In this AEW Dynamite 3/25/20 review, Kenny Omega defends the AAA Mega title against Sammy Guevara, Chris Jericho extends an offer to Matt Hardy, and much more.
Let’s jump in.
- Show: AEW Dynamite
- Date: March 25, 2020
- Location: Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL
RINGSIDE: Tony Schiavone, Cody Rhodes, and Kenny Omega welcome us and hype the big matches. Cody is going straight from commentary to his match.
Cody Rhodes vs. Jimmy Havoc
We see wrestlers gambling backstage before the match in another great presentation element. The arena is open, but it’s a different atmosphere compared to last week’s show since there are no wrestlers ringside. Jericho enters the locker room and he’s cheering on Havoc. Cody and Havoc fight towards the commentary desk with Havoc putting on the headset and taunting Cody. Then they work to Cody running into the back then running back down the aisle for running lariat on Havoc. Cody hits two Cross Rhodes and that’ll do it for the win.
VIDEO: After the match, we get a video of Jake Roberts sitting around a campfire hyping Archer. Jake once again challenges Cody and says all he wants is a contract for a match.
RINGSIDE: Cody rejoins Tony on commentary. Cody says Archer can debut next week.
VIDEO: A hype video for Darby Allin.
Kip Sabian vs. Darby Allin
Before the match, we get a flashback of Sabian getting into it with Colt Cabana on the previous edition of Dynamite. Cody suggests Darby is a young Sting, and boy would that eventually play out on AEW television. Cody then starts referencing lots of former WCW workers. Some back and forth between these two, but it’s Darby with a hook pin for the victory.
VIDEO: A hype video for Jake Hager.
Jake Hager vs. Chico Adams
I have never heard of Chico Adams, but it’s a tremendous ring name. This was all about pushing Hager’s dominance. Hager locks in the arm triangle for the easy win in a squash.
IN THE RING: After the match, Jon Moxley hits the ring and brawls with Hager. Moxley with the Paradigm Shift, but Hager gets up and goes for the ankle lock before Moxley gets out of it.
BACKSTAGE: Moxley says he’s gonna destroy Hager.
VIDEO: Recap of Brodie Lee’s debut as the Exalted One. Then we get another video of Lee eating a steak. He throws out one of the Dark Order members because he tries to eat before he’s finished eating. Another member sneezes and Lee gets pissed and throws him out too in a clear reference to Vince McMahon. This was pretty great.
QT Marshall vs. Brodie Lee
Lee with a huge boot to start the match. Lee eventually hits a lariat for the win. Thanks for playing, QT. They throw a Dark Order mask on QT after the match to add insult to injury. Exactly what this needed to be to push Lee’s dominance.
VIDEO: Recap of the Elite/Inner Circle main event from last week with Matt Hardy’s debut.
VIDEO: Recap of the Inner Circle attacking Nick Jackson.
VIDEO: Vanguard 1 flies into Nick’s garage where he’s working out. He tries to grab Vanguard but it flies away.
Sammy Guevara vs. (c) Kenny Omega – AAA Mega Title
Sammy kisses a paper cutout of Brandi Rhodes sitting in the front row. That’s something. Cody and Tony bring up how Sammy is more focused on the rivalry than winning the title, which is a nice commentary touch. An awesome back-and-forth match with Sammy hitting a ton of athletic moves. However, after Sammy gives the middle finger to Omega, the latter hits the One Winged Angel for the win to retain the title. (4, Must-See)
IN THE RING: Jericho grabs the camera from a cameraman who sings his theme song. Jericho then makes an offer to Hardy to join the Inner Circle. Vanguard 1 flies in, and Jericho hilariously calls him Guard. Jericho calls Vanguard a piece of shit but says he respects him and makes an offer for him to join Inner Circle. Vanguard flies away and Hardy’s music hits, as we see him at the top of the arena. Then see him transport to different parts of the arena. Hardy gets in the ring and says he owed the Bucks of Youth a debt and that AEW represents freedom. Jericho says he’s the same old Matt Hardy living in the shadows of everyone else. Jericho makes the offer again, but Hardy yells “delete” and Jericho tells him to stop. Jericho slaps Matt and he slaps him back. Sammy attacks from behind and Cody hits the ring and hits Jericho with a chair. Omega then hits Sammy with a chair.
BLAKE’S TAKE ON AEW DYNAMITE 3/25/20
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
- Thoughts: Really enjoyed the main event, the closing segment, and Lee’s portrayal as the Exalted One. Again, it’s a unique period for pro wrestling (and everyone else), so AEW is making the most of what they have to work with. The rotating commentators each week keep the show fresh, even if there’s no one in the crowd at the moment.
For more of my show reviews, visit the Reviews section!
