AEW Dynamite (9th October 2019): Review

#3 A Hardcore No.1 Contender

The future is now in AEW

No. 1 Contender's Match for the AEW World Championship: Darby Allin vs. Jimmy Havoc

Of course, Jericho's promo overlooked two men gunning for his championship, besides Cody. So the next match had to showcase why they were capable, despite the two men's stellar if somewhat muted records. Neither Havoc or Allin have made a huge impact in this short time, especially when PAC is waiting for a shot but both staked their claim easily.

Prior to the match, Havoc delivered a maddening promo about why this match was fifteen years in the making for him. Meanwhile, Allin's brilliant draw against Cody is enough proof to highlight his credentials, despite a triple threat loss to Havoc. Jim Ross (despite some commentary hiccups) smartly questioned how the two men would fare outside a hardcore environment. For the most part, they held it through in a quick if unspectacular bout.

Havoc played it ruthless, really digging into Allin and gaining him some of the audience's voracious sympathy. AEW would do good to pace their big star sequences and let such matches open to a hot crowd, the next time.

While slightly drowned of energy, the crowds backing of Allin towards the blistering end with the coffin drop (an over move) is proof of the big star he is to become in this business. Next week he gets the biggest shot to prove it.

Result: With a Coffin Drop, Darby Allin secures a huge win and title shot

Rating:

3 out of 5 stars!