Ranking the top 5 AEW Dynamite special themed shows

#4. AEW Dynamite Homecoming Edition

AEW Dynamite Homecoming Edition

The January 1, 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite was dubbed the Homecoming Edition. The show featured a highly anticipated rematch between Cody Rhodes and Darby Allin, a four-way tie for the AEW Women's Championship and a huge 6-man tag team match in the main event. Inner Circle tried to convince Jon Moxley to join the Inner Circle and MJF laid out the stipulations for Cody Rhodes.

The opening match was between Allin and Cody. Allin wanted to prove he belongs in the same ring as the EVP of AEW after a time limit draw at Fyter Fest. Despite his best attempts, Allin could not win after Cody countered a Coffin Drop into a rollup for a hard fought win. Riho retained her title against Nyla Rose, Britt Baker and Hikaru Shida in a stellar match that showed why AEW needed to put in more effort in their women's division.

@AEWrestling #AEWDynamite ResultsCody w/ new Manager Arn Anderson defeated Darby Allin with a rollup after putting his knees up to counter the Coffin DropRiho defeated Hikaru Shida, Nyla Rose, and Britt Baker to retain her AEW Women's Championship

— Wrestle Cave Network 🐺🚾 (@wrestle_cave) January 2, 2020

After defeating Trent, Jon Moxley continued to tease the Inner Circle as he said he would announce his decision regarding joining the Inner Circle next week. The Inner Circle promised him a Ford GT with a custom license plate as well as co-ownership of Inner Circle LLC. In another major segment, MJF revealed Cody Rhodes would have to defeat Wardlow in a steel cage and get lashed 10 times onn national TV if he wanted to face MJF at AEW Revolution.

MJF’s stipulation in his upcoming match with Cody:1.The match has to be at #AEWRevolution Cody can’t touch him until the PPV 2.Cody has to go one on one with Wardlow in a steel cage!3. Cody has to be whipped by MJF 10 times on TV odd request but oh well

— A-E-W (Dub) (@AEWDUB) January 2, 2020

The main event was a barnburner as Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks took on the Death Triangle. The match was a spectacle from start to finish as Kenny Omega put Ray Fenix away with a One-Winged Angel to pick up the win. After the match, Adam Page didn't join the Elite during their celebrations in the ring, as he did at AEW Full Gear, furthering the story of his deteriorating relationship with the group.

Adam Page just lurking on the stage when Kenny Omega was celebrating with the Young Bucks. I was waiting for him to go to the ring #AEWFullGear

— connor goebel (@goebsy_goebel) November 8, 2020

AEW, after a hot start, had lost a bit of direction and momentum towards the end of 2019. With this episode they bounced right back and set the tone for the rest of the year with a fantastic show from start to finish.