Another huge milestone week, AEW Dynamite 300 comes to Ontario, California, with all kinds of promise. Two weeks until All In Texas, momentum continues to build with three big matches announced, and much remains to be solidified for Arlington.
Tony Khan will drop further crowd-pleasing matches and announcement graphics before Wednesday night. However, with three big contests acting as tentpoles for this week’s edition, we can already tell it will be another good night.
On such a momentous night, even MJF will put his working boots on. The Hurt Syndicate’s latest member is desperate for an easy shortcut victory to regain his Triple B. It’s canon that MJF never watches the show. So, the character doesn’t know how a Casino Gauntlet works. Nor has he considered his opponents.
Anthony Bowens has a point to prove. Pride Month might end, but the Pride of Pro Wrestling represents all year round. The spectacular AR Fox is a surprise victory away from a breakout. Brody King is the hardcore punk gorilla 100 men could not take down. Besides, does MJF think his attack on Mistico at MLW’s Summer of Beasts will see no comeuppance?
It was MJF who wanted war!
AEW Dynamite 300 – Matches Announced
- TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone vs. Mina Shirakawa
- 4-Way for Number 2 spot in the Casino Gauntlet at All In Texas: Brody King vs. MJF vs. Anthony Bowens vs. AR Fox
- Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada
TBS Championship
The intensity between Mercedes Mone and “Timeless” Toni Storm will continue to escalate. This week, Mone takes on Storm’s friend/sapphic partner/fan favorite, Mina Shirakawa, in a rematch from NJPW Resurgence. It’s personal for all three women.
First, Shirakawa was involved in the match where Mone lost the NJPW Women’s Strong Championship to AZM. Secondly, Shirakawa and Mone were friends when the former WWE women’s champion first came to Japan.
Facing Mone one-on-one is a dream scenario for Shirakawa. Thirdly, Shirakawa wants the TBS Championship to deal with the bitter disappointment of losing the Resurgence match. That’s not even considering her friendship with Storm!
Likewise, Mone wants to punish Shirakawa, who was involved and whom she blames for her loss of the NJPW title. Similarly, being able to hurt Storm proves she is the main character in this movie. Also, Corey Michael’s Match Point for Toni Storm vs. Mercedes Mone is an excellent look at their All In clash.
Yet, like a Hollywood movie, could there be a twist just before the climax? Two weeks after gaining a new championship, could Mone lose one with weeks to go before All In Texas?
Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada
Against Trent Barretta, Kota Ibushi had a solid reintroduction to singles action, and unfamiliar AEW fans got a showcase of his abilities. Whilst it’s arguable that Ibushi, due to injuries and time, may not be at his prime, it creates an interesting parallel against his opponent, Kazuchika Okada.
Since Okada came to AEW and won the Continental Championship, his character has been positioned first, his wrestling output being secondary.
Whether Okada is still able to perform at his best or his long-term arc reflects the reality of wear and tear is part of the intrigue for The Rainmaker and Omega’s fifth instalment.
This huge match, a first on American TV, will be the eighth time these men have battled one-on-one. Their first match dates back to 2013 in DDT. A lot has changed. Is this going to be a best-of-three match?
Nostalgic with the “oldies” playing their greatest hits? Or something new? Potentially, we could see Kenny Omega return to aid his Golden Lovers partner.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on AEW Dynamite 300 and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8 pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
