Live from the United Center | Chicago, IL | Crowd Size: 23,500
SEGMENT ONE
In the cold open to AEW Dynamite, Miss Athena Star is seen as she walks down a corridor in the United Center. She bumps into Angelina Love, as the two icons of women’s wrestling come face to face in Chicago!
Athena Star: Hey Angelina, it’s great to finally run into you backstage! I’ve always been a fan of the work you did with our competition.
Angelina Love: Likewise, Athena. Your accomplishments are undeniably impressive. I’m glad you and I are finally getting the chance to chat. I saw two weeks ago that you’ve declared 2024 as your year, and it got me thinking… if this really is your final year as an active competitor, it’d be a damn shame if we didn’t get the chance to have our long awaited dream match.
Athena Star: You’re right, that would be a shame. I’m not sure I could ever hang up my boots without knowing who the real breakout star of women’s wrestling was… you and I, in separate promotions… hell, Angelina, we defined an era!
Angelina Love: (smirks) Well, how about we make it happen? What are you doing two weeks from now?
The sold out crowd in Chicago pops big, and the ovation reverberates into the backstage area.
Athena Star: (extending her hand) You’ve got yourself a deal.
The two icons of women’s wrestling shake hands, as the match is officially set for the go-home episode of Dynamite on January 29, the final before AEW Genesis!
As Love walks away, Athena Star suddenly finds herself face to face with Bayley!
Bayley: Hold on just a second! Athena, your retirement tour won’t make it to Angelina Love because I just got out of Sami Zayn’s office, and guess what? Tonight, it’s Bayley vs. Athena Star!
Athena Star: (smirking) Well, Bayley, looks like you’re my warm-up for the real dream match with Angelina. Get ready because I’m going to kick your ass tonight!
The tension rises as the stage is set for an unexpected match between Bayley and Miss Athena Star. The camera fades out as the wrestlers prepare for the upcoming showdown.
At ringside, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly welcome us back to AEW Dynamite! Anderson jokes that 2024 really is proving to be the company’s year, as we’ve aired three straight Dynamites in a row, which is perhaps a world record for us! Kelly says we’ve got a great show in store for fans tonight, hyping up the promise made last week by Master Splinter to finally reveal the whereabouts of Benny Mouse! Plus, we’ve got two of the four Beat the Clock Championship Challenge matches tonight to determine who will challenge AEW World Heavyweight Champion AJ Styles at Genesis! Anderson says the two who emerge with the best times over the next two weeks will compete on what’s already shaping up to be a stacked show two weeks from tonight! We’re kicking things off with our first of two Beat the Clock Challenge matches!
Match #1 | Beat the Clock Championship Challenge
Christian Cage (0-0) vs. Kevin Owens (0-0)
Arn Anderson: Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve got a marquee match here tonight to open Dynamite and kick off the Beat the Clock Championship Challenge. Former World of Wrestling Undisputed Champion Christian Cage and Kevin Owens, in his first appearance since being drafted to the AEW last summer!
Kevin Kelly says that both of these men have a history of stealing the show, and that he can’t think of a better way to kick off this new concept invented by the Director of Operations Sami Zayn. The bell sounds, and the match kicks off with a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Both men jockey for position, showcasing their technical prowess.
Kevin Kelly: Starting off with some classic grappling here. These two know how to wrestle.
Arn Anderson: It’s all about positioning, Kevin. You control the body; you control the match. The twist here tonight is that not only do you want to get a victory, you want to get a victory in a quick enough time to advance to the finals two weeks from tonight!
Christian gains the early advantage with a snap suplex, but Owens quickly counters with a jaw-dropping Fisherman’s Buster.
Kevin Kelly: Owens showing that raw power with that Fisherman’s Buster! What a move!
Arn Anderson: That’s the thing about Owens, he’s deceptively strong.
The action spills outside the ring as Owens connects with a crisp superkick, sending Christian crashing into the barricade.
Kevin Kelly: Superkick on the outside! This match is turning into a brawl.
Arn Anderson: You gotta do what it takes to win, and Owens knows that.
Back in the ring, Christian fights back with a series of knife-edge chops, building momentum. He attempts a Killswitch, but Owens escapes and counters with a Package Piledriver. As the clock ticks, Christian looks for a top-rope crossbody, but Owens catches him mid-air and transitions into a devastating Popup Powerbomb!
