Wednesday, the hallowed ground of Arthur Ashe will be host to the largest crowd in All Elite Wrestling history. I'll be there live, so if you see me, mind your own business, or buy me a beer.
The card for Dynamite: Grand Slam is:
Brian Pillman Jr. vs. MJF
Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes
Sting and Darby Allin vs. FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) (with Tully Blanchard)
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (c) (with Rebel) vs. Ruby Soho for the AEW Women's World Championship
Kenny Omega (with Don Callis) vs. Bryan Danielson
Brian Pillman Jr. vs. MJF
This feud became very personal very quickly as MJF insulted the Pillman family at every opportunity, causing a lot of fans think that MJF "crossed the line." While I understand that sentiment, I do not agree with it. People cry and ask for the attitude era back, but then cry whenever we get close to it again. There's nothing wrong with this feud, unless of course MJF wins. You can't really let MJF insult Pillman's family every week then give him the win.
Prediction: Brian Pillman Jr.
Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes
In Malakai's debut, Malakai destroyed Cody in a short and dominant performance. Cody was not around until last week when Malaki attempted to attack fellow "Go-Big Show" judge and Nightmare Family member Rosario Dawson. In the weeks prior, Malakai destroyed several members of the Nightmare Family, including Brock Anderson, Lee Johnson & Dustin Rhodes. The feud is being built that Cody should get the win here, but I think that AEW sees Black as a world title contender in the somewhat near future. Giving Black a loss here would not help that.
Prediction: Malakai Black
Sting & Darby Allin vs. FTR w/ Tully
Sting doesn't lose!
Prediction: Sting & Darby Allin
Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D vs. Ruby Soho for the AEW Women's World Championship
Ruby Soho has all the momentum. Her performance at All Out proves that she should be right here in the heart of the Women's Championship hunt. However, I do believe that you should not put the title on her yet though. She's only been in the company for a few weeks and Britt Baker has been on fire. I'd expect Baker to retain here.
Prediction: Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson
When Bryan Danielson's signing came to fruition, this was the match that I wanted to see the most. but I am a little surprised they're giving us this match so quickly. The booking of it is very reminiscent of when Kurt Angle came to TNA and faced off with Samoa Joe almost immediately. I love this match and I loved those matches too. Biggest issue is, are you really going to beat Bryan in his first match? I don't think they are. But, Bryan did say to Kenny Omega "You are not on my level!" That's almost a death sentence if Bryan wins. You bring in a guy from 'way up north' and put him over your champion immediately? I don't see that happening either. So what happens?
Prediction: Time Limit Draw
With a time limit draw, Omega proves he can hang with Danielson, but Danielson doesn't prove that he's better than Omega immediately. It leads to at least one more match between the two of them in which I believe Omega will win.
Overall, this is one of AEW's strongest dynamite cards of the year. Of course, it is their debut in New York and in front of their largest crowd ever so they should probably have their best card ever. I am extremely fortunate to be attending this show and I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on the show too!