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AEW Dynamite embarked on a new era tonight as the flagship show premiered on the TBS network. Multiple high-stakes bouts went down that kept the audience engaged throughout the two-hour episode.
The company even ticked off all the boxes from a storyline development perspective. Though the overall episode didn't disappoint, a few swerves probably didn't go well. That said, we'll discuss notable takeaways from the show in the form of positives and negatives.
Since this will be the reviewer's opinion, feel free to pen down your opinion on this week's episode in the comments below.
#5 Best: CM Punk resuming his feud with MJF on AEW Dynamite
The ongoing feud between CM Punk and MJF has revolved primarily around taking shots at WWE, and tonight was no different when the two men engaged in another roaring war of words.
Friedman, who refused to resume his rivalry with Punk last week, paid the price heavily as the latter handed him his first loss of 2022 against Capt. Shawn Dean. Understandably, MJF losing against an underwhelming opponent would build more animosity towards Punk.
Hence, it prompted the Pinnacle leader to lambast Punk, notably drawing comparisons to Roddy Piper and saying that the latter headlined the WrestleMania, but CM Punk couldn't.
In response, the former WWE Superstar made a witty remark, daring Friedman to headline Wrestlemania and get released instantly. Check out below to see what exactly Punk said about MJF:
"And listen pal if you think the grass is greener on the other side, be my guest go ahead leave, main event night 4 of a buy 1 get 1 free extravaganza and then get released faster than you last in the sack," Punk said.
Punk and MJF once again showed their brilliance on the mic. But the company appears to be prolonging the inevitable clash between the two men, which explains why The Salt of the Earth has now put his henchman Wardlow upfront to face his rival next week.
Mr. Mayhem has gained a lot of momentum recently by squashing his opponents. Booking him against Punk would not only elevate his status as a performer, but it would also put a much-needed spotlight on Wardlow's career.
#4 Worst: Jurassic Express dethroning Lucha Bros for the AEW Tag Team Titles
Jurassic Express capturing the AEW World Tag Team Championships surprised everybody since not many people expected the Lucha Bros to lose their titles this early.
Although both teams left no stone unturned in putting on a hard-hitting main event match, having a babyface team dethrone another babyface duo felt like a blunder. Penta and Fenix were steadily picking up steam on weekly programming, and a sudden loss may have halted their momentum.
Even if they were slated to lose their titles, the company could have propelled a heel duo to dethrone them.
It wouldn't be far-fetched to say that Lucha Bros had an underwhelming run with tag titles, and the company could have looked a better way to end their reign, which has now concluded at 123 days. Sadly, their only major feud came against the FTR.
Yet it will be interesting to see how Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus capitalize on their career-changing victory tonight.
#3 Best: A long-term booking for Wardlow is in the works
Wardlow has undeniably become an entertaining act in weekly programming. His squash matches have prompted fans to rally behind his Powerbomb Symphony finishing maneuver.
Tonight, Mr. Mayhem destroyed Anthony Zambrano in no time, thus continuing his hot winning streak on Dynamite. While some may argue that his wins have come against a string of enhancement talents, one cannot deny that he is bound to turn on MJF and The Pinnacle down the road.
If one may recall, Batista turned into a star overnight after turning on Triple H. One may assume that Wardlow is headed in a similar direction and may receive a similar monstrous push in the future.
His upcoming match against CM Punk could be the first step towards propelling him into the main event scene.
#2 Worst: An underwhelming match between Jade Cargill and Ruby Soho
Jade Cargill became the first-ever AEW TBS Women's Champion tonight after defeating Ruby Soho comprehensively. As exciting as it was to see a rising star capture the title, the new champ appeared too 'green.'
Even Ruby Soho couldn't bring the best out of her opponent despite having tons of experience. Both women were visibly throwing phony punches at one another, and the entire match looked underwhelming.
The crowd present at ringside hardly reacted to their maneuvers. One may wonder why Tony Khan didn't book Thunder Rosa into the finals of the TBS tournament? She could have been the perfect choice to capture the coveted title.
#1 Best/Worst: Hangman Page retaining the AEW World Championship
Hangman Page successfully retained his World Championship tonight after defeating Bryan Danielson in an incredibly gruesome encounter. Both men used every possible maneuver from their arsenal and busted each other's heads open. They delivered a pay-per-view-worthy contest and kept fans on the edge of their seats with every close pinfall.
Despite Danielson's immense popularity, Tony Khan still seems laser-focused in pushing Page as the face of the promotion. Hence. the Anxious Millennial Cowboy won arguably the toughest battle of his career.
But on the flip side, Danielson's undefeated streak ended, which felt like the only negative takeaway from this classic bout. It will be interesting to see how the former WWE Superstar recovers from his dreadful loss this week.
