Acero's AEW Dynamite review for August 28, 2024, praised the show's consistent quality post-All-In. Key highlights included Jon Moxley's return, Hangman Page's victory over Tomohiro Ishii, and MJF's citizenship renunciation. The main event, Page vs. Ishii, earned a **** rating for its intense strategies. Character developments deepened, with Swerve Strickland challenging Page to a Steel Cage Match and Jack Perry attacking Bryan Danielson. Storylines progressed markedly, setting up intriguing future conflicts. Audience reaction was positive, appreciating the show's pacing and engagement. Acero rated the episode 8.0 out of 10, categorizing it as "Very Good." The review's in-depth analysis reveals the nuanced shifts in AEW's power dynamics.
Key Moments and Highlights
AEW Dynamite's latest episode delivered several standout moments that will shape the promotion's future storylines.
Jon Moxley's return set the tone, targeting Darby Allin for a conversation and asserting his dominance in the company. The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of the heightened stakes seen in major sports events like the US Open, where players showcase their skills under pressure Fritz's tactical advantages.
Mark Briscoe's poetic backstage promo with The Conglomeration added depth to his character development.
The in-ring action didn't disappoint, with Hangman Adam Page defeating Tomohiro Ishii in a hard-hitting match.
Swerve Strickland's challenge to Page for a Steel Cage Match at All Out escalated their rivalry.
PAC's surprise Poisonrana to Will Ospreay created a shocking moment, hinting at future confrontations.
Bryan Danielson's celebration as the new AEW World Champion was tempered by Jack Perry's video message, revealing his intent to challenge and potentially retire the American Dragon.
These key moments set the stage for compelling narratives in the coming weeks.
Match Analysis
While the show's key moments set the stage, it's the in-ring action that truly defines AEW Dynamite. The standout bout between Hangman Adam Page and Tomohiro Ishii showcased intense match strategies, earning a **** rating. Their 16:52 encounter highlighted both wrestlers' aggression and resilience, culminating in Page's victory via Dead Eye and Buckshot Lariat.
As in competitive sports, such as tennis, where legendary performances enhance confidence, these wrestlers displayed a similar drive that captivates the audience.
Jamie Hayter's dominance over Harley Cameron in a brief but impactful match emphasized her strength in the women's division.
The tag team match featuring Orange Cassidy & Friends against The Learning Tree & Roderick Strong delivered entertainment value, with Hook securing the win.
Ricochet and Kyle Fletcher's competitive bout demonstrated their athleticism, with Ricochet emerging victorious.
These matches, while part of a cooldown show, maintained AEW's reputation for quality in-ring action and compelling wrestler dynamics.
Character Developments
Delving into character arcs, this episode of Dynamite showcased significant developments for several key players. MJF's frustration over recent losses led to a dramatic renunciation of his American citizenship, highlighting his complex character motivations.
This emotional turmoil resonates with themes of identity and moral conflict, much like the narratives explored in shows such as Netflix's Best New Mystery Crime Show. His loyalty to Long Island remained steadfast, contrasting sharply with his accusations against Will Ospreay.
Daniel Garcia's sudden attack on MJF injected new life into their rivalry dynamics, setting the stage for a high-stakes match at All Out.
Swerve Strickland's confrontation with Hangman Page exposed deeper tensions, critiquing Page's mindset and escalating their feud.
Jack Perry's promo revealed a sense of abandonment, fueling his determination to challenge Bryan Danielson.
These character developments added layers to ongoing storylines, deepening rivalries and setting up intriguing future conflicts within the AEW landscape.
Storyline Progressions
Storylines surged forward in this episode of Dynamite, setting the stage for intense confrontations and future matches.
The narrative arc of MJF took an unexpected turn with his renunciation of American citizenship and subsequent attack by Daniel Garcia, introducing a new layer to his character development.
Swerve Strickland's challenge to Hangman Page for a Steel Cage Match at All Out added a thrilling twist to their ongoing rivalry.
Jack Perry's video message and subsequent attack on Bryan Danielson escalated their feud, while Danielson's announcement of impending neck surgery injected uncertainty into his championship reign.
These storyline twists intertwined with evolving character arcs, particularly evident in Jon Moxley's return and confrontation with Darby Allin, signaling a shift in the company's power dynamics.
Each development promises to shape future episodes and pay-per-view events.
Post-Match Developments
The aftermath of matches in this episode of Dynamite set the stage for future confrontations and storyline developments.
Swerve Strickland's challenge to Hangman Page for a Steel Cage Match at All Out intensified their rivalry, promising a brutal encounter.
MJF's feud with Daniel Garcia took an unexpected turn, with Garcia's surprise attack laying the groundwork for a potential match at the upcoming pay-per-view.
Bryan Danielson's announcement of neck surgery added complexity to his championship reign, while Jack Perry's video message and subsequent attack positioned him as a determined challenger.
These post-match developments hint at future rivalries and unexpected alliances, with Perry's actions potentially aligning him with other antagonists.
The evolving dynamics between characters suggest a shift in power structures within AEW, setting up intriguing storylines for upcoming episodes and events.
Audience Reaction
Audience reaction to this episode of AEW Dynamite was largely positive, with fans appreciating the show's consistent quality despite it being a cooldown from the high-energy All-In event.
Viewers praised the pacing and strategically placed matches, which maintained fan engagement throughout the broadcast. Social media buzzed with discussions about Jon Moxley's return and Bryan Danielson's championship celebration, indicating high levels of interest in ongoing storylines.
The Hangman Page vs. Tomohiro Ishii match garnered particular acclaim, with many fans expressing excitement for the potential Steel Cage Match against Swerve Strickland.
Jack Perry's video promo and subsequent attack on Danielson also generated significant online chatter, as viewers speculated about the future of the AEW World Championship.
Overall Show Rating
Building on the positive audience reaction, AEW Dynamite's August 28, 2024 episode earned an impressive overall rating of 8.0 out of 10, categorizing it as "Very Good."
This score reflects the show's ability to maintain high-quality content even during a cooldown period following the major All-In event. The rating underscores AEW's consistent delivery of engaging matches and compelling storylines, with standout performances from Hangman Adam Page, Tomohiro Ishii, and Bryan Danielson.
Viewer engagement remained strong, particularly during the intense Page vs. Ishii bout and the unexpected confrontations involving MJF and Daniel Garcia.
The overall show rating also takes into account the strategic pacing of narratives, setting up future feuds and matches while satisfying immediate fan expectations. This balance contributes to AEW's ongoing success in maintaining audience interest and loyalty.
Samantha Yates is a dedicated journalist at BootItems.com, delivering breaking news and in-depth stories across various topics. With her keen eye for detail and passion for informative reporting, Samantha keeps readers up-to-date on the latest developments in politics, technology, and global affairs.