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AEW DYNAMITE REPORT
SEPTEMBER 11, 2024
LOUISVILLE, KY. AT RUPP ARENA
AIRED LIVE ON TBS
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Attendance: WrestleTix reported earlier this week that 2,527 tickets had been distributed so far; arena is set up for 3,301. More tickets have been sold since then. Subscribe to WrestleTix on Patreon for detailed up-to-date information.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by wrestling reporter/analyst Stephanie Chase 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]
Note: Get primed for Dynamite with Zack Barber’s excellent AEW Feud Tracker article, posted earlier today.
-They opened with a video package of Jon Moxley addressing Bryan Danielson through a camera, saying two years ago they formed a group they were supposed to be proud of, an idea that couldn’t be destroyed or subjugated. “We didn’t do it,” he said. He said egos are out of control in AEW “and I can’t take it anymore.” He said William Regal called Danielson “the perfect wrestler.” He said he himself isn’t perfect and he can’t pretend to be anything else. “I’m not a villain, but I’m no hero,” he said. “Now I know why God put me here. I’m one the one true king of these lands. We tried your way, Bryan. Diplomacy has failed. Today, I choose war.” They mixed images of Moxley speaking with images of Danielson being taken out in an ambulance. Mox got in the back of a vehicle and closed the door.
(Keller’s Analysis: That gives us a good idea of Moxley’s motivations for turning on Danielson. His performance was great here, as was the production of the whole segment with the clips of Danielson after the attack.)
-They showed Darby Allin arriving on a skateboard in the arena.
-Excalibur and Taz introduced the show. Then they cut to Tony Schiavone standing mid-ring.
-Schiavone introduced Christian Cage and the entire Patriarchy. Christian walked out with Nick Wayne, Mother Wayne, and Killswitch. They showed a clip from All In of Killswitch helping Christian earn a title match he can cash in anytime. Then they aired a clip of Christian teasing cashing in at All Out, but the Blackpool Combat Club stepped between them and Danielson with a shot of Danielson smiling. Excalibur noted that the happiness didn’t last for long for Danielson and Wheeler Yuta.
Schiavone talked about Christian carrying the lockbox with his contract for an AEW World Title shot. He said Nick told him that word on the street is that Christian Cage has “infinite aura.” He said considering he has carried AEW on his back the last year-and-a-half, most would say that’s true. He said now that he has a contract for a World Title match, it’s undeniably true. He said at Wembley, their Trios Titles were stolen from them, but they rallied and he won the Gauntlet match. He said something interesting happened in that match. He said he saw something in Killswitch’s eyes when he lifted him in position for a chokeslam. He said Killswitch realized at that moment what he needed to be. He said he is the most complete big man in the business “and he belongs to me.”
Fans taunted Christian with a “Luchasaurus!” chant. Christian said his name is Killswitch. He said tonight isn’t the right time or place to reveal when he’s announcing when he’ll cash in his title match. He said Danielson’s days are numbered. He said if he thought being suffocated was bad, it’s nothing compared to what he’ll do to him to take his title. “I’ll beat you so bad, you’ll wish it was your wife Brie was the one who has CTE so she’ll won’t be able to comprehend what an embarrassment you were as champion.”
He told Lexington that he is not only the face of TBS now and forever, he is the reigning, defending, undisputed Next AEW World Champion. He held up the case that had those words on it.
(Keller’s Analysis: Christian remains one of the greatest pleasant surprises of the last two years in pro wrestling.)
-They showed Kip Sabian at ringside. When the camera spotted him, he turned and left. Excalibur said he was trying to get Christian’s attention so it’s a situation to keep their eye on.
-Renee Paquette interviewed Don Callis, Kyle Fletcher, and Konosuke Takeshita. She said Callis wanted to talk to Will Ospreay. Callis said Ospreay has never lost a Casino Gauntlet match. He suggested he team with Fletcher and go after the tag titles. Ospreay said he has a lot on his plate with the World Championship and he’s keeping his eye on Ricochet. Callis said he promised him a favor, and that’s a favor he’s asking for now. Fletcher said he’s so tired of coming so close, but not being able to get it done. He said they have teamed in four different countries and there’s no one he’d rather win those tag titles with. Ospreay said he can’t say no to him and he hugged him and smiled. Callis was happy, but Takeshita stared Ospeay down sternly.
