7 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite: Anniversary Edition (Oct 14)

by Andy H Murray

1. All Out War

Jon Moxley Lance Archer
AEW

AEW tried to build an air of chaos around Jon Moxley vs. Lance Archer by having the duo brawl twice backstage before hitting the ring. The wrestlers then brought the plunder out for their No DQ bout, putting each other through all kinds of hell with the World Title on the line.

While not as ghoulishly satisfying as their Wrestle Kingdom throwdown, this was a tough, gritty war between two of the meanest dudes in the promotion. 'The Murderhawk Monster' dominated for long stretches, looming large over Mox, talking trash all the way, trying, at one point, to hit the Blackout out of the ring and through tables. This is despite eating a Paradigm Shift within the first 10 seconds, kicking out at two.

Beating Archer without diminishing the monster factor was key here. AEW did that by having him escape two Paradigm Shifts and battle out of the indomitable Bulldog Choke that put Eddie Kingston to sleep and forced The Butcher to tap out, with Moxley winning via quickfire crucifix pin on another Blackout attempt. Lance popped right out of this after the three, getting in the referee's face and down the champ, his aura preserved.

A great post-match angle saw Eddie Kingston and the Lucha Brothers sucker Moxley in, appearing to aid him against Archer before decking him completely. Symbolically, Kingston sent Moxley to the Shadow Realm with a rear naked choke. Left behind no more, Kingston is coming for the gold - potentially at Full Gear.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.