The Aug. 1 edition of AEW Dynamite proved to be a pivotal show for the company
(AEW)
By: Gavin Axelrod
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) returned to its “home field” of Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Fla. for an Aug.4 Homecoming.
Wednesday’s show had another stacked program for the company, which is currently riding a huge wave of momentum. The last three episodes of AEW’s weekly show Dynamite, have all hit the one-million viewer mark.
Brian Cage and Ricky Starks’ rivalry continued, Christian Cage beat The Blade and Leyla Hirsch became the new number one contender for the NWA World Women’s Championship.
Elsewhere, Malakai Black made his AEW in-ring debut in the main event against Cody Rhodes, the star-studded trio of Darby Allin, Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston were in action. Miro also added another successful defence of the TNT Title to his record by defeating Lee Johnson.
As always Gavin Axelrod and Joseph Casciaro have got you covered on all things Dynamite!
The Juice is loose in Jacksonville
(AEW)
Jericho defeated an old foe, Juventud Gurrera by hitting a top rope Judas Effect.
After the match the hostilities continued when MJF’s henchman Wardlow attacked Jericho. MJF then took the microphone and declared that next week Jericho would face Wardlow, but with an interesting twist.
Next week’s match won’t be officiated by a member of AEW’s referee group, it will be MJF dawning the stripes for the first time in the company. How will Chris Jericho overcome these odds?
Allin, Moxley and Kingston pick up the win
(AEW)
Darby Allin, Jon Moxley and Eddie Kingston tore the house down in a fun trios match against Daniel Garcia and 2.0.
This match didn’t build on any stories for AEW, but it served as a great showcase. For a homecoming show, this match gave the crowd a reason to cheer.
Even in defeat the debuting 2.0 and their ally Garcia looked strong in defeat. With AEW building up its trios, could a tournament be on the horizon?
Hangman’s terrible day
(Twitter via @AEW)
Perhaps the biggest story on tonight’s show was ‘Hangman’ Adam Page asking Dark Order for some space. It seems like after the group’s loss last week, Page still isn’t ready to realize that when you fail, you don’t need to push your friends away.
To their credit, Dark Order was accepting of their friend’s wishes and Evil Uno encouraged the group to give Hangman the space he needed. However, one thing that was missed by many viewers, was that Page left a CD on the table during this segment. Only time will tell what was on it, but it seems as everyone’s favourite cowboy would hit rock bottom.
If Page seemingly breaking up with Dark Order wasn’t sad enough for you than continue reading, but you’ve been warned!
Later on, in the show Tony Schiavone went down to the ring to interview Page and before he could even get the words out, The Elite arrived. Kenny Omega took the microphone and berated his former tag team partner
To his credit, Page stood up for himself and socked Omega in the mouth. However, the numbers of The Elite were too much for Page to handle and he was beaten down.
All of a sudden Dark Order’s Five, Silver and Reynolds appeared, but Uno and Grayson held them back and all they could do was watch as Page received a pair of BTE triggers.
Whether this is rock bottom for ‘Hangman’ or a ploy to outsmart The Elite, one thing is for sure and it’s that eventually Page is gonna have to get back on his horse and keep on riding.
Malaki Black sends Cody into the darkness
(Twitter via @AEW)
Malaki Black vanquished the light in Cody Rhodes Wednesday in impressive fashion. Black needed less than 10 minutes to defeat Rhodes, knocked him out with a kick to the head and then pinned him just by stepping on him.
The man formerly known as Tommy End is now a made star in AEW after defeating one of its flag bearers. It’ll be interesting to see who, if anyone, has the guts to challenge him.
After the match, Rhodes cut an emotional promo in which it seemed like he was going to retire. However, Black wasn’t going to let him off that easily and he came back to attack Rhodes -- snuffing out any spirit left within the ‘American Nightmare.’
Next week: Evil Uno and Stu Grayson challenge for the IMPACT Tag Team Titles, Chris Jericho takes on Wardlow and more!