Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay will go face-to-face on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
United by their common enemies The Don Callis Family, Omega and Ospreay will hash things out in the ring tonight from Knoxville, Tennessee.
The issues between Cope and The Death Riders will continue on tonight’s program, as Cope goes one-on-one with PAC.
The AEW Tag Team titles will be on the line with Private Party’s Brother Zay and Marq Quen defending against The Hurt Syndicate’s Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin.
Julia Hart will take on Jamie Hayter in a rematch from the New Year’s Day Dynamite Fight for the Fallen.
After making his surprise return on last week’s Dynamite, Samoa Joe will have his first professional wrestling match since last July on tonight’s episode as he faces Nick Wayne of The Patriarchy.
Ricky Morton and Robert Gibson of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Express have done local media to promote tonight’s show and will be at the building for a meet and greet this evening, and could also appear on the live simulcast on TBS and Max.
AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Taz, who throw it to Tony Schiavone in the ring for our opening face-off, as he introduces Will Ospreay & Kenny Omega to the ring respectively, both getting loud ovations. Omega has his Battle Cry theme this week.
Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay Face-To-Face
Schiavone said it’s an honor to be in the ring with two of the all-time greats and gives the floor to Ospreay, who said he’s thankful Omega is here and not dead. They’re used to throwing fists at each other, but he’s no longer with the Don Callis Family and said Omega came back at a really bad time. Jon Moxley has the AEW World Title and that’s something he wants, but he can’t shake the Don Callis Family, he can’t do it on his own. Omega takes the mic away and tells Ospreay to stop. Omega said Ospreay didn’t remember the last time they faced each other in a ring, so Omega reminds him it was Forbidden Door, where Ospreay nearly broke his neck and stabbed him in the head with a screwdriver, the same screwdriver Don Callis used months before. Omega said what makes him better than Callis, it’s because Ospreay was trying to prove he was the best and better than Omega, something he doesn’t believe then and now. It took diverticulitus and Omega being out for a year for people to realize who Will Ospreay was, but now that #1 is back, Ospreay can go back to being #2, as he will never trust or help someone like Ospreay. Things get intense, as Ospreay got into Omega’s face when Don Callis’ music hits and he walks out on stage.
Callis called them prima donnas, when Omega bolts up the ramp and gets attacked immediately by Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher. Ospreay debates helping initially, but heads out and fights Fletcher to the ring where he tried a snap hurricanrana, Fletcher caught him, but Ospreay turned it into a handspring corkscrew kick. Takeshita attacks from behind, but gets dropped with a Snap Dragon. Omega gets the crowd going, tries a Terminator Dive, but eats a Fletcher thrust kick. Fletcher boots Ospreay over the barricade into the fans, as Fletcher leapt off a chair onto him. Callis waved in Brian Cage & Lance Archer, as it’s too many numbers for Omega & Ospreay. Archer hit a low blow on Ospreay and clobbered him into the stands, as they brawl into the merchandise area, where Archer slid Ospreay down the table, wanting a chokeslam, when Omega appeared and made the save. Omega & Ospreay avoid a double chokeslam and instead hit a double suplex on Archer through the table. Cage chucked a trash can at Omega, as it’s still 3 on 2, with Fletcher & Cage beating down Ospreay, while Takeshita fights with Omega back into the arena.
Takeshita wanted a brainbuster on the concrete, but security broke things up long enough for Omega to avoid it. Ospreay fought off Fletcher & Cage, as he was popped up by Fletcher, but grabbed onto the balcony railing, pulling himself up. Meanwhile, Omega climbed the lighting rig and hit a big moonsault off it, while Ospreay did the same thing, hitting a massive moonsault onto the pile. Ospreay & Omega both climb the lighting rig and stare down Don Callis’ Family saying next time they do this, they’ll put Callis six feet under. Omega said to Ospreay it should’ve been himself that apologizes and said Grand Slam, it’s Omega & Ospreay vs. Fletcher & Takeshita. Omega’s theme hit and he told them to cut it as he did his go home line before then giving the nod to hit his music, as he needs to climb down, he’s afraid of heights. Fletcher especially gave a long stare down to end this pretty chaotic and great opening segment.
