AEW Dynamite was a special “Maximum Carnage” edition, billed as a PPV quality card. Including championship matches, big returns, and hardcore matches, there was excitement in the air.
Dynamite Return
Kenny Omega would make his first AEW appearance since his injury last year, against Brian Cage. He warned last week, he is not the wrestler he was pre-injury, but it’s great to see him healthy and wrestling again. Omega took loud bumps due to Cage’s power moves and started to warm up as the match went on, showing why Kenny Omega at 50% is still better than most. Great pace and smooth reversals led to a victory for Kenny, who included a couple of nice high spots for good measure. The Don Callis Family jumped Omega after the match, and Will Ospreay ran to aid. Ospreay and Omega were left beaten in the ring to end the segment.
Dynamite Storylines
Ricochet came to the ring to address his vicious attack on Swerve Strickland last week, where he, amongst other things, drew blood using gold scissors. Strickland’s music hit, setting up the blindside chair shot from Prince Nana as the two came out on top in the short segment, most of the time given to Ricochet to pretend like it was too loud in there to speak.
Next up, The Hurt Syndicate versus Private Party and Mark Briscoe in a trios match. While the babyface team did have their moments, The Hurt Syndicate had no issues disposing of them in relatively short fashion.
Jeff Jarrett’s promo was interrupted by MJF within seconds. MJF took numerous personal digs at Jarrett, including alcoholism, his wife, and his career, amongst others. Jarrett also had digs, including shots at his mother, talent, and being a one-hit-wonder. MJF took it a step further, explaining how Jarrett is riding the coattails of his deceased friend, Owen Hart. This was enough for Jarrett to start swinging, and the two were quickly separated by officials.
Dynamite Surprise Return
Christian Cage versus Hook was next, Hook taking advantage early via blindside in the introductions. Cage would fight off a violent spot on the steel steps, followed by numerous frog splashes and a spear. Hook, somehow, was able to kick out. Unable to put Hook away, Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne would ruin the match to aid Christian. The trio set up Hook for a conchairto, but the huge surprise return of Samoa Joe saved Hook.
Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match
Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter were the two who started the Casino Gauntlet Match. Unlike Royal Rumble, these are the best positions, as the winner is crowned after the first pinfall or submission. It would be Toni time, with Toni Storm securing the victory and Mariah May watching from commentary.
Main Event
Powerhouse House got his first opportunity at the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, challenging Jon Moxley. Moxley would use a distraction from the Deathriders to take control early, that is, until Hobbs pulled a Mike Tyson on Moxley’s ear, twice. With blood pouring down the side of his face, Moxley went blow for blow with Hobbs but was working the fatigue from the blood loss. Win or lose, Moxley elevated Hobbs in this match with blood loss, stiff bumps, and selling. With Moxley distracting the referee, Wheeler Yuta would hit Hobbs with a running knee, and Shafir hit him with a briefcase, but Hobbs would somehow kick out in a false finish. Moxley would sink in a choke after the kick out to win via submission (referee stoppage).
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