9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite: Winter Is Coming (Dec 2)

3. Big Fight Feel

Kenny Omega vs. Jon Moxley never threatened to break into the Match of the Year many had hoped for ahead of Winter is Coming, and there's a lot to be a said about a finish that didn't quite feel earned (that Paradigm Shift onto the heater wasn't particularly impactful), but it was still a strong, strong match between two leading Wrestler of the Year candidates.

Coming off more like an early chapter in a long-term feud (which it was), the match's slower pace and spacious layout gave the impression the performers were deliberately leaving room to explore in future bouts. Attritional, exploratory opening exchanges led to a walk and brawl. Eventually, Moxley grabbed a couple of chairs, set them up in the ring, and demanded Omega sit down and trade strikes with him. When Kenny was hit so hard he stumbled away from his charge, he blasted back, magnificently, with a V-Trigger.

Don Callis was excellent on commentary and again in his role in the finish, sliding Omega the microphone that busted Moxley open. A V-Trigger flurry and One-Winged Angel ended Mox's night and crowned Kenny the new World Champion.

Not emptying the tank was a smart move if Moxley and Omega are to clash again, though the bout could have used another gear to take it up a notch. Still, Omega violating his "gentlemen's agreement" by cheating to win, one week after urging Moxley to "beat him with skill," magnificently ties up months of villainous teases, establishing Kenny as AEW's alpha heel.

As for Moxley? His vengeance will be ugly.