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AEW certainly made history tonight after delivering a gigantic episode of Dynamite: Grand Slam, emanating from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
The show kickstarted with a dream clash between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega. Fans also saw an aggressive CM Punk coming out to deliver a scathing promo. The women's division was in the full spotlight as Dr. Britt Baker and Ruby Soho slugged it out for the AEW Women's Championship in the main event.
Fans in NYC remained electric throughout the night, thus giving it a pay-per-view feel for everyone watching it on television.
We'll now take an in-depth analysis of the show by picking out the positives and negatives. If you disagree with any opinion discussed below, feel free to pen down your thoughts in the comments section.
#5 Best: Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega ripping each other apart until the time limit draw on AEW Dynamite
One of the biggest takeaways from this week's Dynamite was the opening match between Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega. Those watching the entire bout closely from the arena knew that this was a big fight feel. The roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium came off when both men were standing toe-to-toe.
Both men left no stone unturned in delivering a match of the year contender. Danielson, who was making his in-ring debut tonight, locked Omega in a Labell Lock seconds before the referee called for the bell as no clear winner emerged after 30 minutes. The bout ended in a time-limit draw.
It goes without saying that the company killed two birds with one stone by protecting both men and giving fans a spine-chilling encounter at the same time. Bryan Danielson and Kenny Omega proved why they're amongst the top technically sound wrestlers of this generation.
It left people hungrier and more desperate to see more action from these men. All Elite Wrestling raised the bar for their show by booking two top-tier stars for the opening match.
Fans are wondering when they will get to see a rematch. Will it be for the AEW World Championship? Will there be a clear winner next time? Guess we have to wait to find out what Tony Khan has in store for Danielson and Omega moving forward.
#4 Worst: Humiliating botch from Arn Anderson during the match between Rhodes and Black on AEW Dynamite
Arn Anderson caught social media attention during this week's episode of AEW Dynamite. The WWE legend seemingly interjected himself to distract Malakai Black but accidentally slipped off the ring apron. He then fell off again, which was the planned spot when Cody checked on him.
It was a sight to behold since it felt funny to many people who started making memes out of it later on. Fortunately, Anderson didn't hurt himself. However, the match between Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black felt absurd in a lot of ways. The bout may have gone far too long than expected.
Fans were rooting for Black and booed Rhodes massively, which further questioned the entire storyline playout pitting the good vs. the evil. The finish saw the former NXT Champion spitting black mist into Rhodes' eyes, thus pinning him for the second time.
Given the reaction from fans, the company could have booked a double turn from both these men, especially for Cody Rhodes' character.
#3 Best: Sting delivering another jaw-dropping performance
Sting has once again proved why he's the living legend of pro wrestling today. The WCW lcon teamed up with Darby Allin to defeat the FTR in a gruesome match.
It was arguably his best performance since making his in-ring debut this year. The former WWE Superstar showcased the extraordinary maneuvers, which gave goosebumps to anyone watching from ringside.
From a power slam to a top rope flying across the body of his opponents, Sting looked incredibly young while doing so. Aside from this, the whole match-up was exciting to watch. The FTR may have lost yet another match, but they got the spotlight from being in the ring with a high-profile name like Sting.
With their winning record now 4-0, it remains to be seen whether The Icon and Darby Allin will challenge for the AEW Tag Team Championships down the road.
#2 Worst: Booking Dr. Britt Baker and Ruby Soho to close out the show on AEW Dynamite
The main event of this week's Dynamite saw Dr. Britt Baker successfully retain her AEW Women's Championship against Ruby Soho.
The entire bout felt lackluster, especially when the company never planned on having a title change. Moreover, Soho struggled to get going in the match, which saw Baker doing most of the work to carry the pace. Given the build-up to the feud, their blow-off encounter didn't live up to the hype.
Given the incredible opening match between Omega and Bryan, the show didn't close out the way many would have anticipated. Instead of a women's title match, Tony Khan could have placed Sting and Darby Allin against FTR as the main event. It was arguably the second-best match on the show.
#1 Best/Worst: An underwhelming show after Punk's segment
Except for a few matches like Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega, Sting and Darby Allin vs. the FTR, the rest of the matches were underwhelming. Given the way the All Out show panned out, many expected the Grand Slam to be an even bigger hit.
There weren't any shocking swerves or surprising debuts/returns. In fact, the match card for this week's Rampage looks more promising than Dynamite. The company could have swapped some of the matches from Friday night to Wednesday night. Regardless of the ending to the show, it has several positive takes.
All Elite Wrestling held its first wrestling event in New York City in front of the largest crowd ever, as nearly 20,000 people came in at Arthur Ashe Stadium. It was a feel-good moment for their entire roster as the company remains a rising juggernaut in the wrestling business today.
