Overall this was one of the more exciting Dynamite’s in quite some time. While this wasn’t Sting’s debut, this was once again a time where it felt like Winter is Coming delivered. The crowd was on fire for quite a bit of this show, especially during both the opener between The Elite and Death Triangle, as well as during anything involving Starks and MJF. The structure felt very solid here too, given the main event delivered, the opener was placed well, and the surprise finish in the Jericho-Andretti match fit perfectly as well. With multiple matches 4 stars or better, it’s hard to take much away from the in ring quality on this card either. Not to mention, Hangman Page, Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, MJF and Ricky Starks all cut entertaining backstage promos that made sense. Oh yeah, for match 5 in the series, the hammer is legal!
It is AEW’s annual Winter is Coming episode of Dynamite, and there is a stacked card on tap including the main event where MJF will defend his AEW World Championship against Ricky Starks.
AMAZING Death Triangle vs. The Elite Match 4:
This is such a pivotal match as if The Elite lose this one their backs are against the wall from here on out. This is another absolute classic between these two sides. While The Elite have their chances to win, the hammer once again comes into play this time on Nick Jackson’s ankle which had been worked on for the entire length of the match. Rey Fenix locks up a Kneebar to pick up the win. After the match, Kenny takes the microphone and suggests that if they are going to use the hammer every time, they might as well just make it legal. The next match in the series will be no disqualification.
Result: Death Triangle by Submission via Kneebar
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 4.00 Stars
MJF Backstage Promo:
This is an outstanding backstage promo from MJF, you can hear the crowd throughout and the whole thing is incredibly well done. It isn’t really a rateable segment but it is awesome.
The Acclaimed Promo:
As The Acclaimed make their entrance they are interrupted by Jeff Jarrett, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh and Jay Lethal. The segment ends with Jeff Jarrett wrapping a guitar around Max Caster’s head. Too short to rate.
GOOD Jungle Boy vs. Brian Cage:
This one was dominated nearly the entire time by Brian Cage. While the crowd was behind Jungle Boy it wasn’t quite as hot as some of the earlier segments. Despite a valiant effort from Cage, Jungle Boy is able to pick up the win via Rollup. After the match, Jungle Boy calls out Big Bill and is interrupted by Stokely Hathaway. Big Bill and Lee Moriarty then run down to attack Jungle Boy but they are interrupted by Hook who helps Jungle Boy to his feet as the ring clears.
Result: Jungle Boy by Pinfall via Rollup
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
SQUASH The House of Black vs. The Factory:
This was a total Squash, and probably a deserved one considering it was The House of Black’s big and triumphant return to the ring.
Result: House of Black by Pinfall via Black Mass
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – SQUASH
GREAT Chris Jericho vs. Action Andretti:
Very quickly the crowd gets behind this kid with, “let’s go jobber,” chants and then this turns into a real match. After a long grueling match that the crowd got incredibly into throughout. Action Andretti is able to pull the upset, clean in the middle of the ring, on the great Chris Jericho. The crowd is in absolute stitches at the result as Andretti celebrates outside the ring. This very much had 1-2-3 Kid vibes for sure.
Result: Action Andretti by Pinfall via Standing Shooting Star Press
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
GOOD Tay Melo vs. Ruby Soho:
The crowd is super excited to have Ruby Soho back and Tay Melo gets the proper boo’s that come with her entrance before this match starts. After a very stiff match between these two Ruby is able to pick up the win in her return match with Destination Unknown. Afterwards Anna Jay runs in and attacks Ruby immediately and it looks like we will see that match sooner than later as well.
Result: Ruby Soho by Pinfall via Destination Unknown
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
AMAZING MJF vs. Ricky Starks, AEW World Championship Match:
The crowd is absolutely in love with Starks and firmly behind him throughout this match. He mounts so much offense and even hits what looks like could be the match deciding spear but it is not to be. MJF is of course able to cheat his way to victory and retain his title in his first defense with a low blow. After the match Bryan Danielson is there to confront MJF, who hightails it out of the arena as Bryan stands tall with Ricky Starks in the ring to end the show.
Result: MJF by Pinfall via Low Blow
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 4.25 Stars
Overall: Overall this was one of the more exciting Dynamite’s in quite some time. While this wasn’t Sting’s debut, this was once again a time where it felt like Winter is Coming delivered. The crowd was on fire for quite a bit of this show, especially during both the opener between The Elite and Death Triangle, as well as during anything involving Ricky Starks and MJF. The structure felt very solid here too, given the main event delivered, the opener was placed well, and the surprise finish in the Jericho-Andretti match fit perfectly too. With multiple matches 4 stars or better, it’s hard to take much away from the in ring quality on this card either. Not to mention, Hangman Page, Chris Jericho, Jon Moxley, MJF and Ricky Starks all cut entertaining backstage promos that made sense. Oh yeah, for match 5 in the Elite-Death Triangle series, the hammer is legal!
Matches: 0.75/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.75/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.75/5 Stars
Photo Credit: AEW
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
