AEW Dynamite Episode Recap: Mercedes Mone Defends TBS Title Against Yuka Sakazaki

by drbyos

AEW Dynamite: A Look Back at the Night’s Action

Keep Refreshing For The Latest Results

Welcome to another exciting episode of AEW Dynamite! This week, the show kicked off with a bang, featuring high-energy matches, eliminations, and plenty of surprises. While the showcase may not have been filled with groundbreaking moments, it certainly delivered engaging content designed to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Will Ospreay vs. Brian Cage: W/Lance Archer & Don Callis

The night began with the high-flying spectacle involving Will Ospreay, who faced off against Brian Cage, with Lance Archer and Don Callis as Cage’s tag team partners. Ospreay’s skill and showmanship shone, although the match felt slower than anticipated. The presence of Callis in the crowd attempting to disrupt the festivities added an extra layer of chaos, turning what could have been a quicker bout into a more drawn-out affair.

The match saw Ospreay execute his signature Hurrincanrana, but Cage proved resilient with his comeback tactics. Despite some rough transitions and noticeable botches, Ospreay showcased his abilities, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory. The crowd chanted Ospreay’s name, and the match concluded with an entertaining Styles Clash sequence involving the intervention of Kenny Omega.

WINNER: Will Ospreay

TIME: 12:45

THOUGHTS: The match was slow to start, with some predictable callbacks, but Ospreay hit the key spots. It could have been trimmed significantly but was entertaining nonetheless.

RATING: **1/2

Post-match chaos ensued as Archer and Cage attacked Ospreay, only for Omega to come to Ospreay’s rescue with a steel chair. Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher then joined the fray, piling on their former teammate in a show of solidarity.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Claudio Castagnoli

The much-anticipated clash between Jeff Jarrett and Claudio Castagnoli took an unexpected turn. Jarrett entered the match with renewed vigor, looking to reclaim the AEW World Title shot, but Castagnoli proved to be a formidable opponent. The match started with both men trading offense, but Castagnoli’s Neutralizer move dominated the action.

Midway through the bout, Wheeler Yuta made a dramatic entrance, causing Jarrett to momentarily lose focus. Outside interference is never a good sign in match dynamics, and Yuta’s appearance led to a PIP Break, pausing the action. Once the show resumed, Castagnoli continued to dominate, applying the Sharpshooter move with ease.

Despite Jarrett’s valiant efforts to turn the tide, including a Russian Leg Sweep and a Counter Sharpshooter, he couldn’t overcome Castagnoli’s superior wrestling style. Jon Moxley’s interference with a Death Rider sent Jarrett’s hopes crashing, securing Castagnoli’s victory.

WINNER: Claudio Castagnoli

TIME: 10:05

THOUGHTS: The match was not as sharp as expected, with multiple botches and rough transitions. Despite Jarrett’s efforts, Castagnoli’s superior technique managed to secure the win.

RATING: **

Following the match, MJF made an appearance, humorously attempting to add an insult to injury by knocking out Jarrett in the ring. The crowd’s reaction was mixed, but the moment highlighted MJF’s provocative nature.

Ricochet vs. AR Fox

The night’s best match, according to the reviews, was between Ricochet and AR Fox. Ricochet’s determination and Fox’s tenacity made for an engaging competition that kept the crowd on their feet. The match featured a series of impressive moves and transitions, showcasing the skills of both combatants.

The bout started with Ricochet taunting Fox, setting the stage for an intense encounter. Fox responded with a series of stuns and corkscrew brainbusters, but Ricochet fought valiantly, retaliating with spinebusters, moonsaults, and enziguris.

In the later stages, Fox applied the 450 Splash, setting up the final moments of the match. Ricochet managed to turn this into a Spirit Gun before hitting the Vertigo, securing a hard-fought victory. The victory, however, was brief before Moxley and Marina’s entrance led to an unexpected attack on Ricochet, ending the night with a cliffhanger.

WINNER: Ricochet

TIME: 11:00

THOUGHTS: This was the standout match of the night, with both warriors showcasing their best. The victory felt earned, and Fox’s effort cemented his position as a force to be reckoned with.

RATING: ***1/2

Switchblade Jay White vs. Wheeler Yuta

Switchblade Jay White’s bout against Wheeler Yuta offered a different flavor to the main card. The match began with Yuta’s unconventional entrance, complete with a video clip highlighting his punk persona. White’s initial attempts to execute the Bladerunner move were thwarted by Yuta’s quick thinking, leading to a series of in-ring exchanges.

Yuta’s persistence proved costly, as White managed to get the upper hand, showcasing his powerful finishing moves. The exchange was highlighted by White’s Bladerunner, Yambag Yahtzee, and Urinagi. Despite Yuta’s attempts to fight back, White’s technical superiority emerged victorious, securing another win in his post-Switchblade career.

WINNER: Switchblade Jay White

TIME: 13:35

THOUGHTS: While the offense was slightly repetitive, White’s execution and showmanship were commendable. He managed to secure a solid victory against an opponent known for his antics.

RATING: ***1/4

TBS Title Match: Mercedes Mone (C) vs. Yuka Sakazaki

The night’s main event and the climax of the show was the TBS Title Match between Mercedes Mone and Yuka Sakazaki. Mone, the reigning champion, entered the ring with confidence, while Sakazaki approached with a fierce determination to claim the title.

The match began with both wrestlers trading locks, with Mone controlling a wrist reversal early on. Sakazaki’s shoulder tackle and rolling cradle dominated the early exchanges, but Mone’s arm drag and Meteora move kept the match competitive.

Further into the bout, Mone showcased her athletic prowess, performing impressive moves like the Three Amigos and Mone Maker. Sakazaki, however, countered with a series of slams, Lariats, and extends that tested Mone’s defense. The match included several memorable spots, including Sakazaki’s Sheer Drop Brainbuster and Merry-Go-Round finishes.

Despite Sakazaki’s aggressive tactics, Mone managed to secure a retaining victory, thanks to her thunderous finishing move, the Powerbomb into Mone Maker. The crowd erupted in cheers as Mone raised her TBS Title high, celebrating a hard-fought defensive win.

WINNER: Mercedes Mone (Still Champion)

TIME: 13:40

THOUGHTS: The main event was a great showcase for both wrestlers, featuring a mix of ground-and-pound moves and impressive aerial work. Mone’s defensive win was solid, and Sakazaki’s effort highlighted her growing presence in the roster.

RATING: ***1/4

Post-Show Highlights and Futures

Following the main event, the show concluded with highlights from the past week’s episodes, including the Hurt Syndicate’s victory in the tag team competition, the Ricochet-Strickland controversy, and the ever-growing presence of Ricochet on Collision.

Deonna and Taya, The Vendetta, made a brief appearance, signaling their impending challenge on Collision. The final moments of the show set the stage for the upcoming events, ensuring that fans were eagerly anticipating the next episode.

Conclusion

AEW Dynamite offered a solid mix of matches, stories, and excitement, providing fans with an engaging night of professional wrestling. Each match was unique, showcasing different wrestling styles and storylines that kept the audience engaged.

Will Ospreay’s victory, Jeff Jarrett’s defeat, Ricochet’s determination, Switchblade Jay White’s resilience, and Mercedes Mone’s defensiveness all contributed to a well-rounded episode. With the next episode on Collision already in the works, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and compelling storylines.

Your Thoughts

What did you think of the night’s matches? Who was your favorite fighter? Let us know in the comments below. Share your thoughts, and don’t forget to subscribe for more engaging content. Happy wrestling!

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