Preview: AEW Dynamite (1/29/25) – Jeff Jarrett Chases the AEW World Championship

Huntsville may not give its CEO a warm welcome, but I dare any crowd not to fall in love with Yuka Sakazaki. The contrast of personalities will make this a fun character contest, at least. The eternally happy and positive Sakazaki, frustrating and pushing the buttons of the arrogant champion, will entertain.

Likewise, their styles could mesh well with the right in-ring story and amount of time. This could be Mone’s best Dynamite match to date, especially as Mercedes Mone is on form in the ring. Plus, some of Mone’s best matches post-WWE came against Joshi wrestlers.

Mone, like many former WWE wrestlers arriving in AEW, needed time to adjust. Sheathed in belts, and after a series of critically acclaimed defenses, this week’s contest against The Magical Girl could steal the show.

Additionally, after last week’s guitar interruption from Harley Cameron, I’d expect some possible follow-up. Harley Cameron makes the most of her minutes and is still seeking her first AEW win. Could a possible defense down under be on the setlist?

Gamble of the Week: Jeff Jarrett’s Last Shot

The wave of good faith and momentum built throughout Jeff Jarrett’s AEW run grew to new heights after his emotional promo in last year’s Owen. The Last Outlaw has, at times, captured fans’ attention, leading some to re-evaluate Jarrett’s career.

The one final gamble storyline, one more shot at the world championship, had legs. Then, that microphone performance for many fans two weeks ago against MJF cut them down. Much of that good faith was betted away.

Claudio Castagnoli, AEW’s man for all seasons, remains evergreen. As the Death Riders’ enforcer, few men have found a way to fairly beat the Swiss Superman.

Castagnoli’s current brand of strength, violent intent, and ruthlessness adds another unique chapter to an already astounding back catalog. When opponents found a way to beat Castagnoli, like Will Ospreay via a sneak pin or Kommander via cheating, those victories felt huge.

Regardless of his words, Jarrett’s nearly four decades of experience make him a master of wrestling’s dark arts. Manipulation got fans behind Jarrett, even as a heel. No stranger to gambling throughout his history, many attempts failed, but every so often, Jarrett’s won.

The odds might seem against Jarrett, but wrestling is full of surprises.