An excellent history package of PAC in AEW is shown ahead of his showdown with Cope later tonight. We go backstage to Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir & Wheeler Yuta. Moxley said Cope went to sleep in 2011 and woke up in 2025, not knowing what he’s gotten himself into. There’s plenty of weak individuals here and Moxley is more than willing to throw him onto the pile. Moxley said Cope’s neck is hanging on by a thread, just like Bryan Danielson’s, as he put out of his misery, along with Darby Allin. When Cope goes to the doctor and gets bad news, Moxley won’t lose sleep, he doesn’t have time to sleep. He doesn’t have time for relics of the past, when he’s trying to build a future.
The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin w/MVP) defeated Private Party (Zay & Quen) to win the AEW Tag Team Titles
(Well, Zay & Quen got off at least a little more offense than last weeks destruction, but they again ran into a buzzsaw tonight and it cost them their titles. I wish Private Party had a better title reign, but Lashley & Benjamin have been built as complete monsters since coming to AEW and I think they could have a really strong run as champions. With that said, I have no idea what Zay & Quen do from here, maybe an excursion in Japan would be beneficial, similar to how Anna Jay went over for about a month.)
I like how in Justin Roberts intro for the Hurt Syndicate, he said “they…hurt people.” Fast start by Zay & Quen, who wanted to push the pace, unfortunately, Lashley was having none of that, as he mowed both down before tagging Benjamin. Zay & Quen were able to connect with Silly String and a neckbreaker/senton combo, but Benjamin was out at one. Lashley ate a cutter while on the apron, as Benjamin was low bridged, allowing Zay & Quen to try double dives, only to get caught with double overhead belly to belly throws. Benjamin sent Zay into the clutches of Lashley, who absolutely flattened him with a spinebuster through the table into commercial.
Back from break, it was Quen flying solo with his partner out of it being tended to by the doctor. Benjamin slams him repeatedly from barricade to edge of the ring and the crowd chants one more time, which Benjamin gives to them. MVP on commentary reminds us Lashley has never held tag title gold in his career, as Zay leapt in to break up the pin. MVP said he respects the fight in Zay, as it’s champions fighting spirit. “We Hurt People” chants from the crowd, as Quen flips out of a blocked kick into an enzugiri and double down, as Zay makes the tag and hits a pop-up dropkick. Benjamin missed a dive, as Zay hit a diving Flatliner and Quen hit the 450 splash for two. Rewind kick from Benjamin, as Lashley tagged in to a huge chant, as he flattened Zay with a Spear for two, as Quen broke it up. Benjamin in to take Quen to Suplex City, as Lashley followed it up with another spinebuster. Step-up knee from Benjamin, as Lashley turned Zay inside out with a Spear to get the win and the titles.
Post-match, Mark Briscoe checks on Zay & Quen, as Lashley, Benjamin & MVP celebrate with the gold.
Video package on the rematch of Mariah May vs. Toni Storm at Grand Slam is shown. This was an excellent highlight video about the history, as it was May talking about how AEW doesn’t deserve her and she can’t wait to meet Toni Storm on Collision. Storm is backstage with Renee Paquette, who said she can’t wait for Saturday when Harley Cameron interrupts and wishes her good luck. Storm said there’s no reason Cameron can’t wrestle in Australia, as both start machine gunning off Australia references before Storm says she’ll see Cameron in Australia. Paquette was left baffled by all of this.
Alex Marvez is backstage with Jeff Jarrett, who immediately is cut off by Karen Jarrett. She said Jeff getting down in the mud with MJF last week was not who he is anymore and she didn’t like it. Jeff cut her off and said he’s got this, as his music hits, he gave her a kiss and went out to the arena.
Jarrett said it’s great to be back in Knoxville and the Volunteer State, as he was wondering what he was going to say here tonight a memory of Jerry Lawler. Jarrett got his ass kicked in the ring that night and he got in some verbal jabs before heading to the back. Lawler told him don’t ever get in the gutter with his opponent, as Jarrett remembered that advice and said MJF will find out exactly who The Last Outlaw is. Jarrett said they’ll settle this Southern style, no lights, no camera, he’s taking MJF out to the woodshed to beat his ass. Jarrett said he wants to talk about the fans, who inspired him to enter the Owen Hart Cup last year, they gave him the gift of a 57-year-old man could become AEW World Champion. Jarrett said it’s time to get down to business and calls out Jon Moxley to talk.
