Ups & Downs - AEW Dynamite Review (May 13th)

Simon Miller of WhatCulture Wrestling delivers a lively and opinionated review of AEW Dynamite from May 13th, 2026, under the 'Ups & Downs' segment. He opens with a humorous jab at baldness, referencing MJF’s potential hair loss in a world title match against Darby Allin, which becomes a running gag throughout the episode. The review highlights the chaotic and fun opening match featuring Adam Copeland, Christian Cage, Orange Cassidy, and the Young Bucks versus FTR, Tommaso Ciampa, and the Dogs—a match Simon calls 'flubbing brilliant' and a major 'up'. He praises the emotional storytelling in the Death Riders training camp segment with Will Ospreay and John Moxley, despite its narrative holes, and applauds the surprise return of Brian Cage, whose match against Kevin Knight is called 'absolutely excellent'. The Owen Hart tournament brackets are celebrated, especially the Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe clash, while the women’s match involving the Brawling Birds and Triangle of Madness receives mixed feedback due to a controversial disqualification finish. The main event between Darby Allin and Takeshita is lauded as a high-quality, emotionally charged contest that elevates Allin’s world title reign, culminating in MJF signing the contract with a dramatic heel turn. Simon ends with enthusiasm for Double or Nothing, calling the episode a strong promotional push for the pay-per-view.