family, Kevin Knight.
Two important things happened in this segment. Once again Andrade’s World Championship aspirations are brushed aside by Don Callis, While Kevin Knight is being touted as a future world champion. The faction seems to be growing at an extremely rapid pace, it would not surprise me if members start leaving regardless of a babyface turn but to pursue better business ventures with other stables.
Knight joining the family is a good move. His independent mic and promo skills are improving, however having an experienced mouthpiece will greatly benefit the future prospects. Lots of wrestlers have been successful when having a manager cut promos on their behalf.
Kevin Knight defeated “Speedball” Mike Bailey
This was an absolutely fantastic match. Back and forth, fast paced. It would have been a real shocker had Mike Bailey defeated Knight for the TNT championship on the same night he is welcomed into the family. That being said, both men absolutely show it out impressively, and I truly hope this will not be the only confrontation between them. Knight gained the win with assistance from Jake Doyle and Don Callis himself interfered.
Backstage: The Dogs and The Young Bucks have words about being contenders for the AEW Men’s Tag Team Championships. Nick pulls out a “What Da Dog Doin’?” which popped the IWC.
Mercedes Mone is the Wild Card and defeats Alex Windsor to advance in the Owen Hart Memorial
This was unexpected for sure. As No Belts Mone returns to action, the live crowd absolutely erupted for her return. It seemed she received more of the babyface crowd reaction than Windsor. A solid back-and-forth match between the ladies, but it was Mone who is now one step closer to becoming a two-time tournament winner. Mone back in the game certainly adds to the drama of potential winners. It is disappointing Windsor did not advance. However, she seems to be a solid backbone and workhorse of the Women’s Division. It is important to note she is the current NJPW Women’ s Strong Champion and this is highlighted on television.
Will Ospreay defeated “Dunkzilla” Mark Davis to advance in the Owen Hart Memorial
Friends turned foes absolutely tore into each other and put on an absolute Stellar wrestling match which should be in the running for Match of the Year. I might be a bit biased because I absolutely mark out for Mark Davis. He hit two gorgeous looking pile drivers, one while Ospreay was lying on the mat, and a second very reminiscent of Chuckie T’s Awful Waffle. Tons of false finishes and completely unbelievable spots. As talented as Will Ospreay may be, Mark Davis has been an absolute standout in the past few months, this is a guy who could potentially be a world champion if this hot streak continues. He is over with the fans regardless of face or heel, is the menacing bruiser who can also keep pace with the likes of Ospreay. The closing minutes of the match were wild. reminded me of mid-to-late 1990s WCW and WWF with brawls between stables, absolute carnage, wild fights all over the place. While it might not be for everyone, it absolutely worked in the main event. Despite losing, Mark Davis is definitely going to continue to be a featured wrestler on a regular basis.
It’s pretty clear Will Ospreay will head to the finals of the tournament, and while it appears that Jon Moxley and the Death Riders have made a babyface turn, facing off against The Opps and the Don Callis Family. However, don’t be surprised if at a major show between Forbidden Door and All In, Ospreay has one more go around to see who is the better man.
