The landscape of professional wrestling is constantly evolving, with each weekly broadcast serving as a crucial stepping stone in the grand narrative that unfolds over months and years. AEW Dynamite, the flagship program of All Elite Wrestling, recently touched down in Orlando, Florida, for an episode that aimed to propel various storylines forward on the path towards the monumental Revolution pay-per-view event. While the show featured several announced championship bouts for the subsequent week, the overarching sagas were still in their formative stages, resulting in a broadcast that, while action-packed, felt somewhat fragmented. As is often the case with live televised wrestling, there were elements that resonated powerfully with the audience and others that left much to be desired.
The initial impression of the January 21st "Dynamite" was that it leaned heavily into a "vibes"-driven presentation. This is a style that AEW has occasionally employed, where the in-ring action takes center stage, delivering a series of high-quality contests that stand on their own merit, even in the absence of deeply intricate, overarching plot points. While this approach can certainly satisfy viewers seeking pure wrestling entertainment, it can also leave a void in terms of narrative progression. This particular episode found itself in that delicate balance, offering compelling individual performances and moments, but struggling to weave them into a cohesive tapestry that significantly advanced the promotion’s major conflicts. The show was a showcase of talent, certainly, but the question lingered: what was the ultimate takeaway beyond the individual victories?
One of the most potent aspects of the January 21st "Dynamite" was the undeniable depth and dynamism of the AEW Men’s World Championship picture. Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the reigning champion, found himself in a precarious position, surrounded by a veritable shark tank of elite contenders, each vying for their opportunity to dethrone him. This wasn’t a scenario where challengers merely clamored for attention; rather, they were actively earning their shots through impressive performances in the ring. The groundwork for this compelling landscape had been laid in the preceding week, with Hangman Page, Swerve Strickland, and Kenny Omega explicitly stating their intentions to pursue the top prize. However, the roster’s strength in depth meant that the pursuit was far from limited to this trio. The formidable presence of Samoa Joe, coupled with the burgeoning ambitions of Brody King following his partner Bandido’s recent title challenge, further solidified the division’s competitive fire.
The true genius of this setup lay in its tangible demonstration of talent. It’s one thing for a wrestler to declare their championship aspirations in a spoken segment; it’s an entirely different and more impactful experience to witness those aspirations backed by undeniable in-ring prowess. On this particular "Dynamite," Samoa Joe, Kenny Omega, and Swerve Strickland each delivered stellar performances, securing hard-fought victories against formidable opponents like "Speedball" Mike Bailey, Josh Alexander, and Kevin Knight, respectively. These matches were not merely filler; they were masterclasses in professional wrestling, capable of being enjoyed in isolation for their athletic brilliance. Yet, when viewed through the lens of the championship pursuit, they painted a vivid picture of the monumental challenge that awaited MJF. Each victory served as a stark reminder that the reigning champion was facing a gauntlet of exceptionally talented individuals, any one of whom could legitimately contend for the AEW World Championship.
The strategic deployment of these top contenders in high-stakes matches created a palpable sense of anticipation. The narrative suggested a potential showdown between MJF and Samoa Joe, a clash of titans that promised immense physicality. However, should MJF overcome the "Samoan Submission Machine," he would then be faced with the prospect of defending his title against the likes of Omega or Strickland, both of whom had proven their mettle on this very broadcast. This carefully constructed hierarchy ensured that the AEW Men’s World Championship felt more significant and less predictable than it had in recent memory. The viewer was left with the distinct impression that the championship could realistically change hands at any given moment, a testament to the caliber of talent being showcased. Samoa Joe, Kenny Omega, and Swerve Strickland had all unequivocally stated their case for being in the championship conversation. Hangman Page was poised to make his own statement against Katsuyori Shibata, and Brody King was surely on the cusp of his own opportunity. The sheer vibrancy and unpredictability of this championship scene was, without question, a highlight of the evening.
Conversely, a significant point of contention from the January 21st "Dynamite" was the perceived lack of substantial storytelling woven into the fabric of the show, despite the presence of excellent wrestling. For many dedicated followers of professional wrestling, the appeal often lies in the dramatic narratives, the larger-than-life characters, and the compelling feuds that unfold on screen. While this particular edition of "Dynamite" certainly delivered on the in-ring action, offering a multitude of entertaining contests, it faltered in its ability to advance any meaningful ongoing storylines.