While Jarrett was ready for Moxley, he was attacked from behind by Claudio Castagnoli, who said no one gets to Moxley without going through him first. Castagnoli gave one piece of advice to the Last Outlaw, stay out of their business. He went to leave when Jarrett recovered and said Castagnoli is going to have to kill him to stop him. Castagnoli slowly turned back around, as Jarrett said if he beats Castagnoli next week, he gets an AEW World Title shot. Castagnoli said beating Jarrett lifeless is an interesting proposition and he’ll see him next week. Jarrett celebrated and said he’ll him next week.
At least this was nowhere near as long as last weeks promo, but is that all it takes to get a possible World Title shot? Granted Castagnoli is a beast, but still, I could see Jarrett getting a flash win, only for MJF to cost him the match with Moxley.
Highlight video on Megan Bayne and her AEW debut last week in the Gauntlet was shown.
Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated AR Fox
(I know this didn’t need to go long and much of it happened during break, but these two work so well with each other, I wanted it to go longer. The main story was Ricochet’s antics as we continue to build to their showdown in two weeks.)
Fast start by both, as these two know each other incredibly well. Strickland sent Fox to the floor, where he hit a moonsault off the apron before going back inside, wanting his diving uppercut, which Fox avoided with the boots up. Ricochet was shown walking backstage, with the gold scissors in his pocket, as back in the ring, Strickland hit a misdirect shoulder tackle. Rolling suplex from Strickland, who was in control heading into commercial.
Back from break, Fox was able to hit a springing moonsault from the ropes to the outside, but as he went for a follow-up springboard inside, Strickland caught him with the fireman’s carry into the powerslam. Strickland successfully hits the diving uppercut to the back, as he signaled for a House Call, but Ricochet ran to the apron with the scissors, attempting to stab Strickland, but was unsuccessful. Nana had a steel pipe and chased Ricochet to the back, as Fox was able to hit a pump kick in the corner, followed by the Lo-Mein Pain for two. Fox missed a follow-up 450 Splash, but rolled through Big Pressure to get two. Strickland was still able to hit a rolling Flatliner, House Call and Swerve Stomp to get the win.
Post-match, Strickland offered a handshake to Fox until Ricochet was shown on the big screen. Ricochet said next week, everyone will be forced to hear what he has to say and shows that he’s holding his scissors up to Prince Nana’s neck. Ricochet there’s a new landlord in town and rent is due, as he bails before Strickland could make the save.
Highlights of last weeks main event was shown between Jon Moxley & Powerhouse Hobbs. We then see the face-off between Hobbs & Big Bill on Collision. The New York Minute is then shown, as Chris Jericho said unfortunately The Learning Tree failed last week on Collision, as Big Bill did his words of wisdom before being scolded by Jericho, who said learning moments only work if you learn from them. When will Bill take the knowledge Jericho has bestowed upon him? Bill thought about it and said Hobbs won the match last week, but he didn’t beat Bill, Hobbs can’t beat him. This Saturday, Bill is coming to find Hobbs. Jericho & Bryan Keith give each other a smirk and nod, as Bill walks off.
Despite there being an enhancement talent (Tyler Shoop) in the ring ready for the next match, MJF makes his entrance and tells him to get the hell out of his ring. Shoop obliges, as MJF said Jeff Jarrett owes an apology to everyone for his actions last week, especially MJF. When MJF said he’d help Jarrett win the AEW Title and wanting the first shot, it wasn’t because he believed in Jarrett, it was because he’d be the easiest to beat. MJF said if Jarrett thinks he can do it on his own, he’s as senile as he looks. By the time Claudio Castagnoli is done beating his brains in next week, Jarrett will realize it. MJF said pro wrestling doesn’t love Jarrett anymore, neither do the fans, but sometimes you’re better off making a deal with the Devil instead of defying him.
