8 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (May 27)
Perhaps booking Mike Tyson wasn't such a bright idea after all.
Double Or Nothing 2020 was one of the year's better American wrestling shows, Empty Arena Era or otherwise, defying meek expectations born of a lukewarm build and potentially disruptive show-week injuries to Britt Baker, Matt Jackson, and Rey Fenix. The buyrate isn't out yet, but early reports suggest a strong number despite the ongoing global situation, potentially marking 23 May as an objectively successful evening for the upstart promotion.
Last night's Dynamite was a palate cleanser. Fallout from what would normally be the year's biggest AEW pay-per-view was everywhere. Cody addressed his TNT Championship victory over Lance Archer, then learned his first number one contender later in the eve. Mike Tyson returned to face off with Chris Jericho after presenting the TNT strap at Double Or Nothing. In the World Title scene, Jon Moxley met Brian Cage for the first time, having overcome Mr. Brodie Lee in a violent war. New Women's Champion Hikaru Shida was out to build further momentum after taking the gold from Nyla Rose.
There was a lot going on. It didn't all hit, of course, but Dynamite was a net positive as a whole, though one of the night's big angles was nothing short of shambolic.
Let's light the fuse...