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AEW DYNAMITE REPORT
AUGUST 7, 2024
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. AT LJVM COLISEUM
AIRED LIVE ON TBS
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Chris Lansdell to review AEW Dynamite LIVE tonight right after Dynamite. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Dynamite. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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[HOUR ONE]
(1) MJF vs. KYLE FLETCHER – American Title Eliminator match
Excalibur introduced the show as MJF’s ring entrance took place. When MJF entered teh arena, a gigantic flag dropped behind him. They showed Will Ospreay watching on a monitor backstage. Don Callis joined in on commentary. Callis said he thinks friendship and business should be kept separate, in reference to Fletcher coming to the aid of Will Ospreay last week. MJF rolled to ringside and called Fletcher “an Australian oaf.” He told him to “lock up like a man” or he’d “leave this podunk town.” Fletcher waved him into the ring. When he offered a lock-up, MJF kicked in hte gut and then smiled. Fletcher scored quick two counts with a small package and a backslide and a sunset flip in rapid-fire sequence. MJF came back with an elbow to the chest of a charging Fletcher. A fan in the frot row held up a sign that said “MJF eats spaghetti with his hands.”
MJF worked over Fletcher’s shoulder and then landed a gut-wrench powerbomb into a near fall. MJF set up a Kangaroo Kick, but Fletcher kicked him as he charged. Both went down and were slow to get up.
They fought to ringside where Fletcher landed a running flip-dive over the barricade into MJF. He then struck a pose and pumped his fist with fans, who began chanting “Fletcher! Fletcher!” No, actually, they chanted “AEW! AEW!” Back in the ring, Fletcher landed a top rope elbowdrop for a near fall. Fletcher stood and soaked up the positive crow reaction. Callis said he might be enjoying the crowd reaction a little too much. MJF took over, giving credence to Callis.
With both down a minute later, fans chanted “This is awesome!” They stood and went forehead-to-forehead. MJF yelled that Fletcher wants to be Ospreay. MJF then spit at Fletcher. Fletcher fired back with a barrage of strikes. MJF poked Fletcher in the eye. MJF mugged for the camera. Fletcher kicked him in the jaw. MJF hit a Destroyer. Fletcher delivered a hard lariat. Both were down and slow to get up again. Excalibur said they were nearly half way through 30 minute time limit.
Fletcher lawn-dart drove MJF into the middle turnbuckle. Fletcher played to the crowd again before charging at MJF in the corner and landing a kick. MJF bit Fletcher to thwart a superplex attempt. MJF then set up a piledriver, but Fletcher slipped free and landed a piledriver for a near fall at 16:00. Callis got up from the broadcast table and walked to ringside.
Callis stood on the ring apron and snuck Fletcher a screwdriver to use as a weapon. Fletcher wound up, but decided against it and threw it aside. Taz said he did the right thing. MJF gave Fletcher a low-blow. Schiavone said he’s a subhuman. MJF gave Fletcher a Kangaroo Kick and a sheer drop brainbuster suplex for the win. Taz said Callis kind of screwed things up for Fletcher.
WINNER: MJF in 18:00.
-They showed Ospreay leaving the room he was in, but the door was blocked. He pushed through and ran toward the ring as MJF hit the referee and then put on the Dynamite Diamond Ring. A small “Ospreay” chant began. MJF hit Fletcher with the ring. MJF struck a pose, then lifted Fletcher’s bleeding forehead. He said the blood is on Ospreay’s hands. (How far was that room Ospreay sprinted out of once he pushed past the barricade?) Ospreay finally showed up to stop MJF as he set up a Tiger Driver. Ospreay called for help and then cradled his head.
(Keller’s Analysis: Very good match. And very good to see MJF showing how good he is in the ring more often lately. Ospreay’s reaction to Fletcher being hit with the ring felt over-the-top, especially considering how many big moves wrestler n0-sell regularly or barely sell. Fletcher sat up 30 seconds later and was conscious. So I could’ve done with the melodrama.)
-A vignette aired hyping the Jeff Jarrett vs. Bryan Danielson match. It included clips of Ricky Steamboat saying he’ll be there for him. Danielson said Steamboat has been a constant advocate for him.
-They went to the announcers on camera. Excalibur called it “a scary moment for Kyle Fletcher” but said he made it to the back with help. Excalibur also complimented Jarrett for helping motivate Danielson lately.
(2) MARIAH MAY vs. VIVA VAN
The bell rang 27 minutes into the hour. May headbutted a charging Van at the start. With May in control at 3:00, they cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Van made a brief comeback after the break. May cut it off quickly and kissed her cheek and then landed a running knee. She landed her May Day and a Storm Zero for the win.
WINNER: May in 6:00.
-After the match, a ringside worker handed May a wrapped gift. It showed May cradli g May’s head and then on the other side, in large print, it said “Die Mariah Die.” Storm then attacked May, but May kneed her in the gut. Fans chanted “Toni! Toni!” May tried to use a shoe, but Storm yanked it from her. Several referees intervened. Another “Toni!” chant broke out. Schiavone said this is one of the matches he’s really looking forward to. Excalibur plugged All In at Wembley in 18 days.
