By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
AEW Dynamite (Episode 266)
Manchester, New Hampshire at SNHU Arena
Aired live November 6, 2024 on TBS
[Hour One] Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Nigel McGuinness were on commentary… Schiavone stood inside the ring and introduced “The Hurt Syndicate” Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, and MVP. All three men walked out dressed in suits.
MVP said he appreciated the introduction, but he didn’t feel he needed one. MVP dismissed Schiavone and then introduced Lashley and Benjamin. MVP said they want to uplift younger talent and help them reach their full potential. MVP said that if he offers a Hurt Syndicate business card, it’s like a golden ticket to success.
MVP said that if someone rejects his business card, “This is what happens.” Footage aired of Lashley attacking Swerve Strickland last week. MVP said they wanted to help Swerve, not make him an enemy, but Swerve chose to make them his enemies.
Swerve Strickland’s entrance theme played. Swerve walked out with Prince Nana, but a group of referees blocked their path and pointed to the back. Nana got Swerve a microphone while holding a bag of his coffee. “Bobby Lashley, Full Gear,” Swerve said. MVP replied, “We’ll see you there, kid.” Swerve stood on the stage and stared intently at the wrestlers inside the ring while his music played…
Powell’s POV: A simple segment that accomplished what it needed to in terms of making Swerve vs. Lashley official for Full Gear.
A video package spotlighted the Jon Moxley and Orange Cassidy feud…
Ring announcer Justin Roberts introduced Claudio Castagnoli and Pac, made their entrance through the crowd and were accompanied by Wheeler Yuta. Orange Cassidy made his entrance and stayed on the stage. Castagnoli and Pac went to the stage and then Darby Allin appeared on top of the entrance tunnel and dove onto them…
1. Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy vs. Pac and Claudio Castagnoli (w/Wheeler Yuta). The wrestlers fought at ringside prior to the match and then the referee started the match once in Cassidy and Pac were inside the ring. They cut to a picture-in-picture break early in the match. [C]
Allin took a hot tag from Cassidy and then dropkicked Pac to ringside. Allin went up top and hit a Coffin Drop on Pac. Allin returned to the top rope and dove at Castagnoli, who stuffed the move he was going for. The heels isolated Allin.
Pac hit an avalanche brainbuster and had the pin, but Cassidy fought through Castagnoli to break it up. Allin broke away from Pac to tag out. Cassidy hit Stundog Millionaire on Castagnoli and then Allin followed up with Code Red. Cassidy hit a DDT on Pac. Yuta ran in and was hit with an Orange Punch. Cassidy knocked Castagnoli off the apron with an Orange Punch. Marina Shifir entered the ring and kicked the referee out of the ring to apparently end the match.
Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy beat Pac and Claudio Castagnoli by apparent DQ in 13:00.
Jon Moxley entered the ring and put Cassidy in a submission hold. Allin brought a skateboard inside the ring and hit Moxley with it. Yuta hit Allin from behind. Moxley and his crew put the boots to Cassidy. Moxley grabbed Yuta and backed him into a corner of the ring. Pac and Shafir held Cassidy while Moxley slapped him and then Yuta hit him with a Busaiku Knee.
Mark Briscoe’s entrance music played and then Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii, Kyle O’Reilly, and Rocky Romero came out. Moxley and his crew fled, and then Briscoe and his guys checked on the babyfaces… [C]
Powell’s POV: The cheap finish was disappointing, but they put more heat on Moxley’s crew, which they seem to be labeling Moxley and The Death Riders.
Backstage, Renee Paquette spoke with Ricochet and asked about Ricochet’s mystery partner. Ricochet said he would have to keep it a secret. The Hurt Syndicate showed up, causing Paquette to walk away. MVP put his arm around Ricochet. Ricochet said he thought they spoke already. MVP said they did, but they just wanted to wish him good luck…
The Learning Tree made their entrance…
2. “The Learning Tree” Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and Bryan Keith vs. Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii, and Kyle O’Reilly in a Fight Without Honor. All six men brawled and the broadcast team established that anything goes in this type of match. Big Bill chokeslammed Briscoe into a ladder that was propped up against the ringside barricade heading into a PIP break. [C]
Big Bill and O’Reilly fought toward the back of the arena. Bill put O’Reilly on a production crate and then set up two tables next to it. Bill climbed on the create and set up for a move, but O’Reilly put him in a guillotine until Bill passed out and they both crashed through the tables.
