Grading every match at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam- Dream match delivers, Main event disappoints

Brian Pillman Jr. vs MJF at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

The second match on AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam saw Brian Pillman Jr. immediately take MJF down and club him in the corner before taking the Salt of the Earth down with arm drags and a hip toss. Both men countered each other's moves but MJF hit a huge right hand to destabilize the second generation star.

He continued to wear Brian down but Pillman got two close rollups before MJF continued his punishment of Brian's shoulder and arm. MJF dropped Pillman with a hammerlock suplex for a two-count.

Friedman continued to dismantle Pillman bit by bit, but Pillman stemmed the Dynamite Diamond Ring winner's momentum with a top rope crossbody. He followed it up with an offensive flurry and dropped his opponent with a powerslam for a two-count.

MJF used Julia Hart as a human shield and an enraged Pillman hit a double stomp through the middle rope. Pillman went for a top rope move but MJF caught him in the armbar submission for the win.

Grade: B

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Malakai Black vs Cody Rhodes at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

Malakai Black outwrestled Cody Rhodes to start the match, forcing the American Nightmare to roll outside the ring. Black sat in his signature cross-legged pose, only for Brandi Rhodes to flip him off inside the ring, allowing Cody to attack Malakai from behind.

The Dutchman went to the ramp and delivered a jumping knee to Cody who launched himself from the top rope. The man formerly known as Aleister Black locked Rhodes in a leglock but Cody made it to the bottom rope.

Black continued to wear Cody down with uppercuts and kicks. Black missed a Black Mass attempt but responded with a Meteora. Cody went for a jackknife pin attempt but Black powered out and delivered the Black Mass.

Cody Rhodes rolled out of the ring so Black couldn't go for the cover. Inside the ring, the former AEW TNT Champion worked on his opponent's leg as Black struggled to walk.

Black hit a back elbow but his leg gave way. The EVP of AEW hit a Cody Cutter and followed it up with a Cross Rhodes but Malakai Black kicked out. Cody accidentally knocked Arn Anderson on the ring apron and the distraction allowed Malakai Black to blind Cody with a black substance and roll him up for the win and remain unbeaten in AEW.

Grade: C