AEW Dynamite (Sep. 25, 2024) emanated from Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, NY. The Grand Slam special featured Bryan Danielson declaring war on Jon Moxley, Nigel McGuinness being put to the test, the Young Bucks cheating to keep gold, Hook retiring the FTW title, a surprise appearance from MVP, and more.
Catch up on all the details with the excellent play-by-play from Claire Elizabeth.
Bryan Danielson was the primary story for Grand Slam. He had business on multiple fronts. The American Dragon had to deal with Nigel McGuinness, Jon Moxley, and the fate of the #1 contendership toward the AEW World Championship.
Danielson answers the call
Grand Slam opened with the Fragile Countdown. At this point in the evening, there was still uncertainty on if Bryan Danielson would be medically cleared to compete against Nigel McGuinness. Nigel entered first. When Danielson’s music hit, he was a no-show. Nigel taunted his opponent as a coward and demanded that the referee start a ten-count to declare him the winner. At the count of six, the Final Countdown music blared on the speakers. Danielson stepped out on stage.
THE #AEW WORLD CHAMPION BRYAN DANIELSON IS HERE!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@bryandanielson | @McGuinnessNigel pic.twitter.com/1kVycFPlPG
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024The match had a good mix of strikes, chain wrestling, and submissions. Nigel focused on damaging Danielson’s right arm. That strategy had success, such as Danielson in too much pain to make a pin after a Busaiku knee.
Almost 15 years to the day, the rivalry between #AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness is just as red hot as it ever was!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@bryandanielson | @McGuinnessNigel pic.twitter.com/eSluYbDjIo
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024Nigel shined with a handful of spiffy sequences. He hit the Tower of London hanging cutter.
Nigel McGuinness is throwing everything he can at Bryan Danielson!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@bryandanielson | @McGuinnessNigel pic.twitter.com/1dOzGXCkwM
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024In the end, Danielson grit through the pain to secure the LeBell Lock for victory. Nigel tapped out in defeat.
Afterward, Christian Cage tried to weasel in with his title shot to take advantage of Danielson’s diminished state. All Christian had to do was sign the contract. Kip Sabian ran in to snatch the pen. Christian chased the lad backstage and bumped into Claudio Castagnoli and PAC keeping watch. The Patriarch will have to wait for another day to cash in his prize.
Is it time for Christian Cage to exercise his GUARANTEED #AEW World Title Shot?
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@bryandanielson | @Christian4Peeps | @TheKipSabian | @BASTARDPAC | @ClaudioCSRO pic.twitter.com/s0xMj6oYoq
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024That dream rematch was pretty satisfying as an attraction at this stage in their careers. It was a treat to see Danielson versus Nigel one more time, especially since it seemed like time passed by that matchup. Even though the strong assumption was for Danielson to wrestle here, AEW still did a good job of milking the theatrics to create a moment with Final Countdown. It was time to forget any qualms about the storyline, and soak in the experience.
The wrestling was solid. I’m not an expert on their personal series in ROH, so I would have missed the connection to any callbacks that could enhance an extra layer of appreciation from fans. Even without that knowledge, it was an entertaining duel. Nigel held his own in the ring against the best in the world. Danielson’s pain was a nice touch to provide drama. They worked it well when Danielson struggled to grip his hands together for the LeBell Lock. He adjusted to grab his wrist for leverage. That alteration on the fly illustrates why Danielson is considered the best, in the context of this story.
There is dispute about what Nigel muttered before submitting. It was either, “Thank you,” or, “Fuck you.” Both ways work. I prefer believing in the gratitude of Danielson giving Nigel the opportunity. The curse word option is also fitting to Nigel’s heel character taking animosity toward Danielson to his grave.
Danielson declares war
The main event went to Jon Moxley versus Darby Allin with Allin’s world title shot on the line. Moxley inflicted brutality on his opponent. Allin was spitting up blood early. Never count Allin out. His spirit surged for a Coffin Drop on the outside.