(Keller’s Analysis: I’m happy to see Callis involved in something here. He’s underutilized. Everyone was good here. Ospreay not agreeing to Callis’s offer, but not being able to turn down Fletcher’s pitch made him out to be a loyal friend.)
-They showed Jack Perry arriving in his “Scapegoat” vehicle.
(1) JACK PERRY vs. LIO RUSH (w/Action Andretti) – TNT Title match
As the ref held up the TNT Title belt, Perry attacked Rush from behind. The ref called for the bell 14 minutes into the hour, ridiculously rewarding the illegal pre-bell attack. Excalibur said Danielson was at home recovering with his family and Yuta was by his side. Excalibur said Rush is one of the few wrestlers who can out-quick Perry. After a dropkick by Rush seconds into the match, Perry bailed out to ringside. Perry approached Andretti and shoved him. Rush kicked Perry off the ring apron, but Perry kneed him at ringside. Excalibur said ref Aubrey Edwards got called into the office of The Young Bucks earlier. Perry took control at ringside and they cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
Andretti grabbed Perry’s boot in retaliation for Perry kicking at him unprovoked. The ref booted Andretti to the back. He threw a fit as Perry gloated. Rush went on a flurry at 6:00. Schiavone said this would be Rush’s biggest win in AEW. Rush landed a Spanish Fly for a near fall. Perry drove Rush’s head into the middle turnbuckle lawn-dart style. After Perry landed a Snap Dragon, Excalibur wished Kenny Omega “a hasty recovery.” He said he was still recovering at home. Perry eventually landed a running high knee for the win.
WINNER: Perry in 9:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good match, and Rush is a smart opponent for Perry since he’s shorter than him which draws attention away from Perry’s relatively small size, but brings out the best in his athleticism. Perry’s heel mannerisms are tremendous. Apparently Andretti will be facing him soon.)
-Alex Marvez asked for Perry’s thoughts on what happened at All Out. “People like me are crucified in this life so that we can be worshipped in the next.” He shoved the mic away and got right into his black scapegoat shuttle bus.
-Excalibur threw to a video package on Hangman Page setting Swerve Strickland’s childhood home on fire last week followed by highlights of the violence in the unsanctioned cage match including the cinder block shots and Hangman pulling out the hypodermic needle. They also showed the unprotected chairshot to the head windup, but not the impact.
-Renee interviewed Hangman backstage. She asked where his head is at now. He said if he had found 1,000 houses that Swerve called home, he’d have burnt them all. He said he would have punished him for eternity in the cage if he could for what he did to his family. He said he meant every bruise he gave him and every drop of blood he stole from him. He said if anyone got between them and tried to protect him, he will find them and hurt them. He then left. He walked away and attacked someone. He then he walked past wrestlers who shook their heads at him with disgust. He encountered Dark Order.
Evil Uno said he doesn’t even know who he is. Jeff Jarrett then approached him and said his family has promoted wrestling for three generations and they’ve seen a lot of guys take the dark, demented highway. He said the extra mile ends up in the same place – full of shame, remorse, and regret. He said he’ll regret the day he laid a hand on his wife. He said he’ll find out that the toughest, most ruthless son of a bitch he’ll ever face is the man in the mirror. Hangman attacked him and yelled that nobody asked him. The other wrestlers nearby ran to Jarrett’s aid. Security pulled him away. Jay Lethal and Karen Jarrett checked on Jeff.
(Keller’s Analysis: No update on any criminal charges or ramifications for arson? Hangman’s performance, as usual, is convincingly sinister and intense. The scene of everyone acting disgusted with him from Renee to Dark Order to Jarrett was an effective way to show that he is being shamed and ostracized. They all played their roles well.)
-Private Party and Komander made their ring entrance for a six-man tag match. Marina Shafir attacked Komander. Moxley, Pac, and Claudio Castagnoli jumped all of them. Shafir choked out Komander. Pac said they’ve had enough. He said the company is broken. He said what happened at All Out was inevitable and they are an inevitable result of the environment. He said they now have something to believe in and a purpose. “Diplomacy has failed, ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “This company is ours.” They showed Mox staring menacingly around at the scene. The left through the crowd.
