'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Tonight's AEW Dynamite provided all the fallout from last week's Full Gear pay-per-view. It certainly wasn't the best episode, but it was newsworthy as it shed light on some of the upcoming feuds.
The company left no stone unturned in keeping its audience engaged throughout the show. A few high-stakes matches went down, including two massive in-ring debuts from stars of other wrestling promotions.
Given the notable developments that occurred on Wednesday night, we must pick up the negative and positive takeaways from the edition. Since this will be the reviewer's viewpoint, thoughts may likely be contrary to your perspective. That said, feel free to pen down your thoughts in the comments section.
#5 Best/Worst: Kenny Omega officially announces an indefinite hiatus from AEW programming
Ever since Kenny Omega lost his AEW World Championship last week, several reports have surfaced suggesting he has been working with an ongoing injury. PWInsider reported that The Cleaner might undergo shoulder surgery, which could put him out of the in-ring competition for the foreseeable future.
Tonight, Omega officially announced that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus to get some things fixed. Tony Khan's promotion did a formidable job in taking him off the AEW programming.
On a positive note, seeds seem to have been planted for a future rift between The Elite. Kenny Omega asked The Young Bucks to 'hold down the fort,' but Adam Cole initiated taking care of the business.
It is crystal clear that the former NXT Champion will be eyeing to take control of the faction in Omega's absence, which will create dissension with The Cleaner whenever he returns.
Regardless of what happens, his indefinite hiatus is another big blow for AEW, especially after Jon Moxley decided to take time off to deal with alcohol addiction. Both men are All Elite Wrestling's box-office attraction, and the company might find it challenging to fill their spots.
#4 Best: CM Punk confronting MJF on AEW Dynamite
AEW's CM Punk finally seems to be picking up steam as the company is now determined to book him into money feuds. After pulling off a massive victory against Eddie Kingston, The Straight Edge Superstar confronted MJF.
In what seemed like a short and buzzworthy segment, Punk refused to have a handshake with Mr. Friedman, thus leaving All Elite Wrestling's top pillar in humiliation in the ring.
Ever since making his pro wrestling return, fans and even wrestling veterans have been clamoring to see CM Punk feud with someone like MJF. Both men have been touted as one of the best promo-cutters in the business today.
The prospect of seeing the two clash down the road has sent fans into a frenzy. The company played a trump card tonight as the feud between Punk and MJF would bring massive eyeballs to the product.
#3 Worst: The never-ending saga pitting Malakai Black and Andrade El Idolo against Cody Rhodes and PAC
As seen on tonight's Dynamite, the company announced an eight-man tag team match for next Wednesday's show pitting Malakai Black, Andrade, and The FTR against Cody Rhodes, PAC, and the Lucha Brothers.
There doesn't seem to be an issue with AEW continuing the rivalry between FTR and Lucha Brothers. But it felt like an absurd booking decision to prolong the feud between the other four men, especially after their train-wreck of a tag team contest at Full Gear.
Black and Rhodes already had their rubber match a few weeks ago, which is why it doesn't make any sense to rekindle their rivalry. Meanwhile, PAC and Andrade have also fought multiple times. With no stake involved in this tussle, Tony Khan's promotion appears to be wasting the talents of all four of its former WWE stars.
#2 Best: Bryan Danielson teasing a heel turn on AEW Dynamite
Bryan Danielson's heated exchange of words with AEW World Champion Hangman Page caught the attention of wrestling fans this week.
The American Dragon teased a heel turn, considering the provoking promo he cut on Page. Not only did he bring The Cowboy's history with excuses, but he also denied having an immediate championship match against him. All of his gestures were contrary to his current babyface persona.
Fans were initially wondering about the company's idea of booking a feud between the two red-hot babyfaces. But it looks like Danielson may soon undergo a significant character change. We've all seen how the former WWE Champion can level up his game while embracing negative character.
Moreover, Bryan Danielson also received heavy backlash tonight. It wasn't surprising to see him getting booed against a fan favorite like Hangman Page, but it was unusual to see fans cheering for Evil Uno in his match against Danielson. The latter even displayed an aggressive side before he defeated the Dark Order member.
All Elite Wrestling's intent towards building a heel Bryan Danielson might be best for the business. It would be a fitting way possible to pit him against Hangman Page.
#1 Worst: AEW exposing Jay Lethal in his in-ring debut match
As exciting as the TNT title match between Sammy Guevara and Jay Lethal was, there's no denying either that AEW diminished the TNA veteran's credibility by giving him a loss on his first night.
For some reason, fans even knew that the outcome of this match would be underwhelming. Given that Guevara recently won the title, it would have been a shoddy booking if the company had taken the championship away from him this soon.
Jay Lethal is AEW's most recent signing. Tony Khan could have booked him in a much better way. It will be interesting to see how he overcomes this loss and thrives on an incredibly stacked roster.
