3 Talking Points From Tonight’s Episode Of AEW Dynamite – 18th October 2023
In a night of twists and tales, the 18th of October episode of AEW Dynamite certainly gave fans plenty to talk about. It was one of those episodes that left a lasting imprint, thanks to three major developments.
First on the list is the anticipated retirement announcement of the legendary Sting. For many months now, rumors had been swirling. Interviews featuring Sting and Tony Khan had hinted at it. But on this Wednesday night, it became official. As the crowd listened in rapt attention, Sting delivered a heartfelt speech. He reminisced about his journey and paid homage to those who had been pivotal in his career, from Lex Luger to Ric Flair. The climax of his announcement? AEW Revolution 2024 will be his final match.
This isn’t just any announcement. AEW’s decision to let Sting announce his retirement well in advance might appear as a simple gesture, but it holds significant weight. It means fans can mentally prepare for the day. It allows for the build-up of excitement, anticipation, and nostalgia in the run-up to his final match. While Sting might not appear in many official matches before his retirement, this window gives fans ample opportunity to soak in the last moments of his illustrious career. The same can be said for Sting. With the end in sight, every appearance he makes will be charged with emotion, adding depth to his performances. From a business perspective, it’s a win for AEW. They now have a selling point. Promotions for local events can emphasize the ‘last chance’ to see Sting in action, a hook that could boost ticket sales significantly.
The next highlight from the night concerns the AEW World title. Fans have always recognized Jay White’s potential, so it wasn’t a shocker to see him getting a shot at Full Gear. However, the recurring storyline between White and MJF felt eerily familiar to many. It’s the age-old plot: the challenger keeps one-upping the champion only for the roles to reverse come the pay-per-view. Many saw it as predictable. Just when everything seemed to be following a tried-and-tested narrative, in walked Max Caster. With his social media banter with MJF now on the big screen, the story took an unexpected turn. The fresh twist not only reignited interest but also dangled the possibility of a partnership between The Acclaimed and MJF – a prospect many fans would eagerly await.
Lastly, there’s a lot to unpack around MJF. If one traces back, the MJF/Adam Cole narrative had been gaining traction, that is until Cole’s unfortunate injury. Since then, the material hasn’t resonated with many. The ongoing vignettes, the overlapping MJF-centered storylines, and multiple contenders targeting him has left many a bit overwhelmed. Even Wardlow, fresh from his hiatus, is in the fray. This raises the question, why are so many angles revolving around MJF simultaneously? Amid this chaos, however, there was a silver lining. MJF coming to commentary during the main event battle royal stood out. His natural flair for the mic was evident. His assertion of being different from the average babyface who’d rush into a battle and get overwhelmed struck a chord with many. In a move to address past controversies, AEW subtly switched gears from the controversial ‘roll of quarters’ angle to introducing a cubic zirconia ring, said to be from TJ Maxx. However, Tony Khan’s decision to quietly change storylines with sensitive undertones without public acknowledgement raised eyebrows.
In summary, the episode offered a mix of emotions, surprises, and moments of reflection. From Sting’s poignant retirement announcement, and the reshuffling of the AEW World title storyline, to the complex world of MJF, the night was eventful. For fans and followers, it left them waiting in anticipation for the next episode, curious to see how the tales unfold.