The referee counts to three, and the bell rings. Kevin Owens secures the victory with an impressive display of power and skill.
Winner: Kevin Owens
Match Time: 8:03
SEGMENT TWO
A furious Kevin Nash storms into Hulk Hogan’s dressing room. Nash is visibly upset, and the tension is palpable. Hogan is sitting alone on a couch, starring at a television that isn’t even on. He shifts, seemingly caught off guard by Nash’s sudden presence.
Kevin Nash: Hogan! We need to talk!
Hogan takes a beat to acknowledge Nash, before slowly turning to face him.
Kevin Nash: (pointing a finger) Last week, you pulled that stunt in the match with the Dark Order, tagging yourself in and stealing the victory. What the hell was that about?
Hogan begins to apologize, but Nash cuts him off.
Kevin Nash: Save it, Hulk. (squints) And why the hell are your eyes so red? Were you crying or something?
Hulk Hogan: (defensively) Crying? No way, brother! I don’t know what you’re talking about.
Nash raises an eyebrow, not buying Hogan’s response.
Kevin Nash: Come to think of it, I thought your eyes looked red last week too, but I brushed it off. (accusingly) What the hell, Hulk? Are you on drugs?
Hulk Hogan: (indignant) Drugs? The only things I’m on are vitamins and prayers, brother!
Nash looks skeptical, shaking his head.
Kevin Nash: Whatever, Hogan. Just don’t let it happen again. We’re a team, and we need to act like it.
As Kevin Nash exits the locker room, a mysterious arm reaches out, passing a joint to Hogan. The camera pans to reveal Matt Riddle as he passes Hogan the doobie!
Matt Riddle: (with a laid-back grin) Dude, chill out. Take a hit. It’s all good vibes. We don’t need his negativity…
Hogan hesitates for a moment, then takes the joint from Riddle. The scene ends with the backstage area filled with a cloud of smoke as Hogan and Riddle continue their impromptu secret chill session.
Backstage, AEW correspondent Frank Dutch is standing by with the fierce Rhea Ripley!
Frank Dutch: Ladies and gentlemen, Frank Dutch standing by with Rhea Ripley. Rhea, last week you scored a victory over Ronda Rousey. The victory, of course, is marred in controversy as Nyla Rose clearly had an assist. How do you respond to accusations that you had a hand in that encounter?
Ripley stands tall, unapologetic.
Rhea Ripley: Frank, let’s get one thing straight. I never asked Nyla Rose for help. I am more than capable of handling my business in that ring. I would have won that match against Ronda with or without anyone’s interference. I can’t help it that Ronda makes enemies everywhere she goes.
She looks directly into the camera, emphasizing her point.
Rhea Ripley: The truth is, I am the most dominant woman in the wrestling business today, and my victories speak for themselves. Nyla’s actions were her own, and I don’t need anyone to fight my battles.
Ripley smirks confidently, asserting her ambitions.
Rhea Ripley: The way I see it, with a victory over Ronda Rousey, I’ve earned the right to be the number one contender for Sasha Banks’ Knockouts Championship at Genesis.
She pauses, allowing the weight of her words to sink in.
Rhea Ripley: While the legends are busy parading around here on their tours of irrelevancy, I’m marching straight toward the gold. Sasha Banks, consider yourself warned. The Nightmare is coming, and your championship reign is about to face its darkest hour.
The intensity in Ripley’s eyes is undeniable as she asserts her dominance and declares her intent to claim the Knockouts Championship at Genesis. The scene ends with Rhea Ripley walking away, leaving an air of anticipation for what’s to come.
Match #2 | Exhibition Match
The Jurassic Express (0-0) vs. The Lucha Bros (0-1)
As the competitors for our next match make their ways to the ring, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss what we just saw, with the shocking debut of WWE superstar Matt Riddle and Rhea Ripley declaring herself as the number one contender for the AEW Knockouts Championship. Anderson says that if Hulk Hogan has been hanging out with Matt Riddle, a whole lot of his behavior is starting to make sense.
The bell rings, and the match kicks off with lightning speed. Jungle Boy and Penta kick things off, engaging in a rapid exchange of holds and counters. The quick pace sets the tone for the match, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Penta displays his striking expertise, while Jungle Boy showcases his agility.
