In the last Dynamite before Revolution, there was plenty of action along with some big promos as we head into one of the biggest PPVs of the year. Thunder Rosa and Mercedes Martinez looked to beat the hell out of Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker, Wardlow fought Caesar Bononi, and Adam Cole and reDRagon battled “Hangman” Adam Page, Jon Silver, and Alex Reynolds in the main event. CM Punk and MJF met in the ring, there was the Casino Tag Team Royale Match to see who would join reDRagon and Jurassic Express in the triple threat match at Revolution, and more. First up, Tony Kahn delivered a huge announcement.
Quick Results
Bryan Danielson defeated Christopher Daniels via submission. ***
The Young Bucks won the Casino Tag Match Royale. ***
Thunder Rosa and Mercedes Martinez defeated Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter via pinfall. ***
Wardlow defeated Cezar Bononi via pinfall. *
Adam Cole and reDRagon defeated “Hangman” Adam Page, Jon Silver, and Alex Reynolds via pinfall. ***
The Matches
Bryan Danielson vs Christopher Daniels
It’s been seven months since Daniels has been a part of AEW Dynamite, and it was so good to see him. Unfortunately, his return didn’t exactly go as planned. Danielson did that annoying star jump taunt as the fans chanted “Fallen Angel.” Daniels mocked Danielson by doing the same taunt after taking him to the mat, but ended up getting his body torn in two by a vicious submission. Daniels got in some superb offence, then delivered a moonsault off the apron to Danielson. It didn’t take long for The American Dragon to take control as he hit a running knee strike, followed by contorting Daniels’ legs and transitioning into a Bow and Arrow. They traded chops as Daniels was able to hit a Blue Thunder Bomb. He was able to deliver a cross-arm iconoclasm off the top turnbuckle, but Danielson recovered with a release German suplex. He followed up with a running boot strike in the corner and a succession of knife-edge chops and boots. Daniels hit a diving crossbody, but Danielson countered into a pin. They continued to reverse each other’s moves into pin attempts, then traded blows until Danielson hit a rolling elbow to almost knock Daniels out. Daniels went for the best moonsault ever, but Danielson countered with a triangle sleeper and knees to the head to get the victory. It was cool seeing Daniels again, but Danielson is a different breed. He grabbed the microphone after the match and mentioned it being 20 years since the first ROH show and talked about starting and ending matches with a handshake. He grabbed Daniels’ hand who was still on the mat, then said he wasn’t in ROH, he was in AEW. Danielson then began stomping Daniels. He grabbed the mic again and said at Revolution, he’s going to stomp Moxley’s head in. Mox walked out and said he can see Danielson is better than ever and more violent than ever. Mox said he’s at a crossroads, and Danielson thinks he’ll walk the path of fading into oblivion, never to be heard of again. He then said he’d walk the path through the fire, through bullets, through you. The story of Mox is just beginning, and he’ll write the first chapter in blood. He asked Danielson to prove him wrong by taking a shot. Danielson squared up to Mox, then rolled out the ring and walked off. He may have been a coward here, but when it comes to Revolution, they are going to go to war.
