7 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Dec 7 - Review)

6. That's How You Heat Up A Big Match

MJF Face
AEW

After the battle royal, MJF - who continues to do the impossible, at which so many wrestling luminaries have failed, by telling the fans how they should feel - confronted Ricky Starks to build their match next week.

This was an incredible duelling promo that ranged from piss-funny entertainment to pure unbridled emotion. MJF accused Starks of cosplaying as the Rock and revelling in the secure idea that he is underutilised. If he was utilised, little would actually happen. Starks disproved that by cutting a rousing promo that summoned a standing ovation with its sass, wit, and graduating level of heart and intensity. It's just as well it was so good, because MJF's material was drawing laughs across the arena before he was cut off.

Otherwise, MJF was exceptional in an understated and selfless way here. Already, he knows his role as World champion, and he hasn't even defended the title yet. In this context, he has to show ass, let the TV-level babyface challenger win this battle, and then f*ck him to get his heat back ahead of the next narrative cycle. Starks meanwhile will be remembered as the man who gave it his all, but got cheated out of it, when he locks up with his next rival.

It's no hyperbole to state that WWE has chased the laughs, soundbites and crowd response this segment achieved by its hot conclusion for the entirety of this century.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!