Arn Anderson: Folks, this match is already off to a wild start! We’ve been anticipating the arrival of both teams here in AEW, and thought the Lucha Bros failed to defeat the Usos, they’re clearly looking to turn things around here tonight.
Luchasaurus gets the tag, and the atmosphere shifts as the towering powerhouse steps into the ring. Rey Fenix tries to match the strength of Luchasaurus but finds himself overpowered. Luchasaurus asserts dominance with impactful strikes, creating an imposing presence.
Kevin Kelly: Luchasaurus is a force to be reckoned with, Arn.
Arn Anderson: No doubt, Kevin. His strength is a game-changer in this match.
The action spills outside the ring as both teams engage in a chaotic exchange of dives and strikes. The crowd roars with excitement as bodies soar through the air.
Back inside the ring, Luchasaurus continues to control the pace. He delivers a spine-chilling Tail Whip to Rey Fenix, momentarily staggering the high-flyer. Penta attempts to intervene, but Luchasaurus counters with a resounding Chokeslam, shaking the ring.
Kevin Kelly: The power of Luchasaurus is unmatched!
Arn Anderson: He’s making a statement, Kevin. The Jurassic Express is here to dominate!
With Penta out of the equation, Jungle Boy seizes the opportunity. He ascends to the top rope with precision and grace, executing a breathtaking Shooting Star Press. The impact is undeniable as he covers Rey Fenix. Referee Michael McMahon counts… 1…2…3!!!
The bell rings, signaling the end of the match. Jurassic Express emerges victorious in a thrilling encounter.
Kevin Kelly: Jurassic Express with a statement win!
Arn Anderson: They showcased a perfect blend of power and agility. Impressive victory for Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus.
Winners: Jurassic Express
Match Time: 12:34
Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus celebrate in the ring, soaking in the cheers from the electrified crowd. Meanwhile, The Lucha Bros regroup outside, perhaps reevaluating their strategy after the impressive display from Jurassic Express.
SEGMENT THREE
The atmosphere is tense as the Director of Operations, Sami Zayn, is deep in conversation on the telephone with Benny Mouse. The walls of Zayn’s office seem to close in as the discussion unfolds.
Sami Zayn: (speaking in hushed tones) Benny, listen, there’s a chance Splinter is bluffing. Maybe he doesn’t know anything.
On the other end, Benny’s voice can be heard, muffled and filled with urgency. His screams echo through the phone, but the words remain indistinct.
Sami Zayn: (leaning in) If you feel you have to confront Splinter tonight, stick to our plan exactly as we discussed. We’re both in trouble if the truth gets out.
Benny’s voice continues, and the intensity of the conversation rises. Zayn’s expression remains focused, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Sami Zayn: (sternly) Benny, repeat the plan back to me.
Benny starts to recite the plan, but just as he begins, Zayn notices the AEW camera crew fiiming inside the locker room.
Sami Zayn: (abruptly switching focus to the cameraman) Hey, what the hell are you doing in here?
Zayn swiftly pushes the camera crew out, creating a barrier between the private conversation and the public eye. The door slams shut, muffling the sounds inside.
Sami Zayn: (inside the office, barely audible) This is private business. Get out!
The scene ends with a shot of the closed office door, leaving the viewers on the edge of their seats. The muffled voices of Zayn and Benny continue, as the consequences of the unfolding drama remain shrouded in secrecy.
At ringside, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly speculate on what Splinter plans to say tonight. Kelly says that whatever Splinter knows, it’s clear that it has Benny Mouse and Sami Zayn worried. Anderson notes that we’ve only really heard from Benny once since his return last summer, and that since then, Sami Zayn has been running interference for the BWM Inc. Chairman. They shift gears and hype of AEW’s upcoming PPV, Genesis, live on February 4. Kelly says he has it in his ear piece that it’s official, Rhea Ripley will challenge Sasha Banks for the AEW Knockouts Championship on the show! Anderson says with two more weeks worth of Dynamites, we’re going to continue to see the Genesis card come together at a rapid pace!
Match #3 | Exhibition Match
Miss Athena Star (1-0) vs Bayley (0-0)
Kevin Kelly: Folks, we’ve got an impromptu match tonight as Miss Athena Star is seeking a so-called warm-up for her upcoming showdown with Angelina Love on January 29.
