AEW Dynamite Review - November 10, 2021

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Bryan Danielson def. Rocky Romero

Danielson must have some sort of a list of people he wants to work with that he handed over to Tony Khan. Otherwise, I'm not sure why we would get this match three days before he competes in the finals of the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament. Then again, why the hell not? These two are no strangers to each other and had the kind of quality contest you'd expect from them. They didn't go all out or anything, but it was technically proficient and well wrestled.

American Top Team Attacked Inner Circle

When the segment started, it looked like we'd hear from Inner Circle ahead of Full Gear, but I'm glad it was it an all-out beatdown from American Top Team on Inner Circle instead. It was a well-done angle designed to put even more heat on the heels, specifically Dan Lambert. Speaking of Lambert, his powerbomb to Chris Jericho through the table didn't look the greatest, but I appreciate the effort and I'm sure it was a thrill for him as a lifelong wrestling fan. Inner Circle is most definitely winning Saturday, so this was necessary.

Tay Conti, Anna Jay and Thunder Rosa def. AEW Women's World Champion Britt Baker, Rebel and Jamie Hayter

There were a lot of connections here. Of course, Baker and Conti will collide for the AEW Women's World Championship at Full Gear, but Hayter just beat Jay in the first round of the AEW TBS Women's Championship and will face Rosa in the next round. Most importantly, Baker and Rosa found themselves on opposite sides of the ring for the first time since March. Baker vs. Rosa III is coming sooner rather than later. This was slightly sloppy in spots but was decent on the whole and served its purpose in giving the babyfaces a momentum boost.

Jungle Boy def. Anthony Bowens

Max Caster's pre-match rap was entertaining as always. Bowens held his own against Danielson last week on Rampage and that was probably what earned him another singles outing here. This was a warm-up for Jungle Boy before the Falls Count Anywhere six-man tag team match at Full Gear and both guys were impressive. Bobby Fish attacking Jungle Boy afterward seemed random until we got that backstage segment that explained Adam Cole put him up to it, which was cool.

Wardlow def. Wheeler Yuta

Although this was out of place on a go-home show for a pay-per-view that neither guy will be wrestling on, at least it ended up being a setup for what happened afterward. Wardlow is a killer in the ring and these straightforward squashes are successfully endearing him to the audience, which you know is the plan long-term. Post-match, the H.F.O. laid out Best Friends to further that feud for anyone that cares. Hardy and Cassidy will face off once more on Friday's Rampage in a Lumberjack match.

Lio Rush and Dante Martin def. Matt Sydal and Lee Moriarty

If you were expecting or wanting to see a spot-fest from these four, then you were likely not disappointed. It was all action and they got to do what they do best: fly around and entertain the audience. This felt like something you'd see in an AEW cruiserweight division, so that might be something for Tony Khan to consider eventually. Rush and Martin are clearly going to be teaming for a little longer (which has a lot of potential) and they were the right choice to win.

Pac def. AAA World Tag Team Champion Dax Harwood

I was really intrigued by this match on paper because I knew it'd be a hard-hitting affair. Sure enough, they beat the absolute hell out of each other. Hardwood doesn't get enough credit for being as talented as he is. He had an excellent performance here and I'm glad the crowd ate it up. The post-match angle saw Death Triangle and Cody Rhodes send FTR, Andrade El Idolo and Malaki Black packing from the ring. It was then officially announced that it will be Cody and Pac vs. Andrade and Black at the pay-per-view.

AEW World Champion Kenny Omega and Don Callis Attacked "Hangman" Adam Page During the Full Gear Contract Signing

This is what I've been waiting for from these two since Hangman's return to TV last month. Omega has been a great champion over the last year, but like most people, my biggest issue with his character has been how goofy he's come across. He hasn't been as serious as he should be, and I'm happy it happened at all, even though we're days away from the pay-per-view. They did a strong job of telling their story, catching viewers up to speed, and giving everyone a reason to rally behind Page. Omega and Callis' final attack on Page and signing the contract with his blood was a terrific touch.

Overall Show

I didn't have high hopes for this show with what was on tap, but these entertaining two hours exceeded expectations. Unsurprisingly, it was an effective episode as far as selling viewers on Full Gear. It's a damn stacked card and it could be among their best to date if the wrestling delivers just right and the correct booking decisions are made. Another thing I loved about this episode was that there was a little bit of everything. Omega and Page did the bulk of the storytelling and promo work, Pac vs. Harwood was super physical, the tag team match was a spectacle, Danielson and Romero put on a clinic, the women had some time to shine, and so on. I guess most editions of Dynamite do that, but this one in particular stood out and I thoroughly enjoyed it as a result.

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