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With Full Gear pay-per-view around the corner, AEW is firing on all the cylinders to build a significant match-card heading into the show. This week's Dynamite episode not only added hype to some ongoing storylines but also ended a months-long feud.
Both the world title and TBS title eliminator tournaments continued, which kept fans in Orlando in bated breath. It is interesting to note that the Rhodes brothers featured in the opening and closing matches of the show.
But only one had a night to remember. Given how finishes and angles panned out tonight, it is necessary to discuss the positives and negatives of the episode. If you disagree with any of the opinions mentioned below, pen down your thoughts in the comments section.
#5 Best: MJF destroying Sting to intensify his feud with Darby Allin on AEW Dynamite
There's no doubt that MJF is currently the most hated heel in the pro wrestling business. He may not be in the title picture yet, but every segment he features turns into pure gold. AEW made the right decision tonight by putting the Pinnacle leader in front of a beloved babyface like Sting.
The latter came out this week to provide an update on Darby Allin, who hasn't been seen on television programming since some goons, presumably The Pinnacle, attacked him backstage. Mr. Friedman interrupted the WCW icon and took multiple digs at him, notably blaming him for putting Allin in the same position as Lex Luger in a wheelchair back in the day.
Sting couldn't resist and laid his hands on The Salt of the Earth. But it didn't last long as Shawn Spears and Wardlow came down to the ring to launch an assault on the former WWE Superstar. The aftermath saw MJF cut yet another message to Darby Allin in front of a worn-out Sting.
With Full Gear fast approaching, one can expect to see a match between two of the company's top pillars. There couldn't be a better mid-card rivalry on the show than this one.
#4 Worst: Lance Archer possibly suffers head injury after moonsault botch on AEW Dynamite
It seems like botches have become synonymous with pro wrestling. However, what occurred tonight looked scary and may have given a daunting experience to fans. Lance Archer botched his moonsault in his match against Eddie Kingston on AEW Dynamite.
The Murderhawk Monster gave himself a nasty landing on his head, which caused concern as Doc Sampson checked on him. Fortunately, Archer was able to get back on his feet to finish the match, which saw Kingston roll him up to pick up the victory.
It became clear that this wasn't the original ending to their bout. Had Archer not got himself hurt, fans would have seen him emerge victoriously and face Bryan in the semi-finals of the world title eliminator tournament. Regardless, let's just hope that Lance Archer hasn't suffered any major injury.
#3 Best: CM Punk's next opponent revealed on AEW Dynamite
It doesn't matter if CM Punk is facing underutilized talents or AEW's homegrown stars. The prospect of seeing him wrestle is enough to send fans into a frenzy.
Tonight on Dynamite, Bobby Fish comprehensively defeated Anthony Greene and launched a post-match attack. Surprisingly, CM Punk ran down to the ring to save Greene. The death-staredown between Punk and Fish sold off the segment. Both men will be up against each other on the upcoming episode of Dynamite.
So far, The Straight Edge Superstar has faced young high-flying stars. But Bobby Fish is a different breed, and his unorthodox wrestling style will be an uphill task for CM Punk next week.
#2 Worst: Sammy Guevara putting his title and friendship on the line next week on AEW Dynamite
It feels absurd to see All Elite Wrestling put any of the Inner Circle members to put their friendship on the line now and then. Fans have already witnessed a similar angle that transpired during the feud between Chris Jericho and MJF.
Dan Lambert and Men of the Year laid out a strange challenge to Sammy Guevara this week, notably asking him to put his TNT Championship on the line against Ethan Page. If The Spanish God loses, he would have to leave The Inner Circle forever. As expected, he has accepted the terms and will now face Page next week.
It is interesting to note that if Guevara retains The Inner Circle will get to face The American Top Team and Men of the Year at Full Gear. Isn't it apparent that the match will happen anyway? Moreover, this also spoils the result between Page and Guevara. Had the company only focused on the TNT title match, fans would have been more interested in this storyline moving forward.
#1 Best/Worst: Cody Rhodes finally getting a win over Malakai Black on AEW Dynamite
Cody Rhodes and Malakai Black finished their trilogy tonight on AEW Dynamite. After months of suffering, The American Nightmare finally pinned Black in their storyline.
It was possibly the best match they had of their feud. Both men laid out their entire arsenal on display to such an extent that blood was pouring down from their heads. The cameo roles of Andrade El Idolo, PAC, and Arn Anderson, added another level of intensity to this match.
Cody Rhodes delivered a Double Underhook Tiger Driver 98 in the end to pin his bitter rival tonight. He redeemed himself and finally earned the respect of Arn Anderson. It was the most fitting way to end Rhodes' redemption story.
However, it came at the cost of Malakai Black's first singles loss since his All Elite Wrestling debut. His mini streak of 6-0 came to an abrupt end, which may derail his momentum moving forward.
It is unknown where the former NXT Champion will move on after suffering a loss tonight. Who is he going to blame for his defeat? Fans will find out in the coming weeks.