Arn Anderson: Bayley is no easy warm-up, Kevin. She may not have the notoriety of an Angelina Love, but she’s made quite in impact with her time in the PWI. She was highly sought after by AEW in the draft. This is going to be one hard-hitting match!
The bell rings, and the match begins with a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Both competitors jockey for position, showcasing their technical skills. Bayley gains the upper hand with a side headlock, but Star counters into a wristlock, displaying her mastery in the ring.
Kevin Kelly: That’s that veteran ring-awareness from Athena Star. After neary 20 years as an active competitor, Star always seems to know where she’s at inside the squared circle.
Arn Anderson: Technical prowess is on full display, Kevin. These women know their craft.
Bayley escapes the wristlock with a snapmare, but Star smoothly transitions into a headlock of her own. The pace is deliberate as both competitors try to wear each other down.
Kevin Kelly: They are taking their time, trying to figure out the best strategy to gain an advantage.
Arn Anderson: It’s a chess match in that ring, Kevin. Every move counts.
Bayley manages to get back on her feet, countering with a jawbreaker to break free from Star’s headlock. The match picks up speed as Bayley hits a running dropkick, sending Star to the mat.
Kevin Kelly: Bayley gaining momentum now.
Star fights back with a series of stiff forearm shots, rocking Bayley. The crowd is divided as both women showcase their determination. Bayley attempts a Bayley-to-Belly suplex, but Star counters with a DDT, creating a momentary shift in momentum.
Kevin Kelly: What a counter by Star! This match could go either way.
Arn Anderson: Absolutely, Kevin. Both women are leaving it all in the ring.
As the match reaches its climax, false finishes come into play. Bayley hits a Bayley-to-Belly, but Star kicks out just in the nick of time. Star retaliates with a devastating superkick, but Bayley manages to kick out.
Kevin Kelly: The resilience of these women is incredible!
Arn Anderson: They are throwing everything at each other. This is what wrestling is all about.
The crowd is on the edge of their seats as the back-and-forth action continues. Star ascends the turnbuckle, attempting a high-risk move, but Bayley catches her in mid-air with a Bayley-to-Belly. The crowd erupts, but Star kicks out again!
Kevin Kelly: The heart and determination on display here, Arn!
Arn Anderson: It’s a battle of wills. These women want it badly.
The match nears its conclusion as Bayley goes for another Bayley-to-Belly, but Star counters with a well-timed reversal. Star seizes the moment, climbing to the top rope.
Kevin Kelly: Star is going for broke!
Arn Anderson: This could be the turning point.
In a stunning moment, Star executes the 4:20 Splash, connecting perfectly. The crowd gasps as Star goes for the cover. Knockouts Official Kenzie counts it… 1… 2… 3!!!
Kevin Kelly: What a match! Miss Athena Star with an impressive victory.
Arn Anderson: She’s proven herself tonight, but the real challenge awaits when she faces Angelina Love on January 29.
The crowd applauds the incredible effort from both competitors as Miss Athena Star stands tall in the ring, victorious in her quest for a warm-up match.
Winner: Miss Athena Star (2-0)
Match Time: 17:28
SEGMENT FOUR
Back at ringside, Anderson and Kelly are till trying to catch their breath from the incredible action we just saw between Bayley and Miss Athena Star. Kelly says there’s a reason Athena Star is the most popular women’s wrestler of all time, and it’s because even at this late-stage in her career, she’s still putting on banger after banger. Arn Anderson says that Star declared she’s going to win that Knockouts Championship one more time before she hangs up her boots, and with what we’ve seen out of her the past few weeks, he’s starting to believe her. Kelly says that after a rough 2021, 2022, and 2023, 2024 is finally starting to see things turn around for the pioneer of the Knockouts Division.
Match #4 | Beat the Clock Championship Challenge
Sammy Guevara (0-0) vs. ‘The American Dragon’ Bryan Danielson (0-0)
As the competitors are introduced, Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson discuss the history between these two men, as the Inner Circle under Chris Jericho has sought to take AJ Styles’ world title for months and months now, and Danielson, Kenny Omega, and Adam Page have helped the champ fight them off. Now, Guevera is getting the opportunity of a lifetime, as Danielson also looks to get himself back into championship contention. Anderson says Owen has a time of 8:03 on the board so far, and reminds the audience we’ll also have two more qualifying matches next Monday.
