The Christmas Eve episode of AEW Dynamite, titled "Dynamite on 34th Street," was recorded at Manhattan’s Hammerstein Ballroom, filled with dazzling moments, tournament battles, and various antics leading up to Saturday’s pay-per-view event. While the detailed match outcomes are covered on the results page, here are some highlights and lowlights from this week’s AEW showcase — from Swerve Strickland’s fiery promo and the long-awaited retrieval of MJF’s Dynamite Diamond Ring to the disappointing absence of AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions and the underwhelming conflict between Gabe Kidd and Darby Allin.
Favorite: The Dynamite Diamond Ring Changes Hands
As a New Yorker, watching MJF claim the Dynamite Diamond Ring felt like a nod to “Uncut Gems.” Despite some past over-the-top moments, this segment allowed both competitors, Ricochet and Bandido—two of AEW’s most athletic talents—to shine without clear winners or losers, a rare and refreshing outcome in today’s predictable wrestling scene. The match was exhilarating and well worth watching live or via streams.
— Ross Berman
Disliked: The Elite Faction’s Diminishing Appeal
With The Young Bucks sidelined medically and Kenny Omega caught up in confusing storylines, the once-beautiful “Elite” faction is losing its charm. The Young Bucks’ past intrigue has faded, and Omega’s mysterious absences do little to maintain interest. AEW seems to have more promising directions, and clinging to old Elite stories feels stale and uninspired. It’s time for this chapter to close.
— Ross Berman
Favorite: Konosuke Takeshita Qualifies for AEW Worlds End
The show kicked off with a thrilling Continental Classic qualifier between "Alpha" Konosuke Takeshita and Orange Cassidy, both vying for a spot in the semifinals. Their match showcased top-tier chemistry and technical prowess, with Takeshita’s performance signaling he’s on track to possibly leave Wrestle Kingdom 20 with multiple titles. Cassidy, while needing a refresh in 2026, remains a standout when in top form. This match injected great energy into the show.
— Sam Palmer
Disliked: Darby Allin vs. Gabe Kidd Feud Underwhelms
While Darby Allin’s grudge against Gabe Kidd—stemming from Kidd’s brutal attack—makes some sense, the rivalry lacks explosive excitement. Given AEW’s stacked Worlds End card, this storyline feels misplaced and better suited for less prominent shows. The feud seems like a leftover subplot instead of a headline-worthy bout, though it hopefully signals closure for Darby to move on to fresh storylines in 2026.
— Sam Palmer
Favorite: MJF, Swerve Strickland, and Adam Page’s Unique Alliance
MJF’s setup match for his AEW World Championship challenge was a simple prelude to a memorable moment where Swerve Strickland and Adam Page united in an unusual but effective alliance to confront MJF together. This dynamic echoed the Marvel duo Daredevil and Punisher’s uneasy partnership — rivals with a shared mission — adding dramatic tension ahead of Samoa Joe’s looming role as a formidable challenger. It was a standout segment in terms of storytelling and character work.
— Max Everett
Disliked: PAC’s Loss to Jungle Jack Perry
While Jungle Jack Perry is a solid talent, PAC’s defeat didn’t feel right, as PAC has always been a leading contender in AEW with a strong track record. This loss interrupts his momentum and feels like a missed opportunity to elevate him further. The match itself was fine, but the booking decision seemed to undervalue PAC’s contributions and potential as a top star.
— Max Everett
Fan Take:
This episode of Dynamite not only advanced key tournaments and rivalries but also highlighted AEW’s evolving landscape where new stars like Takeshita ascend while longtime favorites like The Elite face challenges. For fans, these dynamics keep the product fresh and unpredictable, essential for growing AEW’s legacy and influencing the future direction of pro wrestling.
