AEW opened this week with a new intro, a new set, and Swerve Strickland in the ring for an interview segment. He was essentially asked “What’s next?” and essentially replied “Samoa Joe”. This resulted in Samoa Joe coming to the ring and Swerve challenging him to a title match, then and there. Before Joe could officially answer they were interrupted by Undisputed Kingdom, led on the microphone by Adam Cole. After some back-and-forth (I would say won by Swerve) there was a tag-team match started, then and there. The ROH Tag Team Champions, Matt Taven and Mike Bennett taking on Samoa Joe and Swerve Strickland. They had a great match with a fast pace. Swerve’s quickness and athleticism really stood out in this contest. It was largely dominated by Swerve who obtained the winning pinfall. After the match, Wardlow made an appearance on the entrance ramp. Joe took advantage of the distracted Strickland and choked him out as they cut to commercial.
Samoa Joe sends a message to Wardlow!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@SamoaJoe | @SwerveConfident | @RealWardlow pic.twitter.com/K3wX9PoFew
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
The next match was Hook versus Brian Cage for the FTW Title (with FTW Rules). Cage was dominate early until Hook hit him with a fire extinguisher. Hook quickly was introduced to the steel steps for his troubles. Hook did end up making a valiant comeback and mounted a good amount of offense, even getting a good false finish. Brian Cage would introduce thumb tacks, only to be the one suplexed onto them by Hook. He was then choked out my Hook and lost the match.
Right into the tacks!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@730HOOK | @BrianCagegmsi pic.twitter.com/9SKynIilFn
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
Daddy Magic lost in a short squash match to Luchasaurus. After the match, Adam Copeland made his return and chased Christian Cage all the way backstage. Christian ultimately stole a vehicle in the parking lot to make his escape. Copeland announces an “I Quit Match” for the TNT Title on March 20th.
Adam Copeland is back!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@RatedRCope | @Luchasaurus | @TheNickWayne | @Christian4Peeps | #MotherWayne pic.twitter.com/lA0ShAOH01
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
The next segment was backstage featuring Kyle O’Reilly. Kyle confirms he is not looking to join Undisputed Kingdom and is looking to make the next run on his own.
"I feel like I have fallen so far down the mountain" – Kyle O'Reilly
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@KORcombat pic.twitter.com/tr8m4aWLQ5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
The Young Bucks made an appearance in the ring next to make some announcements. One being that there will be a tag tournament coming up and they will be in it. The next one was the suspension of Adam Page indefinitely for putting his hands on two officials at Revolution. They then fired Kenny Omega for missing time (he has been out with illness). Eddie Kingston had heard enough and came out looking for a fight. The 2-on-1 was too much for Kingston, that is, until Okada made a surprise appearance. It appeared he was there to help Eddie, but this was not the case. He turned on Eddie and appears to be a heel who has teamed up with The Young Bucks
THE RAINMAKER, KAZUCHIKA OKADA IS HERE!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@rainmakerXokada pic.twitter.com/lvVpjkW5mD
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
Kris Statlander would take on Riho. This match exceeded my expectations and both women did well. The pace was great and they have good chemistry. Both were able to hit nice reversals and have moments showing off their offense. Riho would end up with the surprise victory.
Stokely Hathaway comments on what happened in the match between Kris Statlander & Riho.
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@willowwrestles | @StokelyHathaway pic.twitter.com/hnr32d9exJ
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
The next segment saw Darby Allin relinquish his tag title and also mentioned he is risking his life to climb Mount Everest. When Darby went to make his exit, Jay White would come out to go face-to-face with him. The two are scheduled for a match next week on Dynamite. The two would exchange words to hype their match next week before cutting for commercial.
Darby Allin speaks from heart.
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@DarbyAllin pic.twitter.com/DAK1yVOWmz
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 7, 2024
The main event saw Kyle Fletcher take on Will Ospreay. The pace paired with smooth reversals from both men was extraordinary. High spots, false finishes, good striking, this match had it all. Will Ospreay is proving to be must see (nothing against Kyle Fletcher, who is better than most himself). Kyle Fletcher would not stay down, kicking out of at least two pins where I swore it was over. It was not enough and Will Ospreay would win via pinfall. After the match Daniel Bryan would make his way down to the ring. AEW would go off the air with Bryan Danielson and Will Ospreay face to face.
👀
— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) March 7, 2024
That wraps up AEW Dynamite this week, stay tuned to Greenville Sports Media for more of my regular wrestling articles.
Howe Fresh (of The Wrasslin Corner on The Real Fresh Channel)
for Greenville Sports Media
and check out my weekly opiniated podcast “The Wrasslin Corner.”