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With AEW Double or Nothing slated to take place at the end of the month, this week's AEW Dynamite led to some significant developments for the upcoming pay-per-view.
In the last two weeks, AEW has consistently delivered newsworthy shows. However, the promotion took a step down in that regard this time around. Still, their latest episode was enjoyable in parts, albeit not without its faults.
How did NXT fare against AEW in terms of quality this week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Here are the five biggest news stories from AEW Dynamite (May 19, 2021).
#5 Sting and Darby Allin earned some retribution against their current rivals in AEW
Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page have kickstarted a feud with Sting and Darby Allin on AEW Dynamite. Allin's TNT Championship reign came to an end last week, and as a result, he was fully focused on feuding with Sky and Page this time around.
Ethan Page and Scorpio Sky addressed Sting and Darby Allin on the latest edition of AEW Dynamite. Soon, the latter duo interrupted this segment. Unfortunately for Sky and Page, Sting and Allin made them retreat during their brawl.
The Dark Order entered the frame and blocked the heel team's exit strategy, but Sky and Page finally found a way to flee the scene.
During the same episode, AEW announced that Sting and Darby Allin would face Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page at Double or Nothing on May 30.
Sting last fought in a cinematic match two months ago. But this time around, the WCW icon will return to in-ring action in front of a live audience.
While this development seemed predictable, thanks to Darby Allin's TNT title loss, the tag team match at Double or Nothing is expected to be an entertaining clash.
#4 Miro's Double or Nothing challenger threatened him on AEW Dynamite
Miro's AEW TNT Championship win was inevitable, although it took a while for him to get to that point. His well-deserved win has prompted many to ask — what's in store for Miro's TNT title reign?
The Best Man addressed his triumph over Darby Allin in a promo during this week's AEW Dynamite:
“Darby Allin you disrespected me," Miro said. "It’s okay, I forgive you. I’m a reasonable man. All you have to do is go home. Make another one of your gritty student videos.”
Miro revealed that he will defend the TNT title on next week's show. However, Lance Archer has plans for him at Double or Nothing. The MurderHawk Monster and Jake Roberts walked out as the former promised a monstrous clash between himself and Miro at the upcoming pay-per-view.
As for next week's show, the current TNT Champion will face Top Flight's 20-year-old star, Dante Martin. Although the result of their bout seems extremely predictable, AEW should focus more on the buildup for Lance Archer and Miro's imminent title match.
With all due respect to Dante Martin, who may have a bright future in AEW, Miro will most likely obliterate him in the ring next week.
#3 Anthony Ogogo brutalized his AEW Dynamite opponent in front of Cody Rhodes
AEW has fully capitalized on Anthony Ogogo's credentials as an Olympic medalist. This week, he fought Austin Gunn, a member of Cody Rhodes' faction, ahead of AEW Double or Nothing.
Although Gunn unloaded some early offense, he quickly went down after a gut punch by Ogogo. The former professional boxer followed this up with another gut punch. As the babyface bled from his mouth, Ogogo executed a devastating shot to the jaw, which soon prompted the referee to call for the bell.
AEW can often overplay their hand when it comes to the usage of blood. However, in this case, it helped portray Ogogo as a highly dominant athlete. Now that they have built him up as a force to be reckoned with, Cody Rhodes vs. Anthony Ogogo should be an intriguing battle at Double or Nothing.
One major aspect of this feud has bothered many fans, which is that it suddenly turned from a war between factions to a war between countries. The latter scenario has played out many times throughout history, and it may not be the most interesting approach towards a feud in 2021.
#2 The Inner Circle accepted The Pinnacle's Stadium Stampede challenge for AEW Double or Nothing
During this week's AEW Dynamite, The Pinnacle and The Inner Circle's members cut separate promos.
The Pinnacle's dinner segment featured a message for The Inner Circle. However, this message was overshadowed by some amusing scenes with Wardlow, Shawn Spears, and Tully Blanchard.
Meanwhile, The Inner Circle's members took a more emotional approach to their war against MJF's faction. As expected, Chris Jericho and his allies accepted The Pinnacle's Stadium Stampede challenge for AEW Double or Nothing.
According to the stipulation, The Inner Circle would have to disband if they lose at the upcoming pay-per-view. Jericho considered the consequences and sent a threatening message to the opposition:
"If we can’t beat The Pinnacle after all we’ve been through, then we don’t deserve to be together anymore," Jericho said. "But that won’t happen. Because we told you. We warned you. You’re going to have to kill us to beat us and we’re still alive. At Stadium Stampede, The Inner Circle is coming for you. Hell is coming for you Pinnacle! May 30th, Double or Nothing, we’re gonna dance all over your face and pi** all over your grave!”
Last year's Stadium Stampede set a high bar for cinematic matches. It will be interesting to see if The Pinnacle and The Inner Circle's Stadium Stampede contest can live up to that standard this year.
Do you think MJF and Chris Jericho's factions can top the intensity of their Blood and Guts fight at AEW Double or Nothing 2021?
#1 Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston will receive major title opportunities at AEW Double or Nothing
The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) and Varsity Blonds' (Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman, Jr.) AEW Tag Team Championship match was featured as the main event of this week's AEW Dynamite.
Varsity Blonds hyped up the main event with an effective promo that highlighted their connection to The Young Bucks. Although Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr. were the clear underdogs heading into this bout, Matt and Nick Jackson only retained the tag team titles through some shenanigans.
Resorting to cheap tricks does fit The Young Bucks' current personas. However, AEW Dynamite featured a lot of distractions this week. As a result, referee incompetence became a recurring low point from this episode.
After The Young Bucks secured a victory, their celebration was cut short by Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston's appearances. Moxley and Kingston had defeated The Acclaimed (Max Caster and Anthony Bowens) earlier in the night, and they became top contenders for the tag team titles after the main event.
The babyface duo overwhelmed Matt and Nick Jackson in the ring. They also stole expensive sneakers off The Young Bucks at the end of the episode. For a duo that wanted to make a fashion statement, it's safe to say that they will seek retribution against Moxley and Kingston next week.
At AEW Double or Nothing, Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston will face The Young Bucks for the tag team titles. What are your thoughts on Moxley and Kingston's chances of possibly becoming new champions?
The upcoming go-home episode of AEW Dynamite before Double or Nothing will air on a Friday next week. You can read about the initial announcements for the go-home show HERE.
In the video embedded above, do check out Sportskeeda Wrestling's 'The Debrief,' where Jose G and Rico El Glorioso review the latest AEW Dynamite and NXT episodes.
