Live from the PNC Arena | Raleigh, N.C. | Crowd Size: 13,587
SEGMENT ONE
As the pyro explodes, Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson welcome us back to Dynamite. Kelly says it has been another wild week in All Elite Wrestling, and we’re fresh off the heels of Dragon’s Fury, in which the American Dragon stunned the world by defeating AJ Styles for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, thanks in part to MJF’s bodyguards Scott Steiner and Wardlow. Anderson says it was a heartbreaking end to the 15-month long reign of AJ Styles, but tonight the new champion is in the house. Kelly wonders what Danielson will have to say for himself, three weeks out from our second PPV, New Horizons. Anderson says whatever alliance that exists between MJF and Danielson, if any, will be short lived because it’s official: It’s Danielson vs. MJF for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship on Easter Sunday!
The announcers are interrupted as “Metalingus” hits, and a confident Benny Mouse steps through the curtain. The BWM Inc. Chairman is looking more and more like his former self than we’ve seen in quite some time, as last Monday’s “good day” seems to be continuing tonight in Raleigh. The live crowd showers Benny Mouse in boos, and they treat AEW Director of Operations with the same as he follows closely behind the boss. Anderson says that for as despicable as the Mouse Brothers have been, he fears Sami Zayn is much worse because he’s obviously pulling Benny’s strings. The announcers discuss what happened last week to Splinter, who was taken out by Menotaur and the Acolytes per Benny’s orders. Kelly says this is Benny’s first in-ring address since the rumors about his health have taken hold, and it’s the first time we’re hearing from him since Splinter revealed he’s Megan Mouse’s biological father.
Benny steps through the ropes, and Zayn is close behind. Benny grabs the microphone, his voice booming with authority despite the underlying turmoil.
Benny Mouse: I know there’s been a lot of talk going around about me. But let me make one thing perfectly clear: I’ve faced challenges my whole life, and every single time, I’ve come out on top.
Benny Mouse: You see what happens to those who dare cross me. Splinter thought he could stand in my way, but look where that got him. Now he may never stand again! That’s a lesson for anyone backstage, or anywhere else who doubts my powers.
Benny grins as he continues, clearly proud of himself for ridding himself of opposition.
Benny Mouse: Now, I wanted to come out here tonight for one reason, and one reason only. As my brother predicted – I’m out here to confess.
A hush falls over the crowd as Benny continues.
Benny Mouse: It’s true – Megan is my daughter. And yes, I lied to her about her paternity, but you see, I did it because I love her and wanted to protect her. This family… this family of mine, it’s dangerous. It’s no place for my baby girl, and I wanted her to succeed on her own merits. I didn’t want my daughter to turn out like my niece Catherine, a vindictive, feckless little cunt constantly in the shadow of a much bigger personality. My niece is so ineffective in this industry, that she’s literally led my brother to try to kill it! I didn’t want that to happen between me and my daughter. Unfortunately, however, things aren’t great between Megan and I. She’s upset, she’s unstable, and thankfully, she’s getting the best help that money can buy. I hope one day she realizes that I did what I did to protect her, and as soon as the therapists get to the bottom of her issues, I hope she can come back and learn a thing or two from me about this business before it is too late.
Suddenly, Benny’s words are interrupted as the Harlem Turtle’s music hits, and Booker D. and Stevie R. appear atop the stage with microphones, much to the dismay of Benny and Sami.
Booker D: It’s true, you took out Splinter. Bravo, Benny, another act of brilliance – a three on one assault against the biggest legend in the sport. You must be so proud of yourself.
Stevie R: Moreso. But ya know what, enjoy that feeling while it lasts. Because even though Splinter isn’t here tonight, he WILL be back, and regardless, your troubles are just beginning.
Booker D: That’s right, because we’ve got a little bit of a bombshell announcement of our own! We’ve just been informed that the Board of Directors is moving forward with the investigation, Benny. Your reign of deceit is coming to an end!
The Harlem Turtles’ announcement has Benny incensed, as he kicks the bottom rope in defiance.
Benny Mouse: You think you can threaten me? You think you can challenge my authority? I will crush you like the bugs you are. This is MY industry, and I’ll rule it as I see fit until the end of time!
Before the situation can escalate further, chaos erupts as the Acolytes charge the Harlem Turtles on the top of the stage. However, Team Benny’s upper hand doesn’t last long, because suddenly, Armageddon appears and attacks the Acolytes! Benny Mouse’s one-time loyal bodyguard has returned, and has made it clear he is no longer on Benny’s payroll! The scene ends with the Harlem Turtles recuperating, and Armageddon glaring at a trembling and terrified Benny Mouse!
Outside of the arena, we see High Minded, the team of Hulk Hogan, Matt Riddle, Randy Savage, Scott Hall, and Kevin Nash have arrived to the arena. As they get to the entrance, they bump into their manager, Midget Hogan.