The bell rings, signaling the start of what promises to be an intense and technical encounter. Both Bryan Danielson and Sammy Guevara lock eyes, ready to showcase their wrestling prowess.
Arn Anderson: What a match this is going to be, Kevin. Danielson is a seasoned veteran, looking for his big breakout on the pro-scene. Sammy Geuvara is a high-flying superstar who’s willing to put his body on the line to entertain these fans.
Kevin Kelly: And you have to wonder just how please Chris Jericho would be if Guevara is able to pull off the upset here tonight?
The match begins with a feeling-out process, as both competitors circle each other in the ring. Bryan Danielson takes the initiative, attempting to control the pace with his technical prowess. Guevara, however, uses his speed and agility to evade Bryan’s initial attempts.
Arn Anderson: Bryan Danielson is known for his submission game. Sammy needs to be cautious.
Guevara gains some momentum with lightning-fast kicks and acrobatic maneuvers, keeping Bryan on his toes. However, Bryan’s experience shines through as he counters with stiff kicks and locks in a tight headlock.
Kevin Kelly: Bryan is grounding Sammy, not giving him much room to fly.
As the match progresses, both competitors exchange strikes and near falls. Guevara showcases his high-flying ability with a breathtaking springboard moonsault, but Bryan kicks out at two.
The turning point comes when Bryan Danielson targets Guevara’s arm, setting up for his signature submission, the LeBell Lock. Guevara fights valiantly, but eventually succumbs to the pain, leading to a submission victory for Bryan Danielson!
Winner: ‘The American Dragon’ Bryan Danielson (1-0)
Match Time: 9:55
A quick promo video airs for next week’s installment on Dynamite, in which the official contract signing for the AEW Television Championship will occur between MJF and The American Nightmare Cody Rhodes, with special guest host Logan Paul!
Back at ringside, the iconic sounds of “Metalingus” echoes throughout the United Center, signaling the arrival of Benny Mouse, the owner and chairman of BWM Inc. and All Elite Wrestling! Benny strides to the ring with a look of anger and determination etched on his face. The crowd feels the tension as Benny grabs the microphone from ring announcer Jane Mouse, ready to address the turmoil that seems to surround him.
Benny Mouse: (angrily) Every time I turn around, there’s someone new trying to knock me down. If it isn’t my brother Mickey, it’s my estranged wife Molly. If it isn’t Molly Mouse, it’s the one-legged wonder John Brown. If it’s not John Brown, it’s Jeff Murrey. If it’s not Jeff Murrey, it’s my own god damned daughter Megan! And now, it’s Splinter!
The crowd reacts with a mix of boos and cheers as Benny expresses his frustration. Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly briefly note the storied rivalry between Benny and Splinter in the UWF, which even resulted in Benny scoring a shocking Crimson Car Match victory over Splinter.
Benny Mouse: (screeching) I’m sick of it! I’ve worked my whole life to get where I am now – undeniably and firmly atop the world of professional wrestling! The competition and the pundits can no longer deny me, and I’ll be damned if I’m going to cede what I’ve worked my entire life for!
Suddenly, the arena darkens, and the eerie strains of “Voices” by Disturbed fill the air. The legendary Master Splinter appears atop the ramp, and the crowd erupts with excitement. Benny Mouse sizes up Splinter, his anger simmering.
Benny Mouse: (mockingly) I remember you… I know you think I’ve forgotten, but I remember EVERYTHING!
Suddenly, the lights go out once again, and the haunting notes of “Denial” by Sevendust permeate the arena. Arn Anderson on commentary expresses his surprise, noting that he hasn’t heard that song in over 20 years!
As the lights come back on, the camera reveals Menotaur standing menacingly behind Splinter. The crowd’s astonishment is audible as Menotaur delivers the Horn Bomb, laying Splinter out.
Benny Mouse drops the microphone and watches as the scene unfolds, Menotaur standing tall over Benny’s foe. Benny is still screeching, “I remember! I remember everything!” over and over again, to the confusion of the crowd and the announcers. Sami Zayn rushes to the ring and drapes his jacket over Benny, and rushes him off. Menotaur’s music echoes throughout the United Center as Dynamite fades off the air!
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 