Reviews by Dave
By David E Houston II
Show air date: August 4, 2021
AEW Dynamite rewarded those that endured the first hour with a very good second hour while doing some good business to promote the debut of Rampage next week and the NWA Empowerrr pay-per-view on August 28.
Chris Jericho defeated Juventud Guerrera
So much wrong with “Le Insurrection” Chris Jericho vs Juventud Guerrera, much of it was avoidable. I’m not sure how active Guerrera has been the last 10 years but neither he nor Jericho should have been expected to have a 1998 match in 2021. Just wasn’t going to happen, especially Jericho clearly not in the best shape of his career (he seems to be regressing).
They have a much better match working in more brawling and wrestling. Making it so Jericho can only win by a top rope maneuver only means he has to do more high flying. Nah, bruh. They still did the best they could and the Daily’s Place crowd was exceptionally polite with their soft “This is Awesome” chant. It wasn’t. MJF was Jerichoesque in how bad and annoying he was at guest commentary.
I did wish Wardlow had come out 5 minutes earlier. He will be the next opponent for Jericho, with MJF as special guest referee. This shit has gone on forever.
Andrade Still Recruiting
Andrade El Idolo is still recruiting the Lucha Bros in a way that NCAA coaches would really appreciate. I liked Vickie Guerrero with Andrade but Chavo Guerrero Jr has been very good. Rough couple shows for Fuego.
I almost shed a tear in what looks like the final episode of “The Young and the Dark Order”
Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston, and Darby Allin defeated 2.0 and Danny Garcia
NeverRose showed up on Wednesday night again and got beaten up by Jon Moxley, Eddie Kingston, and Darby Allin (with Sting) in a “Why is this not on DARK?” match. Not even a long match and still felt too long.
They really don’t have anything for Moxley right now???
Good video/promo package on the Ricky Starks/Brian Cage feud. That’s how you can make a midcard, non title feud feels important and noteworthy.
Cookie Monster T-Shirt
Very good backstage segment with the Super Elite–World champions Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks and Impact tag champs, the Good Brothers.
Christian Cage defeated The Blade
Christian Cage held off a very game The Blade of the Hardy Family Office. Unlike some longtime veterans, Cage is still in very good shape and works hard every match. With a guy like Blade, it allowed him to hold his own in a good match. Still felt like it needed a couple of minutes shaved off since no one thought Blade was winning.
Another great promo package between FTR and Proud and Powerful.
Red Velvet Came to the Ring to Stir It Up
Tony Schiavone’s interview with Women’s champion Dr. Britt Baker DMD (with Rebel) was interrupted by Red Velvet (welcome back to TV), who will challenge her at the first episode of Rampage next Friday. Solid segment but this was one where the challenger needed to leave out with the upper hand. It’s nearly impossible she wins next week so don’t get her beat up this week to have her get beat next week.
I thought the face-off with the Super Elite, Hangman Page, the DO and Frankie Kazarian was pretty good. Glad to see Dan Lambert’s coming back.
Miro (c) defeated Lee Johnson
for the TNT Championship
I loved the TNT title match between champion “God’s Favorite Champion” Miro and “Big Shotty” Lee Johnson ( with Dustin Rhodes), who really has filled out. Perfectly structured and executed so both guys looked great with Miro overcoming a tough, young challenger. Is anyone as much a Johnson fan as Jim Ross? If he was booking, Johnson would be higher on the card.
I could go for Miro vs Rhodes.
Leyla Hirsch defeated The Bunny
“Legit” Leyla Hirsch beat The Bunny to gain a title shot at the NWA Women’s World title at the Empowerrr pay-per-view. NWA champion Kamille came out for a face-off. This is the second company out here building up the NWA’s pay-per-view. Great time in the business. Hirsch is good but she would be better served giving up dives and superplexes.
Jade Cargill and Smart Mark Sterling cut another good promo. Time to get back to work.
Main Event: Malakai Black defeated Cody Rhodes
The Daily’s Place crowd seemed a little more split on Cody Rhodes (as predicted was coming weeks back) and then he got his whole ass whooped by Malakai Black. Just thrashed. I liked it. But then, the mofo teases a retirement. Off like this 3rd loss in 12 months. Please. Black beat him up some more. Thank you. Cody Cearst Celmsley was trippin’.
This show got out of the gate slow AF but finished strong.
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