AEW Dynamite & Collision: The Best and Worst of the Go-Home Show

Setting the Stage for WrestleDream

The last episodes of AEW Dynamite and AEW Collision before Saturday's WrestleDream event delivered a three-hour extravaganza filled with standout moments and notable missteps. This joint go-home show had everyone buzzing—whether it was about Orange Cassidy's surprising performance or the conspicuous absence of Kenny Omega and Mercedes Mone from the WrestleDream card.

As always, this isn't just a recap of the matches, as those details are well-covered on the results page. Instead, I'm here to dissect what truly resonated and what left me cringing. Let's jump right in.

3 Things We Loved

1. The Jailhouse Atmosphere

One of the standout moments of the evening was the dramatic jailhouse vignette featuring Jon Moxley and Darby Allin. The segment was beautifully shot, capturing the tension between two of AEW's darkest characters. Each man delivered performances that were both intense and nuanced, revealing layers to their fierce rivalry. With stakes so high—an 'I Quit' match looming at WrestleDream—this segment set the tone beautifully.

Allin, embodying the resilient underdog, challenged Moxley on his fear of losing control of his ruthless stable, the Death Riders. Their confrontation was heavy with historical weight, reminding us that Moxley has always struggled to put Allin down for good. The atmosphere was captivating, almost cinematic, adding a layer of grit that had been missing in their feud.

2. Fresh Slate with Statlander and Storm

Another highlight was the unusual backstage segment involving Kris Statlander and Toni Storm. With a fresh, almost audacious energy, the two women opened the show, setting a vibrant and engaging tone. The palpable tension was not just a gimmick; it showcased their authentic characters while elevating women's wrestling in AEW. Statlander's killer line about being a culmination of everything she'd been so far resonated deeply, suggesting growth and maturity.

This matched perfectly with Storm's “Timeless” persona, highlighting the unique dynamics that can exist in wrestling matches. Coupling their character evolution with a backstage fight was an excellent way to spotlight what should be an exhilarating match at WrestleDream.

3. Cassidy Delivers

Orange Cassidy was his usual nonchalant self but managed to capture the audience's attention amidst the chaos of a three-hour special. His laid-back persona was a breath of fresh air during a segment that could have easily devolved into overload. Cassidy's ease in the ring, particularly during his match with Daniel Garcia, showcased why he occupies a unique spot on the roster. He has an ability to connect with the crowd effortlessly, bringing energy that other parts of the show lacked.

3 Things We Hated

1. Allin's Staggering Entrance

Regrettably, one of the more disappointing moments of the night was Darby Allin's dramatic entrance during the main event. While it was meant to depict his resilience, it ended up feeling almost silly. Instead of presenting a fighting spirit, Allin shuffled towards Moxley, resembling a zombie more than a superhero. This segment wasted valuable time and failed to evoke genuine investment in Allin's character.

2. Jamie Hayter's Lackluster Booking

Jamie Hayter's match against Skye Blue felt like a setup to bolster Hayter's strength but ultimately fell flat. The narrative potential for their clash at WrestleDream was overshadowed by a surprisingly dull booking decision. Furthermore, the involvement of Thekla only via video felt half-hearted and lacked engagement, making it seem as if there was little effort in creating the rivalry's climax. As a dedicated fan, I expected more build-up for such a pivotal pay-per-view event.

3. Missing Big Stars from the Card

Lastly, let's address the elephant in the room: the glaring absence of both Kenny Omega and Mercedes Mone from the WrestleDream lineup. With such high-profile stars missing from the card, especially given their drawing power, it almost feels like a disservice to fans. Both wrestlers have significant stakes in their storylines, and their absence was noticeably felt. While it may highlight the depth of AEW's roster, failing to utilize these big names could reflect poorly on the promotion's booking acumen.

Final Thoughts

The AEW Dynamite and Collision go-home show was a mixed bag. While it had its highlights and showcased promising new storylines, the low points left me concerned. WrestleDream on October 18 has the potential to be a major event, but the lead-up leaves some fans (myself included) wondering about the booking decisions made in these final hours of build-up. I hope to see resolutions for the issues that plagued this episode, ensuring that AEW can capitalize on its rich layering of narratives as the countdown to WrestleDream continues.

If we can fix the missteps, there's every reason to believe WrestleDream will deliver on its promise. Let's hope we can create momentum that lasts well beyond the event itself.