AEW Dynasty REVIEW - Who Left As AEW World Champion? Kyle O'Reilly RETURNS! Darby Allin Is The #1 Contender! Jericho LOSES?!

The WhatCulture Wrestling podcast delivers a detailed and passionate review of AEW Dynasty, a high-stakes pay-per-view that delivered shock results and standout performances. The episode opens with praise for the Young Bucks' spectacular tag team match against Kazuchika Okada and Kanosuke Takeshita, hailed as a masterpiece of storytelling, action, and emotional range. Chris Jericho’s return match loss to Ricochet is dissected as a bold booking decision that signals a potential heel turn, while Darby Allin’s victory over Andrade earns him the #1 contender spot for the AEW World Championship. The FTR vs. Cope and Cage match is lauded for its gritty, character-driven intensity, and the Casino Gauntlet for the vacant TNT Championship is praised for its pacing and execution. The women’s match between Tekla and Jamie Hayter is criticized for its abrupt finish and lack of promotion, reflecting broader issues with AEW’s treatment of its women’s division. The main event, a 39-minute epic between Kenny Omega and MJF, is ultimately deemed a success despite its slow start, with the controversial one-winged angel spot and MJF’s retention of the title sparking intense discussion. The episode concludes with a nostalgic and humorous deep dive into film comparisons, particularly around Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, before wrapping up with a preview of the upcoming Dynamite episode. Key takeaways include: 1) The Young Bucks’ match is a benchmark for modern tag wrestling; 2) MJF’s title retention, while controversial, strengthens his character arc; 3) AEW must improve its storytelling and promotion of women’s matches; 4) Darby Allin’s rise as #1 contender is a compelling narrative; 5) The use of psychological and symbolic details—like Kenny Omega’s Kintsugi-inspired gear—adds depth to storytelling. The overall sentiment is positive, with the hosts celebrating the show’s highs while candidly critiquing its flaws.