Darby leaves it ALL on the line EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@JonMoxley | @DarbyAllin | @MarinaShafir pic.twitter.com/zcRu9jZK4k
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024With help of distractions from Marina Shafir, Moxley tried to grind the energy out of Allin. Mini Sting rallied for a stunner and a Code Red. The flow played out in a similar way of Moxley imposing his will, then Allin scoring a burst of feral offense. Allin had Mox in his sights for a Coffin Drop, however, Moxley caught him on the mat for a rear naked choke. Moxley transitioned to a bulldog choke. Allin faded toward unconsciousness, then he grit his teeth for a surge to reach the ropes. Moxley went to a hanging choke in the corner. Allin gouged the eyes to escape. He had plans for a superplex, then Shafir hopped onto the apron to buy Moxley time. When Allin went into motion for the move, Mox countered into an avalanche Death Rider to win.
Violence picked up after the match. Danielson rushed the ring to choke Moxley with a necktie. The Blackpool Combat Club saved Mox, then Private Party and Komander ran in to help Danielson. The American Dragon exploded for a Busaiku knee, but Claudio pulled Moxley to safety before impact. Danielson closed by declaring war on Mox.
BRYAN DANIELSON FINALLY GETS PAYBACK ON JON MOXLEY!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@JonMoxley | @BryanDanielson | @MarinaShafir | @BASTARDPAC | @ClaudioCSRO | @ZayKassidy | @Marq_Quen | @KomandercrMX pic.twitter.com/pOYfCMHyL4
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024Moxley and Allin maimed each other in a rugged fight. This match felt more like a tool servicing the larger story than being the story itself. Mox showed no mercy, and Allin showed that he isn’t ready yet for a run at the top. This battle felt like the first stage of a series. It is an interesting call to see Moxley take the title shot from Allin. Moxley had to win to give the new BCC credibility for their mission. The question becomes if he is the one to dethrone Danielson, then Allin rises to end Mox’s reign of terror. If that is the case, there is a lot of story to be told before we get to that point. First things first. Danielson will defend the AEW World Championship against Moxley at WrestleDream (Oct. 12) in a PPV main event that truly feels like a PPV main event.
Grand Slam surprise
MVP! Montel Vontavious Porter was in the house for Grand Slam. Prince Nana was delivering a health update on Swerve Strickland, then MVP interrupted. Swerve is not cleared to return yet. MVP put over the mogul’s ability in the ring, then he criticized Nana for poor management. MVP wondered why Nana allowed Hangman Page and Bryan Danielson to walk free without retribution. MVP was blatant with disrespect by asking Nana to pass Swerve his business card.
Just when we started to hear about Swerve Strickland, we got a surprise appearance and OFFER from MVP!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@PrinceKingNana | @swerveconfident | @The305MVP pic.twitter.com/XmRo1HQF4a
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024My, oh, my. That was a neat surprise. MVP will get the juices flowing about what’s next. For example, I already considered the very slim possibility that the Hurt Business go after Hangman to make an example, Hangman and Swerve team up for some reason, they become unlikely best friends, and then the cowboy and the mogul record a rap country song. Yes, I know that idea is stupid, but the point remains that possibilities are endless right now for MVP in AEW.
Let’s jam through the rest of Dynamite.
FTW Championship: Hook defeated Roderick Strong to retain the title. FTW Rules in effect. Hook beat the Kingdom to the punch by hitting Matt Taven and Mike Bennett with a kendo stick. Those hooligans didn’t influence the match much. Strong ramped up momentum down the stretch, but Hook countered a suplex into the Redrum choke to win.
After the match, Hook shared an emotional moment with Taz to retire the FTW title. Father and son embraced in a hug.
