This was a rare episode of AEW Dynamite in which the level of storytelling outweighed the match quality. While there were highlights between the ropes (namely Moxley/Harwood and Taven/Cassidy), the most notable thing to come from this episode was some excellent storytelling segments across the show. Almost every segment served to develop or highlight a story, and the Men’s World Title and Tag Title builds I thought were particularly strong. The Wardlow squash didn’t need to be there and the Ospreay/Takeshita build was a tad uninspired, but I enjoyed this show a lot for making me excited to see the upcoming PPV. That was helped by a really electric crowd that raised a lot of segments in their excitement. Overall, a strong episode of weekly TV that did exactly what it was supposed to, keep us strongly on the road to Revolution.
Tonight on AEW Dynamite, Orange Cassidy continues his battle against the Undisputed Kingdom to take on Matt Taven with Texas Death rules. Dax Harwood also battles Jon Moxley, while Matthew and Nicholas Jackson take on Top Flight. Let’s get at it!
AMAZING Jon Moxley vs Dax Harwood
This was Strong Style of the old school NWA variety, with strikes, chops, suplexes and slaps. An incredibly technically strong and entertaining slugfest as you can expect from these two guys, it further proves that Harwood is just as good solo as he is in a team. I could’ve switched to the third gear earlier though to really make this a must watch, as that part felt a touch rushed. The post match was also a little confusingly staged but does further the FTR vs BCC feud which is always fun. A very good opener
Result: Jon Moxley by Submission via Bulldog Choke
David Sheldon WR Star Rating – 4 Stars
Will Ospreay vs Konosuke Takeshita is booked for Revolution. While this was a slightly clunky segment I am beyond excited for the match itself
SQUASH Wardlow vs Barrett Brown
Two moves and you’re done. Not bad, but a bit of a waste of time if I’m being completely honest
Result: Wardlow by Pinfall via Powerbomb
Too Short To Rate
GOOD Adam Copeland vs Daniel Garcia
As an angle, I very much enjoyed how camp this was, with all the players involved doing a very good job. The 12 minute match before it though was a bit underwhelming. A good enough match with some fun sequences, but given the quality of these two talents it didn’t really get going until the end, and even if the work of both guys makes it literally impossible to have anything but a good match, I was craving more. Did it’s job and not much more
Result: No Contest
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 3 Stars
MUST WATCH Samoa Joe Promo- Watch Segment Here
This was a fantastic promo from 3 of the company’s best talkers. Fiery, sensical, and with a SENSATIONAL ending from Samoa Joe. They’ve built this story fantastically and I cannot wait for the Revolution match! A knockout segment
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 4.5 Stars
GREAT The Young Bucks vs Top Flight
I really enjoy this Young Bucks character, and Top Flight are always a great dance partner for them. This was a fun athletic match that showed off all 4 guys, but mainly got over the Bucks cowardice. Nothing spectacular, but a deeply entertaining back and forth
Result- The Young Bucks by Pinfall via EVP Trigger
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 3.5 Stars
AMAZING Young Bucks/Darby Allin Promo
The Bucks and Darby are just amazing foils for each other and I loved this promo from both men. The Bucks are hilarious and I love Darby’s fire. Considering his involvement in the story on social media, I love the incorporation of Brandon Cutler (I don’t think it’s burying anyone when Cutler is presented as a jobber and is playing a cheerleader for the EVP’s online. Sets up Revolution well, and I actually think they’re building this brilliantly.
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 4.25 Stars
Bang Bang Scissor Gang want a 12 man tag. This absolutely isn’t lasting but will make a fun match.
GOOD Willow Nightingale vs Skye Blue
An entertaining match between these two women which started strong but cooled as the match went along. Technically proficient and with an ending that makes logical sense and continues to further the Willow/Stokely/Stat story, but a match that I think could’ve been a knockout with more time and more even pacing
Result: Willow Nightingale by Pinfall
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 3.25 Stars
AMAZING Orange Cassidy vs Matt Taven
While I still wish this wasn’t a Texas death match given the connotation and reputation AEW have given that stip, this was still a really fun death match. Lots of great hardcore spots with an enjoyably comedic spin, while still having all the blood and gore you expect (Cassidy doing a Patrick Bateman half blood look was fun. As a match in isolation I have few complaints, I just wish considering the stip AEW had given the match that it could be more justified or built to in terms of story, beyond an excuse for pillage and plunder
Result:Orange Cassidy by Knockout
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 4 Stars
Overall…
This was a rare episode of AEW Dynamite in which the level of storytelling outweighed the match quality. While there were highlights between the ropes (namely Moxley/Harwood and Taven/Cassidy), the most notable thing to come from this episode was some excellent storytelling segments across the show. Almost every segment served to develop or highlight a story, and the Men’s World Title and Tag Title builds I thought were particularly strong. The Wardlow squash didn’t need to be there and the Ospreay/Takeshita build was a tad uninspired, but I enjoyed this show a lot for making me excited to see the upcoming PPV. That was helped by a really electric crowd that raised a lot of segments in their excitement. Overall, a strong episode of weekly TV that did exactly what it was supposed to, keep us strongly on the road to Revolution.
Matches: 0.5/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.5/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 1/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling – February 14th 2024
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