(Keller’s Analysis: This is one hell of a new heel group. I’m curious if Moxley can get the AEW fanbase to consistently boo him for his actions, or if they’ll side with him and his group.) [c]
-Chris Jericho, Bryan Keith, and Big Bill drove up in a fancy designer convertible. Jericho said he wants his cash for the $7,000 jacket Orange Cassidy ruined. He held up a backpack and said the contents he found inside were very interested and he’ll show everyone tonight. Bill said everyone who doesn’t pay their debts will suffer the consequences. Keith emphatically repeated that.
(2) RICOCHET vs. SAMMY GUEVARA
Ricochet made his entrance first. Guevara came out with his ROH Tag Team Title belt around his waist. The bell rang 40 minutes into the hour. Guevara and Ricochet acknowledged each other with some mutual respect. Ricochet landed a dive over the top rope onto Guevara, and then he landed on his feet. Guevara recovered and went on the attack on the ramp and up to the stage. Guevara landed a leaping moonsault off the top of the entrance tunnel onto Ricochet at 3:00. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Guevara went on a flurry of offense after the break. Taz said Guevara might be jealous of the attention Ricochet is getting. Guevara landed a tornado dive, then blew a kiss into the nearby camera. Fans chanted “Flip forever!” Ricochet told fans to move out of the way in the corner at ringside. He ran and springboarded near a little kid who was being held by an adult and flipped onto Guevara. Ricochet landed a springboard clothesline followed by a shooting star press for a two count at 9:00. Fans chanted, “This is awesome!”
Ricochet round-kicked Guevara in the chest. They went into another series of highlight moves including a Guevara top rope long-distance leaping cutter for a near fall. Fans chanted, “AEW! AEW!” Guevara went for a GTH, but Ricochet blocked it and landed a leaping knee to the chin and an axe kick to the top of Guevara’s head. He followed with a Vertigo for the win.
WINNER: Ricochet in 11:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: That was a lot of fun and a good choice of an opponent for Ricochet. The crowd ate up that state of the art athleticism.)
-Beast Mortos speared Ricochet as he was celebrating. Guevara made the save with a chair, then helped Ricochet up and raised his arm.
-A video package aired on the Chicago Street Fight between Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale at All Out. [c]
-Renee interviewed Kazuchika Okada and asked what’s next. He said defending his title at All Out was the hardest night of his life, but he won. He fake cried. “It was so… easy.” He laughed. Callis walked in and said it looked easy and was impressive, but he didn’t pin Takeshita. Okada said Takeshita will be a champion, but not the Continental Champion. Okada turned to leave, then turned back and said, “Bitch.” Fans popped.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good segment. If the goal is for Okada to get booed, though, they’re not trying very hard as fans will be torn between booing him and booing anyone associated with Callis. But that match ought to be special.)
-Darby’s music played and fans shrieked. Darby walked out with a skateboard. Taz said Mox must be around. Excalibur said Darby must have a lot on his mind after what’s happened the last two weeks. Darby said, “Somebody’s been looking for me. I’m right here.” He kneeled mid-ring and waited, looking in the direction of Mox’s usual entrance path.
ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…
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[HOUR TWO]
Mox and Marina Shafir walked out. Mox showed that he wasn’t packing any weapons and raised his arms up. Sharif entered the ring and got in Darby’s face. (Shafir is great in this role.) Mox said nothing has changed between them. Darby interrupted and said they don’t act like superstars and live in a fantasy world. He said they came from nothing and will stop at nothing to prevent that from happening again. He said that’s why he wrestled the way he does. He said AEW gave him everything. Fans applauded. Darby said he was looking for a hero in his first year in wrestling. He said every time he thought he met them, they let him down. He said they showed that your dignity can be bought and you can sell you soul for a dollar. (Take that, Shawn Spears!) He said Mox wouldn’t change for anybody so he knew he wanted to be just like him.
Darby said Mox would wrestle to this day at a high school gym because he loves the industry. He said they met at a high school gym and he was so nervous. He said he wrestled Mox, and he lost, but he learned he belonged in the ring with someone like Mox. He said it’s not often you find someone you consider family in this business. He said he would never do something like Mox did to Bryan, so he decided he didn’t want to be like him anymore. He asked him why he was calling him out and what does he want. Mox said he has a World Titles shot in the bank that’s supposed to happen at Grand Slam. He said that won’t happen now because the World Champion is indisposed.
