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Fans had high expectations from AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam and, in more ways than one, the company delivered on the hype.
The Arthur Ashe Stadium event featured five matches, with the two biggest matches being Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega and Ruby Soho vs Britt Baker for the AEW Women's Championship.
Malakai Black, Cody Rhodes, Sting and MJF were among the other big names involved at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.
Black continued to torment the Nightmare Family, while MJF battled Brian Pillman Jr. in a highly personal grudge match. FTR looked to bring an end to Sting's unbeaten run in AEW as the former tag team champions took on the Icon and Darby Allin.
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With so much happening and a ton of expectations from the show, let's look at five things AEW got right in New York City.
#5. Bryan Danielson vs Kenny Omega at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam was one of the best matches in televised wrestling history
The very fact that AEW gave us this dream match between Kenny Omega and Bryan Danielson was enough for it to be the 'right thing' AEW did on the night. However, opening with this match ensured the show got off to the best start.
The American Dragon and the Best Bout Machine tore the house down as the two went back and forth for half an hour, painting a stellar story throughout their time limit draw. The fact that the two didn't care about time running about and continued to punish each other even as the bell rang proved they had the legs to go longer.
They held back at Grand Slam, saving themselves for a lengthier match sometime down the line. This match will be one of the biggest 'rights' AEW can pull off.
#4. AEW made the right call of booking Sting against FTR at Dynamite: Grand Slam
FTR is one of the best tag teams in the world and, at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, the former Revival proved that again. The former AEW Tag Team Champions faced off against Darby Allin and Sting. The two teams had an excellent match.
It was a pleasant surprise to witness Vigilante running around and delivering a top rope crossbody. The Stinger took a few bumps and FTR sold his moves brilliantly.
The WCW stalwart is 62 years old but the former WWE Tag Team Champions made him look like he was in his 30s.
AEW showcased Sting in full flow once again by booking him against one of the best and safest workers of this era. It was a great booking decision.
#3. AEW made the right call by having Malakai Black win against Cody Rhodes
There was some apprehension among AEW fans that Malakai Black would suffer his first loss at Grand Slam at the hands of the American Nightmare. Cody Rhodes is one of the top babyfaces in the company and his victory had its merits, but the former Aleister Black winning was the correct decision from AEW.
Despite an unclean finish, Black remains unbeaten and holds two victories over the former TNT champion. Black also added another dimension to his heel character with the way he won. He has always won with the Black Mass but resorted to a roll-up this time.
#2. AEW gave Brian Pillman Jr. great exposure against MJF
Brian Pillman Jr. has been part of the AEW Tag Team Championship picture as part of the Varsity Blonds but, in Cincinnati, he was allowed to prove himself as a singles performer, and the second generation star did great with the opportunity.
Heading into AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam, Pillman was allowed sufficient time on the mic against MJF, arguably the best talker in AEW. The Cincinnati native held his own with impassioned promos.
In New York, Pillman went toe-to-toe with MJF and gave the Salt of the Earth a tough time during the match. MJF ultimately needed to use Julia Hart as a human shield to distract Brian to pick up the submission win.
Rubbing shoulders with one of the biggest stars in AEW has lent a lot of credibility to Brian Pillman Jr.
#1. AEW showed their faith in the women's division by having Britt Baker and Ruby Soho in the main event
AEW's struggles with its women's division are well documented, but the recent improvements mustn't go unnoticed. In another show of faith, AEW decided to feature the women's title in the Grand Slam main event.
The company could not send a bigger message as to how it views its women's division. Britt Baker and Ruby Soho battled over the AEW Women's Championship in front of 20,000 fans at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The champion won after an enjoyable match and was allowed to celebrate without any external shenanigans to drive home the point that Britt Baker and the rest of the women in AEW have a shot at the top of the AEW food chain.