Back in the ring, Briscoe picked up a ladder that Jericho dropkicked into him. Briscoe came back and hit the Jay Driller. Briscoe set up the ladder and then placed a table on the other side of the ring and placed Jericho on top of it. Briscoe climbed the ladder and put Jericho through the table with Froggy Bow. Briscoe had the pin, but Keith broke it up.
Ishii hit Keith with a lariat that sent Keith to ringside. Briscoe hit a suicide dive on Keith. Ishii hit Jericho with a sliding lariat. Ishii followed up with a brainbuster and then pinned Jericho…
Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii, and Kyle O’Reilly beat Chris Jericho, Big Bill, and Bryan Keith in 13:35 in a Fight Without Honor.
Excalibur set up an ad from the company’s daily fantasy sports and gambling partner… [C]
Powell’s POV: Everyone worked hard and it was a solid hardcore match. I don’t know how many AEW viewers are unfamiliar with ROH, but those who are must be wondering if it’s a hardcore promotion just based on the ROH matches they’ve had on AEW lately. On a side note, it continues to be absurd that ROH Women’s Champion Athena is stuck behind the HonorClub paywall and never appears on AEW television.
Jon Moxley and the Death Riders were shown walking backstage. Moxley looked into the camera and told Orange Cassidy that Wheeler Yuta doesn’t owe him anything. Moxley said money doesn’t buy loyalty, the cause buys loyalty. Moxley said Yuta is a soldier under his command. Moxley said Darby Allin is a disappointment. Moxley said maybe it’s time for the babyfaces to stop playing at the things they take seriously…
Adam Cole made his entrance and then Malakai Black’s entrance followed…
3. Adam Cole vs. Malakai Black. The broadcast team said Black is 6-0 in matches against Cole.
[Hour Two] Excalibur hyped AEW All In Texas tickets and VIP packages. Black targeted Cole’s wrist to start and then caught him with an inside leg kick. Cole rolled to ringside to sell the kick. Black followed and was caught by a kick from Cole, who then ran him into the barricade. A short time later, Black jumped off the apron and was caught by a Cole superkick on the floor before a PIP break. [C]
Black swept Cole’s leg and then went to the ropes. Cole cut him off and then joined him on the ropes. Black fought back and went for a sunset bomb, but Cole blocked it and dropped down. Both men traded kicks. Cole put Black down and then lowered his kneepad and ran the ropes, but Black caught him with The End for a near fall. Black acted shocked by Cole kicking out.
Cole caught Black with a superkick from the corner and then hit him with a Panama Sunrise. Cole superkicked Black again. Both men stayed down for a moment. Cole got up first. Black pulled himself up and then fell back to the mat and crossed his legs. Cole ran the ropes and hit him with The Boom knee from behind before pinning him.
Adam Cole defeated Malakai Black in 12:45.
After the match, Kyle O’Reilly was shown watching the match while a trainer tended to him. In the ring, Cole spoke to Black and offered him a handshake. Black got to his feet and pushed Cole’s hand away before hugging him. Black left the ring.
Cole got a mic and said that Black is one of the best he’s faced during his 16-year career and thanked him. Black stood on the stage and looked to the crowd. Cole turned his attention to MJF. Cole said that was two down and one to go. Cole said Roderick Strong still has to win two matches. Cole said they would win their matches.
Cole asked what would happen if they both win three matches. Cole said that he spoke to Tony Khan and if Cole and Strong both win three matches in a row, they will both face MJF in a Triple Threat match at Full Gear. Cole said MJF will get the ass kicking of a lifetime out of the Undisputed Kingdom…
Powell’s POV: The crowd reacted to the bigger spots, but they were actually on the quiet side for this match. So it’s not a race between Cole and Strong to win three matches? If they go through with the Triple Threat, I assume Strong will turn on Page.
MJF was shown in his now familiar room looking upset. MJF made a call and told the person on the other end that they need to pay someone a visit…
Excalibur hyped the series of matches that will establish the challengers of Private Party in the four-way match for the AEW Tag Team Titles at Full Gear…
Jay White was interviewed backstage by Paquette. Hangman Page crashed the interview and attacked White while Paquette scurried away. White and Page fought into the arena. Page wound up to hit White with a chair, but Juice Robinson showed up and took the chair away.
