AEW Dynamite 11/27/24: 3 Things We Hated And 3 Things We Loved

AEW Dynamite 11/27/24: 3 Things We Loved and 3 Things We Hated

The latest episode of AEW Dynamite (11/27/24) came packed with excitement, drama, and a healthy dose of ridiculousness—just the way we love it. With the Continental Classic officially underway, AEW presented a night full of high-stakes tournament matches, including three C2 bouts that got fans buzzing. Beyond the tournament action, we also saw major developments in the ROH World Championship scene and the Women’s Division, among other moments worth discussing. So, let’s break down what we loved and hated from this week’s episode.

Loved: The Return of the Continental Classic and the “Bald Forever” Chants

When AEW announced the return of the Continental Classic, it promised a tournament full of technical wrestling, drama-free competition, and clean finishes. While the matches like Shelton Benjamin vs. Mark Briscoe and Ricochet vs. Claudio Castagnoli delivered exactly what they were meant to—solid, 20-minute bouts—the highlight of the evening wasn’t in the ring. It was the Chicago crowd’s “bald forever” chants.

Now, sure, it might seem like a trivial detail, but it perfectly encapsulated the spirit of AEW. When AEW allows itself to get a little absurd, a little over-the-top, it thrives. The crowd’s chant may have been silly, but it injected an extra layer of fun and energy into what were otherwise straight-laced matches. AEW is at its best when it balances great in-ring action with moments that don’t take themselves too seriously. The “bald forever” chant wasn’t just a distraction; it made the tournament matches feel more memorable and gave AEW the signature chaos that sets it apart from other wrestling promotions.

Hated: The Anticlimactic End of Kamille & Mercedes Mone’s Partnership

After months of tension between TBS Champion Mercedes Mone and her bodyguard Kamille, fans expected a fiery breakup that would lead to a major feud. Instead, we got a lackluster, mic-based argument that ended in a completely anticlimactic manner.

Mone had been bullying Kamille for weeks, even sidelining her during her match at Full Gear, but the breakup on Dynamite felt underwhelming. Mone was ready to fire Kamille, but Kamille quit before the “firing” could happen. There was no physicality, no emotional payoff, just some weak insults and Kamille walking off. If AEW had built this tension so long, they needed a more impactful moment—perhaps a mic shot or at least a dramatic departure. Instead, the segment lacked any real substance, leaving us cold on the potential for a future feud between these two.

Loved: Progress in AEW’s Women’s Division

AEW’s Women’s Division has been slowly improving, and this week’s Dynamite continued that positive trend. After the historic Full Gear match between Mercedes Mone and Kris Statlander, we saw a fantastic encounter between Jamie Hayter and Queen Aminata—a match that lived up to the growing expectations for AEW’s women’s talent.

Aminata is a rising star, and Hayter, one of AEW’s most reliable performers, put on a competitive, hard-hitting match that had all the drama and intensity of a main-event showdown. This match wasn’t just filler; it showed that AEW’s women are capable of delivering just as much as the men. If AEW continues to highlight its women’s division like this, the company could finally be on track to solidify it as a cornerstone of their programming. As AEW’s product evolves, a stronger, more consistent focus on the women’s division could be the key to their success moving forward.

Hated: Chris Jericho vs. Tomohiro Ishii Felt Like a Sequel We Didn’t Need

Chris Jericho’s feud with Tomohiro Ishii has delivered some great moments in the past—most notably their 2022 showdown, which was hailed as a brutal, chop-filled masterpiece. But unfortunately, their rematch on this week’s Dynamite failed to capture the same magic.

While the match wasn’t bad by any means, it lacked the intensity and excitement of their previous encounter. The Chicago crowd was more focused on the Continental Classic, and with the ROH World Championship not feeling like it was in real jeopardy, Jericho and Ishii’s contest felt predictable. Fans had seen this before, and they had seen it done better. The result? A match that felt overly familiar and, frankly, a bit boring. Jericho can still deliver incredible matches, but this one fell flat compared to his previous work. AEW needs to be more creative with Jericho’s booking, especially as he enters his “Nueve” reign.

Loved: AEW’s Strong Match Production, Despite Commentary Issues

While AEW continues to grow and refine its presentation, this week’s commentary had its fair share of problems. From Tony Schiavone confusing Shelton Benjamin with Bobby Lashley to odd technical glitches, the commentary team felt off. But despite these issues, the in-ring action on Dynamite was stellar, with solid match pacing and the kind of drama that AEW’s fans have come to expect.

It’s clear that AEW has invested in its talent, and that focus paid off in the Continental Classic matches. The storylines coming out of the tournament are sure to have long-term ramifications, and the hard-hitting matches continue to elevate the brand. AEW’s strength still lies in the wrestling itself, even when its commentary or backstage segments miss the mark.

Hated: The Sloppy Commentary and Technical Mistakes

Unfortunately, the commentary on Dynamite this week didn’t live up to expectations. Schiavone’s repeated slip-ups—calling Benjamin “Lashley” multiple times—were cringe-worthy and felt unprofessional. The production issues only compounded the problems, with technical difficulties during Darby Allin vs. Brody King that left several minutes of the match without commentary.

While AEW thrives on chaos and unscripted moments, when it comes to commentary and technical production, they need to be more polished. These mistakes are distracting, especially when AEW is trying to present itself as a major wrestling promotion competing at the highest level. With fans even calling for a commentary-free feed on social media, it’s clear that AEW needs to address these issues if it wants to remain competitive in the broadcast space.

Looking Ahead: Continental Classic’s Potential to Rejuvenate AEW

Despite the commentary mishaps and a few underwhelming moments, AEW’s Continental Classic continues to be a standout feature of the show. The structure of the tournament is a breath of fresh air, allowing for compelling in-ring storytelling while also setting up future rivalries.

Matches like Mark Briscoe vs. Shelton Benjamin served to establish the stakes, while Brody King vs. Darby Allin built on the tension between the two. This tournament could be just what AEW needs to rejuvenate its weekly TV product, offering both solid wrestling and the potential for compelling storylines as the year progresses. If AEW continues to build on this momentum, the Continental Classic could be the foundation for some of the best wrestling television of 2024.

Final Thoughts

While AEW Dynamite on 11/27/24 had its share of highs and lows, the combination of strong wrestling and some missteps in presentation made it a mixed but entertaining show. The Continental Classic is shaping up to be a major focal point for AEW, and the improvement in the women’s division is a clear sign that the company is moving in the right direction. With a few tweaks to production and booking, AEW could make 2024 its best year yet.