This week's AEW Dynamite featured stars like Sting, Jon Moxley, FTR, Darby Allin, and more, plus a marvelous main event with Kenny Omega taking on the electric El Hijo del Vikingo
This week's episode of AEW Dynamite came to us LIVE from Independence, Missouri, and it looked to keep the momentum going that the company has been slowly building in 2023.
Unfortunately, this one had a lot to live up to, which is mainly due to the incredible hype surrounding the arrival of lucha libre sensation El Hijo del Vikingo, who would face one of the jewels of the promotion in Kenny Omega. So, the AEW faithful had a lot to look forward to and were expecting a big show all around.
This episode was certainly not bad, but it wasn't at the same level as we have seen recently and seemed to work more as a 'maintenance show' than anything earth-shattering.
#1 - The Bucks take a ride to the hospital
The show started off with an ambulance scene in the back, with Hangman Adam Page on his cellphone as The Young Bucks
This turned out to be a running storyline throughout the night, as we are seeing a slow heel turn of sorts from The Blackpool Combat Club. And while they may not go completely villainous, they are certainly acting in an aggressive manner their gimmick suggests. It's been pretty clear for a while now that they are on a collision course with The Elite, and Hangman Page is stuck in the middle of it all.
That would come into play more as The BCC was heavily featured throughout the show. And rightfully so. For far too long, they are an asset that hasn't been fully utilized. So it's nice to see them causing a little bit of mayhem now.
#2 - Orange Cassidy, Darby Allin, and Sting make for quite an interesting trio
The AEW faithful rarely has to have much reason to get excited; their enthusiasm for the company is pretty obvious. But they were given an extra reason to smile on Wednesday night when the three-man team of Darby Allin, Sting, and the International Champion, Orange Cassidy, came out to the squared circle together.
While this was less a match and more of a showcase of talent, the action in the ring was more comical than it was captivating. Sting mimicked Cassidy's nonchalant kicks. He even went as far as lightly 'pounding' his chest to mock his own mannerisms.
So, once again, it was more show than go. and the bout itself was essentially a throwaway. The Stinger and his team pick up an easy but entertaining win over Kip Sabian, The Butcher, and The Blade. Just an old-school feature bout, but a chance for the fan to see the Icon in action, nonetheless.
#3 - It's win or go home for FTR
Let's face it: There aren't a lot of acts who are more popular in All Elite Wrestling right now, than Dax Hsrwood and Cash Wheeler. The team of FTR was supposed to play classic, double-teaming heels, but their penchant for old-school wrestling and upholding tradition has made them fan favorites.
'Favorites' is an understatement. No one on the entire night's program got a louder reaction than they did, other than (rightfully) Sting. They are the face of the franchise in terms of tag team wrestling, despite the fact that The Gunn Club are the Tag Team Champions and The Young Bucks are EVPS
They made a challenge for tag team gold, but The Ass Boys replied that there was no way they were getting a shot. So Wheeler and Harwood offered to leave the promotion for good if they can't defeat the Gunns. The champs accepted. So, just like the currently ongoing NCAA Basketball Tournament, it's going to come down to 'single-elimination' for FTR when these two finally face off.
#4 - Mox and Blackpool Combat Club cause more mayhem in AEW
Mox took on The Dark Order's Stu Grayson in what turned out to be a surprisingly competitive bout. Although the outcome was certainly never in doubt, Grayson got in some awesome offense, including a long-distance 450 splash. It was clearly a showcase for Stu, and The Wild Thing did his best to shine him up really well.
In the end, Moxley reversed a backbreaker into the bulldog headlock and got the win. But what happened next told even more of the story.
Dark Order and BCC have had a lot of issues lately, and The Club took advantage of the post-match situation. They have clearly targeted other factions in the company, and it's been fun to watch thus far. Where the squeaky-clean Bryan Danielson fits into that equation eventually will be interesting to see.
#5 - You will remember the name... El Hijo del Vikingo
If first impressions mean everything, then Vikingo must be a world-beater.
The much-celebrated luchador came into this week's main event with Kenny Omega with a whole lot of hype. And as usual, that was also met with groans from the 'been there, seen that' critics, who assumed this was just another random favorite of Tony Khan. We've seen in the past international unknowns and indy darlings come into featured matches only to fizzle.
El Hijo del Vikingo did not disappoint, however. And despite the fact that he fell to Omega and The One-Winged Angel, he still put on a performance that has the internet buzzing. With the Forbidden Door event looming, expect tuis Emxaicasn megastar to be a part of that event if possible. He dazzled the live crowd and thrilled the viewing audience.
Post-match, the Blackpool Combat Club continued some nefarious tactics, going after Omega post-match like a pack of ravenous dogs. They were run off by Hangman Adam Page, who returned in an ambulance after he accompanied The Young Bucks to the hospital earlier in the evening. The intrigue is growing in this one, as war looms between The Elite and The BCC.
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