Casino Tag Team Royale Match: FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) W/ Tully Blanchard vs Top Flight (Darius Martin & Dante Martin) vs The Acclaimed (Anthony Bowens & Max Caster) vs The Dark Order (Alan Angels & Preston Vance) vs The Butcher & The Blade vs Varsity Blonds (Griff Garrison & Brian Pillman Jr) vs Bear Country (Bear Boulder & Bear Bronson) vs Santana & Ortiz vs Best Friends (Trent Beretta & Chuck Taylor) vs The Dark Order (Evil Uno & Stu Grayson) vs The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) W/ Brandon Cutler vs Ryan Nemeth & Peter Avalon vs The Gunn Club (Colten Gunn & Austin Gunn) vs Lee Johnson & Brock Anderson W/ Arn Anderson vs 2point0 (Jeff Parker & Matt Lee)
Top Flight looked great in the early stages, delivering a multitude of high-risk manoeuvres on FTR. The Acclaimed were next out, with Max Caster delivering a particularly great rap. Bowens and Caster took out Dante, but FTR went straight after them. Preston Vance and Alan Angels were out next who wasted no time taking it to everyone in the ring. The Butcher and The Blade were next. They took down Darius with a chokeslam and powerbomb combo. Alan Angels was eliminated by FTR, landing spine-first on the walkway. The Varsity Blonds ran out and went after The Acclaimed as The Butcher and The Blade tried to eliminate Vance. Pillman got eliminated as Bear Country headed out. Boulder hit a huge boot to Dante’s face as Bronson attacked Vance in the corner. Santana and Ortiz ran out and attacked Bear Country, eliminated Bronson then Bolder shortly after. Bowens almost got rid of Garrison as Caster got taken out by Top Flight. Best Friends walked out, with Trent hitting a half-and-half suplex on Dante. Bowens launched Garrison over the ropes as Evil Uno and Stu Grayson came out. Vance pump kicked The Blade off the apron to the outside as The Butcher was thrown out by the three members of The Dark Order. The Young Bucks headed out as FTR stared them down, with Wheeler holding the ropes for them. Ryan Nemeth and Peter Avalon walked out and took out Beretta with a DDT. The Gunn Club walked out as FTR hit the Big Rig on Austin, then got eliminated straight away. Brock Anderson and Lee Johnson entered next as Bowens managed to eliminate Vance. Chuck Taylor was thrown out by Ortiz as Nemeth and Avalon were eliminated. Grayson got eliminated by Bowens as 2point0 made their way to the ring. Anderson was taken out by The Young Bucks as Lee Johnson was next. Top Flight knocked Bowens to the outside as Beretta and Evil Uno fought on the apron. Danhausen appeared from under the ring and distracted Evil Uno as Beretta hit a half-and-half suplex on him to get the elimination. Santana and Ortiz sent 2point0 out as FTR did the same to Santana and Ortiz. Trent got sent to the outside by Matt Jackson as FTR battled Top Flight. Dante got rid of Wheeler as both ended up being eliminated. Wheeler got superkicked by The Young Bucks after a distraction from reDRagon who came to ringside. Only Darius Martin and The Young Bucks remained. Darius managed to hold his own against both men, hitting Matt with a Spanish Fly. Nick Jackson got eliminated after Darius pushed Matt into him. Darius and Matt fought on the apron. Matt hit a low blow and superkicked him off to pick up the win and advance to the triple threat match at Revolution. For a minute I thought Top Flight might actually do it. Even though they didn’t, pushing them as a tag team was a fantastic shout by Tony Kahn. After the match, Jurassic Express came out as reDRagon celebrated with The Young Bucks.
Dr Britt Baker D.M.D. & Jamie Hayter W/ Rebel vs Mercedes Martinez & Thunder Rosa
All four women brawled on the ramp before the match officially started. Things got going when Martinez and Hayter stood toe-to-toe. Rosa tagged in and booted Hayter in the back. She ran at the ropes, but Rebel grabbed her foot, allowing Baker to get a cheap kick in. The referee got distracted again, so Baker choked Rosa in the corner. Rosa fought back with a basement dropkick on Hayter, but she got caught with a bodyslam and put in a headlock by Hayter. Rosa locked in a modified Bow and Arrow, then a stunner. Martinez came in and landed a T-bone suplex on Hayter. Baker tagged in and smashed a ripcord elbow on Martinez. She hit a thrust kick and went for the Lockjaw, but Martinez escaped and tagged Rosa. They traded blows until Rosa landed a Death Valley Driver and went for a pin, but Hayter broke it up. Martinez planted Baker with a half-and-half suplex as Rosa dropped the Thunder Bomb to pick up the win. That was a clean victory right there. Is this what we’re going to get at Revolution? I really hope so. I adore Rosa and it’s time for Baker to drop the belt.
Wardlow W/ Shawn Spears vs Cezar Bononi
Wardlow destroyed Bononi with two powerbombs then pinned him. Spears came in and went to use the chair, but Wardlow stopped him and squared up to The Chairman. Spears backed down as Wardlow celebrated in the ring. Just smack the hell out of him already.
