AEW Dynamite Recap: High-Octane Matches and Surprising Twists

Tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite was nothing less than action-packed! From intense rivalries to title opportunities, this week’s lineup promised some thrilling matchups and high-stakes battles. With anticipated showdowns like Anna Jay vs. Penelope Ford and the Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal, the stage was set for unforgettable moments. Together, let’s dive into how the action and the drama unfolded on Dynamite!

AEW Continental Classic Blue League Match: Kyle Fletcher vs. Shelton Benjamin

Kyle Fletcher and Shelton Benjamin both have impressive histories and have been making waves in the AEW Continental Classic Tournament. Benjamin, a seasoned veteran with multiple championships under his belt, has already secured three points. Fletcher also has three points and has been on a roll since teaming up with his manager Don Callis. Had you told me last year that this rising star would be squaring off against an industry legend in the near future, I probably would not have believed you. Now, with both competitors striving to move forward, this is one of the matches I was the most excited to see.

This match kicked off the show, marking the first time Fletcher and Benjamin had ever met inside the ring. Benjamin showcased his strength from the start against Fletcher. After a series of strikes and taunts from Fletcher, Benjamin took him down, sending Fletcher retreating to ringside. Despite Fletcher’s attempts, including a Michinoku driver and precise kicks, Benjamin consistently kicked out at two. Ultimately, Fletcher stole the win with a dirty pin by grabbing the rope for leverage, and secured three points, making him the group leader of the Blue League.

Hook Calls Out Nick Wayne

HOOK went down to the ring to address Nick Wayne’s invite to fight in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom. He called out Wayne, demanding he come fight him in the ring. Christian Cage walked out with Mother Wayne, distracting HOOK. Kip Sabian and Wayne then jumped HOOK from behind, but HOOK got the upper hand, taking down both men. Cage entered the ring and distracted HOOK again, allowing all three men to gang up on him. Wayne slammed a steel chair into Hook's wrist. Afterwards, Cage, Mother Wayne, Wayne, and Sabian stood tall.

Renee Paquette Interviews Mercedes Monè

When asked to comment on Kamille getting injured, TBS Women’s Champion Mercedes Moné reiterated that Kamille quit, so she’s no longer her responsibility. Mercedes emphasized her interest in the upcoming match between Anna Jay and Penelope Ford. She hinted at potential consequences by adding, "There’s always a price to pay when you mess with Moné." Mercedes's remarks reflect her assertiveness and determination to face any challenges in the ring.

The Hurt Syndicate Attack the Production Crew

After the commercial break, MVP expressed his disappointment with Shelton Benjamin's performance. He and Bobby Lashley walked away, leaving Benjamin frustrated. In his anger, Benjamin attacked a backstage worker. Lashley and MVP then returned, and together they took out more of the production crew.

Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal

The annual Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal kicked off early in the show, featuring twelve wrestlers vying for a shot at facing MJF for the prestigious Dynamite Diamond Ring. MJF has been the ring's reigning defender since its creation in 2019, raising the stakes of the battle royal with each passing year. Could this be the year MJF finally loses the ring? This year's match, as always, was a must-watch event, filled with intense action, dramatic moments, and surprise entrants that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Adam Cole entered the ring as the final participant. Evil Uno and Cole started early, but Uno was soon eliminated by The Butcher. Action Andretti and Lio Rush eliminated Top Flight, Dante, and Darius Martin, with dual drop kicks. Mark Davis hit The Butcher with a piledriver, only to be eliminated by Lance Archer and Brian Cage. After the break, Kyle O'Reilly eliminated Andretti with a pump kick and Rush with help from Rocky Romero. Archer and Cage chokeslammed Romero before double-teaming O'Reilly. Cole eliminated The Butcher with an enzuigiri, then hit a thrust kick and sent Cage over the top rope. Cage hung on, bringing Cole to the apron, but Cole landed a superkick after a failed Panama Sunrise. Cage and Archer were eliminated simultaneously, leaving Cole and O'Reilly in the ring. They will face each other one-on-one next week to determine who will face MJF.

Julia Hart Sends Another Message to Jamie Hayter

Following the Dynamite Dozen Battle Royal, Julia Hart delivered another chilling video message to Jamie Hayter. In the message, Hart declares that she wants to show that she is stronger than Hayter, prompting her to watch her back. This statement has shed light on Hart's intentions, making it clear why she has targeted Hayter. With these cryptic words, the brewing rivalry between the two has taken a more intriguing turn.