-A vignette aired with Jack Perry watching back the Blood & Guts match including the stiff chairshot to the head and being threatened with immolation. He said everything in life has a price, and the question is how much you’re willing to sacrifice for it. [c]
-Darby Allin cut a promo. He said people have asked him why he didn’t just set Perry on fire to end the whole thing. He said he didn’t want to give him an excuse not to show up at Wembley. He said Perry wasn’t showing up at AEW TV lately, which is fine because “you have to show up at Wembley.”
-Excalibur said security escorted Taz away from the broadcast table, and he isn’t happy with it. He said it was probably the work of the EVPs, who are friends with Chris Jericho.
(3) BRYAN KEITH vs. “THE WRESTLER” KATSUYORI SHIBATA
After Keith made his way to the ring, Chris Jericho and Big Bill joined the commentary team. Jericho oddly said, “Taz is supposed to be a biased announcer and he’s not.” (I assume he meant “unbiased”?) Excalibur asked about his broken finger. Jericho said even though that match with Minoru Suzuki was given four stars by Dave Meltzer, Suzuki broke his finger.
Keith jumped Shibata before the bell, and as is typical, the ref rewarded the prematch illegal attack by immediately calling for the bell to officially start the match 45 minutes into the hour. (That’s so stupid.) Shibata went after Keith’s arm early. Keith bailed out to ringside. Shibata went after Keith at ringside. Keith got the better of him and yelled at the ringside camera, “Respect Chris Jericho!” They cut to an early double-box break. [c/db]
Back from the break, they showed Jericho and Bill on the commentary table. Jericho waved at the camera and complimented Keith’s success in the match. Shibata made a comeback a minute later with a claw to the forehead and a tapout win after an armbar.
WINNER: Shibata in 6:00.
-Jericho and Bill joined Keith in attacking Shivata. Hook made his return and charged out. He cleared the ring of Bill and Keith, then took it to Jericho with a bvarrage of strikes. Bill pulled Jericho to safety.
-Excalibur noted the Conglomeration experienced travel issues due to the arriving hurricane.
-Renee Paquette interviewed Orange Cassidy and said he’s alone due to those travel issues. Cassidy said he’s still going to wrestle. Renee asked if that’s a good idea. Orange said he found “a couple local boys” to help him. Orange asked Renee if she would wrestle for him. She smiled and passed. [c]
-Renee interviewed “Hangman” Adam Page backstage. She said every since he returned, he hasn’t exactly been getting the reactions he’s been looking for. In reference to Swerve Strickland, Hangman said he wanted to leave one man with nothing but the ash of his pride. He said justice delayed and justice denied. He said he will have what he wants.
-Jim Ross interviewed Swerve. He said not enough fans understand what they’re going to miss if they don’t watch All In. He said it motivates him as a broadcaster and asked if it motivates him as a wrestler. Swerve said he is motivated with every fiber of his body. Ross said he’s done some controversial things. He asked if he feels remorse. Swerve said if you knock on the door long enough and they don’t let you in, you gotta make some noise. Ross said he understood.
[HOUR TWO]
Ross asked if he realizes how violent and punishing Danielson is. Swerve chuckled and said he’s watched Danielson kick in people’s teeth, and he knows what he has left in him. Ross said he’s wrestling this match as if it’s the end, win, lose, or draw. Swerve said it’s not just about the title for him, it’s also about the legacy. Swerve asked if he was in the same situation as him, would Danielson give a damn about him. He said he wouldn’t, so why should he. He said he controls the fate of Danielson and the company. He said that’s why people are worried. He said he doesn’t care about Danielson and his concerned family. Ross said he thinks this will be the toughest match of his career. Swerve disagreed and said Danielson’s body will give out on him. “What do you do when none of that works?” Ross asked if he can beat Danielson at Wembley. Swerve said he can and he will and his legacy belongs to him now.
(Keller’s Analysis: The interview framed the match as epic and made it clear Swerve doesn’t have any concern for Danielson’s concerns. Ross looked a lot thinner and as if he’s been through a lot lately. It was good to see him contributing again in a familiar format.)
(4) RODERICK STRONG & “THE BEAST” MORTOS & RUSH (w/Matt Taven, Mike Bennett) vs. ORANGE CASSIDY & FTR
Callis joined in on commentary again. They cut to an early double-box break. [c/db]
After several minutes of back and forth action including Taven and Bennett interfering, they cut to another break. [c/db]
Mortos headbutted Cash out of the ring and then leaped onto him at ringside. He leaped over the ringside barricade and knocked Taven and Bennett. Cassidy hit Rush with an Orange Punch. Rush fired back with a punch of his own. FTR went after Rush. Rush fought back. Cassidy snuck into the ring and hit Rush with an Orange Punch. FTR gave Rush a Shatter Machine and scored the pin. Schiavone said he was shocked and asked Callis how he felt. Callis threw his headset down.
WINNERS: Cassidy & FTR in 17:00.
