AEW kicked off the year with a chaotic but thrilling episode of Dynamite featuring the Fight For The Fallen event. From the high-octane main event to some questionable booking choices, here’s what stood out:
Loved: The Main Event – Rated FTR vs. Jon Moxley & The Death Riders
The main event was everything fans love about AEW—high-energy, hard-hitting, and a beautiful mess. The trios match featured Rated FTR debuting against Jon Moxley and The Death Riders. It didn’t take long for chaos to unfold, with Moxley and Adam Copeland (Edge) brawling through the crowd, while referee Paul Turner desperately tried to maintain order. The match became an all-out spectacle, with bodies flying everywhere, and the action never slowed down.
One of the highlights was Jay White’s surprise interference, adding another layer to the chaos. This chaotic intervention fit perfectly with the match’s tone and pushed the storyline forward. Cope (Edge) pinned Wheeler Yuta to seal the victory, and the post-match momentum hints at an eventual Trios Championship match. Given how exciting the match was, it seems like AEW is setting up an exciting rivalry for the coming weeks.
Hated: Powerhouse Hobbs’ Squash Match
While the match made sense from a storyline perspective, the booking of Powerhouse Hobbs squashing two local talents—Jon Cruz and Rob Killjoy—in under five minutes felt like a missed opportunity. Squash matches can serve a purpose, like establishing someone as a dominant force or building heat, but this match didn’t achieve either. Hobbs didn’t gain anything from it, and the audience didn’t leave with any increased investment in his character. While he dominated the match, it felt like Hobbs would’ve benefitted more from facing a stronger opponent or at least someone with more of a storyline connection.
AEW should focus on building Hobbs by having him compete in meaningful matches, not just quick demolitions. Without more substantial build, the audience won’t get excited about Hobbs’s push, and the potential momentum might be lost. Kris Statlander’s losses to Mercedes Moné were better storytelling because they showcased Statlander’s growth despite the losses.
Loved: Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland – A Bloody Feud Rekindled
In what was one of the more memorable segments of the night, Ricochet and Swerve Strickland reignited their feud with a brutal post-match brawl. The triple-threat match between Swerve, Roderick Strong, and Jay White was great, but the real highlight came when Ricochet made his appearance to get revenge on Swerve for the toilet paper prank at Worlds End.
Ricochet used a pair of gold scissors to bloody Swerve, in what felt like a perfect fit for his character—a calculated, almost American Psycho-like execution. The contrast of Ricochet’s seemingly clean-cut appearance against his brutal attack on Swerve added a layer of psychological depth to the rivalry. The feud needed this escalation after the more comedic elements at Worlds End, and it seems like this intense segment will propel it into a more serious, engaging direction.
This segment also showcased AEW’s strength in building feuds with unpredictability and intensity, even through the use of random objects as weapons. As this feud advances, Ricochet and Swerve are sure to continue their captivating battles.
Hated: Mercedes Mone’s Lackluster Segment
Mercedes Mone’s segment felt like a missed opportunity to make a meaningful impact. After what was one of the best women’s matches in AEW history at Worlds End, her segment in Asheville lacked substance. She came out, talked about how great she was, and didn’t progress any storylines. There was no interruption from a potential challenger, no tension, just Mercedes gloating.
It felt like a filler segment, particularly considering Mercedes’ status as a top star. She should’ve either been involved in something more impactful or at least teased a future rivalry. Instead, the segment felt aimless, like it didn’t contribute anything to her character or the AEW women’s division. With no developments or new challengers emerging, it left fans wondering what the point was, and it took up valuable screen time that could have been better used to push other stories, like Jamie Hayter vs. Julia Hart.
Loved: Jeff Jarrett’s ‘Last Ride’
In a sentimental segment, Jeff Jarrett began his retirement tour with a promo that truly showcased his passion for the business. Drawing inspiration from his grandmother and father’s influence in pro wrestling, Jarrett set the tone for a final run that promises to be full of intensity and meaning.
His desire to win the AEW World Championship before his career ends added a layer of gravitas to his words, making his appearances feel special. While it’s unlikely he’ll win the title, the emotional weight of his “Last Ride” journey is bound to captivate fans. It’s always compelling to watch a veteran give it everything they’ve got in their final years, and Jarrett is showing he still has plenty left in the tank.
Hated: MJF and Adam Cole’s Endless Storyline
The continuing saga of MJF and Adam Cole has overstayed its welcome. After their Worlds End match, it seemed like their story would finally wrap up, but AEW is dragging it out further, as MJF is involved in next week’s Casino Gauntlet Match.
The storyline has become painfully predictable, and despite MJF’s usual charisma, the prolonged feud with Adam Cole has lost its spark. Whether MJF wins or is cost the match by Cole, the angle feels tired, and it’s time to let it go. It’s the kind of storyline that might have worked for a few weeks but has overstayed its welcome and has soured as a result. Hopefully, AEW takes a break from this endless drama and lets MJF and Cole move on to new storylines.