The world of professional wrestling never ceases to amaze, and the recent AEW Dynamite and Collision event in Portland was no exception. With the highly anticipated Double or Nothing pay-per-view just around the corner, tensions were high, and the action was intense. Let's dive into the key moments and my take on this thrilling night of wrestling.
Darby Allin's Reign Continues
The AEW World Championship match between Darby Allin and 'Speedball' Mike Bailey was a true spectacle. Allin, a fan favorite, successfully defended his title for the seventh time, despite the physical toll it's taking on his body. The match was a technical masterpiece, showcasing Allin's resilience and Bailey's high-flying offense. Personally, I was impressed by Allin's ability to adapt to Bailey's fast-paced style, proving why he's one of the top champions in the business today. The post-match attack by MJF adds another layer of intrigue to their upcoming Hair vs. Title match, which promises to be a brutal affair.
The Art of the Anything Goes Match
Mark Briscoe and Tommaso Ciampa delivered a brutal Anything Goes match, utilizing every weapon imaginable. This style of match always brings out the creativity and brutality in wrestlers, and this one was no exception. Briscoe's victory, after months of frustration, was a satisfying payoff for his fans. The use of unconventional weapons, like a cheese grater and a stapler, added an element of surprise and shock value. In my opinion, these types of matches are a great way to settle long-standing feuds and give the wrestlers a chance to showcase their toughness and ingenuity.
Willow Nightingale's Heartbreaking Announcement
Willow Nightingale's announcement about relinquishing the TBS Title due to injury was a somber moment. Nightingale, a rising star in the women's division, had to withdraw from the Owen Cup and vacate her title, which is a devastating blow to her momentum. This is a stark reminder of the physical toll wrestling takes on the body, and it's a testament to Nightingale's character that she acknowledged her limitations. I believe this decision shows her maturity and respect for the sport, and I'm confident she'll return stronger than ever.
Kyle O'Reilly's Resilience
Kyle O'Reilly's 20-minute time limit draw with Jon Moxley was a hard-hitting affair, showcasing O'Reilly's determination and Moxley's resilience. O'Reilly, despite not securing the win, earned a future shot at Moxley's AEW Continental Championship. This match was a strategic chess match, with both wrestlers employing their signature moves and countering each other's offenses. O'Reilly's ability to last the full 20 minutes against a powerhouse like Moxley is a testament to his skill and endurance. I'm intrigued to see how this rivalry unfolds, especially with the added stipulation of no time limit in their future encounter.
The Road to Double or Nothing
The build-up to Double or Nothing was evident throughout the night, with several matches setting the stage for the pay-per-view. The 8-Woman Tag Match, featuring the AEW Women's World Champion Thekla and ROH Women's World Champion Athena, was a preview of the talent and intensity we can expect on Sunday. The rivalry between Samoa Joe and Will Ospreay continued to escalate, with Ospreay's dream match against Joe at Double or Nothing becoming a focal point. These storylines and rivalries are what make professional wrestling so captivating, as they create a sense of anticipation and investment in the outcomes.
In conclusion, the AEW Dynamite and Collision event in Portland was a rollercoaster of emotions and action, with each match contributing to the larger narrative leading up to Double or Nothing. The physicality, storytelling, and character development were on full display, reminding us why professional wrestling is such a unique and captivating form of entertainment. As we eagerly await the pay-per-view, the wrestling world is buzzing with excitement and speculation, and I, for one, can't wait to see how these stories unfold.
