In a gripping episode of AEW Dynamite, Brody King stunned fans by defeating champion MJF, delivering one of the show’s most talked-about moments. The event, held this week, continued AEW’s streak of strong programming, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the promotion as excitement builds ahead of upcoming events in Australia and Vegas.
This surprising result put a spotlight on the ongoing battle for the AEW World Title, raising anticipation for future high-stakes clashes, particularly in the Australian tour where an extended Brody King vs. MJF showdown is expected.
Standout Matches and Key Performances
The bout between Kenny Omega and Andrade was a highlight, offering a hard-fought contest that defied many expectations. Despite plans for a potential matchup between Omega and Hangman Page in Australia being postponed, the match maintained significant intrigue, showcasing both wrestlers’ intense skill and determination.
Though Omega’s loss delays his pursuit of the World Title, it effectively builds suspense around MJF’s reign, encouraging fans to stay engaged until the feud intensifies in the spring.
The six-man tag team opener delivered solid in-ring action but struggled to ignite the crowd. The mixed allegiances within the teams—dividing fan-favorites and villains—contributed to a somewhat muted audience reaction. Notably, fan support clings strongly to Jon Moxley and Konosuke Takeshita, while Daniel Garcia and Josh Alexander receive notable disdain, hinting at potential shifts as Moxley and Takeshita could soon separate from their groups and forge new paths as fan favorites.
The quirky dynamic between Orange Cassidy and Toni Storm continues to draw curiosity, particularly with the hair vs. hair match slated for Australia, where fans seem eager to see Toni Storm shave Yuta’s head—a scenario likely to generate significant crowd enthusiasm.
The developing feud between Darby Allin and Gabe Kidd has generated intrigue, especially after Kidd’s clever move forcing the broadcast director to play their video segment. His potential as a lasting competitor rests on AEW’s ability to keep him visible and invested long-term, moving beyond short appearances and brief losses.
In the women’s tag division, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford secured a victory in an eliminator match, earning a shot at the tag team titles in Australia. While the result was somewhat predictable, it was a strategically important win that adds credibility to their push. The Grand Slam event continues to prove itself as a major attraction, generating appeals—even for fans juggling personal plans around its schedule.
A stirring video package for Will Ospreay reminded viewers of his significant stature and the excitement surrounding his eventual return, although the timing of his comeback remains uncertain.
Crowd Reactions and Commentary Shortcomings
Despite an action-packed card, the absence of a strong commentary analyst was felt throughout the night. With Taz and Bryan Danielson unavailable, the broadcast leaned heavily on Excalibur and Tony Schiavone, whose efforts, while commendable, lacked the depth and humor normally brought to the table. This gap diminished some of the entertainment and analytical value across the two hours.
Suggestions for improvement include adding a third commentator or shifting Schiavone to an interview role, potentially bringing in former wrestlers like Paul Wight or Jon Moxley to enhance insights and perspective during matches.
Production Choices and Missed Opportunities
One notable production misstep involved delaying the airing of Tommaso Ciampa’s recent TNT Title victory over Mark Briscoe, which occurred on AEW Collision. The match and Ciampa’s subsequent backstage promo could have been featured earlier in the program to amplify its significance. Moreover, the timing of announcing his upcoming three-way match with Roderick Strong and Claudio immediately following the backstage segment diluted the surprise factor and suggested a lack of coordination.
The scheduling decision diminished the impact of what was a pivotal moment for Ciampa and arguably cost the show a higher level of dramatic tension.
Anticipation Builds for Future AEW Storylines and Events
As AEW moves closer to its highly anticipated Grand Slam event in New York and its Australian tour, fans are left eager for deeper storyline progressions, especially the continuation of the MJF-Brody King rivalry and Kenny Omega’s World Title aspirations. The unpredictable outcomes witnessed on Dynamite reinforce AEW’s commitment to keeping viewers invested through compelling matches and surprising twists.
With plans for further high-profile matchups and growing rivalries, AEW appears poised to maintain its momentum, while addressing commentary and production challenges may enhance the viewing experience ahead.
This week’s Dynamite has reaffirmed AEW’s place as a frontrunner in professional wrestling, blending intense rivalries, emerging talents, and fan anticipation into an ongoing narrative that should captivate audiences well into the new year.
