AEW Dynamite Preview (August 11th, 2021): Chris Jericho faces last labor, popular faction to continue their dominance?

Welcome to this week's preview of AEW Dynamite. It's arguably the most crucial week for the company since its inception. The pace of Wednesday's show will set the bar for the much-anticipated debut episode of Rampage.

The special episodes of AEW Dynamite have given a lot of boost to their product. For the last four weeks, their flagship show has been able to cross the one million mark.

Despite the previous episode being the usual one, it sparked massive discussion over social media. During the show's main event, Malakai Black made a triumphant debut against Cody Rhodes.

Much to everyone's surprise, the American Nightmare teased his retirement after losing the bout.

We'll get to it shortly, but let's talk about what Tony Khan has lined up for this Wednesday. As noted, the company has already announced multiple tag matches on the show, including a first-time IMPACT World Tag Team Championship defense.

That said, let's take a look at what to expect from this week's episode of AEW Dynamite.

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#5 Chris Jericho meets Wardlow as his fourth labor on AEW Dynamite

Chris Jericho will have an uphill task this week as he faces his fourth labor in Wardlow. The bout will see MJF lurking around ringside, possibly as a special enforcer.

As appealing as this labor storyline was initially, it may have gradually lost its pace towards the tail end. Fans were in bated breath, considering how the company brought a deathmatch legend Nick Gage and former WCW star Juventud Guerrera.

However, bringing in another Pinnacle member doesn't maintain the same level of interest among fans.

Wardlow is undoubtedly a great wrestler, especially when we look at his size and ability to dismantle his opponents in the ring. But his bookings don't make him a formidable threat to Chris Jericho, who has recently competed in matches involving barbarity at its peak.

Given what's currently on the table, AEW star Chris Jericho will likely emerge victorious this week.

Regardless, fans can expect a lot of chaos during the match, given that MJF will leave no stone unturned in ending Chris Jericho's hopes then and there.

With AEW All Out fast approaching, one could assume that the company is heading towards a mega match between Chris Jericho and MJF. Tony Khan could make their match official as early as this week.

#4 The Elite will be in action on AEW Dynamite

The upcoming episode of AEW Dynamite will feature another Trios match, featuring The Elite against Dante Martin and Sydal Brothers. It seems more of a filler match on the show. But given how much people love an action-packed and paced contest, this may justify why the company decided to book a Trios match.

Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks have been on a roll since becoming champions of their respective divisions. With their current momentum, it is hard to imagine someone putting them down for good. But this bout could potentially decide the challengers for the Young Bucks.

One could also expect Christian Cage to get involved during or after the match. The bout could unveil a couple of matches for the upcoming All Out event.

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#3 The Good Brothers defend their IMPACT World titles against Dark Order on AEW Dynamite

The Good Brothers will be defending their IMPACT World Tag Team Championships against Evil Uno and Stu Grayson of the Dark Order. This seems to be the most intriguing match on this week's AEW Dynamite. The Dark Order, alongside Hangman Page, lost their opportunity to challenge the AEW World and Tag Team titles.

AEW hasn't utilized the IMPACT Wrestling stars properly on their show, but this will be a game-changer. It would be an utter shock if the Dark Order manages to dethrone the Good Brothers and snatch another championship away from IMPACT Wrestling.

On a positive note, it could boost the confidence of Hangman Page, who recently disbanded himself from the Dark Order. It remains to be seen how the company will unfold this storyline.

#2 What's next for Malakai Black on AEW Dynamite?

House of Black!

AEW star Malakai Black made a triumphant in-ring debut during the Homecoming edition of Dynamite last week. He went on to defeat Cody Rhodes in a squash match. As thrilling as it was to watch their bout, it was the aftermath that caught everyone's attention.

Following the match, Cody Rhodes teased his retirement by delivering an emotional speech. He was about to call it a day, but Malakai Black surfaced to ambush him from behind and end the show on a cliffhanger.

Since Cody Rhodes is expected to take time off from television, the whole angle was swerved as an appropriate way to write him off the television. AEW star Malakai Black will need a fresh feud to maximize his momentum.

At this point, Miro seems to be without an opponent.

The company could look to book a match between him and Malakai Black for the TNT Championship. It could also set the stage for Cody to make his return and seek vengeance.

But this is mere speculation at the moment. The company could even take Malakai Black off television. Having him appear every week may gradually diminish his mystique. His sadistic persona seems to be the best gimmick on the roster right now. Tony Khan could make him a special attraction, similar to WWE's Undertaker back in the day.

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#1 Darby Allin faces Daniel Garcia on AEW Dynamite

Darby Allin will lock horns with Daniel Garcia in a singles bout on AEW Dynamite this week. Both men had already developed beef during their Trios match on the Homecoming edition.

The bout will be nothing short of a steller, given how both men play high-flying maneuvers as their core strength. One must not forget that Sting and the 2.0 (Matt Lee & Jeff Parker) will be present at ringside on behalf of their partners. Fans can expect the WCW Icon to get physically involved if provoked.

As far as the outcome is concerned, Darby Allin is expected to pick up a victory this week.