The countdown is over. Bryan Danielson’s full-time wrestling career is over. The key graphic for this episode of AEW Dynamite sets up high expectations.
Plus, the promise of a new direction, possibly salvation. Nobody is safe. Until Wednesday night, we can only speculate on whether/if there will be a seismic change in the AEW landscape or another false dawn.
Elsewhere on the card, three distinct matches have been made with their own potential. Mercedes Mone takes on Queen Aminata in a match that will again allow the Guinean to showcase her future potential. Shelton Benjamin, a wrestler that many fans felt was stopped in WWE from achieving greatness, makes his in-ring debut against Lio Rush.
Following a stellar performance at WrestleDream, Jay White’s got his eyes set on Christian Cage and revenge for both him and The Bang Bang Gang. If that wasn’t enough, there is the return of Adam Cole.
Post-PPV Dynamites have been inconsistent in carrying the momentum these events have generated this year. Once again, AEW has another opportunity to recapture interest. It all hinges on that one graphic mentioned earlier.
AEW Dynamite Announced Card:
Matches announced:
- Jay White vs. Christian Cage
- Mercedes Mone vs. Queen Aminata
- Shelton Benjamin vs. Lio Rush
Other segments announced:
- Jon Moxley is the New World Champion. Nobody is Safe
- Adam Cole returns
Speculation:
- More WrestleDream fallout: Will Ospreay vs. The Don Callis Family, the wider ramifications of The Blackpool Combat Club “taking over”.
Gamble of the Night (Possibly the Year): Nobody is Safe?
When entertaining the thought experiment of what if Bryan Danielson retained the AEW championship, I reached one conclusion for Jon Moxley and Blackpool Combat Club. If this is another takeover attempt (the second this year, and the second time the BCC has tried to remold AEW in its image), it must learn from its mistakes or risk underdelivering again.
The Corporate Elite takeover failed due to a lack of stakes and threat. The artificial battle for the heart and soul of AEW has been overused.
For this change in the culture to work, there must be a paradigm shift. Or else, it’s just lip service or unfulfilled promises again. WrestleDream ended shockingly by design.
A revolution starts with the old regime being overthrown. It doesn’t stop there. Power must be consolidated.
And, given that AEW is now dominated by heel champions, something different needs to happen. What exactly that is, I’m open to being surprised.
There is the risk that more frequent and excessive violence (although at times, has its splendor) would risk desensitization in the medium term. What is needed is overarching narrative cohesion, logic that builds on history rather than significantly retconning it, stakes, consequences, and fully developed characters with clear motivation and goals.
In many ways a return to the high standards of storytelling of the old AEW – the “feeling”. Whatever we get, to be successful, it’s got to be subject to change.
Banger of the Night: Switchblade vs. Patriarch
Some will ignore the history of this bout that began pre-All In with Cage costing White his Owen Hart Cup match against ‘Hangman’ Adam Page. Defeating Page at WrestleDream with one of the best counters into a finisher I’ve ever seen, the Patriarch is next on White’s list.
Afterward, White’s eyes are on the road to becoming the AEW World Champion. Some might also ignore how The Patriarchy took the AEW Trios Championships from The Bang Bang Gang on Collision.
Undoubtedly, this match will be a banger! With two of the best operators in wrestling today, how could it be any less?
On Sunday, White has shown he can mold his snakish, defensive style of counter-wrestling to suit his babyface persona. It’s satisfying to see a smart babyface block a low blow and set traps to take back momentum.
Placed opposite Cage, one of the most intelligent and efficient mechanics and master of dark arts, there will be fireworks. And it’s hard to call who will win given the shifting landscape.
As a match, this could be a great battle of wits. Maybe the start of something much bigger between the two?
Looking for an AEW Deep Dive?
James has also written a series that takes a deep dive into AEW’s short but impactful history. In part 1, James discussed how AEW changed the wrestling industry (here). In Part 2, James discussed how AEW’s continued existence benefits wrestlers and fans alike (here).
Part 3 has been divided into two articles. One discusses the differences between in-ring action and storytelling (here). The other excellent in-ring action is compensating for wider issues in AEW creative (here). The final part will discuss AEW’s future. Including discussing the problems that AEW faces and questions Tony Khan will have to address. In a bonus article, James evaluates the criticism levelled at the company on social media and podcasters as well as the company’s response (here). In the final upcoming part, James examines how for AEW’s future Tony Khan can compete with WWE beyond just in the ring (here).
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube.
