7 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (May 22 - Results & Review)

4. Malakai Black Is Worth The Wait

Malakai Black rarely works singles matches, which is a pity: he is an awesome pro wrestler. You could make the argument that his brief interaction with Kenny Omega at Revolution '23 was among the best wrestling action witnessed all year, and it went about three minutes.

Here, he defeated Kyle O'Reilly in a great and very distinct match that, while sadly lacking in scorching heat for much of the duration, was the sort of spectacle that makes you grateful all over again for the existence of All Elite Wrestling. You simply will not find something this unusual on other mainstream wrestling shows.

A worked kickboxing match fused with pro wrestling dramatics, it was a delight. The various evasions and blocks were perfectly timed and only enhanced the moments of super-stiff connection. The strike counters into submission holds were also just sensational. The idea that neither wrestler could make even a minor timing error was executed masterfully. Suspension of disbelief was so easy to achieve.

In an awesome finish, Black feigned to strike O'Reilly with The End. With O'Reilly's guard down, Black struck the real thing for the win. Black's supernatural rubbish is especially frustrating when he is, evidently, levels above it. He is fantastic when staying in his lane as a strategic, unique pro wrestler whose mind games are far better suited in the context of wrestling action.

The wild contrast between the match and the post-match angle could not have made this more clear.