Matt Riddle: (startled) Whoa! Bro! Hulk, you cloned yourself!!
Kevin Nash: (chuckling) Nah, Matt. That’s Midget Hogan, remember? You met him last week.
Scott Hall: Yeah, com’n Riddle, get with the program. Hulk’s right here with us.
Riddle glances back and sees the real Hogan, who is mere steps behind him.
Matt Riddle: (sheepishly) Oh, right. My bad, dude. But seriously, it’s kinda freaky seeing two Hogans!
Randy Savage: Oooh yeah, Riddle, you gotta lay off the wacky tobacky, brother!
Kevin Nash: Speaking of getting your head straight, Riddle, you better be on point tonight. You got Umaga, and the Bloodline’s gunnin’ for ya.
Scott Hall: Yeah, bro, you can’t be spacing out against those guys. They’ll eat you alive!
Matt Riddle: (nodding) You’re right, my dudes. I need to get my mind right.
Riddle reaches into his fanny pack and pulls out a bong, much to the surprise of the rest of the team.
Matt Riddle: Time to elevate my game!
Riddle hits the bong and attempts to pass it around the circle, however, Midget Hogan is the only one who accepts it. As he passes it to Midget Hogan, Riddle screams, “Hulk you’re shrinking!” as the rest of the High Minded members again remind him that Hulk Hogan and Midget Hogan are two separate people.
Match #1 | Exhibition Match
Ember Moon vs. Bianca Belair
The bell rings, and the match kicks off with Ember Moon and Bianca Belair circling each other in the ring, eyeing each other cautiously. They lock up in the center, jockeying for position, each trying to gain the upper hand. The announcers discuss the two competitors, who are pretty evenly matched.
Ember Moon manages to gain control with a headlock, but Bianca Belair quickly counters, powering out and sending Moon into the ropes with a shoulder tackle. Moon rebounds off the ropes, but Belair catches her with a picture-perfect dropkick, sending Moon crashing to the canvas.
Kevin Kelly: What athleticism from Bianca Belair! She’s showing why she’s one of the fastest rising stars in AEW.
Arn Anderson: No doubt about it, Kevin. But don’t count Ember out just yet. She’s a seasoned veteran and the former Knockouts Champion, she’s not going down without a fight.
Ember Moon rallies, using her speed and agility to mount a comeback. She connects with a series of quick strikes, rocking Belair and sending her reeling. Moon then whips Belair into the corner and charges in with a vicious knee strike, followed by a snap suplex for good measure.
Kevin Kelly: Ember Moon is firing on all cylinders now, Arn! She’s taking the fight to Bianca Belair!
Arn Anderson: That’s the experience of a former champion shining through, Kevin.
As the match progresses, the intensity ramps up. Both Ember Moon and Bianca Belair refuse to back down, trading big moves and near falls. The crowd is on the edge of their seats, fully invested in the back-and-forth action.
In the climax of the match, Ember Moon goes for her signature Eclipse finisher, but Bianca Belair manages to counter at the last moment, catching Moon mid-air and transitioning into her own finisher, the K.O.D. (Kiss of Death). She drives Moon into the canvas with authority, securing the pinfall victory.
Kevin Kelly: And there it is! Bianca Belair with the K.O.D.! What a win for the EST of AEW!
Arn Anderson: That’s a statement victory right there, Kevin. Ember Moon gave it her all, but tonight, Belair proved why she’s a force to be reckoned with in the Knockout’s division.
Winner: Bianca Belair
Match Time: 10:03
SEGMENT TWO
Renee Young: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here backstage with the Knockouts Champion, Sasha Banks, and her formidable bodyguard, Chyna. Sasha, we just witnessed Bianca Belair pull off a major upset in the ring. What are your thoughts on her victory?
Sasha Banks: (smirking) Bianca who? I don’t waste my time watching the curtain-jerkers, Renee. My focus is on bigger and better things.
Renee Young: Well, speaking of bigger challenges, Sasha, Ronda Rousey has been a persistent thorn in your side for months now. How are you feeling about your ongoing rivalry with her?
Sasha Banks: (nods) Ah, Ronda Rousey. Always trying to steal my spotlight. Well, Renee, I’m tired of playing games with her. So here’s the deal: next week, if Ronda can defeat my bodyguard, Chyna, she can have her precious title shot at New Horizons. But if she loses… (smirks) well, let’s just say she’ll have to wait in line behind the Legit Boss for a long, long time.
Renee Young: That’s a bold challenge, Sasha. Are you confident in Chyna’s ability to get the job done?
Sasha Banks: (nodding confidently) Absolutely, Renee. Chyna is the TRUE baddest woman on the planet, and she’ll prove it once again next week. Ronda may be tough, but she’s no match for the Boss’ muscle.
