It’s time for this week’s AEW Dynamite recap.
All Elite Wrestling returned to Los Angeles (Kia Forum) for their flagship show. This week’s episode dealt with the aftermath of AEW Double or Nothing. Swerve Strickland, Bucks, Okada, Kris Statlander, and Mercedes Moné, among others, appeared live and in living color.
Here’s what went down on the May 29, 2024, episode of Wednesday Night Dynamite.
Miss – Opening segment on AEW Dynamite
Mercedes Moné kicked off Dynamite. The newly-crowned TBS Champion came to the ring to celebrate her title win at Double or Nothing. However, Mercedes found herself interrupted by Skye Blue, who revealed herself as her attacker from weeks ago. Blue appeared in the ring to attack Mercedes, setting up a title match later for the night.
An underwhelming segment made worse by Mercedes’ mic work. The Skye Blue reveal couldn’t save it, either. I’d have booked Mercedes to call out her mystery attacker for an impromptu match after they played the footage of her attack. Blue would then reveal herself as the mystery attacker moments before the match.
Hit – Samoa Joe takes HOOK under his wing
Chris Jericho and Big Bill debuted a new segment on AEW Dynamite this week. Jericho and Bill welcomed the fans to “TV Time.” Bryan Keith showed up all angry and expressed his intent in sitting under the “Learning Tree.” HOOK interrupted the three men only for Samoa Joe to talk him out of his anger.
Pairing HOOK with Jericho is a commendable booking decision. Both men have similar strike and submission-based wrestling style. I was never a fan of LionHOOK, but this new direction for the “Cold-Hearted, Handsome Devil” is something I can get behind. Let’s hope Joe helps HOOK find his killer instinct.
Miss – Kris Statlander turns her back on Orange Cassidy
Don Callis tore Don Callis’ contract offer to join his stable. Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway interrupted the segment. Statlander accepted the invitation on behalf of her “best friend,” who turned out to be Trent Beretta. Trent proceeded to attack OC busting him open in the process. The segment ended with Trent and Callis sharing a “best friends hug.”
Of course, they weren’t going to turn Orange Cassidy heel weeks after pulling the trigger on Trent. Statlander had at that time resented Trent’s decision with every fiber of her being. It appears she’s decided to turn into a full-blown heel by calling Trent her best friend. This angle was rushed.
Hit – Mercedes Moné vs. Skye Blue on AEW Dynamite
Skye Blue’s attack on Mercedes Moné set up a TBS Championship match between the two. The match marked Mercedes’ AEW Dynamite in-ring debut. The champion picked up the win after a hard-fought match.
A great first title defense for Mercedes on live television. Both opponents have solid chemistry. Skye Blue pulled off some strong offense that required Mercedes to adjust her game plan. The Code Blue reversal into Money Maker by the CEO was great.
NJPW and CMLL Double Champion Stephanie Vaquer’s live appearance was a nice surprise.
Miss – Adam Copeland stripped of his title
I was immediately concerned for Copeland, just like every other sane fan, after the disastrous elbow drop spot at AEW Double or Nothing. Cope confirmed he suffered a fractured tibia (shin bone) at the PPV event, noting he’s required surgery. He’d be eventually stripped of his title by EVP Bucks on AEW Dynamite this week.
Cope was doing a great champion as TNT Champion. He had put on some excellent matches against Buddy Matthews, Penta, Brody King, and Matt Cardona to name a few. The “Rated R Superstar” would’ve, no doubt, given us many more great matches if it wasn’t for his injury.
Get well soon, Cope!
Hit – Casino Gauntlet main event on AEW Dynamite
The main event on Dynamite saw an all-star collision. Wrestlers from AEW, NJPW and CMLL competed in a Casino Gauntlet to earn a shot at AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door. The participants included Jay White, Shota Umino, Místico, and Will Ospreay.
An incredible main event to cap off AEW Dynamite. Every man in the ring gave his all. We also saw the return of Lio Rush. Ospreay emerged as the winner. The outcome was a miss in my opinion. They should’ve hold off on Swerve vs. Ospreay and gave somebody from NJPW the win.
I like Ospreay but bruv literally won the International Championship at Double or Nothing. Unless they are planning on turning Will into “Belt Collector Billy Goat,” I don’t see the point of doing Swerve vs. Ospreay at Forbidden Door.
Honorable Mentions
- Jon Moxley defeated Rocky Romero in an IWGP eliminator match. An okay match where Mox was the dominant athlete. Rocky targeted the champion’s arm but Mox’s lariats proved to be too powerful for the AEW and NJPW VP.
- Okada trolling the crowd was my favorite part from The Elite’s segment. The Continental Champion showed complete disregard for the fans. The “shut up b*tches” and the fake crying made for entertaining television.
Also read: New TNT Champion Will Be Crowned In Ladder Match At AEW Forbidden Door
