AEW Dynamite: Best and Worst - Big mistake with Malakai Black's booking, ex-WWE star returns, Cody Rhodes exercised EVP power to get a title shot?

Tonight's AEW Dynamite didn't turn out to be as intriguing as one would expect a week before the 'Winter is Coming' special episode. However, from a newsworthy standpoint, the show ticked all the boxes.

Not only did we witness the final two competitors from the Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale, but we also saw a surprising return of a former WWE Superstar. Even some of the matches on the show were must-see, regardless of any high stakes involved. Since we've plenty to discuss from this week's episode fallout, let's dive into the positives and negatives.

Plus, the article will be from the reviewer's perspective, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

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#5 Worst: Malakai Black blindsiding Julia Hart on AEW Dynamite

Malakai Black's current booking has become questionable these days, especially since he suffered his first singles loss against Cody Rhodes. His short-term alliance with Andrade El Idolo and FTR didn't do any favors to his sadistic persona but somewhat exposed it.

All Elite Wrestling seems to continue to damage his character even more by now having him pitted in a feud with underutilized talents.

Black surprisingly showed up during The Varsity Blondes interview with Tony Schiavone tonight only to spit black mist in Julia Hart's eyes. It looks like we could be in for an underwhelming feud between Malakai Black and Brian Pillman Jr.

Yes, the latter is immensely talented in the ring, but he's not going to help elevate The House of Black at all. But it is still unknown why AEW seems to have put PAC vs. Malakai Black on hold since that was the initial direction for both men based on their altercation last week.

From kickstarting his run with an undefeated streak to getting involved in meaningless storylines, one may wonder whether or not Black has lost in the shuffle.

#4 Best: Trent making a stunning return to AEW Dynamite tonight

One of the most surprising takeaways from this week's AEW Dynamite was the shocking return of Trent. He came to the aid of Best Friends, who were suffering a massive beatdown at the hands of Superkliq. Earlier, The Young Bucks defeated Rocky Romero and Chuck Taylor in their return match.

With Trent returning to pick up the pieces, it looks like the feud between Superkliq and Best Friends is far from over. The 34-year old star's presence has certainly added a different layer of excitement to the rivalry, which initially appeared to be nothing but filler.

One could expect to see a trios match between the two teams as an endgame to this feud down the road.

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#3 Worst: Cody Rhodes challenging Sammy Guevara for the AEW TNT Championship

Like Malakai Black, Cody Rhodes' booking has also felt shoddy in recent months.

However, The American Nightmare always finds a way to get a spotlight on him, as we witnessed tonight. He confronted Sammy Guevara to reveal that he would be challenging him for the TNT Championship on the Christmas Eve episode of Dynamite.

As exciting as the match seems on paper, there's no denying either that Rhodes didn't do anything special to earn a title opportunity. Yes, he has picked up a few notable victories over Andrade and Malakai Black over the last month. But he has also lost quite often, even more so than Black himself.

It would have been a compelling booking decision if the company had Malakai Black confront The Spanish God tonight. Meanwhile, fans wouldn't mind seeing a rubber match between Rhodes and Andrade since both men have now scored equal wins against one another.

The impending bout between Sammy Guevara and Cody Rhodes will be a complete waste if All Elite Wrestling fails to pull the trigger on the latter's heel turn. A notable question mark is left hanging from tonight's angle.

Is AEW kickstarting a storyline where Rhodes will misuse his power to turn heel? He even hinted at choosing that path as he decided to exit the left tunnel which is for the heels.

#2 Best: Dante Martin back to being a babyface on AEW Dynamite

AEW's Dante Martin eliminating Ricky Starks from Dynamite Diamond Ring Battle Royale came as a feel-good moment for wrestling fans tonight. He stood alongside reigning Diamond ring holder MJF at the end of the match to book a berth against him at Winter is Coming.

The 20-year old star also removed the FTW armband to signal the end of his short alliance with the faction. It initially appeared as though Martin would undergo a significant change in his character after siding with the heels. But it seems more of a ploy now that he has turned one Starks.

It could also lead to Dante Martin and Lio Rush getting back together as they became immensely over with fans in no time.

Moreover, Martin's upcoming match against MJF would be a must-see, knowing that CM Punk could be lurking around to cost his rival the Diamond ring. The company showed faith in Dante Martin tonight, which is a sign that the management is very high on him.

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#1 Best/Worst: Bryan Danielson and John Silver tearing the house down in the main event

The main event of Dynamite this week has caught the most attention of the AEW Universe. Bryan Danielson, en route to the first title opportunity, defeated John Silver to keep to his promise of destroying every member of the Dark Order.

Aside from the predictable outcome, both men produced spine-chilling performances that kept the audience at bated breath for most of the match. Moreover, Danielson's tendency to bring the best in his opponents allowed Silver to show his incredible strength.

Another singles win for the former WWE Superstar means that his winning streak now stands at 13-0.

However, the company might soon halt his momentum and winning streak when Bryan Danielson challenges Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship next week. It would be absurd to see The American Dragon take his first pinfall in All Elite Wrestling.

Unfortunately, this seems to be the only loophole in the storyline between Page and Danielson.