Renee Speaks With Max Caster Before His Match

Billy Gunn pleaded with Anthony Bowens to talk sense into Max Caster, clearly worried about what lay ahead. Bowens stepped up, urging Caster to prove that he’s truly the best wrestler alive. Despite the tension, all three shared a moment of concern as Caster headed to the ring to face Swerve Strickland. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion, as they knew the challenge Caster was about to face.

Swerve Strickland vs. Max Caster

This match was added to tonight’s lineup following the explosive events of last week’s episode. Max Caster had insulted Swerve Strickland, prompting a furious attack from Strickland in retaliation. Still reeling from a recent loss at Full Gear to Bobby Lashley, Strickland sought not only revenge against Caster but also a chance to regain his momentum and kick-start a winning streak. Driven by personal animosity, this clash quickly became a must-watch for wrestling fans.

Strickland wasted no time, quickly attacking Max Caster before the bell even rang. Once the match officially started, Caster attempted a Famouser, but Strickland countered with a suplex. The action soon spilled outside the ring, where Caster gained the upper hand by sending Strickland into the stairs. However, Strickland bounced back with three consecutive House Calls, ultimately pinning Caster for the win, securing a swift victory. Before leaving, Strickland turned around, climbed to the top rope, and hit Caster with a Swerve Stomp. Speaking to the camera and addressing Lashley, Strickland declared their business unfinished.

MJF Addresses Adam Cole’s Victory

MJF questioned why Adam Cole turned on him, accusing Cole of being responsible for Roderick Strong getting injured and now having to face Kyle O’Reilly. He blamed Cole for Jon Moxley taking over AEW, expressing his frustration with Adam walking around like a hero when, in his eyes, he's actually a villain who must be terminated. MJF’s anger was palpable as he declared he doesn't think he can beat O’Reilly, stating that this will be proven next week on Dynamite. The tension between MJF and Cole has nearly reached another boiling point, making next week's match highly anticipated.

Jay White vs. PAC

“Switchblade” Jay White has been relentlessly seeking revenge ever since he was attacked by the Deathriders, a powerful group that includes Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir, Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, and his opponent, PAC. This match promises to add another intense layer to their already heated rivalry, keeping fans captivated throughout. Their bout had been set to be a highlight from the start, with both wrestlers aiming to prove their dominance in the ring. The match was filled with high-stakes action and dramatic moments that kept everyone engaged from start to finish.

Accompanied by Yuta, PAC tried to draw White's attention early in the match. White gained the upper hand with a chop to PAC's chest. PAC baited White outside, but White countered and almost hit a Blade Runner. Despite Yuta's interference, White stayed focused and landed several strikes. After a series of intense back-and-forth moves, including a failed shooting star press by PAC, White finally hit the Blade Runner for the win.

Yuta attempted to attack White after the match but got hit with a Blade Runner. Shafir entered the ring, stalking White, and Moxley took advantage of the distraction to hit White with a Paradigm Shift. “Hangman” Adam Page stopped Moxley in his tracks, leading to a stare-off. The distraction allowed Orange Cassidy to attack Moxley from behind. Page and Cassidy then attacked the Deathriders, with Cassidy hitting an Orange Punch on Yuta, PAC, and Moxley. White returned and hit Moxley with a Blade Runner, followed by Page delivering a Buckshot Lariat. Cassidy, White, and Page stood united in the ring as Christian Cage watched from the stage, holding his contract for the World Championship.

Jamie Hayter Speaks

AEW and NJPW will co-host Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th, featuring stars from various promotions competing for a spot in the International Women’s Cup finals. Jamie Hayter has advanced in the tournament by defeating Queen Aminata. She will next face either Serena Deeb or Willow Nightingale to determine who will move on to the finals. In addition, Hayter has caught the attention of Julia Hart. This has left both Hayter and the audience puzzled, as they wonder what motives Hart has for sending her messages.

Jamie Hayter stated that mind games don't work on her, as she's more of a face-to-face or fist-to-fist type of girl. She reiterated that she doesn't understand why Julia Hart is targeting her and emphasized that she's back to settle scores, which have nothing to do with Hart. Hayter declared her determination to win the International Women's Cup and expressed her readiness to fight anywhere. She added that Hart cannot fight what she cannot see, and when Hart comes back, the only thing she will see when she's flat on her back is her.

