The resurgence of Jon Moxley as a consistently captivating performer continues to be a significant bright spot for AEW programming. In the lead-up to Revolution 2026, Moxley has found himself embroiled in a series of compelling feuds and delivering standout performances on a weekly basis. This is a stark contrast to his position just a year prior, where his rivalry with Adam Copeland felt somewhat stagnant and lacked the fervent energy that fans have come to associate with "Mox." Now, he is a workhorse, consistently delivering strong matches against a diverse range of opponents, whether in singles competition, tag team affairs, or trios contests. His AEW Continental Championship Eliminator match against Mark Davis on this week’s Dynamite was a testament to this current form. The narrative surrounding the match, highlighting Moxley’s potential lingering effects from his grueling time-limit draw with Konosuke Takeshita at Grand Slam Australia, added an extra layer of intrigue. Despite any residual jet lag from his travels, Moxley’s performance was a masterclass in compelling wrestling television.
The physical storytelling within the match was particularly noteworthy. Davis’s decision to visibly injure his hand by striking the ring post, leading to a bloody visual, immediately heightened the stakes. Moxley’s strategic response, immediately targeting the injured limb, forced Davis to adapt his offensive strategy, relying more on elbows, kicks, and forearms rather than his formidable punching power. This subtle detail underscored Moxley’s ring intelligence and his ability to exploit an opponent’s vulnerability. The urgency and heightened pace of the contest were palpable, with every movement feeling deliberate and impactful. Even during the closing stages, when the energy might have naturally waned, Moxley skillfully countered and applied a decisive Bulldog Choke, securing the victory. It was a clinic in professional wrestling that showcased the synergy between physical prowess and strategic acumen. Looking ahead, Moxley’s upcoming No Time Limit Match against Takeshita at Revolution promises another high-octane encounter. While the potential for Takeshita’s storyline with Kazuchika Okada to culminate in a winner-take-all scenario looms, Moxley’s current consistency is so vital to weekly television that his continued presence at the forefront of storylines seems imperative. If he maintains this level of performance, his current reign as Continental Champion could rival or even surpass Orange Cassidy’s impactful first run with the AEW International Championship, a benchmark that speaks volumes about the quality of Moxley’s current wrestling tenure.
Conversely, the presentation of Hook as the new leader of The Opponents proved to be a significant misstep, undermining the group’s previous gravitas. The stark contrast between Hook’s current persona and the formidable presence of Samoa Joe, who previously led the faction, is jarring. Joe’s injury necessitated a leadership change, but the transition to Hook has been far from smooth. Hook’s promos, characterized by awkward phrasing and a lack of commanding presence, failed to establish him as a credible leader. His claims of being "in charge" felt hollow and unconvincing, a stark departure from the intimidating aura that previously defined The Opponents. The narrative surrounding Hook’s stop-and-start momentum in AEW has been a persistent issue, and this current storyline threatens to derail any progress he has made. The reliance on him to lead a faction, especially one that includes a seasoned competitor like Katsuyori Shibata, feels like a gamble that is currently not paying off. The vision for The Opponents under Hook’s command is unclear, and the audience is left questioning the direction and seriousness of the group’s ambitions.
The TBS Championship Fatal Four-Way match was an undeniable highlight, showcasing a remarkable display of talent and athleticism. The unexpected inclusion of Willow Nightingale defending her TBS Championship against Marina Shafir, Mina Shirakawa, and Megan Bayne proved to be a stroke of genius. The contest was a whirlwind of high-octane action, maintaining a relentless pace from start to finish. Beyond providing a valuable platform for Shirakawa, Bayne, and Shafir to demonstrate their in-ring capabilities on a larger stage, the match also served to underscore Nightingale’s dual championship status. With her and Harley Cameron actively defending the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship, it was essential to ensure that the TBS Championship didn’t become an afterthought. This impromptu addition to the Dynamite card effectively kept the TBS title in the spotlight. The unique dynamic of all four competitors simultaneously engaging in the action, rather than the traditional tag-team style of two in and two out, injected an exciting, unpredictable element into the bout, contributing significantly to its overall intensity and rapid-fire nature.
