Las Vegas played host to a compelling episode of AEW Dynamite on , featuring a night of intense competition and surprising results. While the show was largely considered solid, some aspects drew criticism, particularly the continued use of eliminator matches across multiple divisions.
King’s Statement Win Over MJF
The most significant outcome of the evening was Brody King’s dominant victory over AEW World Champion MJF in an eliminator match. King secured the win in just 1 minute and 17 seconds, delivering a decisive statement and earning a future title opportunity. The win has been described as a breakthrough moment for King, potentially elevating him into the main event scene alongside other top contenders like Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Andrade El Idolo, and “Hangman” Adam Page.
The speed and decisiveness of King’s victory were particularly noteworthy, contrasting with the often prolonged nature of eliminator matches. The win wasn’t just about earning a title shot; it was about establishing King as a legitimate threat to MJF’s reign.
Debate Surrounds Eliminator Match Format
Despite the excitement surrounding King’s win, the broader use of eliminator matches within AEW has sparked debate. One observer noted a general dislike for the format, questioning its necessity, particularly in the women’s division. While eliminator matches may make sense in a crowded men’s title scene, where numerous contenders are vying for a shot at the championship, their application to the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championships feels less justified.
The argument centers on the idea that a direct path to a title opportunity – through in-ring victories, backstage segments, or even heated rivalries – would be more effective for building momentum for teams like Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford. Their recent win over The Timeless Love Bombs seemingly earned them a title shot against The Babes of Wrath, Willow Nightingale, and Harley Cameron, but the addition of an eliminator match felt redundant.
The concern is that requiring Bayne and Ford to win multiple matches – first to earn an eliminator spot, then the eliminator itself, and finally the championship match – diminishes the impact of their initial victory. A more straightforward route to the title match would have allowed for a more focused build-up and potentially a more significant moment when they finally challenged for the championships.
Potential for Grand Slam: Australia
While a title defense at Grand Slam: Australia wasn’t explicitly confirmed, the possibility was mentioned as a desirable outcome. Holding a championship match in Cameron’s home country would have added an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to the event. However, with the card already filling up, it remains uncertain whether the women’s tag team championship will be defended at the Australian event.
Callis Family and Death Riders Clash
Beyond the main event and the eliminator match discussion, AEW Dynamite also featured a six-man tag team match between The Death Riders (AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley, PAC, and Daniel Garcia) and the Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita, El Clon, and Josh Alexander). The match began with a series of exchanges between Garcia and Alexander, quickly escalating into a chaotic brawl involving all six competitors.
Ciampa Rebrands TNT Championship
In other news, Tommaso Ciampa, the reigning AEW TNT Champion, has given his title a new name. Details surrounding the new name were not provided in the available information.
Looking Ahead
AEW Dynamite continues to deliver a dynamic blend of in-ring action and storyline development. The victory of Brody King over MJF has undoubtedly shaken up the men’s title picture, setting the stage for a potentially explosive championship feud. However, the debate surrounding the use of eliminator matches highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing competitive fairness with compelling storytelling within the AEW landscape. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how these storylines unfold and whether the concerns regarding the eliminator format will be addressed.