White and Robinson stood in the ring while White told Page that he will embarrass and dismantle him at Full Gear. White said Page has never been ahead of him and never will be. White said he and Page will bleed together once more. White said he might be the first man to make Page tap out. Page exited via the crowd… [C]
Backstage, Renee Paquette spoke with Kris Statlander about facing Mercedes Mone for the TBS Title at Full Gear. Statlander spoke briefly about winning the title and then walked away. Paquette spoke and then there was commotion behind her.
Statlander was on the ground, but apparently avoided being hit by an SUV driven by Kamille. Mercedes Mone was in the passenger’s seat and barked at Kamille to go get Statlander while adding that Kamille can’t do anything right. Statlander pulled Mone out of the SUV and picked her up by the neck.
Statlander and Kamille fought briefly. Statlander slammed the SUV door on Kamille’s arm and then slammed Mone on the hood. Security ran in and pulled Statlander away while Mone and Kamille were still down…
Christian Cage headed to the ring with Nick Wayne, Mother Wayne, Kip Sabian. Masked security guards stood at ringside. Christian welcomed Sabian to The Patriarchy. Christian said he realized that Sabian was just trying to get his attention and is a fatherless loser who was looking for guidance.
Christian had footage play on the big screen of when Sabian took his pen away and stopped him from signing his contract for a shot at the AEW World Championship. The footage showed Christian chasing Sabian backstage and then ran into Pac and Claudio Castagnoli.
Christian said Sabian had the foresight to realize what would have happened had he actually signed the contract. Christian said Sabian has done more for him than any of his other sons. Christian told Sabian that he loved him and then they hugged.
Hook made his entrance and told Christian to say whatever he had to say quickly because he doesn’t have patience. The crowd gave Christian the “What?” treatment while he spoke about Hook. Christian said he needs a son like Hook. Christian said he took Taz out with a lead pipe out of love.
Christian said Taz saw his face and questioned why Taz didn’t tell Hook that he was the attacker. Christian said Taz knows he can take Hook to new heights. Christian said Taz is a legend. “Just ask him and he’ll tell you,” Christian said. Christian said Taz was in an outlaw promotion and called him a big fish in a small pond.
Christian asked Hook if he wants to be an announcer like his father or a revered multi-time champion like him. Christian said in surveying the arena, he could tell that no one cares if Taz is alive. Christian told Hook that he wished his father was dead.
Hook fought through the masked security guards and got to Christian, but the security guards pulled him off. Hook beat up the security guards while Christian left the ring with his allies. Hook choked out one of the security guards and then jawed at Christian…
Excalibur narrated highlights of Brian Cage and Lance Archer winning a squash match on AEW Collision…
Backstage, Alex Marvez tried to interview Don Callis, who was interrupted by a large man who handed him an envelope and a jewelry box. The man played Callis a message from MJF, who said he needed him to take care of “a Bay Bay” for him. MJF said that if Callis scratches up his ring, there are other men in suits who can scratch him up too. The big man walked away. Callis put the Dynamite Diamond Ring on his finger and laughed before walking away…
Penelope Ford and Jamie Hayter made their entrances. Hayter played to the crowd and then Ford attacked her from behind and the referee rewarded her for it by calling for the bell to start the match…
4. Jamie Hayter vs. Penelope Ford. Ford hit an early handspring into an elbow in the corner. Ford suplexed Ford and covered her for a two count. Ford eventually went for a moonsault that Hayter avoided. Hayter put Ford down with a brainbuster. Ford ducked a lariat in Matrix fashion and then hit a cutter for a near fall. Ford came back with Hayter Aid and scored the pin…
Jamie Hayter beat Penelope Ford in 4:40.
Powell’s POV: A solid match. Hayter just hasn’t rediscovered the magic since she returned from the long layoff. The live crowds just haven’t been popping for Hayter the way they once did.
A “Mina Shirakawa is coming next week” video aired… [C]
Powell’s POV: Tom Segura would be proud.
