Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly AEW Dynamite hits and misses series.
All Elite Wrestling went head-to-head with WWE NXT this week, but only for the second half. Dynamite’s show this week was named “Title Tuesday” even though it only featured the NJPW Strong and TBS Championship defense.
Here’s what went down on the final Dynamite before AEW WrestleDream 2024.
Hit – Hologram vs. Komander on AEW Dynamite
Hologram and Komander delivered the opening match of the night. Both men fired on all cylinders. The fast-paced action featured plenty of near falls. Hologram picked up the win following a spinning slam.
This was a damn good luchador match-up to kick off the show. Both men were bound to botch some moves because they were working at an extremely fast pace. Still, a banger of a match that capped off with Hologram emerging as the winner.
Miss – Talent exchange between Jackal and The Snake
Before Hologram versus Komander took place, Don Callis told Jake Roberts he’d completed a management-to-management exchange. Callis then welcomed Lance Archer to his group. In the ring, RUSH, Beast Mortos and Dralistico attacked Hologram and Komander. Roberts showed up to confirm he’s the new manager of the group.
Man, why do they keep fumbling RUSH by pairing him with factions? The man is as intense on the mic as he’s inside the ring. His match against MJF previously on the June 19 episode of AEW Dynamite should’ve been enough to give him a singles push. I’m not trying to take anything from Roberts here, as he’s a legend of the business. But this new faction wasn’t needed.
Hit – Daniel Garcia is here to stay
Garcia hit the ring for a promo. He said he’d plenty of time to think while he was out with an injury. Garcia thanked Tony Khan for believing in him. He said he’s re-signed with AEW because that’s where the best wrestle. He caps off his promo by saying he’s coming for the gold, and that no champion is safe from him.
A solid promo from Garcia who’s continuing to grow over with the AEW fans. That said, Tony Khan should’ve booked him to go over MJF at All Out 2024. The loss hurt his credibility a bit. Garcia was always going to re-sign with AEW. He’s been loyal to the promotion since day one. Let’s see how they book him as a babyface.
Miss – No. one contender’s match for AEW Women’s Championship
Willow Nightingale, Saraya, Jamie Hayter, and Nyla Rose collided to determine the number one contender to the women’s title. Willow was originally scheduled to face Dr. Britt Baker, but the D.M.D. couldn’t make it due to her health. Harley Cameron provided a lot of distraction. Penelope Ford returned to set up a feud with Jamie Hayter. Willow picked up the win.
This had too many distractions and outside spots made this match an underwhelming match. All competitors spent the majority of the match brawling outside. Harley’s constant interference was annoying. Jamie chasing Penelope made the match stipulation feel meaningless. Harley eating the pin next to Saraya was weird.
Hit – Will Ospreay demands answers from Don Callis
Will Ospreay called out Don Callis to the ring. Osreay asked Callis if he was the one that sent Takeshita his way last week on AEW Dynamite. Callis screams yes. He told Ospreay he was too weak to pull the trigger. Takeshita attacked Ospreay from behind. Fletcher intervened to calm both men down but to no avail.
Ospreay and Callis had a solid verbal exchange. The brawl between Ospreay and Takeshita was good as well. Ricochet got an incredible height with his offense on Takeshita. Kyle Fletcher not wanting to take sides between Ospreay and Takeshita seemed odd because Ospreay, at the end of the day, is his best friend.
Honorable Mentions from AEW Dynamite
- Darby Allin and Brodie King had a promo battle. Allin said King would’ve to kill him to take his spot. Both men brawled before Darby busted open Brodie with a rock. Darby has a death wish but the match will be great, regardless.
- Mercedes Mone and Emi Sakura had a solid title match on AEW Dynamite. It was slow and controlled compared to other Mone matches, which, I guess isn’t a bad thing. Kris Statlander returned post-match to attack both Mone and Kamille. I thought she was a heel.
- Jay White picked up the win in a squash match. White called out Adam Page for what he did to him months ago. Both men will collide in singles action at WrestleDream. Speaking of WrestleDream, Swerve Strickland will make his return this Saturday.
- Bryan Danielson and Wheeler Yuta had an okay tag team match against Claudio Castagnoli and PAC. Danielson brawled with Moxley post match while Castagnoli, PAC and Marina Shafir jumped Yuta. Claudio repeatedly hit Yuta with the ring bell hammer. Danielson returned to save his partner. He did his Yes chants while a fallen Yuta tried to call him for help.
Check up on everything that went down on AEW Dynamite here.
