AEW Dynamite Recap: Countdown to Full Gear Showdown

Photo and video Credit to AEW where applicable

As the anticipation for AEW's annual November extravaganza, Full Gear, reached its peak, the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, played host to the go-home episode of Dynamite. With the event just days away, the Wednesday broadcast was packed with compelling storylines, high-stakes matches, and a monumental street fight involving wrestling icons. Let's dive into the results, highlights, and reactions from the November 15 episode before the Full Gear spectacle.

Match Card Overview:

Before delving into the results, let's take a glance at the exciting match card for the evening:

1. Street Fight: Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, and Paul Wight vs. The Don Callis Family (Brian Cage, Powerhouse Hobbs, Kyle Fletcher, and Konosuke Takeshita)

2. Orange Cassidy and Hook vs. Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta

3. The Young Bucks vs. Penta El Zero Miedo and Komander

4. Red Velvet vs. Skye Blue (winner advances to Full Gear)

5. MJF promo

Match 1: Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta vs. Orange Cassidy and Hook

In a compelling opener, AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy and his partner, Hook, sent a strong message to their rivals, Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta. The intense brawl concluded with Yuta pinning Hook, setting the stage for potential future challenges and adding fuel to the Cassidy-Moxley rivalry.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- Cassidy and Hook showcased their resilience against formidable opponents.

- The decision to kick off with a brawl set the tone for the night but also risked overshadowing the later street fight main event.

- Yuta's victory over Hook hinted at potential championship aspirations, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

Match 2: Hangman Page's Promo with Swerve Strickland

Hangman Page delivered a fiery promo directed at Swerve Strickland, setting the stage for their upcoming Texas Deathmatch. While Page's impassioned speech resonated, the lack of a retort from Strickland and the absence of additional build-up left some room for improvement.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- Page's strong mic skills were on display, building anticipation for the upcoming match.

- Strickland's opportunity to respond could have elevated the feud, enhancing the overall hype.

Match 3: Red Velvet vs. Skye Blue

In a hard-fought battle, Skye Blue secured a victory over Red Velvet, earning a shot at the TBS Championship at Full Gear. The match showcased solid action and near-falls, positioning Blue as a deserving contender.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- Blue's impressive performance and unique attire added flair to the match.

- The need for rebuilding Red Velvet's character was emphasized, raising questions about her future direction.

Match 4: Samoa Joe Squashes John Cruz

Samoa Joe made a dominant return to the ring, squashing John Cruz with the Coquina Clutch. Joe's post-match offer to team up with MJF at Full Gear added intrigue but left fans wondering if MJF would accept.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- Joe's impactful return demonstrated his prowess in the ring.

- The backstage confrontation and potential tag team partnership with MJF sparked curiosity about Full Gear.

Match 5: The Young Bucks vs. Penta El Zero Miedo and Komander

The Young Bucks solidified their heel turn, defeating Penta El Zero Miedo and Komander through nefarious means. Despite lacking a strong narrative, the match achieved its goal of establishing the Bucks as villains.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- The Bucks' heel tactics and the lack of in-match storytelling raised questions about their Full Gear matchup against Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega.

Match 6: The Gunns Send a Message to MJF

In preparation for the Full Gear Buy-In, The Gunns delivered a quick victory and a forgettable promo against Peter Avalon and an unnamed partner. The segment served as a reminder of their presence but failed to elevate the match's anticipation.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- The Gunns' win added little to the overall storyline.

- The segment's purpose and impact were questioned, leaving the audience indifferent.

Match 7: Like a Dragon Street Fight

The intense rivalry between Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, and The Don Callis Family escalated in a Sega-sponsored Like A Dragon Street Fight. The chaotic match delivered on its promises, but the aftermath raised questions about the faction's credibility.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- The chaotic street fight showcased intense moments and creative spots.

- The fallout begged the question: What's next for The Don Callis Family after consecutive losses?

Match 8: MJF Promo

In a passionate promo, MJF addressed his upcoming AEW World Championship defense against Jay White at Full Gear. Switchblade's interruption and the subsequent beatdown by The Gunns and Juice Robinson added heat to the heel team but did little to advance the narrative.

Top Moments and Takeaways:

- MJF's fiery promo built anticipation for his title defense.

- The beatdown reinforced the heels' cowardly tactics but left the storyline status quo.

As a go-home show for Full Gear, AEW Dynamite had its share of strong moments and missed opportunities. While individual matches and segments offered entertainment, the overall effort fell short in fully convincing fans to tune in for Full Gear. With less than half of the PPV represented and minimal advancement of storylines, the show left room for improvement.

Overall Grade: B-

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