This week’s AEW Dynamite was held in Ontario, California, drawing a positive response from fans eager for a sustained strong performance. All Elite Wrestling is currently gearing up for the 2026 Grand Slam event scheduled for February 14, 2026, at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in Australia. The recent Dynamite episode served as a lead-up to this major show, with Tony Khan making significant creative decisions that have sparked both praise and criticism.
Despite a generally strong run, Khan’s booking choices revealed some notable missteps alongside promising successes, which will affect future storylines and fan engagement.
Errors in Championship Booking Decisions
One of the key mistakes involved the AEW Women’s Championship. The recent title bout between Kris Statlander and Thekla ended with Thekla, also known as the Toxic Spider, capturing the belt. While fans welcomed Thekla’s rise, many argue that Statlander’s reign was cut short prematurely. Statlander is considered one of AEW’s most skilled competitors, yet her tenure as champion lasted less than 150 days and felt underdeveloped. Elevating Thekla too quickly could disrupt long-term storytelling.
Another miscalculation concerned the TNT Championship. Tommaso Ciampa debuted impressively by winning the title from Mark Briscoe in his first AEW match, generating excitement among the audience. However, Ciampa soon lost the belt to Kyle Fletcher, a development that disappointed many. Ciampa, known as the Psycho Killer, had potential to be a strong champion, and dropping the title so early seemed like a premature decision.
The third notable error involved booking Kyle Fletcher against Mark Briscoe once again for the TNT title. After reclaiming the championship by defeating Ciampa, Fletcher issued an open challenge that Briscoe answered. Their scheduled ladder match at Grand Slam Australia marks another chapter in a rivalry fans have witnessed frequently. Critics suggest that introducing a new challenger would have provided fresher dynamics for the event.
Successful Storylines and Returns That Worked Well
On the positive side, Tony Khan’s handling of a dramatic hair vs. hair segment received praise. In a mixed tornado tag team match featuring Orange Cassidy and Toni Storm against Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir, the losing side had to have their hair shaved. Following their defeat, Yuta and Shafir cut Mina Shirakawa’s hair, a moment that strongly resonated with fans and added emotional weight to the storyline. The segment showcased Khan’s ability to build compelling narrative tension.
Another highlight was the return of Private Party, who came back after more than a year’s absence. The duo faced the Young Bucks and the Rascalz in a match to determine the number one contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Although Isiah “Zay” Kassidy and Marq Quen did not win, their impressive performance reassured fans of their talent and potential impact on the tag team division. Khan’s decision to reintegrate Private Party is viewed as a strategic move to strengthen AEW’s roster depth.
Implications and What to Expect Moving Forward
Tony Khan’s recent AEW Dynamite episode displayed a blend of sharp creative instincts and questionable booking choices. The quick title changes and repeat matchups may challenge viewer investment if not carefully managed. Meanwhile, strong storytelling elements like the hair-cutting segment and the reintroduction of established talent demonstrate Khan’s capacity for both building excitement and maintaining continuity.
As AEW prepares for the Grand Slam in Sydney, how these decisions unfold will be crucial in shaping the company’s momentum and fan loyalty. Adjustments in booking and fresh rivalries might be needed to avoid stagnation, while capitalizing on successful storylines could enhance AEW’s appeal worldwide.