Mox said it’s a blessing in disguise because he’s not ready. He said he wasn’t ready five years ago or two years ago or today to be World Champion. He said he doesn’t have time to explain, “but I’m going to need you to hand over the World Title shot to me right now.” Darby asked if he heard what he said. “What, were you dropped on your head or have you been drinking again?” Darby said he sounds like everybody in the back he hates. He said he won’t just give it to him. He said if he wants it, do something about it.
Mox said if he wants him to earn it, he will earn it at Grand Slam in New York City. He said he’ll teach him another lesson and show him exactly where he stands on the food chain. he said Darby will never be world champion. Mox said he loves him and he’s always had his back. Mox told him he has no idea what’s going on, but he has to trust him. He said that title shot is going to be his. Mox said he’ll teach him his next lesson the hard way. Darby accepted. He said he’s not sure what he’s trying to do. He said if he wants to burn AEW to the ground, don’t be surprised if he pulls him into the fire. He shoved the mic into his chest. Mox nodded and left, having gotten what he wanted.
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good segment. I’m never a big fans of wrestlers voluntarily putting a title shot on the line without anything to gain, but Mox sold Darby on it in a way that feels true to their dynamic and backstories. Darby isn’t the type to avoid risk. Mox is haunting in this new personal. Darby continues to be one of the big surprises in terms of growing into a strong, earnest promo guy. I’m curious what the larger issue that Mox isn’t getting into yet.)
-Marvez interviewed Christopher Daniels about that segment. He said Darby has always been a risk-taker, but he could lose it all. Nigel McGuinness walked in and said he wants to talk to Tony Khan now. He assured Daniels that Tony would want to hear what he had to say.
-They went to Taz, Excalibur, and Schiavone at ringside. Excalibur talked about 9-11-2001. He said America, when unified, is stronger than any other. He paused to pay respect to those lost 24 years ago.
(3) MARIAH MAY vs. QUEEN AMINATA – AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator match
As Mariah came out, Excalibur talked about what she did to Skye Blue on the All Out pro-show. The bell rang 11 minutes into the hour. Excalibur said the Darby vs. Mox match is now official. The cut to a break at 2:00. [c/db]
Mariah finished Aminata with a Storm Zero.
WINNER: Mariah at 11:00.
-Mariah asked for the mic afterward. She rolled on the mat with her belt, then caressed it. She said she still hasn’t had her AEW Women’s Title celebration. “Something’s missing!” she said. “Someone’s missing!” She called for Mina Shirakawa to “please come back.”
-The Young Bucks stood backstage and said they are the Tag Team Division. Matthew said people thought after five years they’d be settled into their office position pushing papers, but they’re still doing the heavy lifting. He said fans want a tag team to replace them, but that tag team hasn’t shown up yet. Nicholas said whoever win the Casino Gauntlet will face them at Grand Slam and they’ll be out there watching live. [c]
-A brief vignette aired on the Saraya-Jamie Hayter situation.
(4) THE LEARNING TREE (Chris Jericho & Big Bill & Bryan Keith) vs. THE IRON SAVAGES (Boulder & Bronson & Jacked Jameson)
As The Learning Tree made their entrance, the showed clips of the jacket incident four years ago and then soundbites from Jericho. He said he’s keeping Orange’s backpack until he gives him his cash. Jericho wrestled in the orange jacket. He slapped Boulder. Boulder slapped him back. Jericho ran to his corner and tagged in Big Bill. Keith eventually hit Diamond Dust on Jakked. Jericho tagged in and stepped on his chest for the three count.
WINNERS: The Learning Tree in 2:30.
-Afterward, Jericho waved and said, “Hi guys!” He wore his orange jacket that he said he paid $7,000 for that Cassidy ruined over four years ago. He said he wanted his $7,000 back, but he keeps feeling he won’t get it from him, so he’s going to keep taking things from him. He said he took his backpack and he found a picture of him with his former best friends, Statlander, Chuck Taylor, and Trent Beretta. Jericho said there are no friends in pro wrestling, “and if you think you have a friend, you’re probably being used.” Big Bill acted like that was news to him.
