This week’s AEW Dynamite emanated from the Nutter Center in Dayton, Ohio! The February 1st episode featured a hard-hitting opening contest, Bryan Danielson’s next step towards a potential AEW World Championship Match with MJF, and a No Holds Barred main event for the ages.
Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Adam Page
Grade: B+
The ‘rubber match’ saw a surprise by Moxley, countering the Rear Naked Choke attempted by Adam Page. Despite the clean win, this feud feels FAR from over, as both men were chirping each other well after the match. We could be seeing these two finish this in some sort of gimmick match (ie. steel cage) at AEW Revolution. Moxley bled almost immediately into the match. Jon getting colour has become a weekly punchline….. does it have any impact to be a crimson mask almost every week?
Backstage Promo: Bunny (w/ The Butcher and The Blade) & AEW Women’s World Champion Jamie Hayter
Grade: C
Bunny challenged Jamie Hayter to an Eliminator Match on next week’s Dynamite, but the true focus was Dr. Britt Baker getting a backstage beatdown by Toni Storm and Saraya.
The double face/heel turn has worked wonderfully for all parties in this angle. And the sprinkling of Ruby Soho and Hikaru Shita into the mix adds many potential twists and turns. The AEW Women’s roster has never been deeper.
AEW World Tag Team Champions The Acclaimed (w/ Billy Gunn) vs. Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum
Grade: C-
A squash win by the champs did little to make Anthony Bowens and Max Caster look like the #1 team in the tag division. This could’ve been booked as a simple in-ring promo between The Acclaimed and The Gunns. Austin and Colten demanded a title shot, but The Acclaimed refused… an odd choice for face champs who will usually take on all comers.
The kids cut some very personal insults onto their dad, coaxing Daddy Ass to give them a title shot for next week’s show. Apparently, Billy Gunn now has booking power??
Backstage Promo: Jungle Boy Jack Perry
Grade: C
Jungle Boy declares that the JungleHook experiment is over, and he is focusing on his singles career. Probably for the best, as the pairing felt forced.
Jack Perry’s career arc has really flattened out. Something drastic needs to change, perhaps dropping the Jungle Boy gimmick altogether and adopting a heel gimmick of being the son of a famous actor.
Konosuke Takeshita vs “The Machine” Brian Cage
Grade: B
Takeshita toughed out a massive win against a strong, savvy veteran in Brain Cage. This was a very even match that highlighted both men’s offenses. Takeshita’s popularity continues to grow and the crowd absolutely loves him. Hopefully, he does not get lost in the bloated AEW roster as so many other promising newcomers, ie. Miro, Andrade El Idolo, Malakai Black .
Backstage Promo: Jericho Appreciation Society
Grade: C
It looks like, unfortunately, the Ricky Starks / Chris Jericho feud will live on. Starks will get another shot at the Ocho if he can run the gauntlet of JAS members.
Tough to see how anyone benefits from this booking. Yawn…..
Promo At the Basketball Gym: The Elite
Grade: B-
This was a taped promo off-site as Kenny Omega has finally cleared up his visa issues. The AEW Trios Champions teased their next two matches, vs. Top Flight & AR Fox on AEW Rampage, and against the mish-mash trio of Ethan Page, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy.
Is a feud against the underused House of Black too much to ask for?
The “American Dragon” Bryan Danielson v Timothy Thatcher
Grade: B+
Another win by Bryan Danielson, but the true focus of the match was Timothy Thatcher’s work on The American Dragon’s shoulder. Thatcher dominated the offense throughout, and Bryan looked lucky to get out with a victory and any more damage.
Takeshita cutting off MJF’s potential interference in the match led to a match being booked between the two for the next Dynamite. A rare in-ring TV appearance is coming for the AEW World Champion, and Takeshita continues to get some time in the spotlight!
Danielson now has RUSH cued up for next week’s Dynamite. The string of top-notch matches by Bryan looks like it will remain intact.
TBS Championship: Jade Cargill (c.) v Red Velvet
Grade: C
Three things make a superstar: 1) their look, 2) promos/charisma, and 3) in-ring ability.
Cargill has #1 and #2 on lockdown… But #3? Her ring work has a lot to be desired. Jade is a very good athlete, but she still looks uncomfortable in the ring. She is now 50-0 with her win against Red Velvet, but her improvement from match one to now has been minimal.
Cargill’s strength is, well, her strength. She needs to tailor her entire offense to that asset. There is no need for her to sell, just go in the ring and dominate.
TNT Championship: No Holds Barred – Darby Allin (c.) vs. Samoa Joe (ROH World Television Champion)
Grade: A+
WOW!!! 90% offense from Samoa Joe. 100% awesome. What a violent, brutal, and memorable main event.
The King of Television took the TNT Championship back with a savage domination of Darby Allin. Samoa Joe was busted open early, but unlike when Moxley bleeds, the match was elevated with a bloody Joe. It feels more special to see Joe in that state; He’s not more vulnerable…. he’s more dangerous.
Based on that beatdown, it would not be shocking to see Darby out for a while. And given his recent schedule, the rest is probably needed. Allin takes so many bumps every week. Will he last 10 years in this industry?
Wardlow’s return, post-match, got a pop from the crowd, but not as big as expected. This will be a crucial time for Wardlow. His TNT title run was underwhelming and he lost a lot of momentum. Can he take the next step and become a true main-event player?
Samoa Joe with two belts is a great image. Wrestling is always good with a strong, dominant champion. The TNT Championship is slowly gaining back its relevance.