"All good things must come to an end" - HOOK
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@730HOOK | @tonyschiavone24 | @OfficialTAZ pic.twitter.com/MTEN0HfHxX
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024Rowdy action taking lumps and bumps. I thought it was odd how the Kingdom rested on their laurels for the most part in FTW Rules. With hindsight of retiring the belt, it makes much more sense not to go overboard with Taven and Bennett. The purpose was to give Hook the hometown win and the moment with Taz. AEW did both well.
AEW World Tag Team Championship: Young Bucks defeated Will Ospreay & Kyle Fletcher to retain the titles. Smooth teamwork and athleticism throughout. The emotion went to the next level on a TK Driver gone awry. The Bucks had Fletcher locked and loaded, then Ospreay intercepted Nicholas Jackson midair for a Styles Clash. Fletcher countered Matthew Jackson for a Styles Clash at the same time. Ospreay maintained momentum for a Hidden Blade and a Storm Breaker. The Bucks managed to stay alive with timely saves. In the end, Don Callis handed a screwdriver to Fletcher to finish the job, but Ospreay was not keen on cheating. The Brit snatched the foreign object from the Aussie to hand over to the referee. The Bucks had no suck qualms. They used to the title belt to bonk both opponents setting up Fletcher to go down in defeat on a superkick party and a BTE Trigger.
Cool moves galore. Drama was cooking by the end. The Bucks showed the heart of champions finding ways to kick out from precarious positions. There were a few close calls that had me wondering if a title change was in the cards. In my eyes, the Bucks’ performance redeemed themselves of previous losses in this title reign. The end was wonky, but they did a heck of a lot of work to be in that position. As for Ospreay, it sucks having morals. He might be the top pure babyface in AEW at the moment. It is kind of refreshing to see Ospreay act with honor, even though, we could see the pain in his eyes at letting his teammate down.
AEW Women’s World Championship: Mariah May defeated Yuka Sakazaki to retain the title. Yuka showed an edge to hit a springboard dive on the outside before the match began. It was a competitive bout. Mariah got her knees up to block the Magical Girl splash, then she pounced for a running knee and a piledriver to win.
After the match, Mariah sized up Yuka to dish out more pain, but Willow Nightingale ran out for the save. Music played for Mina Shirakawa, and Mariah used that distraction to hit Willow. Mina looked on confused at the person Mariah has become.
Willow makes the save but, MINA SHIRAKAWA IS HERE!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@MariahMayx | @YukaSakazaki | @WillowWrestles | @MinaShirakawa pic.twitter.com/MZnAkUtM8j
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024Another solid match. Yuka showed spunk, and Mariah continued her winning streak to further establish a dominating title reign. With the way Mina appeared, it looks like AEW is going to give her the full treatment for a story with Mariah. It should be longer than a two-week blitz, like with Yuka, and this story deserves such. There is a lot to explore between Mina and Mariah to set up a potential title challenge.
Notes: The Conglomeration officially welcomed Rocky Romero into the group. Mark Briscoe’s word of the day was vociferous.
The Conglomeration welcome Rocky Romero to the team and send a message to their #AEWCollision Grand Slam opponents!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@SussexCoChicken | @KORcombat | @orangecassidy | @azucarRoc pic.twitter.com/XFhwngB9mO
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024Jack Perry was shown driving the Scapegoat bus across a bridge for his TNT Championship open challenge on Collision.
Who will answer the TNT Title open challenge at #AEWCollision #AEWGrandSlam?!
Watch #AEWDynamite Grand Slam LIVE on TBS!@boy_myth_legend pic.twitter.com/WqEJe6xcdY
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024Stud of the Show: Nigel McGuinness
Nigel rose to the occasion to show the world his skills. If this is the end of the road for him in the ring, he can be proud of that match.
Match of the Night: Young Bucks vs. Will Ospreay & Kyle Fletcher
Banger, if you like that style.
Grade: A-
Big-time show for TV with a hot finish. Every match mattered, and the action delivered. Story elements were sprinkled in to increase drama.
Share your thoughts about Dynamite. How do you rate it? What were your favorite moments from the show? Who impressed you the most?