This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite took place in the chilly tundra of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada! The crowd was buzzing for its home-grown stars in Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho, and the two did not disappoint, even in a losing effort for the AEW Trios Titles versus the House of Black.
Lots of fresh new angles took shape, AEW showcased the four pillars of the company, and three titles were defended on the show.
The Pillars Interrupt the Re-Bar Mitzvah
Grade: A
What a fantastic start to the show! MJF was in magnificent form, drawing mega-heat from the Canadian crowd. It’s stunning what he is allowed to get away with on the mic, but that is part of what makes him a generational talent.
We also got the best mic we’ve ever heard from the other ‘members’ of AEW’s Four Pillars. Jungle Boy, Sammy Guevara, and Darby Allin, who were all confident and well-spoken in their respective promos. If these three want to be main event talent, THIS is where they need to grow.
This could be a very intriguing angle if they choose to have all three making overtures for the title.
Blackpool Defeats The Dark Order
Grade: A-
Stu Grayson was the star of the match in his return to AEW, showing off his entire offensive arsenal. We got a little bit of Adam Page v Jon Moxley again, but nothing oversaturated.
The Blackpool Combat Club continues to use heel tactics, delivering a double spike piledriver to Grayson on the outside of the ring. (How does this not put Grayson out of commission for the rest of the match?? This is a pet peeve of AEW matches; big spots that should put someone out, but are merely transitions to the next stage of the match. This really kills the effectiveness and severity of the move.) Wheeler Yuta also used the ring bell on Page to take him out.
This is a great move having the BCC as heels. It gives all three members the license to play dirty and suits the image of the Combat Club so much better.
Jade Cargill Stays Undefeated; Taya Valkyre Debuts!
Match Grade: C; Post-Match Grade: B
A rare squash match on Dynamite, as Jade Cargill made quick work versus a Canadian indy veteran in Nicole Matthews. Thanks for coming out Nicole….here’s your 20 dollars.
Taya Valkyre’s post-match debut is a great addition to the AEW Women’s Division. She makes for a major threat to the TBS Championship. Finally, a badly needed angle for Jade Cargill to develop and grow into.
Ricky Starks Calls Out Juice Robinson
Grade: C-
Ricky still gets caught up in his words when cutting a promo. It just doesn’t feel natural when he’s trying to get an angle over. Until he gets more polished on the mic, he’ll continue to be, at best, a mid-card player. At least this feud has potential… anytime you can talk Bullet Club, interest goes up!
The Debut of QTV
Grade: C+
Hmmmm….a skit spoofing TMZ? That feels very 2015. So we now ‘know’ who broke into Wardlow’s car; this must mean he’s still in the TNT Title scene.
Does the world need more QT Marshall on their televisions? Is this here as a crutch to help Powerhouse Hobb’s still-developing character? Here’s hoping this skit was a one-off and not a recurring bit.
Orange Cassidy Defeats Jeff Jarrett
Grade: C+
It’s not fair to Orange Cassidy that he has to spend valuable TV time selling Jeff Jarrett’s offense. Double J is offensive enough.
But the match itself did a great job of building up Cassidy’s toughness and tenacity. He sold the knee injury incredibly well and looked to be defeated on several occasions, only to pull out the victory. Here’s hoping this finally ends this angle with Jarrett.
We’re also seeing Orange Cassidy have fewer moments when he’s playing it cool and chill. Is his character slowly moving away from his ‘meh’ attitude? Would a more serious Orange get some main-event love?
The Acclaimed Music Video; 2.0 Responds
Grade: D+A new rap video from The Acclaimed showed highlights from a recent autograph signing. The video felt low-budget, but not in a cool, street way, but rather an ‘oh crap, we have 45 minutes before Dynamite and no video for The Acclaimed’ way.
2.0 must be very comfortable with their spot as the job guys for the Jericho Appreciation Society. If they left the group, would they still have employment with a major wrestling promotion?
The Outcasts Send A Message to the Women’s Division
Grade: B-
Toni Storm, Ruby Soho, and Saraya look like they are enjoying being the mega heels of the division, as we heard strong promo work from all three. This positioning gives even more face pops for Jamie Hayter and Dr. Britt Baker. Placing the younger wrestlers (Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale) alongside the two is a great way to give them some TV time and slowly bring them along.
The Women’s division is in the best shape it’s been in a long time. Depth is finally being created and that should result in more TV time.
The House of Black Defeat The Elite and JAS
Grade: A; Post Match Grade: A
This was a main event that truly FELT like a main event. The House of Black were strong throughout the entire match, and Brody King was an absolute beast. Jericho and Omega teased several face-offs throughout the match and also ‘tagged up’ to take out members of the HOB.
Dynamite shows usually don’t have post-main event angles, and having the BCC v Dark Order feud spill out into the ring area was a great way to create chaos at the end. A potential BCC v The Elite is PPV-caliber!
Dynamite Overall Grade: A-
This was a tremendous show from top to bottom with very few low spots. After some less-than-stellar shows before Revolution, Dynamite is set up for a saucy spring season! We still need a feud for MJF; perhaps that challenge comes from one of the Pillars.
