Wednesday, Oct. 2, marked the fifth anniversary of AEW's marquee television show, "Dynamite." In those five years, "Dynamite" has seen some extremely high highs and some very low lows. All in all, "Dynamite" has been nothing short of a huge success for AEW and the wrestling world.
The fifth-anniversary episode of "Dynamite" was one of the more complete episodes in recent memory, seeing several entertaining matches and a big return, as well as progression on many different storylines just in time for the WrestleDream pay-per-view on Oct. 12.
Let's take a look at three takeaways from "Dynamite's" fifth-anniversary episode and what implications they could have going forward.
MVP made his AEW debut at Grand Slam last week, interrupting Prince Nana and offering his managerial services for former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland.
MVP appeared again on "Dynamite" this week and introduced Prince Nana to his business partner, the debuting Shelton Benjamin. MVP and Benjamin were part of the fan-favorite The Hurt Business stable in WWE alongside Bobby Lashley, who many speculate could be making his AEW debut soon.
Not only is MVP trying to recruit Strickland, but TBS and NJPW Strong Women's Champion Mercedes Mone could be in line to be the newest member of the new-look The Hurt Business in AEW.
TBS Champion & NJPW Strong Women's Champion Mercedes Moné & MVP talk big business?!
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 3, 2024
Watch #AEWDynamite's 5th Anniversary LIVE on TBS!@ReneePaquette | @MercedesVarnado | @Kamille_brick | @The305MVP | @njpwglobal pic.twitter.com/1NBEdmIyu2
Ever since returning last month, we have been seeing a different side of Jon Moxley. This side is much more ruthless and sadistic, showing he will go to extreme lengths to finish what he believes needs to get done.
After Bryan Danielson's match with Okada on "Dynamite," BCC members Pac and Claudio Castagnoli restrained Danielson as Moxley went on to yell in Danielson's face:
"NONE OF THIS IS ABOUT ME!" What does Jon Moxley mean by that?
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 3, 2024
Watch #AEWDynamite's 5th Anniversary LIVE on TBS!@BryanDanielson | @ClaudioCSRO | @BASTARDPAC | @MarinaShafir | @JonMoxley pic.twitter.com/THu2lprvEb
It is no secret that AEW has seen a massive drop in viewership and ticket sales compared to the peak numbers it was drawing back in 2021 and 2022.
However, it has been quite apparent for a while now that AEW was still going to land a lucrative new TV deal with its partner, Warner Bros. Discovery, and that new deal is on the verge of crossing the finish line. Wrestling reporter Dave Meltzer reports that the new deal is worth $555 million over three years, or an average of around $185 million per year.
Despite many AEW critics pushing the narrative that the company was at risk of failing soon due to the dropping attendance and viewership, this new TV deal is vindication for Tony Khan and proves that AEW is here to stay for the long haul.
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