Adam Cole & reDRagon (Kyle O’Reilly & Bobby Fish) vs “Hangman” Adam Page & The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Jon Silver)
The two Adams started off as the bell rang, but Cole being Cole, he tagged in Fish before a punch was thrown. Hangman stomped down Fish in the corner. reDRagon worked together to beat down Page, but he had none of it. Silver tagged in against O’Reilly and suplexed him, then worked with Reynolds to work on both members of reDRagon. O’Reilly unleashed a flurry of kicks on Reynolds and tagged in Cole. Cole did seldom work before tagging in O’Reilly again. Reynolds got the tag to Hangman who was hit from behind, allowing Fish to tag in Cole. Cole went for Panama Sunrise, but Hangman reversed into Deadeye, although Cole broke free before it could land. Cole went for the Boom, but Hangman ducked and got into position for the Buckshot, however, Cole rolled outside. Silver got beaten down by Cole and reDRagon. Fish hit a springboard senton from the apron as Cole stomped him in the corner. reDRagon drove knees into Silver’s stomach in the corner. Cole put Silver in a headlock then hit an over the shoulder neckbreaker on the knee. Silver fought back with some kicks to O’Reilly and tagged in Hangman who clotheslined Fish off the apron and hit O’Reilly with a fallaway slam. He landed a sit-down powerbomb on O’Reilly and a lariat. Cole finally got in the ring as the two started to trade blows. All six men fought each other in the ring. Hangman hit a lariat on Cole that knocked him out. Cole got back up and nailed Hangman with an Enzuigiri. Reynolds got caught with a superkick and ate the Boom, which allowed Cole and reDRagon to pick up the victory. After the match, Cole continued to beat down Reynolds until Hangman came in to stop it. He was about to land the Buckshot Lariat on Cole until Fish tripped him on the apron. All three guys took out Hangman in the ring. reDRagon taped Hangman to the ropes. Silver and Reynolds tried to help, but they got taken out. Cole hit a couple of superkicks on Hangman. He placed the AEW World Championship on Hangman’s shoulders as he posed with reDRagon to end the show.
The Promos
Tony Schiavone stood in the ring with Tony Kahn who was ready to make his big announcement. He thanked the fans for supporting AEW and being in attendance. Kahn then talked about the beginning of AEW three years ago, then mentioned another company that started 17 years ago before that, Ring of Honor. Then, he revealed he was now the owner of ROH. He joked about Shane not being there. Kahn talked about the main event of the first ROH show that featured Christopher Daniels and Bryan Danielson and announced they’d be going toe-to-toe right now. This is massive news. Time will tell what his intentions are, but it feels like ROH could be used to syphon some of the talent not getting full exposure in AEW. It would make great sense to bring back guys like Dalton Castle, Rush, Bandido, and The Briscoes, but I’m not sure that’s his intention.
Sting and Darby Allin were backstage. Sting talked about the triple threat match on Rampage and how if anyone interferes, they’ll be fined. Allin said he didn’t need any help on Friday, just like he didn’t need help when he first won the TNT Championship.
Heavy duty fines, indefinite suspensions for anyone interfering in FRIDAY's #AEWRampage for the Triple Threat match!
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS! pic.twitter.com/XIGeW3RLGx
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
Chris Jericho was backstage and said Eddie Kingston was finally becoming a big star, but he found it hard to relate as he’d been such a huge star for a long time. Jericho said he would shake his hand if he won, but if Kingston lost he would laugh at him and tell him to GFY. Santana and Ortiz interrupted. They reluctantly fist-bumped him then walked off. Jericho said he’d always have their backs. Man, I hope Kingston wins and refuses to shake Jericho’s hand.
We hear from @IAmJericho ahead of his match against @MadKing1981 on #AEWRevolution PPV LIVE this SUNDAY! @santana_proud & @Ortiz_Powerful make it clear where they stand…
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on @tbsnetwork! pic.twitter.com/RunM9uqzAS
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
CM Punk walked to the ring and talked about the past and waking up in the morning and asking himself if he was the bad guy. He never had an answer, but he was certainly up until a week ago that Max was the bad guy. Punk congratulated Max and said he was courageous. He then said he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being gas lit, but he didn’t think Max was lying. Punk wasn’t sure if Max was sincere. He talked about Max beating down Dean Malenko who has Parkinson’s, talking derogatory about Brian Pillman Jr’s father, and being crude about Darby Allin’s uncle. Punk brought up not shaking Max’s hand when he came to AEW, then asked him to come to the ring. MJF walked out to no music. Punk said he used to be so full of hate, then brought up all the bad stuff he’d done in WWE. He said hate will just burn him up and that his respect isn’t given, it is earned. Punk said this was bigger than wrestling, it was about more than that. He said he woke up this morning and asked if he was the good guy, to which he thought that he was trying. Punk offered his hand to MJF, who walked up to him and threw his arms around him. They embraced in an emotional moment until MJF booted him between the legs. There you go. It was only a matter of time. MJF hit a Heatseeker and took off his shirt, revealing a t-shirt with the photo of him meeting Punk as a teenager. Wardlow and Spears walked out and gave MJF his diamond ring. MJF smashed the ring in Punk’s forehead, busting him wide open. FTR came out to stop security from interfering. MJF launched Punk outside the ring as blood poured down his face. Spears wrapped the dog collar around Punk’s neck to hold him in place as MJF called him a stupid old man. “The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he doesn’t exist,” said MJF. He then said he was the devil himself as Spears pulled the dog collar, almost hanging him from the ropes. Darby Allin and Sting came to the aid of Punk as The Pinnacle scattered through the crowd. Holy sh**. I can’t believe how incredible that section was. This entire feud has no doubt been the best thing AEW has ever produced. MJF and The Usual Suspects quote was perfect. This match is going to be amazing.