Renee Young: Well, you’ve heard it here first, folks! Next week, in a first time ever match, Chyna and Ronda Rousey will go one on one!
Our cameras take us to Benny Mouse’s office, where he is frantically gathering his belongings and sloppily shoving them into his bag. Benny is visibly agitated, pacing back and forth as Sami Zayn attempts to calm him down.
Sami Zayn: Benny, you need to calm down. We don’t know for sure if Armageddon has sided with the Harlem Turtles and Splinter.
Benny Mouse: (frustrated) Calm down? Calm down?! Armageddon is back, Sami! Back with those traitors! Do you have any idea what this means?
Sami Zayn: (trying to reason) Benny, have you taken your medication? Maybe-
Benny Mouse: (cutting him off, angrily) Medication?! This isn’t about medication, Sami! This is about survival! And I’m not going to sit around while my empire crumbles around me!
Sami Zayn: (concerned) Benny, you’re not thinking straight. Running away won’t solve anything.
Benny Mouse: (irate) Running away? I’m not running away! I’m taking action! You’re in charge here, Sami. Run the damn show.
Sami Zayn: (hesitant) I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to leave alone, Benny-
Benny Mouse: (exploding) You don’t think?! You’re not paid to think, Sami! You’re paid to do what I say! Now, if you want to keep your job, you’ll do it!
Sami Zayn: (taken aback) Benny, I-
Benny Mouse: (cutting him off) No buts! I’m getting out of here before Armageddon finds me.
With that, Benny storms off, leaving Sami standing there, visibly shaken by the exchange. The tension between the two is palpable, as the power dynamics within BWM Inc. come into sharp focus.
Our cameras show Logan Paul in the hallway backstage as the Social Media Maverick is making his way towards the Gorilla Position. Before he can reach his destination, he’s blindsided by the Internet Champion, Absolute Ricky Starks!
Before Logan can respond, Ricky Starks swings his Internet Championship like a lethal weapon, slamming it into Paul’s unsuspecting skull. The blow sends Logan crashing to the ground, dazed and disoriented.
Ricky Starks: (standing over Paul’s prone body) You want a shot at my title, huh? All you had to do was ask, Logan. But since you’re so eager to step into the ring with me, consider it done. You and me, one on one, at New Horizons!
Match #2: Exhibition Match
Matt Riddle w/ Midget Hogan vs. Umaga
As the bell sounds, the announcers discuss the ongoing rivalry between the Bloodline and High Minded. Anderson notes that Roman Reigns has been very upset with the Bloodline for their string of recent losses, thanks in part to the antics of High Minded.
Umaga immediately asserts his dominance, using his raw power to overpower Riddle, driving him into the corner with a series of punishing strikes.
Kevin Kelly: Umaga wasting no time taking control here, Arn! Riddle’s going to have to dig deep if he wants to stand a chance against this behemoth.
Arn Anderson: Absolutely, Kevin. But you can never count Riddle out. He’s got that uncanny ability to turn the tide in an instant.
Umaga continues to dominate, unleashing a relentless onslaught of offense on Riddle. The crowd rallies behind Riddle, urging him to fight back. Seizing an opportunity, Riddle rolls out of the ring, where Midget Hogan, his manager, hands him his bong.
Kevin Kelly: Wait a minute! Is Riddle… is he getting high in the middle of the match?
Arn Anderson: It looks like it, Kevin! Riddle’s pulling out all the stops here!
Riddle takes a hit from the bong and suddenly seems to be filled with newfound energy. He rolls back into the ring and unleashes a flurry of offense on Umaga, catching him off guard. Riddle hits him with a series of strikes and high-flying maneuvers, rocking Umaga and bringing the crowd to their feet.
Kevin Kelly: What a turnaround from Matt Riddle! He’s taken it to Umaga like never before!
Arn Anderson: That’s the power of the bong, Kevin! Riddle’s on fire right now!
Just as it seems like Riddle might secure the victory, chaos erupts as Yokozuna and the Usos, members of the Bloodline, leap over the barricade and storm the ring. They viciously attack Riddle and Midget Hogan, causing the referee to call for the disqualification.
Kevin Kelly: Oh no, not like this! The Bloodline is decimating Riddle and Midget Hogan!
Arn Anderson: This is despicable, Kevin! Riddle had the match won fair and square!
As the assault continues, Roman Reigns emerges at the top of the stage, flanked by Paul Heyman. The two watch with cold satisfaction as the Bloodline sends a brutal message to the rest of the High Minded.
Kevin Kelly: Look at that, Arn! Roman Reigns standing tall with Paul Heyman by his side. It seems like Heyman has aligned himself with the Bloodline in Brock Lesnar’s absence!
Arn Anderson: Things just got a whole lot more interesting, Kevin. The Bloodline isn’t playing games anymore. They’re here to dominate, and no one is safe.
