AEW put on another solid Dynamite episode from the Nationwide Arena from Columbus, Ohio.
Emanating from Jon Moxley‘s home state, a raucous crowd cheered on the action with gusto as AEW build toward the historic All In show in Wembley Stadium in three weeks.
Hometown star Jon Moxley was in action in a tag team match, while the Young Bucks were hoping to add to their collection of five-star matches as they had a highly-anticipated rematch against The Hardys.
Two titles were on the line, including a debut for ECW legend Rob Van Dam, to join the AEW Women’s Championship match on the card.
AEW Dynamite Star Ratings (8/9/23)
In this article, we will talk you through the matches from this week’s AEW Dynamite, awarding them a star-rating based on the performances.
We will report on Dave Meltzer’s star ratings for AEW Dynamite (8/9/23), seeing which matches (if any) manage to achieve that legendary five-star rating.
The fan-voted rating from Cagematch users will also be noted, giving a different perspective to the star ratings presented in this article.
The Young Bucks vs The Hardys (TBD)
In a highly anticipated rematch from last year’s Double or Nothing show, Jeff & Matt Hardy took on The Young Bucks in the opening match of AEW Dynamite.
It started rough, with Jeff Hardy looking like a shadow of his former self in the ring. He was slow, missed spots and generally looked out of place.
However, he grew into the match, even with Matt Hardy doing the bulk of the work alongside The Young Bucks.
The crowd also grew into the match, getting incredibly loud for some false finishers near the end. They were firmly pro-Hardys, nearly exploding when Jeff Hardy nearly won with a Swanton Bomb.
It was a really fun match that saw Young Bucks win with a BTE Trigger, before they accepted a match with FTR at All In.
- Dave Meltzer’s Star Rating – N/A
- Cagematch Rating – 6.59
- Atletifo Rating – 3 Stars
Jack Perry vs Rob Van Dam – FTW Championship (TBD)
After attempting to confront a retired Jerry Lynn last week, Jack Perry was forced to defend his FTW Championship against an ECW Legend on AEW Dynamite.
He took on Jerry Lynn’s longtime friend and rival, Rob Van Dam, in the former WWE Champion’s debut match in AEW.
Rob Van Dam looked fantastic in this match. With the way he moved and his incredible flexibility, you’d never have guessed he was 52-years-old.
He hit all his old spots, including using tables and chairs to take down Perry. The crowd were firmly pro-RVD, and were horrified when Jack Perry low-blowed him, threw his head into a chair and rolled him up for the win.
This bout was a fun nostalgia act, although Rob Van Dam could have earned an AEW contract with his performance. Jack Perry continues to excel as a heel, and as such earn a 3-star rating from us.
- Dave Meltzer’s Star Rating – N/A
- Cagematch Rating – 6.87
- Atletifo Rating – 3 Stars
Lucha Bros vs Blackpool Combat Club (TBD)
A decent tag match followed, although it suffered from the multiple matches between the teams in recent weeks.
The Blackpool Combat Club already lost to the Lucha Bros in a three-way tag team match two weeks ago, and last week Moxley and Fenix battled in a triple threat match.
However, all four men worked hard to get the crowd invested in their match, with a creative finish that saw Moxley steal Penta’s mask, then roll him up for the win.
- Dave Meltzer’s Star Rating – 4 Stars
- Cagematch Rating – 6.38
- Atletifo Rating – 2 Stars
Hikaru Shida vs Anna Jay – AEW Women’s Championship (TBD)
Hikaru Shida tried her best, but Anna Jay is simply not on her level.
Putting this match in the main event seems to be Tony Khan responding to criticism of how he books the women, but this was not the match to do this with.
Shida won the match with ease, although carrying Anna Jay so hard must have wreaked havoc on her back.
The crowd were firmly behind the AEW Women’s Champion, and were thrilled when she picked up the victory over Anna Jay (who left the JAS earlier that night).
Sadly, the match wasn’t great, and it was only there to set up a women’s four-way match at All In.
- Dave Meltzer’s Star Rating – N/A
- Cagematch Rating – 4.62
- Atletifo Rating – 1 Star