This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite delivered some real highs, but also reminded us of some areas that need tightening up. From jaw-dropping matchups to frustratingly repetitive storylines, here’s a breakdown of what worked and what didn’t.
3 Things We Hated
- Jon Moxley Continues His Runaway Act Jon Moxley has become synonymous with one thing: running away. His latest promo and actions were, once again, another example of his “tough guy” persona being undercut by the fact that he can’t stop dodging confrontations. We saw him engage in a promo that basically served as a reminder of how many injuries he’s sustained, which he seems to think is a sign of toughness. Unfortunately, his character no longer feels compelling, especially after a year of these same repetitive segments. Moxley’s use of outside interference (likely next week against Hobbs) continues to diminish the impact of his matches and angles. Remember when this was one of the hottest things in wrestling just a few months ago? Now it just feels like a stale loop.
- Jeff Jarrett’s Complicated, Confusing Storylines The segment between Jeff Jarrett and MJF felt like a misstep. Jarrett made a big deal last week about his goal of capturing the AEW World Championship, setting up a possible showdown with Jon Moxley. This week, however, Jarrett suddenly shifts his focus to MJF, making the AEW title picture feel overcrowded and confusing. Between MJF, Christian Cage, and Powerhouse Hobbs all vying for a shot at Moxley, it’s unclear who the real contender is at this point. AEW seems to have too many players in the mix without clearly defining who is the legitimate challenger. Adding Jarrett into the fold further muddles the waters, especially since MJF doesn’t need to be in this title picture. The segment could have worked if AEW had teased Jarrett’s title aspirations in a more focused manner, without overcomplicating the angle.
- Kenny Omega’s Return Gets Lost in Callis Feud Kenny Omega’s return was supposed to be a monumental moment, but it got overshadowed by the continued Don Callis drama that is starting to feel like an endless loop. Omega’s return match is being set up against Brian Cage, which, while a solid bout in its own right, feels like a missed opportunity for a real main-event caliber return. The inclusion of Callis and his goons in the post-match attack just adds to the frustration. Instead of letting Omega enjoy a triumphant return after over a year away, AEW is keeping him tied to this never-ending feud with Callis and his faction. Omega deserves better, and so does the audience. The match with Cage isn’t the angle that should be dominating Omega’s comeback, and it’s frustrating to see AEW waste such a massive opportunity to elevate him to the top again.
3 Things We Loved
- Ospreay vs. Matthews: A High-Energy Opener Will Ospreay vs. Buddy Matthews was a refreshing reminder of AEW’s ability to put on exciting athletic spectacles. Both men brought their best to the ring, with Ospreay utilizing his usual high-flying style and Matthews delivering a crisp, power-based counterpoint. The match didn’t overstay its welcome, instead keeping the energy high and the crowd invested from bell to bell. While Ospreay’s style isn’t for everyone, Matthews proved to be an excellent foil, making the contest feel like a perfect showcase for both athletes. This type of exhibition match is what AEW does best, and it set the tone for the rest of the show.
- The Casino Gauntlet Match: AEW’s Best Gimmick Match The Casino Gauntlet Match continues to be a unique and entertaining feature of AEW programming. The 1/8/25 edition in Clarksville, Tennessee was yet another excellent execution of this concept, with multiple storylines weaving throughout. Jay White and Hangman Page’s continued rivalry, Ricochet’s growing heat with Swerve Strickland, and Jeff Jarrett’s crusade to finally win the world title all added depth to the match. Powerhouse Hobbs, who many thought was lost after his Worlds End loss, stood out as a surprise winner. The match flowed well, with every participant having a clear reason to be there, and it felt more engaging than any other segment of the show. Hobbs’ victory was a pleasant shock and makes him a legitimate threat moving forward. AEW has a hit on their hands with this match type, and it’s easy to see why it’s been so successful.
- AEW Women’s Casino Gauntlet Qualifier: A Stunning Triple Threat The women’s Casino Gauntlet qualifier was an absolute highlight of the night. Toni Storm, Kris Statlander, and Willow Nightingale delivered a phenomenal wrestling match that had everything—strong technical work, crisp strikes, and believable near-falls. There were no gimmicks or interference here, just three talented women showcasing their craft. Nightingale, in particular, stood out as a rising star, combining power and agility in a way that set her apart. Statlander and Storm also played their parts excellently, with Storm showing off her in-ring psychology and Statlander continuing to solidify herself as one of the most well-rounded performers in AEW. This match not only served as a great contest but also solidified AEW’s women’s division as a place where top-tier wrestling is happening. It’s matches like this that elevate the entire company and show why AEW is a leader in women’s wrestling.
Final Thoughts
AEW Dynamite 01/08/25 had its fair share of memorable moments and frustrating ones. The show did a great job of showcasing the talent that makes AEW such a special place for wrestling, especially in the opening match and women’s qualifier. However, the continued reliance on certain repetitive storylines (looking at you, Moxley and Callis) is starting to weigh down the overall product. Here’s hoping AEW can find a balance between fresh, exciting angles and some of the stale ones that are starting to feel like they’ve run their course.