Will Ospreay vs. Buddy Matthews: A Show-Opening Masterpiece This match set the tone for the night, delivering a crisp, athletic bout that captured the essence of AEW’s promise to feature high-level wrestling. Ospreay and Matthews traded moves with precision and timing, offering a reminder of why AEW is still a go-to destination for wrestling fans who want to see athleticism showcased at its best. It wasn’t just about flipping and flying, though—there was a strong narrative within the match that made the athleticism matter. Ospreay, in particular, displayed growth in pulling back just enough to keep the match exciting without overdoing it. This type of match is exactly what AEW needs more of, especially when the overall show falters at times.
The Women’s Casino Gauntlet Qualifier: Statlander, Nightingale, and Storm The women’s division was given the spotlight with a triple threat match that exceeded expectations. Toni Storm’s ring psychology shone through, playing the role of the “rookie” despite being a seasoned vet, while Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale showcased their undeniable in-ring talent. Nightingale stood out with her ability to blend strength and agility, going toe-to-toe with Statlander and Storm. The match was a showcase of pure wrestling without gimmicks or interference, which allowed the performers to shine. Statlander continues to build momentum, and while Storm’s “Timeless” gimmick has its quirks, it’s refreshing to see her lean into a fresh character that doesn’t just rely on her past AEW success. The match stood out as one of the best women’s bouts in AEW in recent memory, and it’s clear the division is in good hands with talent like this.
The Casino Gauntlet Match: A Strong Showcase of Talent Tony Khan’s Casino Gauntlet Match continues to prove itself as a unique and exciting stipulation in AEW. It’s a match that, despite some tag team version missteps, always feels fresh and engaging, with multiple competitors offering their own stories and stakes. The Clarksville, TN edition was no different. The ongoing saga between Jay White and Hangman Page got further heat, Ricochet’s teased interaction with Swerve Strickland added layers to his character, and Jeff Jarrett’s involvement made him a credible threat for Moxley’s AEW World Championship. But it was Powerhouse Hobbs who stole the show as a surprising yet fitting winner, especially with the added narrative of his past injury at the hands of Moxley. The match felt alive, and Hobbs’ potential push into the world title scene is an intriguing development that’s long overdue.
3 Things We Hated from AEW Dynamite 01/08/25
Jeff Jarrett’s Confusing Segment with MJF This was a puzzling segment that didn’t quite land for a variety of reasons. First off, it felt contradictory to have MJF offer assistance to Jarrett after he had just declared his intent to challenge Moxley for the AEW World Title. This made no sense, given the clear direction AEW seemed to be going with Jarrett last week. To add to the confusion, AEW is already dealing with a crowded AEW World Championship picture, with MJF and Christian Cage vying for a title shot, and now Jarrett is inserted into the mix. This segment felt like too much, and it’s tough to see the value in it, especially when it’s trying to set up a match that doesn’t seem to have a coherent build. If AEW wanted to set up MJF vs. Jarrett, they should have done so in a more streamlined and logical way, rather than muddling the title picture further.
Jon Moxley Continues to Run Away: The Same Old Routine It’s becoming painfully predictable, and to be honest, a bit frustrating at this point. Moxley cut yet another promo where he acted like the baddest man in AEW, only for his “Death Riders” to come out, jump a babyface, and then quickly retreat when there’s even the slightest resistance. This routine is getting old, and Moxley’s presence is losing its edge when it feels like we’ve seen this same scenario played out multiple times. When Adam Copeland called Moxley out, Moxley and his crew retreated once again. It’s almost becoming parody at this point. AEW needs to either develop Moxley’s character further or drop this repetitive angle altogether, because it’s stalling out.
Kenny Omega’s Return: Still Stuck in the Don Callis Storyline Kenny Omega’s return to AEW after 13 months should have been a triumphant moment, especially following his big Wrestle Dynasty win. Unfortunately, AEW seems determined to keep him locked in his ongoing feud with Don Callis and his faction. It feels like a missed opportunity to explore new stories and directions for Omega. Rather than facing a fresh opponent or addressing the loose threads from his past (like his brief encounter with Kazuchika Okada), Omega was thrust right back into the same old Callis drama. His match against Brian Cage feels underwhelming given Omega’s stature in the industry, and involving Ospreay—another top talent—felt like a lazy way to pad out the angle. It’s time for AEW to give Omega a real storyline that allows him to break free from Callis’ shadow and explore other rivalries, both in AEW and beyond.
