AEW Dynamite Result And Report For 30 August 2023: Highlights, Match Ratings, Winners And Losers
On the heels of a historic All In pay-per-view from Wembley Stadium in London, AEW returned to the TBS airwaves for its latest episode of Dynamite, leaving fans in anticipation of the upcoming All Out pay-per-view event. With limited information released prior to the broadcast, let’s dive into the recap of the August 30 show that took place at the NOW Arena in Chicago.
Match Card and Changes
Announced ahead of the August 30 broadcast were several matchups, including an AEW International Championship match between Orange Cassidy and Penta El Zero Miedo, a promo segment featuring Adam Cole, and a contest between Komander and Jon Moxley. However, the night saw extenuating circumstances that led to adjustments to the card.
Jon Moxley vs. Komander
The night kicked off with Jon Moxley, fresh off a brutal Stadium Stampede match at All In, taking on high-flying luchador Komander. Despite the lack of visible damage from his previous match, Moxley dominated Komander in a one-on-one encounter. While the match was inoffensive, it did little to add to Moxley’s character development but secured another win for the former world champion. Notably absent was the portrayal of Moxley’s struggle, leaving a missed opportunity to show the aftermath of his previous contest.
Toni Storm and Chris Jericho promote
In backstage segments, Toni Storm’s mistrust and newfound character development were further highlighted as she expressed her scepticism and threw her shoes at interviewer Renee Paquette. Meanwhile, Chris Jericho’s interactions with Sammy Guevara took a personal turn as they reconciled and vowed to pursue the AEW World Tag Team Championship. The storyline advancement was evident, yet other stories in the company were left unresolved.
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston vs. Wheeler Yuta
Eddie Kingston and Wheeler Yuta followed with a physical match, showcasing their endurance following the Stadium Stampede match. Kingston retained his NJPW Strong Openweight Championship in a compelling contest. Kingston’s ability to convey injury-related sentiment was particularly impressive, making him a believable and empathetic character. The match teased further encounters between Kingston and longtime rival Claudio Castagnoli.
Adam Cole Promo
Adam Cole addressed his shifting alliances in an in-ring promo, drawing tension between him and former friends Roderick Strong, Matt Taven, and Mike Bennett. Cole’s announcement to challenge MJF for the world title in the Grand Slam Tournament added a layer of storytelling to his character. The storyline dynamics among the wrestlers provided depth to the segment.
Women’s Trio Match
A trio match featuring TBS champion Kris Statlander, Dr. Britt Baker, DMD, and Hikaru Shida against Nyla Rose, Emi Sakura, and Marina Shafir presented storytelling opportunities. The match progressed through two separate storylines: the rising tension between Shida and Baker and Statlander’s feud with top contender Ruby Soho. Despite solid action, it revealed the need for more developed storylines in the women’s division.
The Acclaimed’s Ribbon Cutting
The Acclaimed celebrated their victory over The House of Black with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, introducing new trio titles with unique aesthetics. Although the trio garnered crowd support, the segment felt like a missed opportunity to utilise television time effectively. The unclear reasons behind The House of Black’s loss detracted from its storytelling potential.
AEW International Championship Match: Orange Cassidy vs. Penta El Zero Miedo
In the main event, Orange Cassidy defended the AEW International Championship against Penta El Zero Miedo. Cassidy’s ability to absorb Penta’s offence and use unexpected tactics led to a rollup win, securing his spot as a main event contender for All Out. While Cassidy’s battered champion persona added depth to his character, the exchange of manoeuvres could have been better utilised to enhance the match’s impact.
Final Take
The August 30 episode of AEW Dynamite provided a mixed bag of matches and segments, showcasing varying degrees of storytelling and character development. Notable matches included Jon Moxley’s swift victory and Eddie Kingston’s tenacious title defense. While Adam Cole’s promo advanced his storyline, other unresolved stories left room for further development. The women’s division continued to struggle with cohesive storytelling. As AEW heads towards All Out, there’s room for improvement in creating more compelling narratives and ensuring that each segment contributes to the overall storytelling of the company.
