Welcome to the world of AEW Dynamite, where the action is as intense as ever and the storylines keep us on the edge of our seats. In this recap, we'll dive into the thrilling matches, surprising returns, and the ongoing journey of Will Ospreay, who narrowly avoided a career-ending injury. So, let's get started and break down the key moments from this action-packed episode.
The Aerial Assassin's Redemption
Will Ospreay, the Aerial Assassin, continued his quest to headline Wembley Stadium, and what a journey it has been. In a semifinal match against Mark Davis, Ospreay had a lot to prove, not just in terms of his physical ability but also his mental fortitude. The last time these two faced off, Ospreay's neck injury left him unable to continue, and since then, he's been training under the guidance of Jon Moxley.
This match was a true test of Ospreay's resilience. Despite the interference from the Callis Family, Ospreay showcased his improved mental toughness and, most importantly, didn't break his neck. The finish was a sight to behold, with Ospreay's body stiffening like a board after a piledriver, a testament to his determination. Personally, I think this match was a turning point for Ospreay, proving that he's not just an aerial artist but a well-rounded competitor with a killer instinct.
Interference and Chaos
Now, let's talk about the interference. Oh, boy, was there a lot of it! The main event featured a never-ending stream of interruptions, with factions clashing and the action becoming more about the chaos than the actual match. It was like a Benny Hill sketch, with bodies flying and the referee bumping around. While it added a layer of excitement, it also raised questions about the overbooking and the need for such excessive interference. It's a fine line between creating drama and losing focus on the wrestling itself.
Mercedes Moné's Return
The surprise return of Mercedes Moné as a wild card in the Owen Hart women's tournament was a welcome addition. Moné, the CEO, dominated her opponent, Windsor, and made a strong statement about her alignment upon her return. Her refusal to release the submission hold after the bell was a clear indication that she's still working heel. This return sets up an intriguing redemption tour for Moné, with potential showdowns against Persephone and Thekla, leading to a possible clash at All In.
MJF: The Matador
MJF, the AEW World Champion, defended his title against Rush in an exciting opener. The match featured a unique stipulation, with no count-outs, allowing for more freedom and violence. The highlight was Rush's attempt to pop his shoulder back into place, a moment that had us all cringing. MJF, ever the showman, delivered a tombstone piledriver onto the barricade, a brutal move that ultimately led to his victory.
This match was a showcase of MJF's champion's heart and his ability to adapt. He worked Rush's shoulder, adding an extra layer of strategy to the match. Despite knowing MJF would win, the match was entertaining, with Rush putting up a tough fight. The post-match reaction from MJF, with his theatrics and selling of the submission, was a delightful addition.
The Challenger Lineup
With MJF's victory, the challenger lineup is heating up. Mark Briscoe, Andrade El Idolo, and Kevin Knight have all called their shots, with Briscoe delivering a passionate promo about his journey and the loss of his brother, Jay Briscoe. Andrade, ever confident, crushed local talent, while Knight, now a member of the Callis Family, retained his TNT Championship. MJF, ever the showman, reacted to these challengers by hopping into a cold tub, a unique way to dismiss his opponents.
Dynamite's Other Highlights
- Mark Briscoe defeated Lio Rush in a quick match, with Lio gaining support from the crowd for his unique character and blend of comedy.
- Andrade defeated DK Vandu in a squash match, showcasing his dominance.
- Kevin Knight retained his TNT Championship against Mike Bailey, with Don Callis interfering to help Knight secure the victory.
- The Young Bucks issued a challenge to the Dogs, wanting to prove their dominance in the tag team division.
- Kazuchika Okada focused on regaining the AEW International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita.
- Tommaso Ciampa warned Chris Jericho to stay away from AEW.
Final Thoughts
AEW Dynamite delivered a solid B-grade performance, with banging action, surprises, and some chuckles. Ospreay's match was a standout, showcasing his growth and resilience. MJF and Rush's match was a highlight, with a unique stipulation and a strong performance from both competitors. The interference in the main event was a bit excessive, but it added a layer of chaos to the show. Overall, it was an entertaining episode, and I'm excited to see how the storylines develop, especially with the return of Mercedes Moné and the growing list of challengers for MJF's title.
What were your thoughts on this episode? Did Ospreay's match live up to your expectations? And what about the interference? Let's discuss in the comments!
