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The first AEW Dynamite episode of 2020 focused on all the right things, as the company builds toward a pretty stacked month in terms of programming.
Jon Moxley and Cody Rhodes carried on the momentum for their respective feuds, and apart from that, AEW also teased some potential dissension between 'Hangman' Adam Page and other key members of The Elite.
Although some of the show's weaknesses are still pretty apparent at this point, you have to give credit to the showrunners for responding to criticism, at least to some extent so far.
Here are a few interesting observations from this year's first episode of AEW Dynamite (January 1st, 2020).
#3: The episode mainly focused on storylines that have been working for AEW so far
Those who have been following AEW Dynamite since its inception are aware of the fact that there is a major divide between the show's top and mid-card storylines.
The Elite vs. The Inner Circle was a major running theme throughout last night's episode, and by leaning back to basics, the show worked in terms of both wrestling and entertainment. Of course, this also meant that factions such as The Nightmare Collective and Dark Order wouldn't have a lot of stake in the episode, and that worked in AEW's favor last night since both of these factions have received mixed criticism for their respective storylines and general portrayal so far.
This goes to show that AEW's diverse programming does work against them during certain shows. The depth and stark contrast between storylines means that every angle has something important going on, and since Dynamite is a 2-hour show, you can't cram everything within that timeframe every week.
That is why AEW made a smart decision by mostly focusing on storylines that have been working in their favor so far. Hopefully that trend continues next week and beyond.
#2: 'Hangman' Adam Page's uncertain future with The Elite may give The Inner Circle a unique opportunity
One of the best parts of last night's AEW Dynamite episode featured 'Hangman' Adam Page's drinking stint taking center stage during the latter half of the show.
Fans of Being The Elite are well aware of the character's recent downward spiral, and the reason behind that was made clear by producers who let us know that Adam Page "has been drinking."
Aside from its obvious comical perspective, this angle could very well branch off into something big in the future.
Page refused to celebrate with other members of The Elite like Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody at the end of the show. Although his allegiances may not be as strong with The Elite as they once were, both parties are on good terms - that is until the character's drinking habit may cause him to take a drastic step that could change everything. Of course, that step would be joining the rival faction - The Inner Circle.
Whatever the outcome may be, this storyline gives Adam Page something else to do from a character standpoint, and that is always a good way to build a certain personality in front of the viewers.
#1: Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho's feud is delaying an obvious outcome for some reason
Apart from the bitter feud between Cody and MJF in AEW, Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho have stepped up to push the show to the next level.
The AEW World Champion wants Jon Moxley to join The Inner Circle, and that is a potential conflict because we know there is no way that Moxley is going to join any faction anytime soon. The character's biggest trait is that he is a lone wolf, and no matter what Jericho throws at him, Moxley won't fall for the bait so easily.
Yet, the showrunners have been delaying this inevitable outcome for some reason, and that would make sense, if both of these mega-stars are set to clash at AEW Revolution which takes place next month on February 29th.
Next week, Moxley will give his definitive answer to Chris Jericho's offer. Although we all know what that answer is going to be, AEW can easily find several creative ways to execute that segment.
Wouldn't it be cool if Moxley would just go on a rampage and destroy the Ford GT that Jericho gifted him this week? We look forward to that possibility and much more next week on AEW Dynamite.