Jericho said he wanted his cash. Cassidy showed up on the big screen. He said he has his money. He emptied his pockets and had some change. He said his boys are bringing the rest of it. Kyle O’Reilly and Mark Briscoe drove up with a tractor which poured a ton of coins into the car. Cassidy traded a wrinkled dollar for some change. The announcers laughed that he had to make change to get the exact amount. Jericho threw a fit that it might’ve damaged his Bentley. [c]
-Nigel Stood mid-ring. Excalibur said the Casino Gauntlet match will have to wait. Nigel said he had something to get off his chest. He said there won’t be an AEW World Title match at Grand Slam. He said it’s great for the champion, “who, let’s be honest, is likely strapped to an iron lung, gasping for air like Justin Roberts when he was choked out with his own tie.” He said it’s not so good for AEW because an event like Grand Slam should have the champion at least compete. “Which brings me to this,” he said.
He held up a contract. “How many years I have had to watch from the sidelines Bryan Danielson’s career,” he said. He said Danielson’s success should’ve been his, but he’s been a postscript. He said Danielson is afraid of him. He said he is afraid of the one match that everyone wants to see. “But Tony Khan isn’t afraid,” he said with a smile. “Tony Khan knows a money match when he sees one.”
He said at Grand Slam it will be Danielson vs. him. Excalibur asked if he will even be cleared. Nigel said Oasis will play him to the ring. (That didn’t get a pop in Lexington.) He asked if “Final Countdown” will play Danielson to the ring “or have we seen the final match of the American coward.” He said the ball’s in his court. Excalibur said if Danielson agrees to the match, he’ll be a lot less than 100 percent.
(Keller’s Analysis: So the Danielson vs. Darby match is off because Danielson isn’t cleared, but Tony Khan booked him to wrestle Nigel in a non-title match. I get that you can make the case that Danielson should be 100 percent if he’s putting the title on the line, but why would TK put his champion in a position to wrestle at less than 100 percent just to satisfy Nigel’s desires? It’s going to be cool to see them wrestle again. I saw them wrestle a 60 minute draw in person at an ROH show once and shot ringside photos of it and it’s a great memory.)
-A promo aired with Hook sitting on steps outdoors. He said he respects Roderick Strong. He said now he’s wining about his foot being under the bottom rope. He challenged Strong to a match with his FTW Title on the line. He said anyplace, anytime.
-The Young Bucks made their entrance to observe the Casino Battle Royal. They sat on the stage.
(5) CASINO BATTLE ROYAL
FTR came out first. Ospreay & Fletcher then came out second. The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. They went for quick pins to try to get a quick victory before the next team entered. The third team to enter was The Righteous, Vincent and Dutch. Matt Taven & Mike Bennett entered next. They cut to a double-box break at 6:00. [c/db]
The Acclaimed made their way out next after the break. MxM came out next. They cut to another double-box break at 12:00. [c/db]
[OVERRUN]
Ospreay and Anthony Bowens battled one-on-one in the ring. They cut to the Bucks who looked up at the clock. Chaos soon broke out with four pairs of wrestlers applying submission holds on the other. Dante & Darius Martin came out next. Dante and Ospreay had an exchange mid-ring. Taven poked Darius in the eyes. FTR gave Bowens their finisher. A crowd of wrestlers charged in and broke it up. The Outrunner came out which got a big pop. Excalibur said they have won over the hearts of the fans. Schiavone said they got their first win on Friday. They went on the attack and knocked everyone down. Fans chanted “Tag Team Wrestling!”
The Grizzled Young Vets entered next. FTR met them on the stage. The announcers said they would wrestle a tag match on Collision on Saturday. Turbo Floyd superplexed Mansour off the top rope onto a crowd gathered below. Rapid-fire moves continued, one after another with different wrestlers. Fletcher lifted his knees on a frog splash attempt by Darius. Ospreay then landed the Hidden Blade. Fletcher rolled up Darius to win.
WINNERS: Ospreay & Fletcher 24:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Wild fun match.)
FINAL THOUGHTS: This was a really well put together, fun episode of Dynamite.
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by wrestling reporter/analyst Stephanie Chase 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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