AEW Dynamite 12/23/20 Quick Takes

Top Flight vs. Chris Jericho and MJF

This was a fun opener. It’s obvious that the powers that be see something in Top Flight. They have had prominent roles on the show as of late and getting ring time with Chris Jericho is a seal of approval of sorts. That being said, he was perhaps the roughest part of this match. He’s fine in short bursts but there were moments here that looked pretty gnarly. MJF played his part well, though. He truly is the best scumbag in wrestling at the moment. He picked up the win for his team after Jake Hager got involved by beating up Dante Martin, allowing MJF to land the Heat Seeker for the three count. After the match Jake calls out Wardlow, saying that he hasn’t really contributed to the Inner Circle since joining. Hager lets us know that Tony Khan has signed off on a match between the two big men next week.

The Icon Speaks

Tony Schiavone is in the ring and introduces Sting as only Tony can. Tony asks Sting what it’s like to be back on TNT. His response was that he was, “back in the jungle.” and that he was part of the original “jungle.” He says “jungle” like five times in one sentence and I thought he started to ramble. He turned it around by telling a story about Dusty Rhodes and how Dream played a big part in Sting getting his big break, including a fair impression of Dusty (If you will.) Sting talks about how Cody leading the AEW charge reminds him of Dusty and he wanted to be a part of it. He then goes on to discuss Darby Allin, who was once again watching on from the upper deck but gets cut off by Team Taz. Taz essentially calls Sting a fraud and that he was tired of everyone singing his praises. Ricky Starks chimes in and tell Sting that he’s going to get hurt if he keeps playing in the Jungle. Taz jumps back in and says that they should just mess Sting up right now. As Team Taz walks towards the ring, the lights go out and Darby appears in the ring, armed with his skateboards. Taz and company slink off so that they can fight another day.

Jurassic Express vs. 5,10, and Colt Cabana

This was fine. The Jurassic Express went up against the Dark Order “C” team and Colt Cabana. This was another match where the outcome was never really in question. It was interesting to see Marko Stunt get some offense in. A lot of people make the joke about Marko but the moves he did make sense. His team essentially used him as a weapon, getting thrown to his opponents. Jungle Boy continues to be a star in the making, however, I do cringe whenever Ross refers to him as “Jungle Boy Jack.” As for Luchasaurus, he did what he does. He’s an athletic big man but sometimes, I feel like he gets a little too cute for his own good. Jurassic Express gets the expected win after a really cool move in which Luchasaurus tosses 5 like a belly-to-back supex, flips him into the air, and has Jungle Boy powerbomb 5 on the way down. As the winners celebrate, FTR and Tully Blanchard appear on the big screen. They let Jurassic Express know that in two weeks, they have a beating coming their way. Tully tells Marko that Tully would flashback to the 80s if Marko gets involved.

Pac vs. The Butcher

Butcher looked fantastic here. There’s something about his look that just stands out amongst his peers. Pac has the uncanny ability to be a credible threat even though he is a much smaller competitor. This was speed versus power. Pac was able to outmaneuver the bigger man but when Butcher was able to get his hands on Pac, he made it count. Eddie Kingston and the rest of the Family were out doing their thing. Blade caused a distraction that allowed his partner to get the upper hand for a moment. Kingston was out at the announce table, directing traffic. As Eddie was about to get involved, Lance Archer came down to keep him in check. Pac won the match with the Black Arrow.

Evil Uno vs. Dustin Rhodes

This was fun. Uno is so well known for his tag team stuff that it’s easy to forget that he is a competent singles wrestler as well. As for Dustin, he is still having a stand-out run in AEW and it’s great to see him genuinely enjoying what he’s doing. I’m not sold on having to do a destroyer or a code red every match but other than that, it’s nice that a bit of the old school now and then. Dustin wins a Bulldog. After the match, Rhodes continues to reject Uno and the Dark Order. As Dustin flips off Uno, Stu Grayson attacks Rhodes and Nightmare Family member, Lee Johnson. QT Marshall tries for the save but gets overwhelmed. Johnson eventually returns and helps clear the ring.

Hikaru Shida vs. Alex Garcia

This was another women’s division squash match. The champion gets the quick win in about 3 minutes with a Falcon Arrow. Post-match, Abadon is unleashed and attacks Shida. Abadon gets the upper hand and the zombie takes a chunk out of the champ’s neck, causing Shida’s neck to “bleed”.

AEW Tag Team Championship-Young Bucks (c) vs. The Acclaimed

From an in-ring perspective, this match was very good. The Bucks really are one of the best tag teams in the world and they elevate whatever team they are up against. The Acclaimed really has immense potential, I just can’t stand the rap gimmick. Both teams had chances to shine. The Young Bucks connected with a really interesting take on the Doomsday Device. The Acclaimed went with a cool superplex/splash combo. What took me out of this was the closing stretch. We get another ref bump that allows Bowens to hit Nick with a boombox for a near fall once the second ref gets to the ring. Bowens gets powerbombed through a table for his trouble and Castor eats a BTE Trigger, allowing the champs to retain.

Final Thoughts

1. There were a lot of matches where the outcomes were pretty much certainty and sometimes that’s ok

2. I do like that that now that Sting is in AEW, the announcers call the Sharpshooter a Scorpion Death Lock again.

3. I love Chris Jericho but I’m looking forward to the time where he transitions to more of a managerial role.

4. Something about this show felt off to me. Maybe it’s because they are setting up for the New Years’ specials coming up so this show was kind of an afterthought.

#Sting #Pac #prowrestling #ChirisJericho #MJF #AEWDynamite #wrestling #AEW