Every wrestler on the first episode of AEW Dynamite: Where are they now?

AEW has embarked on making headlines since stepping into the pro wrestling world in 2019. With only two years of its existence, Tony Khan's promotion quickly became a rising juggernaut. Many believe it filled the void that WCW left in the marketplace almost two decades ago.

In hindsight, the company's swift rise wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for legendary and well-established names laying the foundation for the promotion's future. Ever wonder what transpired during the inaugural edition of AEW Dynamite, which emanated from Capital One Arena in Washington on October 2nd, 2019. The show garnered 1.4 million viewership, making it the biggest debut on the TNT network in the last five years.

In this article, we'll take a look at all those wrestlers that showed up that night, and where are they now?

---

#6 Cody Rhodes and Sammy Guevara opened the first episode of AEW Dynamite

Cody Rhodes, who also serves as the Executive Vice President of AEW, wrestled an up-and-coming talent Sammy Guevara in the show's opener. Both men went all out in showcasing their impressive arsenals to set the bar for the episode, which they eventually achieved.

The American Nightmare defeated the Spanish God, thus making his path clear ahead of his AEW World Championship match against Chris Jericho next month. Meanwhile, Sammy Guevara came out as a star even in defeat. The bout served its purpose in benefitting both men.

Fast forward to 2021, Cody Rhodes has established his legacy surrounding two TNT Championship reigns. He was recently engaged in a rivalry with Malakai Black that didn't end fruitfully, as he lost both the matches against him.

Over the past few months, he hasn't been consistently involved in major storylines, making us believe that the former WWE Superstar might transition into a backstage role a few years down the road. While his loyalty knows no bounds, Rhodes is laser-focused on elevating younger talent in the business, which is why he has brought Lee Johnson and Brock Anderson into the limelight.

Meanwhile, Sammy Guevara recently grabbed social media attention after he defeated Miro to win the TNT Championship for the first time in his career.

The company considers him among the top four pillars of AEW, who could potentially carry the company in the years to come. His run to the top has just kickstarted, and fans can expect him to be involved in money feuds in the future.

#5 MJF fought Brandon Cutler on AEW Dynamite

MJF faced Brandon Cutler in a one-sided match during the inaugural edition of AEW Dynamite. Mr. Friedman dominated the entire bout, thus forcing Cutler to tap out to his armbar at the end.

Both men's bookings in 2021 have been words apart. MJF became the company's rising star during the pandemic era and formed The Pinnacle, featuring Shawn Spears, Wardlow, and the FTR.

Despite not being in the title picture, The Salt of the Earth has had a few compelling feuds over the years against Cody Rhodes and Chris Jericho, which brought him into the spotlight. He is also considered one of the best, if not the best, talkers in pro wrestling today.

Meanwhile, Brandon Cutler's AEW career felt like the beginning of the end. After losing almost all his matches, he decided to serve as The Elite's assistant, where he appears alongside them as a water boy sometimes, or even shoot their BTE youtube episodes.

---

#4 Hangman Page battled PAC in a singles match

Hangman Page and PAC collided in one of the most intriguing matches on the debut episode. Much to everyone's surprise, PAC defeated Page via submission. The former WWE Superstar had already defeated Kenny Omega in a singles match before.

But gaining victory over the two top-tier stars didn't do any favors for the former Cruiserweight Champion. He remains among the most underutilized talents in AEW today. Although he has formed a faction with the Lucha Brothers, that doesn't seem to be going anywhere.

Meanwhile, Hangman Page picked up steam in his early days, but the company hasn't fully utilized his potential either. He is currently on hiatus and is expected to reignite his feud with Kenny Omega for the AEW World Championship.

#3 Riho fought Nyla Rose to determine the inaugural AEW Women's Champion

Nyla Rose, who won the Casino Battle Royale, locked horns with Riho to determine the inaugural AEW Women's Champion. Riho defeated Rose comprehensively and went on to have a reign of 133 days.

Both women played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the women's division in the early days. Nyla Rose ended Riho's title reign and carried the division further. Despite both women receiving a monstrous push, they have become a shadow of their former selves in 2021.

With top women like Dr. Britt Baker, Ruby Soho, Kris Statlander and many more dominating the division, it seems unlikely that they will get back on the upper card anytime soon.

---

#2 Chris Jericho and P&P faced Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks in a Trios match

In the main event of the debut episode, AEW World Champion Chris Jericho teamed up with Santana & Ortiz to face Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. It was nothing short of an action-packed contest that ended when Jericho hitting Nick Jackson with the Judas Effect.

Fast forward to 2021, all these men have helped the promotion reach higher heights in no time. Kenny Omega is the AEW World Champion and is the leader of The Elite, which included the former AEW Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks.

Meanwhile, Jericho continued his alliance with Santana and Ortiz, thus forming The Inner Circle featuring Jake Hager and Sammy Guevara today. The Faction was recently involved in a long-running rivalry with The Pinnacle. The Demo God ended the feud by defeating their leader, MJF.

However, Proud & Powerful are seemingly lost in the shuffle. Both men are looking for an opportunity to challenge for the tag team titles. But given the stacked roster, it won't be happening anytime soon.

#1 Jon Moxley, Dustin Rhodes & Jake Hager interjected the main event of AEW Dynamite

Jon Moxley ambushed Kenny Omega in his Trios match against Chris Jericho and Santana & Ortiz on AEW Dynamite. The former WWE Superstar took The Cleaner out of the bout and battered him ahead of their match at Full Gear.

Aside from this, the post-match brawl saw Cody Rhodes coming out to save The Elite, but Sammy Guevara took him out. Soon after, Dustin Rhodes hit the ring to launch an attack on the heels, and he felt the wrath of a debuting Jake Hager.

Keeping aside the chaos that transpired that night, Moxley is currently making the best use of the forbidden door and has battled multiple NJPW veterans. Mox even became the AEW World Champion by defeating Chris Jericho.

Meanwhile, Dustin Rhodes stepped down as a full-time competitor a long time back. He rarely competes on the show, and when he does, the former WWE Superstar puts rising talent over.

And last but not least, Jake Hager, hasn't really been pushed aside from competing alongside Jericho in some of the storylines. He is currently engaged in a feud with Men of the Year.