This was a great episode of AEW Dynamite, one which focused on building its Dynasty feuds and did so effectively. Much of the in ring action was great, particularly the incredible Ospreay/Claudio match and an excellent 6 man tag. The post match angles were a bit too stale for me with the isame beat down angle used in almost every match, and some elements slightly underwhelmed. But a hot crowd, strong action and consistent strengthening of storyline made this a very entertaining go home show for Dynasty, and a substantial improvement from last week in every way!
Tonight on AEW Dynamite, Will Ospreay takes on Claudio Castagnoli in his last test before Dynasty. The Young Bucks and Okada also battle PAC, Penta and Daniel Garcia. Elsewhere on the card, Mariah May and Deonna Purazzo lock horns and Jon Moxley returns to Dynamite as IGWP Heavyweight Champion.
GREAT Jon Moxley Promo
Jon Moxley felt like a really huge star here as he soaked in the adulation of his first ever IWGP Title Win. A bit of awkwardness here in the middle as he tries to transition to his AEW storyline with The Don Callis family. Once we’re past a bit of word stumbling the great work continues as it began, as Moxley sets up a match with Hobbs next week, showing he is remaining an active AEW Competitor during his NJPW Run
David Sheldon WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
Mercedes Mone promo in which once again almost nothing new is said. The story of who attacked Mercedes is a new wrinkle (my guess is Statlander) but the actual content of the promo is still basic.
GOOD Adam Copeland and Willow Nightingale vs Brody King and Julia Hart
This felt like more of an extended angle than a match, with Willow taken out before the bell and Copeland left to defend for himself. Yet because of the rules this kinda just made it a 1 on 1 match between Adam and Brody. It was a decent enough match, but the psychology for much of it just felt underwhelming given what we were promised. Once Willow did show up it was a basic run to the end, with Julia getting the win over Willow and Mercedes coming out to make the save. A pretty good Brody/Copeland match, but given what we were promised, a bit underwhelming.
Result: Julia Hart by Submission via Hartless
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 3 Stars
Samoa Joe cuts a good pretaped promo talking about how Swerve bottles his opportunities. Well delivered as always from Joe
The Young Bucks entertainingly cut off an FTR video package to run them down ahead of their match on Sunday as well as hype up their trios match tonight.
AMAZING The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada vs PAC, Penta and Daniel Garcia
Absolutely no surprise whatsoever that the 6 guys in ring put out some really great action. Okada and PAC already have clear chemistry while the Bucks gelled really nicely with All 3 in the ring. Lots of stories underlying in here and provided a great taster for the PPV. Plus a great team finisher for The Elite.
Result: Kazuchika Okada by Pinfall via Rainmaker
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 4 Stars
GREAT Jericho and Hook Face To Face
I have made it clear on these reviews that Jericho is in a vortex right now that doesn’t really make for great tv. While I still feel that, judging this segment objectively, I thought it was quite well done. Jericho looked like an arrogant and entitled man, and while the heel turn was rushed, the crowd got behind it and Jericho, when he wants to be, is a good actor.
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 3.5 Stars
Swerve cuts a very good response promo that he promises will lead to the ring later.
AVERAGE Mariah May vs Deonna Purazzo
Another underwhelming Purazzo match that didn’t really help either woman. Too short with a rushed finish, and a bit too slow for my liking. The post match angle worked fine to continue the Dynasty build, but this felt like a match for the sake of a match.
Result: Deonna Purazzo by Pinfall via Roll-Up
GREAT Orange Cassidy vs Shane Taylor
The chemistry these two had far exceeded that of Taylor and Hook last week. Cassidy provides a much better rag doll and his comeback sequences were extremely entertaining. If I’m honest Cassidy should’ve lost here to really sell him being alone, but the post match still did that effectively, and it gives Shane Taylor a good rub. I probably would’ve cut this from the show though and put it on Collision as it felt a bit left field for this weeks show.
Result: Orange Cassidy by Pinfall via Orange Punch
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 3.5 Stars
MUST WATCH Will Ospreay vs Claudio Castagnoli
Water is wet, the sky is blue, Will Ospreay and Claudio had an outstanding match. These things are all to be expected. In all seriousness though, this was a phenomenal physical showcase with incredible innovation, and the crowds insane energy spoke for itself. The post match felt overly familiar but bell to bell the action was simply spectacular.
Result: Will Ospreay by Pinfall via Hidden Blade
David Sheldon WR Star Rating- 4.75 Stars
GREAT Swerve Strickland Promo
Swerve has amazing intensity and prescence and he delivered a strong finale to his earlier pretape. The swerve stop to security on the outside was INSANE and the final brawl was great fun. A good way to end the show.
David Sheldon WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
Overall…
This was a great episode of AEW Dynamite, one which focused on building its Dynasty feuds and did so effectively. Much of the in ring action was great, particularly the incredible Ospreay/Claudio match and an excellent 6 man tag. The post match angles were a bit too stale for me with the isame beat down angle used in almost every match, and some elements slightly underwhelmed. But a hot crowd, strong action and consistent strengthening of storyline made this a very entertaining go home show for Dynasty, and a substantial improvement from last week in every way!
Matches: 0.75/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.5/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Photo Credit: All Elite Wrestling – April 17th 2024
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