8 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (10 May - Review)

1. The Main Event Delivers...But...

Kenny Omega Vs. Jon Moxley was a fantastic TV main event let down slightly - if you are pedantic and tedious - by the sounding of the angle alert klaxon.

It was made obvious, when the Young Bucks were bounced out of the arena by security, that this was done to explain their absence in some post-match angle or other. The presentation of Mox Vs. Omega IV felt like a backdrop for something else, which didn't help reach its ***** ceiling. A ****1/2 match is obviously still a major achievement.

And that's what this was: a sort of death x grudge hybrid, in which the suspense of the big plunder set pieces was built, but not drawn-out, because both men were so desperate to brutalise one another. It also doubled as an excellent chapter ahead of Double Or Nothing. Trust Kenny Omega to devise a steel cage interference finish and have it make sense - both in and of itself and as justification for a sprawling Anarchy In The Arena mass brawl that only the walls of a huge building can contain.

The organic way in which the ring was gradually destroyed was yet more brilliant, resourceful work with a lot of thought put behind it: the visual added to an awesome sense of pure chaos and made the V-trigger mesh collapse spot more believable. That double bump to the outside was incredible, too. Omega landed on his c*ck and balls!

The Don Callis heel turn was, while signposted, executed brilliantly. It was still shocking: Don's years-long über-hyperbole of Kenny paid off. This was unthinkable, as the huge crowd pop underscored.

Bryan Danielson played his role with unabashed glee at the commentary desk, Moxley's "Eh, I'll take it" body language was top-notch, and while slightly flawed, the whole thing elevated Dynamite as a seismic, must-watch concern after more than one mid week of late.