Ontario, California, will host a pivotal night of All Elite Wrestling action tonight as Dynamite airs live on TBS and HBO Max. The event, the final stop before AEW’s Grand Slam Australia this Saturday, features two championship matches and a highly anticipated face-to-face confrontation.
The centerpiece of the evening is a AEW Women’s World Championship Strap Match, pitting current champion Kris Statlander against Thekla. This contest represents a continuation of a heated rivalry. Thekla has previously scored a pinfall victory over Statlander in trios competition, while Statlander responded with a singles win. The animosity escalated on a recent episode of Collision, where Thekla ambushed Statlander during a backstage interview, with assistance from Julia Hart and Skye Blue, and repeatedly whipped her with a belt. In response, Statlander stipulated a strap match for their rematch, earning herself the moniker “Straplander.” This marks the first time a strap match will be contested for an AEW women’s championship.
The dynamic surrounding this match extends beyond the two competitors. Thekla is aligned with the Triangle of Madness, as well as Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford, while Statlander has the backing of Babes of Wrath. This suggests a high probability of interference and a chaotic atmosphere during the championship bout. The question remains whether Statlander can leverage her power and fighting spirit to retain the title, or if Thekla will finally achieve her goal of claiming the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Also on the card is a TNT Championship match, where Tommaso Ciampa will defend his title against Kyle Fletcher. Fletcher, a Sydney native, is looking to regain momentum after losing both the TNT Championship and a Continental Classic semifinal at the end of . This match carries added weight for Fletcher, as he returns to compete in front of a potentially supportive crowd before the Grand Slam Australia event.
Beyond the championship contests, tonight’s Dynamite will feature a 3-Way Tag Team No. 1 Contenders Match. The Rascalz will square off against The Young Bucks, with a Wild Card team yet to be announced. The winning team will earn a shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championships, adding significant stakes to the encounter.
Adding further intrigue to the evening is a face-to-face interview between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland. While the specifics of the conversation remain undisclosed, it is expected to address their ongoing rivalry and potentially set the stage for a future match. This segment offers fans a rare opportunity to witness a direct exchange between two of AEW’s top stars.
Several of AEW’s biggest stars currently have no matches scheduled for Grand Slam Australia. Kyle Fletcher’s performance tonight could significantly impact his inclusion in the event’s card. The outcome of the tag team contenders match will also determine which team will challenge for the tag team titles in Sydney.
Tonight’s Dynamite serves as a crucial stepping stone towards Grand Slam Australia. The results of the championship matches and the tag team contest will undoubtedly shape the landscape of AEW heading into the international event. The face-to-face interview between Omega and Strickland promises to add another layer of complexity to the already compelling storylines within the promotion.
Live coverage of AEW Dynamite begins at on TBS and HBO Max. Fans can expect a night of intense competition, high drama, and potentially significant shifts in the balance of power within All Elite Wrestling.