-The Acclaimed walked out to their music, without Billy Gunn. Max Caster’s mic wasn’t on. Dax said he has respect for what they’ve done for AEW, but this goes beyond that. They called them into the ring, but security stopped them. FTR came to The Acclaimed and they had a pullapart brawl. Excalibur said both of these teams want to be the ones to unseat The Young Bucks.
-A clip aired from Collision of The Patriarchy being jumped by The House of Black and the Bang Bang Gang. Christian watched as Nick Wayne took a beating.
-Christian, Wayne, Mother Wayne, and Killswitch cut a backstage promo. Christian talked about the Bang Bang Gang facing House of Black to earn a shot against their Trios Titles. He said the winner of the match will face them at All In. He revealed that he’ll be the special referee for the match. [c]
-A vignette aired on Hologram.
(5) KAMILLE (w/Merceders Moné) vs. JAZMYNE HAO & CLARA CARTER
The announcers touted Kamille’s early dominance including talking about how she easily handled Brit Baker. Kamille planted both opponents side by side and scored a pin on both at once.
WINNER: Kamille in 1:30.
-Mercedes entered the ring and told North Carolina to say hello to their CEO. Fans booed. She told them not to waste their breath on the DMD because she’s not there. She thanked “my EVPs” for suspending her so she won’t have to deal with her until All In. Moné said a second time that Baker wasn’t there. She said Baker is the first woman signed to AEW. “How impressive,” she said sarcastically. She said they always say Baker was the first, but not the best. She said her two belts say she is the best. Schiavone interrupted and said Tony Khan has overruled The Elite and lifted the suspension of Baker. He introduced Baker via satellite. Baker said she can run and get a bodyguard and get her suspended, but she made a commitment to a match at All In and she’ll see it through. She told Mercedes that everyone knows when things don’t go Mercedes’s way, she goes home. Baker said this ends at All In when she’ll be the first woman to beat Moné in AEW. She said she has seven days to find out how to get her hands on her.
(Keller’s Analysis: Moné was arrogant and unlikable, but not all that dynamic on the mic there. Baker was matter-of-fact, although the insider reference to Moné’s falling out with WWE plays to a limited audience.)
-A vignette aired on Danielson challenging Swerve at All In. [c]
-A clip aired of Lee Moriarty, Claudio Castagnoli, and Tomohiro Ishii in a three-way match to earn a shot at the Continental Title, and Claudio came out on top. Excalibur announced that Kazuchika Okada will defend against Claudio next week on Dynamite.
-Ricky Steamboat made his entrance. Excalibur talked about Steamboat’s connection to North Carolina. He joined the announcers on commemtary.
(6) BRYAN DANIELSON vs. JEFF JARRETT – Anything Goes match
As Danielson made his entrance, Jarrett hit him with a guitar. Karen Jarrett and Jay Lethal ran out and took issue with Jarrett’s approach. Steamboat said Jarrett has always been a backstabber. Danielson hit Jarrett with a chair at ringside. Jarrett and Danielson brawled into the crowd. Schiavone said Jarrett is trying to prepare Danielson for the match against Swerve in 18 years. Steamboat said he’s seen a little of Swerve and he seems like a monster. They brawled into the concourse. Jarrett threw a trash can at Danielson and then rammed him with it. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
They fought their way back to the ring. Danielson threw Jarrett into a chair at ringside and kicked away at his chest. Jarrett threw a chair at Danielson as he leaped off the ring apron at him. Danielson clutched his knee afterward. Steamboat talked about the cardio challenges this deep into a match. Danielson came back with a missile dropkick to Jarrett off the middle rope. He clutched his knee afterward, then stood and threw some kicks. He was slowed by a sore knee. Jarrett ducked another kick and applied a figure-four mid-ring. Steamboat said “it’s a shoot” how much that hold hurts. Danielson broke up the hold with a chair. Jarrett blocked a LeBell Lock attempt and then rammed Danielson into a chair with The Stroke. Jarrett put Danielson in a sharpshooter mid-ring next.
Danielson broke free. They exchanged strikes from their knees. Jarrett landed an enzuigiri and set up a Stroke. Danielson blocked it and sent Jarrett into a chair Jarrett had previously wedged into the corner. Danielson then hit a Busaiku Knee for the win.
WINNER: Danielson in 14:00.
-Swerve walked out with Prince Nana. They entered the ring. Swerve said it’s been a big night including Steamboat being there. He said Danielson’s legacy becomes his at All In. He said he won’t hesitate to take that Killshot. Swerve asked how he was feeling after that fight. He said if Jarrett weakened his leg and made his fingers tingle, “just imagine what I’ll do to you.” Swerve said he wants a sparring partner to get warmed up, so he offered to go one-on-one with Wheeler Yuta. Yuta stepped up and said, “I ain’t your damn warm-up!” He said he wants Danielson to have a front row seat so he can see he is the most dangerous man in AEW. He said, “Whose house?” He held up his belt as Danielson and Yuta stared at him.
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Chris Lansdell to review AEW Dynamite LIVE tonight right after Dynamite. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.
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