5 Biggest news stories from AEW Dynamite (August 12, 2020)

From a Tag Team Appreciation Night to MJF's entertaining "campaign" speech, this week's edition of AEW Dynamite featured many contrasting moments.

I wouldn't necessarily classify this particular episode among AEW's best shows, as it wasn't the most spectacular or newsworthy content we have come to expect from Tony Khan's promotion in recent weeks.

Still, it featured some interesting plot points, which will directly affect future shows in a big way.

What were your thoughts on this episode? How did NXT fare against AEW in terms of quality this week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Here are the five biggest news stories from this week's episode of AEW Dynamite (August 12, 2020).

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#5: Brodie Lee stole Cody's old TNT title to set up a championship match next Saturday

Cody's weekly challenge opponent was Scorpio Sky on last night's AEW Dynamite.

Although a good match, the biggest news story here revolved around Mike Chioda, a legitimate veteran when it comes to refereeing, who was also included in a list of names that were released or furloughed by WWE recently.

After successfully putting down Sky with not one, but two Cross Rhodes for the victory, Brodie Lee appeared on the big TitanTron with the old TNT Championship in his hands.

If you have been watching Pro-Wrestling recently, this might have been an eye-rolling moment for you. We know that the United States title scenario over at WWE RAW included a similar premise a few weeks ago.

Nevertheless, Brodie Lee vs. Cody is set for next Saturday's special edition of AEW Dynamite, and although we know that long-term storytelling isn't the TNT title's primary purpose, it would definitely benefit from one if AEW management wants people to tune back in every week.

Regardless, Mike Chioda's arrival was another good example of AEW providing jobs for several people in the Pro-Wrestling industry.

#4: Jon Moxley crashed MJF's "campaign speech" segment

When it comes to the best heels in the mainstream Pro-Wrestling industry today, Randy Orton has been a part of many big moments this year, but AEW Dynamite has MJF on their side.

Although he doesn't have as many big moments as Randy Orton under his belt, MJF certainly has a swagger of his own, and it's his confidence that has made MJF one of the best heels on AEW Dynamite.

That was apparent during his campaign speech segment this week, and if you're a big MJF fan, Jon Moxley is probably not one of your favorite AEW Superstars at the moment.

I liked how MJF, being a smart heel, sent his people to block the stands when Moxley's entrance theme hit. However, the AEW World Champion came out through the usual entrance stage last night, and MJF got what he deserved.

There are still a few more episodes left to go before AEW All Out, so it will be interesting to see if and when MJF compromises the champion in a significant way before the event.

#3: Kenny Omega & Hangman Page successfully defended their Tag Team Titles against Jurassic Express

Cody's TNT title wasn't the only championship match during this week's AEW Dynamite, as the duo of Kenny Omega and Hangman Page successfully defended their gold against Jurassic Express this week.

AEW rarely showcase a match that is terrible, so I have to say as always, it was a good match. But apart from that, there weren't a lot of notable moments, aside from Marko Stunt being a distracting factor last night.

When the matches are good, and there isn't a lot you can talk about, especially nowadays, it can be a huge problem in the longer run. The stories are what lead up to an in-ring showdown, and putting on exhibition bouts doesn't cater a lot towards a long-term story.

Aside from Britt Baker's entertaining shenanigans, there isn't a whole lot to mention when it comes to the AEW Women's Division. The company has a wealth of talent, and a veteran like Matt Hardy was featured in a segment that wasn't any different than what you would expect him to do in WWE recently.

Similarly, when it comes to Kenny Omega & Hangman Page, the equation and odd chemistry between the both of them is a major driving force behind their popularity, but from a storyline perspective, it's unclear what the ultimate direction for them will be.

#2: AEW's Tag Team Appreciation segment ended with FTR's heel turn

While Hangman Page & Kenny Omega's future as AEW Tag Team Champions may not be quite obvious at the moment, the Tag Team Divison's secondary storyline did pay off in a huge way this week.

AEW's Tag Team Appreciation Night peaked when FTR and The Young Bucks talked about how important tag team wrestling is, and why legendary figures from The Four Horsemen and The Rock ‘N Roll Express are responsible for putting it on the map, to begin with.

Since FTR arrived in AEW, it hasn't been clear whether they operate as heels or babyfaces. Well, AEW made a firm decision this week, and now we definitely know that Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler will wrestle as old-school heels.

Tully Blanchard's promo was the best here, and it was because of him that chaos erupted soon. FTR look up to Tully and Arn as their idols, so Harwood & Wheeler finished what Tully started, and that was beating up both members of The Rock 'N Roll Express when the opportunity presented itself.

Now that a Young Bucks vs. FTR showdown is imminent, AEW did a good job by showcasing how both of these teams derive inspiration from two completely opposite styles of tag team wrestling, and that interesting contrast should be one of the best parts of their future matchup.

#1: Orange Cassidy defeated Chris Jericho through a sloppy finish

After last week's entertaining debate between Orange Cassidy and Chris Jericho, the stakes had never been as higher for their rematch on this week's AEW Dynamite.

As a whole, it was a decent affair, but the finish was quite underwhelming. While it was great to see Orange Cassidy finally cementing himself as a legitimate star by defeating Chris Jericho, the mousetrap combination pinfall looked sloppy.

Not only was this the AEW main event, but Cassidy winning was supposed to be a huge moment as well, and the impact just wasn't the same because of that finish.

As a story, this was well done though. Jericho's character will probably be the angriest AEW Superstar on next week's episode, and we know that a Mike Tyson vs. Chris Jericho bout may happen in the near future.

Should Le Champion redeem himself in AEW before that happens?

Regardless, Mike Chioda's involvement was booked well, and it will be interesting to see where Orange Cassidy goes from this point onwards.