30 Minute Countdown

Chris Jericho reminded fans to buy their tickets for upcoming AEW events, including their show at the Hammerstein Ballroom, in a segment called the "New York Minute." He then announced that he’ll be revealing his opponent on the next episode of Ring of Honor tomorrow night. Who could he be facing next? Following this, a segment about Bandido aired before the next match, labeling Bandido as AEW’s "Most Wanted Man." When will Bandido make his return?

Anna Jay vs. Penelope Ford

Anna Jay and Penelope Ford first squared off on AEW Dark in 2020. The next year, at AEW Rampage: New Year’s Smash, Anna Jay and Tay Melo took on Ford and The Bunny in a brutal Street Fight. Jay and Melo, known as TayJay, emerged victorious. Tonight marks the first in-ring clash between Jay and Ford since that epic match. Since returning to AEW on October 26th, Penelope Ford has competed in three matches, with her only loss coming against Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. On the other hand, Anna Jay has been actively competing throughout the year across AEW, ROH, Stardom, and NJPW, showing significant improvement in her skills. Her noticeable progress has generated conversation and raised the question of whether she has what it takes to defeat Ford.

Anna extended her hand for a handshake, but Ford kicked it away and shoved Jay, who retaliated by shoving Ford to the ground. The two traded shots in the center of the ring, with Jay landing vicious kicks to Ford's midsection. Jay missed a kick in the corner, allowing Ford to land a forearm, but Jay hit back with an elbow. Ford pulled Jay's hair to gain the upper hand, sending her outside with a double knee drop on the apron. The action continued outside the ring. After some intense back-and-forth, Ford shook off ring rust with a handspring elbow, but Jay knocked her off balance and hit a running neckbreaker. Jay ran into a pump kick from Ford but countered with a thrust kick and applied the Queenslayer. Ford hit a cutter, but Jay kicked out at two. Ford missed a moonsault from the top rope, allowing Jay to hit a running dropkick and stun Ford. Despite Ford's dropkick to Jay's spine and bridging into a Muta Lock, Jay reached the bottom rope and hit her finishing move to secure the win.

After the match, Jay grabbed the microphone and called out Mercedes Moné to the ring. "The CEO" stepped onto the stage and questioned Jay, saying if Kris Statlander couldn’t defeat her, what makes Jay think she can? Moné added that Jay should come back in ten years when she's actually achieved something in the business if she wants a title shot. Jay took a swing at Moné, causing Moné to fall back and retreat.

Renee Paquette Sits Down with Mariah May

Mariah May stated she doesn't owe Renee an explanation for the way she lives her life. She mentioned that offering a title shot to her best friend is generous and acknowledged that she has to work at some point. May expressed her belief in Mina Shirakawa but criticized the state of the entire women's division, declaring it "dead and buried." At that moment, Shirakawa appeared and confronted May, challenging her to make her work at Winter is Coming. 

AEW Continental Classic Gold League Match: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brody King

Claudio Castagnoli and Brody King brought unique dynamics to their matchup. Castagnoli showcased his remarkable strength and technical skills, while King demonstrated his overwhelming power and intimidating presence. Their diverse experiences in various wrestling circuits have shaped them into formidable competitors. When these two stepped into the ring, Castagnoli's strategic in-ring intelligence and versatility clashed with King's raw brutality, resulting in a gripping and intense battle.

Early in the match, both wrestlers exchanged heavy shots. King delivered a scoop slam and a senton, leading to a kick out at two from Castagnoli. Castagnoli unloaded uppercuts and body shots, while King fought back with chops. Castagnoli hit a basement dropkick, taking King off his feet, and slammed King's taped wrist into the ring post as the show went to break. After the break, they traded shots, with Castagnoli targeting King's wrist. King hit a Death Valley Driver, but Castagnoli kicked out once again. King got busted open, and Castagnoli landed a devastating popup uppercut. King intercepted an elbow, hit a lariat, and then landed a cannonball, but Castagnoli remained in the matchup. Both went to the top rope, and King hit a super suplex, followed by a piledriver. They moved outside, with King landing elbows. Castagnoli dodged an attack, sending King into the barricade. King managed to beat the referee’s countdown and make it back into the ring. Castagnoli distracted the official, delivering a low blow to King before transitioning into the Neutralizer for the win, earning three more points and moving to the top of the Gold League.