Tony Schiavone was joined by Keith Lee in the back and was interrupted by Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs. Schiavone mentioned his “tune-up match” on Rampage, to which Starks said he better not show up or he might not make it to Revolution. Lee didn’t seem to care as they walked off and said they’d see him when they see him, to which Lee said he’d be there.
.@starkmanjones & @truewilliehobbs warn @RealKeithLee not to show up to FRIDAY's #AEWRampage tune up match ahead of their #FaceOfTheRevolution bout LIVE on PPV at #AEWRevolution this Sunday!
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS! pic.twitter.com/iBDMy6OXtI
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
Tay Conti was backstage with Anna Jay talking about the open challenge for the TBS Championship until Jade Cargill and Mark Sterling walked out. They annoyed Conti who tried to attack her, but they walked off.
"I gave you this opportunity."
We are definitely on the road to #AEWRevolution for the TBS Championship: @Jade_Cargill v @TayConti_ this SUNDAY LIVE on PPV!
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS! pic.twitter.com/gsV04Ly94k
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
Sammy Guevara walked out with his signature cards that mentioned how he never needed any help or interference to win the TNT Championship. He said he respected Darby Allin because he’s a fair fighter like him, unlike Andrade El Idolo, and it would be an honour to fight alongside him and Sting on Sunday. They ended by saying that this Friday, though, Allin was nothing more than another opponent.
The TNT Champion @sammyguevara with a message prior to #AEWRevolution THIS SUNDAY LIVE on PPV! Don't miss another minute of #AEWDynamite on TBS right now! pic.twitter.com/J1qp0i7UuX
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
Kris Statlander and Leyla Hirsch were featured in a video promo where they talked crap about each other. Statlander said Hirsch was about to see another side of her. Hirsch said she was done talking. I’d honestly forgotten about this feud with everything else going on.
This feud between @LegitLeyla & @callmekrisstat is overflowing with bad blood.
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on @tbsnetwork! pic.twitter.com/FndLe7Hyus
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
The House of Black featured in a video talking about helping PAC and Pentagon rather than hindering. Buddy Matthews ended the segment by saying “we don’t cast judgment, we seek the truth,” and the house always wins.
"We don't cast judgment… we see the truth."
The #HouseOfBlack speaks tonight on #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS – Tune in now! pic.twitter.com/SBbncZf0NS
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
Shawn Spears and MJF were backstage with Wardlow. MJF said he would let Wardlow keep the title if he won the Face of the Revolution match. Wardlow said he’s so busy helping MJF win. MJF slapped him across the face and said he shouldn’t forget that he works for him, and not AEW, and that he would see him and his family out on the streets. Woah, it’s happening guys, and it’s happening at Revolution. Wardlow finally snaps. Please AEW Gods, make it happen.
Things are becoming undone as @realwardlow receives a STRONG slap by way of @The_MJF ahead of #AEWRevolution LIVE this SUNDAY on PPV!
Tune in NOW to #AEWDynamite LIVE on @tbsnetwork! pic.twitter.com/uqrcgEV7Yz
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) March 3, 2022
Match of the Night: Thunder Rosa & Mercedes Martinez vs Jamie Hayter & Britt Baker
Best in Show: MJF (again)
Overall Rating: ***½
All images and videos courtesy of AEW – Very special thanks to Fite TV for the captures