Yes, the aforementioned victories for Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland positioned them closer to a potential shot at the AEW World Championship. It was also evident that the animosity between Marina Shafir and Toni Storm might not be resolved, with Shafir’s apparent alliance with Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford suggesting a continued conflict. Furthermore, The Opps made it clear that their pursuit of the AEW World Trios Championship was far from over. However, none of these developments felt significant enough to propel any major narratives forward in a substantial way. Instead, they felt like minor plot points, small pieces of business that needed to be checked off a list on the way to potentially larger story beats. This resulted in a show that, while enjoyable from a purely athletic standpoint, left the viewer with a sense of something missing. There was a noticeable gap where proper, impactful storyline advancement should have been, leading to an entertaining broadcast where, paradoxically, not a great deal of consequence truly transpired.
A surprising element that shifted from a point of dissatisfaction to one of appreciation was the portrayal of the "Death Riders" faction. While in the previous year, this group had been a source of frustration, by January 2026, their on-screen presence had evolved into something far more engaging. The episode featured a compelling street fight pitting Jon Moxley, alongside his Blackpool Combat Club stablemates Daniel Garcia and Wheeler Yuta, against the Don Callis Family contingent of Hechicero, Lance Archer, and Rocky Romero. This match was a perfect showcase for the varied talents within both groups. Lance Archer delivered his signature "Murderhawk Monster" intensity, Hechicero displayed his technical acumen as "The Alchemist," and Rocky Romero provided his unique brand of veteran presence.
On the opposing side, while Garcia and Yuta might not possess the same overt destructive aura as Archer or the mainstream recognition of Moxley, they proved themselves to be highly skilled technicians in the squared circle. This dynamic allowed for a compelling narrative within the match, with Moxley acting as the central figure, guiding his team while Garcia and Yuta engaged in a back-and-forth battle. As expected in a street fight featuring Jon Moxley, the bout was punctuated by brutal spots, including a particularly gnarly sequence involving barbed wire, thumbtacks, and shards of glass. The conclusion saw the entire "Death Rider" contingent assert their dominance. Claudio Castagnoli and PAC intervened to neutralize Archer with crutches, while Yuta and Garcia executed a devastating combination move, culminating in Moxley delivering a curbstomp to secure the submission victory for Garcia. The post-match confrontation at the commentary table, where the Riders surrounded a visibly shaken Don Callis, provided an amusing visual and a clear message to Callis’s protégé, Trent Beretta. This segment demonstrated a renewed effectiveness for the faction, turning what could have been a minor match into a significant narrative moment.
However, a significant disappointment emerged from the women’s division, specifically a tag team encounter that failed to impress. While AEW has historically faced challenges in consistently showcasing its women’s division, this particular match fell significantly short of expectations. The contest featured "Timeless" Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa against the pairing of Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford. What unfolded was less a cohesive wrestling match and more a disjointed series of events that barely qualified as such.
While it might seem unfair to place the entire burden of this lackluster performance on the shoulders of Bayne and Ford, the reality was that the match did little to elevate the struggling division. The bell rang, signifying the commencement of the bout, but the action that transpired between those rings, and indeed what followed, was largely forgettable. Toni Storm, a seasoned and highly capable performer, was clearly the most experienced competitor in the ring. However, her expertise could not entirely compensate for the inexperience of her opponents. Shirakawa, while possessing a certain aesthetic appeal and connections within AEW, demonstrated a lack of polish in her in-ring work, often appearing awkward when interacting with Ford and Bayne. Their inexperience manifested as slow, unrefined movements, hindering the overall flow of the match. Even Storm, while a skilled veteran, is not known for her blistering pace, and the synergy required to elevate three less experienced performers simply wasn’t present. The result was a match that, at best, was a tedious affair and, at worst, a chore to endure.
Beyond the match’s fundamental execution, the finish proved to be equally, if not more, perplexing. As the bout concluded, Ford and Bayne received unexpected assistance from Marina Shafir. This appearance was baffling for several reasons. Shafir had recently been presented as a member of the babyface "Death Riders" faction alongside Jon Moxley. Her presence in a heel corner, assisting Bayne and Ford, seemed entirely incongruous with her established character trajectory. Furthermore, Shafir had little to no apparent motivation to interfere in this specific match, especially given that Ford had seemingly supplanted her alongside Bayne. The idea that Shafir, aligned with the "Death Riders," would suddenly turn heel to assist a pair of wrestlers she had no prior connection with, and who were aligned against a wrestler she had no established feud with, defied logical storytelling. It raised the question: what was Marina Shafir doing there? If AEW intended for this to be a turning point or a significant narrative development, it was executed in a manner that left the audience utterly confused, undermining the credibility of the women’s division yet again.
