AEW Dynamite Review - Chris Jericho RETURNS TO AEW! - MJF Vs Speedball Mike Bailey - Will Ospreay Vs PAC - The Brawling Birds & Mina Shirakawa Vs The Triangle Of Madness - Loads & Loads Of Kenny Omega!

The WhatCulture Wrestling podcast delivers a lively, often irreverent review of a pivotal AEW Dynamite episode featuring Chris Jericho's long-awaited return to AEW after a year away. Hosts Michael Hamflit and Matt Sidgwick dissect the show's highs and lows, with particular focus on Jericho's underwhelming reception in Winnipeg—described as a rare failure of wrestling's two fundamental laws: the homecoming pop and the long-absent star return. Despite the awkward crowd reaction, the hosts debate whether this was a deliberate heel turn setup, possibly foreshadowing a 'Cornerstone' character built on entitlement and resentment. The episode is praised for its focus, with six high-quality matches that feel purposeful rather than bloated. Highlights include Will Ospreay's masterclass against Pac, a brutal, emotionally charged neck-focused match that showcases elite selling and storytelling, and Kenny Omega's fiery promo leading into his upcoming title clash with MJF. The MJF vs. Speedball Mike Bailey main event is lauded for its smart booking, with MJF using the match to elevate Bailey while reinforcing his own dominance. The hosts also critique the underwhelming women's match between Triangle of Madness and the Brawling Birds, calling it a symptom of AEW's ongoing marginalization of women's wrestling. The episode ends with a playful 'Ladies Night' game, celebrating the show's strategic scheduling of women's matches to appease audiences while maintaining a male-dominated first hour. Overall, the hosts express renewed excitement for Dynasty, crediting the show's tighter booking and star-driven storytelling for a resurgence in quality. Key takeaways include: 1) Chris Jericho’s return was a calculated heel turn, not a fan service moment; 2) Will Ospreay has become AEW’s most compelling top star, with his return story and match quality setting a new bar; 3) MJF’s mastery of TV storytelling continues to elevate his character and the entire product; 4) AEW’s booking is now more dynamic and unpredictable, with multiple viable title scenarios being genuinely considered; 5) The women’s division remains under-promoted, despite moments of strong work; 6) The show’s focus on fewer, higher-quality matches makes it more impactful; 7) Kenny Omega’s return to the world title picture is now fully earned and compelling; 8) The episode’s structure—minimal filler, maximal star power—sets a blueprint for future Dynamite episodes.