Hangman Adam Page, who was supposed to be in action, made his entrance, stared down MJF, who walks out, not wanting trouble.
Hangman Adam Page defeated Tyler Shoop
Page wastes no time with a boot and massive clothesline for the win. Page wasn’t done, as he hit an Angels Wings and stood over his opponent until Christopher Daniels’ music hit and he came to the stage. Page charged up the ramp and asked if he wanted to beat his ass again? Daniels said he never wanted to fight him, he realizes he was just pouring gas on the fire, his ego escalated this, as he regrets facing Page, the most violent man, in the most violent match. After the last Buckshot lariat in their Texas Death Match, doctors advise him never to wrestle again. Daniels said Page wins, he won the last match he’ll ever wrestle, apologizes and said he hopes Page can be happy now. Daniels leaves, as Page was left contemplating the news he was told, shoving the camera man aside.
Mercedes Mone is walking backstage to a set-up celebration with balloons (for a win that happened weeks ago, I guess?), as Renee Paquette asks her what is next? Mone has always said she wants to be a world traveling champion and can’t wait to see who steps up to face her at Grand Slam Australia. Harley Cameron walks in with her guitar and sings that she wants to ride the Mone Train and for her to Feel the Wrath. Mone said she’s wrestled the very best, but Cameron has never won a match on AEW TV, so that’s a hard no. Cameron is left dejected, as Paquette said it was a good song, though. Harley Cameron remains one of the MVPs of the company, she’s ridiculously entertaining.
Jamie Hayter defeated Julia Hart
(Hayter gets her win back after losing to Hart on the first Dynamite of the year. I enjoyed this match a lot more than their first battle and I like the post-match, Hayter put over Hart. This whole match made me want to see the rubber match, both ladies did good work here tonight.)
Hayter got the early advantage, taking things to the outside, as Hart tried battling back, only to get sent crashing into the steps. Back inside, a nice missile dropkick by Hayter got a near fall, as Hart again responded with a charging corner lariat. Hayter got a boot up, tried to go to the second rope, but Hart swept out the legs and pounced on top for two as things went to commercial.
It was all Hart during break, but Hayter was able to cut her off in the corner with a back superplex for the double down. Both slugged it out as they got to their feet, as Hayter side-stepped a back drop and hit a German that dropped Hart really awkward on her shoulder, three times. The third, Hart clutched her head, as she stumbled to her feet into a spinebuster for two. Hayter sank in a half crab, but Hart got the ropes. Hart managed to apply a flying Octopus hold, but Hayter countered into a tilt-a-whirl back breaker. Hart pulled the hair to escape and hit a Crucifix Bomb for a close two. Sliding sledgehammer to the back of the neck by Hart, who opted to pose, allowing Hayter to hit a Hayt-Breaker and wild Hayterade for the win.
Post-match, Hayter took the mic and said she’s not one to butter someone else’s bread, but has a heavy respect for people like Hart, who do what they want to do, moving to the beat of her own drum. But spitting crap in her face or trying to kill her with an arrow, that doesn’t fly with her. Whether Hart has two big men by her side or like now and she’s all alone, with no one beside her, Hart is still a tough bitch. She’s won one, Hayter has won one, whenever she wants it, she’s up for the rubber match.
Powerhouse Hobbs addresses Big Bill ahead of Collision this Saturday. Hobbs said he’ll be waiting for Bill in the parking lot.
Swerve Strickland is pacing backstage with Prince Nana, screaming that in 2 weeks, the lion finally gets his hands on the rodent. Maybe, Strickland will catch Ricochet a little sooner than that?
-A pre-recorded vignette of Brody King, Buddy Matthews & Julia Hart walking the streets was shown. King said for years, they’ve had a voice to guide them, the voice was deafening, but now silent. Matthews said they’re done living in the shadows. Hart said it’s time to honor themselves, no leaders, no masters, no Gods. Just, violence, as when they bark, they bark together. This was quick, but an effective way to show that the former House of Black no longer needs Malakai Black. I for one can’t wait to see what’s next for King & Matthews, hopefully they turn into a great team, or get singles pushes. Even with this coming off a Hart loss, I liked this reset for the trio.
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