Thoughts on AEW Wednesday Night Dynamite (4/22/26) -

I don't feel the need to review this particular Dynamite episode segment by segment; instead, I'd like to share specific thoughts that occurred to me throughout the broadcast. Let's get into it:

The Rise of Kevin Knight

I expressed a similar sentiment last week, but it bears repeating: we are incredibly fortunate to witness Kevin Knight's ascension as one of the best wrestlers consistently featured on American television. It's exciting to see a hyped prospect not just meet expectations, but exceed them. He's a 29-year-old stud with the TNT Championship around his waist, holding his own in a promo battle with MJF. I'm genuinely excited to see their title match next week, and it's one I think Knight should definitely win. I hope AEW figures out their next licensing deal for action figures, because this kid needs one ASAP. Knight is the type of talent that will be very over with children and adults alike. He's unquestionably a future AEW World Champion, and I'm excited to witness his career continuing to blossom. 

Elevating other titles

I thought it was smart to have Knight put over the TNT Championship so strongly, to the point that MJF challenged for it. I'm of the belief that titles should mean something to both champion and challenger, and I think this is a really good way to get more shine on the belt itself by having a former multi-time World Champion want it. I'd love to see Khan take this approach with the World Tag Team Championship, too. I think those titles should be as prestigious as the AEW World Championship, so here's hoping we get more emphasis around the importance of not just those titles, but of tag team wrestling itself. 

What is The Blackheart?

On the one hand, I understand Lio Rush portrayed this gimmick throughout his time on the independents; on the other, it's the type of gimmick/presentation that I'd like to see AEW steer away from. I understand talent will push to try new things, but this just feels silly. Why is he suddenly like this? What's his purpose, his mission, etc? We need to get an explainer sooner rather than later; otherwise, he's just a creepy-looking dude taking losses to the more established stars (and he could just be Lio Rush instead of Blackheart). 

Copeland teases retirement

When news broke of a potential new pay-per-view, Redemption, I asked around and heard chatter regarding a potential Adam Copeland retirement show. I'm still unclear when (or if) it's scheduled, as I've been told Redemption in July, while others claim WrestleDream in October.  It wouldn't shock me if he and Christian Cage win the tag match at Double or Nothing, but lose down the line with the same sort of stipulation. Either way, it feels like we're nearing the end of Copeland. He's a bit of a polarizing figure in AEW, but I thought he's been pretty good. I've always been a fan of his, and I'm glad he had a little run in AEW. 

Mark Davis is terrific

I'm thrilled for this fucking hoss, man. He's had a ton of bad luck, and I'm glad he's getting a little mid-card singles push. He hits hard, looks like a fucking pro wrestler, and his match vs. Will Ospreay was incredible. He fucking rules, and I hope to see him win the TNT Championship down the line. AEW lost a hoss in Powerhouse Hobbs, but has now established Davis as a viable future mid-card champion, at least in my view. It's what Khan and any booker worth a damn should be doing. Kudos to Davis on getting his flowers.

There's still room to make the show flow better

It was silly and inexcusable for Ospreay to be beaten and battered, immediately cut to HIS FIANCE, and she says absolutely nothing about it. It's little things like this that can be jarring, and take the viewer out of the moment they just wanted. The audience is expecting Alex Windsor to at least say something, and it's bizarre that she didn't even acknowledge it. It's a careless mistake. 

Samoa Joe rules

That's all. It's great to see him back. Oh, give us Joe vs. Davis.

Ciampa has shut up the haters 

I'll be upfront: I was very against the idea of AEW signing Ciampa, especially in an era where younger talent is getting pushed; that being said, I've been dead wrong about Ciampa thus far. The man has looked explosive, and someone who understands what his role in this company actually is. He's a credible challenger for the title, and that only increased following his performance throughout this match. It's remarkable how WWE sucks the life out of these performers, man. Ciampa is someone they could very well use if they allowed him to work this style. I'm glad he's been freed from Paulcatraz Island. 

Darby Allin vs. Brody King

What a fun journey for these two. They've nearly killed one another on multiple occasions, both are friendly with each other, and now both are going to do battle over the AEW World Championship. It's just awesome to see growth. Brody King fucking rules, and I'm glad to see him in the mix.