Just days before the highly anticipated WrestleDream pay-per-view, AEW set the stage at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado, with an episode of Dynamite, fine-tuning the major feuds and showcasing the stars set to dazzle on Sunday evening.
Julia Hart aimed to maintain her winning streak and gather momentum as she squared off against Willow Nightingale, setting her sights on a TBS Championship match with Kris Statlander.
Viewers were treated to segments featuring the Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champions MJF and Adam Cole, Darby Allin and Christian Cage, and Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page, all building up to their high-stakes PPV matches. The night’s main event was a thrilling four-way confrontation.
The following matches were announced for the September 27 show:
- Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Matt Jackson vs. Orange Cassidy vs. Austin Gunn
- Willow Nightingale vs. Julia Hart
- Contract Signing: Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland
- Sitdown Interview: Darby Allin and TNT Champion Christian Cage (with Jim Ross)
- MJF and Adam Cole promo
- AEW International Championship: Rey Fenix vs. Jeff Jarrett
AEW International Championship : Rey Fenix vs Jeff Jarrett
Rey Fenix, fresh off a controversial victory over Jon Moxley, defended his AEW International Championship against Jeff Jarrett in a match that fell short of expectations.
The clash was a chaotic blend of differing styles, hinting at a possible knee injury for Fenix and resulting in a less-than-stellar showcase for the new champion.
Fenix managed to retain his title despite the match’s disjointed nature.
Result: Fenix retained the title against Jarrett
Grade C
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Fenix executed a plancha, taking out Jarrett, Lethal, and Dutt before the match.
- The interaction between Referee Aubrey Edwards and Karen Jarrett at ringside added an extra layer to the match.
- Fenix’s potential knee injury was a notable aspect throughout the segment.
Don Callis Family Interview
Don Callis and “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita cut a promo and introduced Sammy Guevara as the newest addition to The Don Callis Family. The segment included a video of Takeshita attacking Kota Ibushi and a warning from Guevara to Chris Jericho, hinting at an upcoming trios match at WrestleDream featuring several wrestling heavyweights.
Though reminiscent of a previous promo on Rampage, this segment didn’t bring anything new to the table.
Grade C+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- Guevara’s declaration of his impending stardom was a highlight.
- The announcement of a match between Wheeler Yuta and Ricky Starks at WrestleDream added excitement.
Blind Eliminator Match: Nick Jackson vs. Brian Cage vs. Claudio Castagnoli
Nick Jackson emerged victorious against Claudio Castagnoli and “The Machine” Brian Cage, earning a shot at Rey Fenix in the upcoming Dynamite Fourth Anniversary broadcast.
Despite initial style clashes, the match came together well, with Jackson and Castagnoli teaming up against Cage and Jackson securing a sneaky win.
This victory sets the stage for a Jackson-Fenix showdown, reigniting a rivalry dating back to Dynamite’s early days.
Result : Jackson triumphed over Cage and Castagnoli
Grade B+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- The unique mix of wrestlers brought an unpredictable element to the match.
- The teamwork between Jackson and Castagnoli against Cage showcased the strategic depth of the match.
- Jackson’s victory over Cage by executing a springboard hurricanrana on Castagnoli was a highlight.
Adam Cole and MJF Promo
Adam Cole revealed a significant injury, marking a pause in his friendship with AEW World Champion MJF. However, the spotlight quickly shifted to “Switchblade” Jay White, who challenged MJF for the AEW World Championship.
MJF’s response and the subsequent development of the MJF-White feud added a dynamic layer to the segment, hinting at exciting confrontations ahead.
Grade
A
Top Moments and Takeaways
- The audience’s reaction to Cole’s injury announcement reflected their investment in the storyline.
- MJF’s declaration of defending the ROH World Tag Team Championships alone and his verbal exchange with White were key moments.
- White’s counter-challenges and insinuations brought an intriguing element to the feud.
Orange Cassidy vs. Matt Jackson vs. Penta El Zero Miedo vs. Austin Gunn
In a battle between representatives of the Lucha Bros, Young Bucks, Gunns, and the team of Orange Cassidy and Hook, Cassidy emerged victorious in a thrilling four-way match.
Cassidy’s win added momentum to his team, although it also raised questions about their chances in the upcoming tag team bout at WrestleDream.
Result : Cassidy outshined Jackson, Penta, and Gunn
Grade B
Top Moments and Takeaways
- The rapid-paced match and Cassidy’s final victory with the Orange Punch were standout moments.
- Gunn’s teasing of moves from WWE Superstars added an interesting layer to the match.
Willow Nightingale vs. Julia Hart
Julia Hart extended her impressive 17-month unbeaten streak with a victory over Willow Nightingale.
The young competitor’s monumental run and the build-up to her TBS Championship match against Kris Statlander at WrestleDream added excitement and anticipation to the storyline.
Result : Hart triumphed over Nightingale
Grade C+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- The emphasis on Hart’s unbeaten streak and her last defeat against Statlander added depth to the narrative.
- The post-match confrontation between Hart and Nightingale and Statlander’s intervention were key highlights.
Contract Signing: Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland
The tension between Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland reached its peak during their contract signing. Strickland’s defiance and Page’s stern response set the stage for their highly anticipated confrontation at WrestleDream.
Page’s signature catchphrases and Strickland’s assurance of victory added intensity to the segment, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the PPV showdown.
Grade B+
Top Moments and Takeaways
- The intense face-off and heated exchanges between Page and Strickland were noteworthy.
- Strickland signing the contract and confidently predicting his win heightened the anticipation for their match.
Darby Allin and Christian Cage Sitdown Interview
Darby Allin and TNT Champion Christian Cage shared a sitdown interview with Jim Ross, discussing their upcoming title match at WrestleDream.
The segment showcased the contrasting characters of the seasoned veteran Christian and the rising star Darby, building tension and anticipation for their clash.
While the interview lacked any major revelations, the intensity between the two competitors was palpable.
Grade B
Top Moments and Takeaways
- The contrasting dynamic between Christian’s veteran status and Darby’s youth and hunger was a focal point.
- The subtle tension and mutual respect between the competitors added depth to the storyline.
Overall Grade
The show aimed to underscore the importance of the upcoming Sunday’s WrestleDream pay-per-view, but it didn’t always hit the mark.
Much of Wednesday’s episode was dedicated to MJF, his ongoing storyline with Adam Cole, and the initiation of his conflict with Jay White. Apart from the developments with Cole, which had a direct impact on the tag team match against The Righteous for the ROH tag titles at the forthcoming event, the segment didn’t seem to significantly influence the PPV.
The segments meant to build the event were decent, albeit not extraordinary, resulting in a WrestleDream lineup that, while looking impressive on paper, seems to be missing the buzz and enthusiasm it rightfully deserves.
Grade: C+
