AEW returned to the historic Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Saturday, December 20, to tape a special holiday episode of Dynamite. Titled “Dynamite on 34th Street,” the show is scheduled to air on Christmas Eve, Wednesday, December 24.
In the Continental Classic, the field for the semi-finals began to take shape. In Blue League action, Konosuke Takeshita defeated Orange Cassidy to officially qualify for the next round. Elsewhere in the Blue League, Mascara Dorada picked up a victory over Roderick Strong. In the Gold League main event, Jack Perry defeated PAC to improve his standing.
The AEW World Championship picture exploded into chaos following MJF’s victory over Dustin Waller. Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland appeared on the balcony, with Page goading MJF to make “another low blow comment” and comparing them to a “s** pest” in the news. As the men brawled in the ring, security attempted to intervene but were taken out. Samoa Joe appeared on the screen, vowing to crush their hopes and dreams.
The physical altercation escalated when Page choked MJF with a chain. Strickland then delivered a promo, calling MJF a narcissist, selfish, and a bigot. He listed MJF’s former allies—The Pinnacle, Wardlow, Jay White, and Adam Cole—as victims of his behavior, declaring himself a better person than the champion.
The annual Dynamite Diamond Ring match saw Bandido defeat Ricochet to claim the prize. However, the celebration was cut short when Ricochet attacked Bandido after the bell. Brody King ran down to make the save, clearing the ring.
In the women’s division, Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter engaged in a tense face-to-face standoff ahead of Worlds End. Statlander demanded Hayter prove she deserves to be champion. When Hayter attempted to strike her, Statlander caught the blow, with Hayter ominously noting that the last time she hit Statlander, she didn’t get back up. In ring action, Marina Shafir defeated Mina Shirakawa and continued to choke her post-match. Toni Storm attempted to make the save but was knocked out by Shafir.
Other notes from the taping included The Young Bucks announcing they will not be cleared to compete for the rest of the year, though Kenny Omega insisted they remain “The Elite.” Additionally, The Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale) were featured in a segment hyping each other up. Here are the spoilers:
AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Konosuke Takeshita defeated Orange Cassidy; Konosuke Takeshita qualifies for the semi-finals.
AEW Continental Classic Blue League: Mascara Dorada defeated Roderick Strong.
MJF defeated Dustin Waller.
Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale) hype each other up.
Dynamite Diamond Ring Match: Bandido defeated Ricochet.
Marina Shafir defeated Mina Shirakawa.
The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson) announce they won’t be cleared for the rest of the year. Kenny Omega claims they’d still be The Elite.
AEW Continental Classic Gold League: Jack Perry defeated PAC.
