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With around ten days to go until the Double or Nothing pay-per-view, this week's episode of AEW Dynamite saw many matches finalized ahead of the show. With several bouts expected to take place at the event, there were quite a few storylines that needed final touches, and this week's event delivered exactly that.
While some parts of the show were great, certain portions left a lot to be desired. As it sometimes happens with AEW before one of their pay-per-views, this week's Dynamite felt like it was the calm before the storm.
In ten days at Double or Nothing, a lot is set to take place and the latest edition of AEW's weekly show felt like a filler episode in some way.
There were quite a few aspects to this week's episode that didn't work as they should have. The following are the best and worst points from this week's episode of AEW Dynamite.
#1 Best: Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston look indomitable on AEW Dynamite
AEW Dynamite saw Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston continue their journey as a tag team this week. The two seem stronger than ever and defeating The Acclaimed only added to their appearance.
Not only did they beat the young tag team, but they also taught them a thorough lesson. The Acclaimed came into the AEW Dynamite match with a lot of arrogance. Moxley, in particular, looked like there was nothing that could stop him. He took on both wrestlers at different points of the match, dominating the clash altogether.
The chemistry between the two wrestlers was also unquestionable as they pushed each other to do better in the ring. The duo could turn out to be one of the strongest forces in the AEW tag team division.
Moxley and Kingston could be the team to take the titles from The Young Bucks at Double or Nothing.
#1 Worst: Commentary to begin AEW Dynamite
The first few minutes of AEW Dynamite saw Christian Cage face Matt Sydal. The two stars are both set to face each other and a few others in the Casino Battle Royale Match at Double Or Nothing.
The match will be a big one as the winner will get a shot at the AEW Championship in the future.
However, while the opening bout was going on in the ring, the commentary seemed intent only on selling the Battle Royale at Double or Nothing.
The commentary team obviously needs to sell the upcoming pay-per-view, but when the opening match of a show features Matt Sydal and Christian, the focus also needs to center on what's going on in the ring.
It seemed like they were almost ignoring the match that was taking place in front of them. It took away from the bout itself, as it felt like the commentators were indifferent.
The match itself was an entertaining one, with Christian and Sydal bringing a lot of in-ring psychology to their clash on AEW Dynamite.
#2 Best: AEW Dynamite's main event delivered
In a rather lukewarm episode of AEW Dynamite, the main event did a good job at building the tag team division. The Varsity Blonds may have lost the bout, but their reputation improved by the time the show was over.
Originally, the expectation was that The Young Bucks would destroy Garrison and Pillman Jr. but this proved to not be true. Instead, they took everyone by surprise with their performance and showed exactly what the duo is capable of.
They were even protected in their loss as The Young Bucks had to use underhand tactics to get the win. Matt and Nick Jackson were the perfect heels and played their part in putting over The Varsity Blonds.
The brawl between the Bucks and the team of Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston, however, stole the show.
Moxley and Kingston are by far the best part of AEW at the moment and it was proved again. After the match, the two stars choked out The Young Bucks and then showcased their signature sense of humor by stealing their shoes.
Matt and Nick Jackson won't be taking that well, and next week Callis will be sure to address the situation. It was the perfect way to end this week's AEW Dynamite.
#2 Worst: Cody Rhodes' storyline with Anthony Ogogo on AEW Dynamite
Cody Rhodes is set to face Anthony Ogogo at Double or Nothing. But before that on AEW Dynamite, Ogogo got to show off his abilities in the ring.
AEW has booked the former professional boxer strongly, with punches from him taking out his opponents easily. Ogogo's match on this week's AEW Dynamite saw his opponent, Austin Gunn, literally bleed out of his mouth after two shots to his mid-section. The gimmick has long-term issues of its own as it's unclear how long he can be shown to be that powerful.
However, the biggest detractor from AEW Dynamite this week was Cody Rhodes' storyline heading into Double or Nothing.
Last week, Cody suddenly became extremely patriotic and made the match between himself and Ogogo an issue of Britain vs the USA. The storyline is old and played out, appealing to the patriotic senses of the fans to build a show.
Given the fact that Ogogo is part of The Factory, there could be a number of ways to build the event. However, they chose to go down this road, and Rhodes was more concerned with catching the American flag that Ogogo threw than checking in on his bleeding faction member, Austin Gunn.
#3 Best/Worst: AEW Dynamite's build-up to Stadium Stampede
The Pinnacle has just been introduced on AEW Dynamite. The faction is still fresh and is yet to establish its style on the roster.
The MJF-led stable even won their big match against The Inner Circle at AEW Dynamite: Blood and Guts. It looks like things are only looking better for them after each passing week.
The latest episode of Dynamite saw them cut an immense promo backstage where they talked about what defeating The Inner Circle meant to them.
They talked about how they were tired of dealing with Jericho and his crew and wanted to move on to win titles in AEW.
Meanwhile, the Inner Circle came to the AEW Dynamite ring as their very existence was on the line. If they lose at Stadium Stampede, they have to break up. The focus of both teams was very different in the promos, and it helped to build up the hype for the match.
However, there were a few small issues during both promos. During The Inner Circle's promo, Chris Jericho might have oversold how scared he was being thrown off the top of the cage. The Pinnacle's promo kind of lost its flow when Shawn Spears decided to beat up a random waiter.
However, the attention of both factions is on each other and their battle, making it something that can't be missed at the upcoming pay-per-view.