Winner via DQ: Matt Riddle
Match Time: 8:56
SEGMENT THREE
Taz: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m here backstage with the new AEW World Heavyweight Champion, Bryan Danielson. Bryan, first of all, congratulations on your incredible victory last week. However, there are some who are questioning the circumstances surrounding your win, specifically the involvement of MJF, Scott Steiner, and Wardlow. What are your thoughts on that?
Bryan Danielson: (visibly irate) You’ve got some nerve, Taz. You stand there and question whether I could win the title on my own? Whether I needed help? Let me make one thing perfectly clear: I am Bryan Danielson, and I am more than capable of winning any championship on my own merits.
Taz: (taken aback) Hey, Bryan, I-
Bryan Danielson: (interrupting) No, let me finish. Everyone doubted me last week. They said I couldn’t beat AJ Styles, but I proved them all wrong. And now, everyone’s saying MJF is the uncrowned champion, that he’s the true titleholder. Well, let me tell you something, Taz. At New Horizons, on Easter Sunday, I’m going to step into MJF’s hometown, in front of his home crowd, and I’m going to humiliate him. I’m going to prove once and for all that I am the Best in the World.
Taz: Strong words from the champion, Bryan Danielson. With that, let’s go back to ringside for our main event!
The screen opens to the gritty streets of a bustling urban landscape, where vibrant graffiti adorns the walls, each piece a testament to the vibrant culture of the city. Amidst the hustle and bustle, Swerve Strickland emerges, his presence commanding attention as he strides confidently through the streets.
The scene cuts to Swerve standing in front of a vibrant graffiti background, his gaze unwavering as he addresses the camera.
Swerve Strickland: Growing up in these streets, they told me I’d never make it. But I refused to let the doubt define me. I fought tooth and nail, hustling every step of the way to rise above the odds.
The footage transitions to showcase Swerve’s journey, from his early days in the wrestling ring to his meteoric rise to fame. We see him training relentlessly in gritty gyms, honing his craft and pushing himself to the limit.
The scene shifts to highlight Swerve’s electrifying performances in the ring, captivating audiences with his unmatched athleticism, innovative maneuvers, and dynamic personality.
The screen fades to black, leaving viewers with a powerful image of Swerve Strickland standing tall against the backdrop of the city skyline, a symbol of his indomitable spirit and his imminent arrival in AEW. The words “March 25, 2024” wipe over the screen, as we finally have a debut date for the highly anticipated arrival of Swerve Strickland!
Match #3 | Exhibition Match
MJF w/ Wardlow and Scott Steiner vs. Jon Moxley
As each competitor makes their introductions, Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly note that they were expecting AJ Styles to be here tonight, and that no one has heard from the former champion since his heartbreaking loss last week. Anderson notes that this match is must-win for both men, and Kelly says that Moxley has had a hard time finding his footing here in All Elite Wrestling.
The bell sounds and the two briefly tie up before Moxley gains the upper hand with a snap suplex. MJF, however, quickly regains his composure and uses his cunning to outsmart Moxley, targeting his opponent’s knee with calculated strikes and submissions. He wears Moxley down, keeping him grounded and unable to mount a significant offense.
Kevin Kelly: MJF showing his ring intelligence here, systematically breaking down Moxley’s defenses.
Arn Anderson: That’s the thing about MJF, Kevin. He’s not just a loudmouth, he’s a tactician in that ring. And he’s proving it right now.
As the match progresses, Moxley manages to rally, unleashing a barrage of strikes and high-impact maneuvers on MJF. The momentum shifts back and forth, with both men refusing to back down.
Kevin Kelly: Moxley’s fighting back with everything he’s got, Arn! This is turning into an all-out war!
Arn Anderson: That’s the Moxley we know and love, Kevin. He’s not going to go down without a fight.
Just when it seems like Moxley is about to secure the victory, the distraction comes into play. MJF’s bodyguards, Scott Steiner and Wardlow, storm the ring, causing chaos and drawing the referee’s attention.
Kevin Kelly: Oh no, not like this! Steiner and Wardlow are causing a distraction!
Arn Anderson: This could be the opening MJF needs, Kevin!
With the referee’s back turned, MJF takes advantage of the chaos, delivering a low blow to Moxley followed by the Heatseeker! He covers Moxley for the three-count, securing the upset victory.
Kevin Kelly: And there it is! MJF steals the win with the help of his bodyguards!
Arn Anderson: This could be a preview of things to come at New Horizons, Kevin. MJF’s got all the tools to walk out as the victor.
As MJF celebrates in the ring, soaking in the boos from the crowd, Kevin Kelly and Arn Anderson reflect on the implications of this match-up, as they say we’re all out of time. They promise to return to Dynamite’s normal format of four matches next week as the show concludes.
Winner: MJF
Match Time: 13:40
World Of Wrestling: Murrey Universe 