Reviews by Dave
By David E Houston II
Show air date: September 22, 2021
Each week, I ask “Which era of Nitro is AEW Dynamite going to give me this week?” This week, AEW Dynamite gave us Nitro late 96-97 where nearly everything was hot and even the things not quite working only missed by a little bit.
Kenny Omega vs Bryan Danielson
Ends in a Draw
World champion Kenny Omega (with Don Callis thankfully at ringside and not at commentary) faced “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson–making his AEW in-ring debut in a non-title match and it was excellent. This is the kind of Omega match I like: doesn’t try to do or take every move in a ten-minute match but works smartly and has an intelligent wrestling match.
This is the version that was working those Impact shows this spring/summer. I’m glad to see him on AEW TV and Danielson was the perfect opponent. With those two having just a great match light on shenanigans, it allowed Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Jim Ross to just call the match and it was one of their best showings as well. Loved the after-match triple superkick from the Young Bucks and Adam Cole on Danielson. Makes perfect sense. Now don’t do the rematch for a while.
And No One Cut Him Off!
CM Punk, shows you can cut an intense promo on cable TV without calling anyone a “bitch” or dropping s-bombs to be “edgy”. Glad someone remembers. And no one cut him off!! How original.
MJF defeated Brian Pillman Jr
MJF-Maxwell Jacob Friedman–beat Brian Pillman Jr. It was fine. Two young guys getting in some hard work. Pillman Jr. just doesn’t seem ready for matches that long and MJF isn’t the kind of guy yet who can carry someone.
Malakai Black defeated Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes (dressed like what if Homelander and Evel Knievel had a weird-looking baby) made his in-ring return, seeking vengeance on Malakai Black for beating up everybody he knows. He came up short, with Black picking up the win by channeling his inner Great Kabuki.
The live reaction shows even AEW hardcores are tiring of the Rhodes’ act and Brandi getting in the ring and getting in Black’s face is a perfect example of what is wearing people out. I love Arn Anderson. Been one of my main guys since the mid-80s but maaaaannnn, when that ninja fell, I holla’ed. I did like him telling Cody to get back to work. AA has no patience Stupid Babyface shit. Good match with some unintentional hilarity.
Very good vignette segment on TNT champion Miro and Sammy Guevara. Miro is just sick as God’s Favorite Champion. Sammy is just eh as a face.
Darby Allin and Sting defeated FTR
Darby Allin and Sting got a nice win over FTR–Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler with Tully Blanchard. Everyone looked good here, and I enjoyed it.
Sting was busting his ass out there. He ain’t no Action Mike Jackson but he didn’t look like a 62-year-old man. Loved the finish. Harwood trying to bait Sting with the chair was smart but Sting’s been facing the best of the best since 1986, he SHOULDN’T fall for it. Loved it.
Main Event: Dr. Britt Baker, DMD (c) defeated Ruby Soho
For the AEW Women’s World Championship
Ruby Soho got her promised world title match for winning the Casino Battle Royal at All Out, challenging Dr. Britt Baker, DMD. Ross won the reference game with a Fabulous Moolah vs Donna Christanello line. Good match but seemed to slow down near the end and then pick back up.
Baker’s associates Rebel and Jamie Hayter played a big part in the finish with Rebel distracting the referee and Hayter dropping Soho throat first on the top rope, allowing Baker to apply her Lockjaw submission for the win.
Very good show that flew by for the most part and that’s a good thing.
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