Jim Ross spoke about Kazuchika Okada while Okada footage aired. Ross said those in the know have Okada ranked in the top five and many have him in the number one spot. Excalibur took over the narration and spoke about Masa Chono’s G1 tournament victories. Okada spoke about being the best tournament wrestler…
Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher made their entrance. Ricochet came out and said he did some digging and found out that his partner’s contract with the Don Callis Family ended last month. Ricochet said his partner felt like the other members of the Don Callis Family forgot about him. Ricochet introduced Powerhouse Hobbs as his pissed off tag team partner…
5. Ricochet and Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. McGuinness said it was a rare oversight for Callis to let the contract of Hobbs expire. Schiavone spoke about how Callis has nothing for people who aren’t worth something to him in the moment. The heel duo were getting the better of Ricochet heading into another PIP break. [C]
Adam Cole was shown watching the match on a backstage monitor while the heels continued to work over Ricochet. Excalibur announced Konosuke Takeshita vs. Adam Cole “in a dream match.” Schiavone made sure to let everyone know the match was booked by Tony Khan.
[Overrun] Hobbs took a hot tag and clotheslined Fletcher twice before splashing both opponents in the same corner. Hobbs powerslammed Takeshita. Hobbs followed up with a twisting powerslam from the middle rope and had the pin, but Fletcher returned to break it up. Hobbs tossed Fletcher out of the ring.
Hobbs and Takeshita took big shots at one another and then tagged out. Fletcher caught Ricochet with a boot to the face. Ricochet went for a springboard move, but Fletcher caught him and powerbombed him. Ricochet eventually came back and went up top while Takeshita was down.
Ricochet rolled through a move from the top when Takeshita moved. Takeshita drilled Ricochet with a knee strike. Ricochet stuffed a brainbuster attempt. Takeshita went for a suplex, but Ricochet landed on his feet. Ricochet went for a Poison Rana, but Takeshita blocked it and then Fletcher hit the Doomsday Device, which led to Takeshita getting a near fall.
Ricochet put Takeshita down with a kick and set up for a move in the corner, but Fletcher grabbed his leg. Hobbs took out Fletcher with a clothesline. Takeshita set up for a move, but Hobbs shoved his partner out of the way. Takeshita suplexed Hobbs. Ricochet rolled Takeshita into a pin for a good near fall.
Ricochet went up top and hit a shooting star press on Takeshita for another good near fall. Ricochet acted like he was loading a gun and simulated shooting Takeshita before hitting him with a big clothesline. Ricochet covered Takeshita and got the three count.
Ricochet and Powerhouse Hobbs defeated Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher in 14:35.
After the match, Fletcher attacked Ricochet with a chair. The crowd looked to the stage hoping for Will Ospreay and they got Mark Davis instead. Davis entered the ring and was shoved by Fletcher. Davis shoved Fletcher to the mat.
Lance Archer ran in and attacked Davis from behind. Brian Cage joined in and put Davis down with a clothesline. Adam Cole ran out and fought with Takeshita on the stage before they quickly battled to the back. In the ring. Cage and Archer held Davis while Fletcher approached him with the stupid screwdriver.
Will Ospreay ran out and attacked Fletcher. Davis hit Archer with a step-up enzuigiri and then Hobbs followed up with a spinebuster. Ospreay went for the Hidden Blade on Fletcher, who was able to escape the ring to avoid being hit by the move. Ospreay’s music played and the babyfaces stood tall.
Excalibur hyped Takeshita vs. Cole for next week’s Dynamite, and Pac, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta vs. Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii, and Kyle O’Reilly for the AEW Trios Titles for Saturday’s AEW Collision…
Powell’s POV: AEW saved the best for last tonight. Hobbs was a great payoff for the mystery partner and the main event was a lot of fun. And just when it seemed like they might close with Mark Davis trying to make the save, they came through with the return of Will Ospreay.
Overall, this was a solid episode that was put over the top by the main event, including the returns of Hobbs and Ospreay. I actually thought they might have Davis be the mystery partner, so I was very happy to see Hobbs. I will have a more to say about the show during my weekly same night audio review of Dynamite Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Please note that the audio will be a bit later tonight because I’m going to cover the NXT show first. Let me know what you thought of Dynamite by grading the show below.
I want to know what has happened to Tay Conti/Tay Melo etc. Is she home with her child, and sitting out her AEW contract, or is there something else going on. And before I am asked, I know instagram exists, but I have no desire to sign up to it in an attempt to find out, sorry.
She announced that she was cleared to wrestle in late August.
The Death Riders.
We ride death.
Or away from it.
Or alongside it, to the next Diejitsu tourney.
Neo Moxley and his Zoom Dweebies are somehow even worse than Tony’s little boy Pockets and the rest of this shit.
Takeshita ate the pin and the returning Hobbs wasn’t the one to pin him. Holy fuck Tony is the dumbest god damn booker in the history of the planet.