However, the promo exchange between "Hangman" Adam Page and AEW World Champion MJF proved to be a perplexing and underwhelming segment. Given the high stakes of their upcoming Revolution encounter and Page’s recent victory over Andrade El Idolo, expectations for this advertised face-to-face were considerable. MJF, typically known for his sharp wit and provocative mic work, failed to deliver memorable lines, and the segment began with a surprising lack of intensity. While MJF asserted he wasn’t there to "cut a ‘rasslin’ promo," the absence of his usual flair left the segment feeling flat. The narrative gained some traction when Page drew parallels between himself and MJF, highlighting their shared need for validation. Page’s assertion that their championship match at Revolution required a stipulation was well-received. However, the segment took a questionable turn when Page invoked a similar stipulation to Cody Rhodes’ infamous declaration ahead of Full Gear 2019, promising to never challenge for the AEW Men’s World Championship again if MJF agreed to a stipulation. This move felt derivative and raised concerns about the long-term implications for Page’s career within AEW. The subsequent confusion surrounding the stipulation itself, with Page proposing a Texas Death Match after MJF requested time to consider, added to the segment’s clunkiness. The overall impression was one of a narrative that lacked clarity and failed to generate the expected excitement, leaving the audience hoping for a more compelling buildup in the weeks to come.
The main event clash between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland delivered a compelling encounter that was elevated by Strickland’s evident heel turn. The narrative leading into this highly anticipated, first-time match saw Omega making a renewed push for a second AEW World Championship reign, confronting MJF amidst a tense standoff with both Page and Strickland. Page’s expressed desire to challenge for the title, culminating in their Revolution encounter, contrasted with Strickland’s more aggressive stance towards any potential challengers. This dynamic set the stage for a contest that, on the surface, appeared to be a face-vs.-face showdown between two formidable contenders vying for an opportunity at MJF’s championship. The match itself was a hard-fought battle, filled with the signature high-impact maneuvers expected from both competitors. Omega unleashed his devastating Snapdragon suplexes, including one on the apron and an attempted follow-up to the floor. However, it was Strickland who masterfully steered the contest into darker territory. His deliberate action of pulling referee Aubrey Edwards into the path of a V-Trigger effectively neutralized the official, leaving the match without a count. Strickland then exploited the situation, executing his finisher and appearing to secure a pinfall in the absence of a referee. As it became clear that a replacement official would take time to arrive, Strickland continued his assault, delivering a Swerve Stomp onto Omega on the apron. The match culminated in a dramatic sequence, featuring a near-fall, a Last Call, and an attempted One-Winged Angel, before Strickland ultimately secured the victory with the Big Pressure. The post-match ambush, where Strickland drove Omega through the announcer’s table, solidified his turn to the villainous side. Bryan Danielson’s visibly disturbed reaction on commentary, coupled with Tony Schiavone’s pleas for him not to intervene, added another layer to the unfolding drama. This segment, from its inception to its conclusion, was exceptionally executed, weaving a compelling narrative through the match’s action and Strickland’s decisive heel turn. This transition positions Strickland perfectly as the new antagonist, particularly as Hangman Page continues his ascent towards a potential championship victory.
A somber note, however, was struck by the apparent injury sustained by Tomohiro Ishii during his tag team match. While the match itself wasn’t inherently bad, the unfortunate reality of injuries in professional wrestling always casts a shadow. Following Roderick Strong’s betrayal of Orange Cassidy the previous week, Cassidy sought a partner to face the formidable duo of Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd on Dynamite. His choice fell upon Tomohiro Ishii, making his first appearance for AEW in 2026 and his first since October of the previous year. Ishii, known for his ability to elevate his opponents and his legendary toughness, was expected to deliver a strong performance. The match, however, was marred by what appeared to be a significant injury to Ishii. Despite his renowned resilience and tendency to push through pain, it was evident that something had gone awry. Whether a hamstring issue or a knee problem, the sight of Ishii visibly struggling and hopping on one leg was disheartening. This injury inevitably impacted the match’s flow, leading to a somewhat disjointed conclusion as everyone scrambled to reach a decisive finish so Ishii could receive medical attention. To the surprise of many, Ishii and Cassidy secured the victory, with Ishii getting the pin. While this outcome could be viewed positively in isolation, it raises questions regarding Connors’ booking. As a relatively new addition to AEW, Connors taking a loss to an injured competitor feels like a missed opportunity to build momentum for him. While an extended undefeated streak isn’t necessary, a stronger start for Connors, particularly against a faction whose current standing is somewhat unclear, would have been more beneficial for his development within the promotion. Nevertheless, the match was a testament to Ishii’s fighting spirit, and the wrestling community collectively wished him a swift recovery, recognizing him as one of the sport’s enduring, authentic figures.
