Dynamite Continues to Win the Wednesday Night Wars in 2020
AEW Dynamite is establishing a regular routine in 2020 of garnering over 900,000 viewers each week on TNT, while NXT on the USA Network is averaging about 150,000 less viewers per week. Even though WWE is currently losing the Wednesday Night Wars, NXT’s move to the USA Network is still considered by most to everyone in WWE to be largely successful.
Jon Moxley defeats Santana and is Immediately Attacked by The Inner Circle and their Mercenary, Jeff Cobb
This beatdown accomplished its intent of getting as much sympathy as possible for Moxley before his title match with Chris Jericho at Revolution. AEW’s newest signee, Jeff Cobb, will be a major acquisition because of his versatility, which is virtually a prerequisite in this era of professional wrestling.
The 2004 Olympian has been around in the pro wrestling business since 2009, competing for PWG (Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, which Excalibur helped found), Lucha Underground, ROH (Ring of Honor) and NJPW, as well as multiple other independent promotions. Cobb could wind up joining The Inner Circle, but then again maybe not because that would essentially eliminate the need for Jake Hager. Both men would fill basically the same role, and two of the same almost never works in wrestling.
Cobb should be given the freedom to carve his own path in AEW. The Hawaiian will be unstoppable if he is allowed to be what he naturally is – a no-nonsense, nose-to-the-grindstone athlete.
Nyla Rose wins the AEW Women’s World Championship from Riho
This was a great match from Riho, showcasing strength on multiple occasions to lift a woman literally twice her size. She just might not have the level of raw charisma required to carry the AEW Women’s Division. There is no shortage of talent with Asian wrestlers – they just don’t talk, so it’s hard to connect with them and get insight into what is going through their minds. Nyla Rose, however, will create the aura the Women’s Division desperately needs of a dominant and intimidating champion everyone fears.
The Story between Kenny Omega and “Hangman” Adam Page got a Chance to Breathe
There was a successful title defense. The segment was largely building toward the number one contender’s battle royal next week on Dynamite.
MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman) Defeats Jungle Boy Jack Perry, Wardlow Attacks him after the Match
People like these two guys are the future of AEW since they are all in their early 20s. It makes sense for MJF to build up as much heal heat as possible leading into his match at Revolution with Cody (which I fully assume Cody will win and close the book on this chapter of his career). MJF doesn’t need a victory of this magnitude yet at this stage in his career because, while he is on the right track, he hasn’t reached the level of true superstardom.
Dustin Rhodes defeats Sammy Guevara and Challenges Jake Hager to a Match at Revolution
Very solid match. No complaints about the execution or the result considering it was in Rhodes’ hometown. Sammy comes across as being very entitled and annoying, but he is excellent in the ring – that’s what makes him so effective as a heel. It’ll be nice to see Jake Hager finally do something other than stand around as protection for Jericho – and it will be so easy to root for the 30-year veteran Dustin (who is still surprisingly athletic). Darby Allin should have a fantastic match with Guevara at Revolution.
Dr. Britt Baker’s Feud with Tony Schiavone
It will be interesting to see if anything comes of Baker constantly knit picking at Tony. I find myself almost feeling bad for him because he just sits there and takes all the Starbucks criticisms so convincingly. Maybe he will eventually choose a woman to represent him and face Baker, but it’s very entertaining for now.