On a more positive note, the January 21st "Dynamite" provided a significant moment for Josh Alexander, fulfilling a long-held aspiration. Several years prior, Alexander had publicly expressed his dream matches, listing wrestling legends such as AJ Styles and Kurt Angle. However, prominently featured on that list was the fervent desire to one day face Kenny Omega in a competitive bout. That long-awaited encounter finally materialized on this episode, and it exceeded all expectations. From the moment Omega made his entrance, there was an undeniable sense that he was ready to deliver a performance befitting his legendary status.
The match kicked off with an immediate intensity, as Alexander ambushed Omega during his entrance, driving him into the barricade and exposing the concrete floor beneath the ring. Once inside the squared circle, the "Walking Weapon" seized the advantage, setting the stage for a truly exceptional contest. There was no wasted movement; every maneuver executed by both competitors was meticulously designed to inflict damage and secure victory. Alexander launched himself from the top rope with a spectacular rolling senton slam onto a perched Omega. In response, Omega landed a devastating Snapdragon suplex, driving Alexander onto the exposed concrete. The match reached its climax with Omega securing the win via his signature One-Winged Angel, a victory that further solidified his pursuit of the AEW World Championship.
Much of the recent discourse surrounding Kenny Omega had centered on his ongoing recovery from diverticulitis and a litany of past injuries. While Omega has consistently delivered exceptional matches throughout his career, it would have been understandable had he adopted a more conservative, less physically demanding style. However, this match dispelled any such notions. Omega wrestled with the same intensity, skill, and flair that have cemented his reputation as one of the premier in-ring performers in the world. He truly embodied "The Best Bout Machine" persona.
Josh Alexander proved to be the ideal opponent for Omega to recapture that championship-level performance. Their styles meshed perfectly, creating a match that was not only technically brilliant but also emotionally resonant. The contest served as a fitting conclusion to Omega’s protracted feud with the Don Callis Family, allowing him to refocus his attention on the AEW World Championship. This segment was a masterclass in delivering compelling television, a genuine highlight that was unequivocally easy to appreciate.
Finally, a point of criticism emerged regarding the portrayal of Hangman Adam Page as a Trios Champion. While Page had recently captured the AEW World Trios Championship alongside "Speedball" Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight, his championship reign began under a cloud of perceived indifference. This episode saw both Bailey and Knight engaged in significant singles matches, and Page’s lack of active support, particularly for Bailey, was notably absent.
Mike Bailey faced a formidable challenge against Samoa Joe, and during a crucial moment in the match, Katsuyori Shibata emerged and began assaulting Bailey. While Page wasn’t necessarily expected to interfere and secure a victory for Bailey, his absence from ringside was conspicuous. The argument could be made that Page, as a Trios Champion, should have at least appeared to run off Shibata and HOOK, especially considering his ongoing feud with Samoa Joe over the AEW World Championship. The fact that Knight, Bailey’s tag team partner, was also occupied with his own main event match, meant that Page was the logical choice to make a statement and stand by his partner. His non-appearance felt like a missed opportunity to solidify the championship team.
Similarly, in a backstage segment, Kevin Knight sought advice from Page regarding his upcoming main event match against Swerve Strickland, a former rival of Page’s. Despite his intimate knowledge of Strickland’s capabilities, Page offered only perfunctory words of encouragement rather than any strategic guidance. This felt out of character for someone who has navigated complex feuds and understands the nuances of competing against top-tier talent. While Bailey and Knight delivered commendable performances in their respective matches, Page’s detached demeanor cast a shadow over their efforts and the credibility of the Trios Championship. The Trios Championship, often a difficult title to build momentum for in AEW, felt somewhat adrift, with Page’s involvement in this championship pursuit still feeling somewhat incongruous given his primary focus on the AEW World Championship. The win seemed more like a mechanism to remove the titles from The Opps, potentially in anticipation of Powerhouse Hobbs’s departure from the company.
