Ups & Downs - AEW Dynamite Review (Apr 1st)

The WhatCulture Wrestling podcast delivers a detailed review of AEW Dynamite from April 1st, 2026, focusing on the show's strong storytelling, character dynamics, and high-quality matches. Hosts highlight Chris Jericho’s surprise return to AEW in his hometown of Winnipeg as a major emotional and narrative highlight, praising the brevity and impact of his promo. The episode centers on the escalating tension between Kenny Omega and MJF, culminating in a contract signing that sets up a high-stakes title match at Dynasty. The review applauds the Will Ospreay vs. Pac match for its emotional weight, risk, and execution, especially given Ospreay’s recent neck surgery. Other standout moments include the trios match featuring Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, and Brodie King defeating Ricochet, and the Mike Bailey vs. MJF bout, which was praised for its technical brilliance and storytelling nuance. The episode ends with a strong endorsement of the show’s overall cohesion and momentum toward Dynasty, despite minor pacing concerns in the final minutes.