AEW Dynamite Review - May 17, 2023

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Christian Cage and Luchasaurus Attacked AEW TNT Champion Wardlow

There hasn't been a lot of meat on the bone with this rivalry, but AEW has done a decent job of establishing an issue between Wardlow and Cage in a short span of time. This was a simple segment to again give Cage the upper hand over Wardlow and officially set up their AEW TNT Championship clash for Double or Nothing, which will now be a Ladder match. The stipulation has been done to death in all of the major promotions in recent years, so while it's hard to get too excited for it, it should be good.

Darby Allin and AEW International Champion Orange Cassidy def. Lee Moriarty and Big Bill

I must have missed something because I have no idea how this match came together. Allin will be challenging for the AEW World Championship at Double or Nothing, Cassidy has been on a roll as the International champ, and the former Firm members (apparently the Firm Deletion match marked the end of the group) were feuding with The Hardys, Isiah Kassidy and Hook until recently. Don't get me wrong, this was a quality opener and the crowd was into the babyfaces, but more explanation as to why it was happening would have been appreciated. Allin winning with a headlock takedown was a nice touch since that's what MJF beat Allin with back at Full Gear 2021 (after hitting him with the Dynamite Diamond Ring first, of course).

Sammy Guevara def. Exodus Prime

Guevara beat Prime almost immediately, so the match itself wasn't really relevant. This was more about the babyface promo he cut afterward addressing his opponents at Double or Nothing. Considering he helped out Allin and Perry later in the show, it looks like the turn could be official, which would be weird because he's still a member of Jericho Appreciation Society the last time I checked. It feels forced, but maybe it's because of how he came across on the All Access show. I'm not a fan of it myself, but maybe it ends up being temporary.

Jeff Jarrett, Karen Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Satnam Singh and Sonjay Dutt Attacked AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR

Most of the build to this AEW World Tag Team Championship match heading into Double or Nothing has done nothing for me, but this effectively furthered the feud and put more heat on the heels. Seeing Karen Jarrett brought back memories when she was a part of Jeff's act in TNA back and managing the Knockouts division back in 2011, and they aren't positive memories. I hope this was a one-off for her and she won't be on television regularly with Jeff's group going forward, but I'm not holding my breath.

The Outcasts (Toni Storm and Ruby Soho) def. Britt Baker and Hikaru Shida

This was supposed to be a six-woman tag team match also involving Jamie Hayter and Saraya before it was announced that Hayter is out injured. She must not be too hurt if they're advertising Hayter vs. Storm for the AEW Women's World Championship at Double or Nothing. This was solid stuff from all involved and The Outcasts picking up a semi-important win was necessary, but this storyline continues to lack juice on the whole.

Roderick Strong def. Chris Jericho in a Falls Count Anywhere Match

It's rare Falls Count Anywhere matches go outside of the arena nowadays, so this was really refreshing and just a blast in general. I understand they did that to work around the Adam Cole stipulation so Cole could get his hands on Jericho, but I honestly forgot about that and thought it was well done. They made excellent use of the stipulation and taking the fight all arena was entertaining. Strong not losing his singles debut in AEW was a plus as well.

"Jungle Boy" Jack Perry def. Rush

Everyone involved in the four-way for the AEW World Championship was in action this show except for MJF, and Perry's match had the most questionable booking. Rush is a top talent, but he really shouldn't have dominated a majority of this match if the idea was for Perry to gain anything from this, because he didn't. Rush isn't doing anything in AEW at the moment, so I didn't understand the approach here and thought it made Perry look weaker than his Double or Nothing opponents despite this being well wrestled.

Jay White def. Ricky Starks by Disqualification

I was surprised this wasn't saved for Double or Nothing, but hopefully the disqualification finish indicates a rematch is in the cards for the pay-per-view. This was terrific and the easily the best bout on the whole show. Starks getting himself disqualified with the chair shot was slightly silly, but I actually didn't mind the non-finish because it protected both men. This feud has been fairly basic so far, but I'm glad they delivered in the ring as I knew they could.

The Elite Challenged Blackpool Combat Club to an Anarchy in the Arena Match at Double or Nothing

AEW has taken their time with this story and has done a brilliant job of building to this point, maximizing the reaction for the ultimate Elite reunion. This was exceptionally executed and worth the wait. It set up the expected Anarchy in the Arena match for Double or Nothing, and although last year's installment wasn't my cup of tea, it makes more sense than doing a standard eight-man tag team match (especially if they save Blood and Guts for later in the summer). My only nitpick regarding this segment was that we didn't get much of an explanation from Don Callis for why he betrayed Kenny Omega, but perhaps we'll still get it eventually.

Overall Show

I didn't find the first hour to be overly exciting, especially once Tony Khan's big announcement underwhelmed, but the second hour was significantly stronger. The Falls Count Anywhere match was a treat, I really liked White vs. Starks, and the night ended on a high note with that final segment. Most importantly, there was an ample amount of build for Double or Nothing, which AEW has sorely been lacking with up until now.

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