Greatest Moments from AEW Dynamite's Five-Year History

Well now, as a fan who’s been around the block a few times, I gotta say that the moments I’ve picked out here are some of the finest AEW’s ever served up. From the electrifying confrontation between Punk and MJF to Brodie Lee’s heartfelt tribute show, these are memories that’ll live on in wrestling lore.

For five years now, AEW Dynamite has been airing on TBS, marking its debut with a groundbreaking episode. This inaugural show signaled the direction AEW would take: offering an alternative to the massive WWE media empire. The company placed emphasis on tag team wrestling, nurturing young talent, and fostering a growing women’s division. From the get-go, AEW stood out as something vibrant, innovative, and exhilarating at a time when professional wrestling was struggling overall.

Under the guidance of Tony Khan, the establishment of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) primarily revolved around The Elite, a prominent faction of performers who hadn’t previously worked for the WWE. Now, AEW is on the brink of unveiling a revolutionary television agreement that could make them the second wealthiest wrestling company in history.

Over the past five years, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Kenny Omega, and “Hangman” Adam Page have significantly transformed wrestling, leaving an indelible mark on AEW’s core values. To celebrate this historic milestone, we’ve assembled a collection of the most memorable moments from AEW Dynamite!

Where It All Began

As an ardent fan, I can’t help but emphasize that reminiscing about the “standout moments on AEW Dynamite” is incomplete without mentioning its debut episode. The impact of a wrestling show securing a significant television deal was monumental at the time, especially when it featured performers who hadn’t previously been associated with WWE. These were individuals who had built their reputation through hard work and passion for wrestling, making a name for themselves in Ring of Honor, Japan, and the independent scene.

Reflecting back, the episode itself wasn’t particularly noteworthy, but it was extraordinary to have so many major AEW stars like Chris Jericho, the Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, Kenny Omega, Pac, and Adam Page, all featured prominently on that card. Today, most of these names continue to hold significant roles within the AEW roster, making this lineup particularly impressive when compared to the present day.

Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega at Grand Slam

In their earlier careers, these two competitors had clashed on the independent circuit, but with Danielson joining WWE, this became one of those long-awaited matches that fans eagerly anticipated. With time passing and both men achieving stardom independently, the atmosphere was charged as soon as they faced off. The outcome of the bout – a draw due to time limit – didn’t diminish its significance, as it was the audience who truly benefited from the experience. This encounter remains a strong contender for the most memorable moments in this era of AEW, making it highly unlikely that it won’t be included on any best-of lists.

Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker Lights Out Match

In 2021, Thunder Rosa and Britt Baker were two standout figures in the AEW women’s division, particularly with their Unsanctioned Lights Out match. This match might not have been a showcase of technical prowess, but it was significant because it allowed the women of AEW to fully express themselves within this brutal setting for the first time. The bloody face of Britt Baker is still a topic of conversation, and there’s debate over whether the violence and blood were truly essential. However, the impact it had on opening doors for AEW’s female wrestlers and television wrestling as a whole is indisputable. Furthermore, this event paved the way for more street fights and hardcore matches within the division, giving it an edge over its competitors.

The Elite Reunite

For a while now, The Elite faction has been divided due to the actions of The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and “Hangman” Adam Page, who have had their ups and downs. This tension persisted even after Omega lost the AEW World Championship, but they found themselves in a predicament needing another member to aid them against the Blackpool Combat Club. When it seemed like all was lost, Hangman’s theme song played, marking his return to The Elite – complete with a barbed wire broom and an eyepatch – a touching reunion, if brief. Despite its short-lived nature, The Elite’s tale continues to stir emotions in the hearts of AEW fans.

Mercedes Mon?’s Money-Making Debut

Previously this year, Mercedes Mon? silenced the speculations and made her entrance into AEW, creating a significant impact on the company. This was the first instance of a wrestler of her stature leaving WWE for AEW. At that moment, the women’s division was in a rather challenging situation due to limited time allocated to them for storytelling. Her debut marked a positive shift, paving the way for more frequent matches and backstage segments for AEW’s female wrestlers on TV each week, along with prominent fights during pay-per-view events.

CM Punk and MJF’s Promo Battle

It’s surprising how quickly a year has passed since CM Punk left AEW. Although his departure wasn’t amicable, his verbal duel with former AEW World Champion MJF is still considered one of the best moments in AEW’s history. Fans had eagerly anticipated this confrontation ever since Punk joined in August, and the nearly 20-minute segment exceeded expectations. There were digs at Punk’s UFC journey, John Cena, Triple H, Punk referring to MJF as a “less famous Miz,” and many other memorable moments. In essence, it was an instant classic that led to the legendary Dog Collar match and Punk’s use of “Miseria Cantare: The Beginning” by AFI. Good old days…

Brodie Lee’s Tribute Show

For many years, wrestling has paid tribute to its deceased stars, but sometimes not as fittingly as they deserve. The tragic passing of Brodie Lee in 2020 left a profound impact on the wrestling community, who mourned the loss of an exceptional performer, father, and individual. In response, AEW personnel stepped up to honor his legacy in a poignant manner, with a heartwarming scene between Lee’s son, Brodie Lee Jr., and Cody Rhodes, as they passed the TNT Championship – a title Lee once held – onto his son. Despite the emotional turmoil, AEW demonstrated their grace and respect for wrestling legends in this moment. This sentiment was further emphasized during the special Jay Briscoe celebration of life in 2023.

Sting’s AEW Debut/Final Dynamite

In one of the most remarkable and bizarre moments for AEW, Sting made his debut, a return to wrestling after a severe accident in WWE in 2015 nearly ended his career. This comeback was featured on the Winter is Coming television special. Interestingly, he teamed up with up-and-coming star and original AEW talent, Darby Allin, and their partnership remained consistent throughout Sting’s time with AEW. Sting’s tenure with AEW significantly influenced the concept of veterans continuing to perform at a high level, as demonstrated by Edge (Adam Copeland) who departed from WWE last year and has since delivered some of the best matches in his career.

Speaking of his final episode on AEW Dynamite, it seemed incomplete not to touch upon Sting’s influence on the company, given how significant both his debut and exit are. In that climactic television scene, he demonstrated just how highly regarded he is within the organization by intervening for Darby and Ric Flair against the Young Bucks. This dramatic entrance from the rafters one last time stirred deep emotions among fans who have witnessed his journey from WCW, TNA, WWE, and now AEW.

“Hangman” Adam Page Burns Down Swerve’s House

Khan himself acknowledged that this moment will shape AEW’s future significantly. Two major figures within the company, Hangman and Swerve Strickland, have been engaged in a long-standing feud for over a year now. Their rivalry has escalated to breaking into each other’s homes, accusing the Cowboy of complacency, and even burning down Swerve’s house. As we move into a new era of AEW, it seems these two men will be at the helm. The video package was expertly created, filled with symbolism, and Hangman’s emotional depth on display, which has made his comeback particularly challenging. This captivating storyline is arguably one of the best produced and most intriguing that AEW has presented this year, and indeed in wrestling as a whole.

Here are some of the most memorable instances in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) that I hold dear. I’d love to hear your opinions on X and Bluesky @haleyanne_! Keep an eye on ComicBook for the latest news regarding AEW.

2024-10-02 17:10

Greatest Moments from AEW Dynamite’s Five-Year History