Major Heel Turn, New Champions, Backstage Brawl & More: AEW Dynamite (December 27, 2023) Highlights & Results

The final episode of AEW Dynamite closing 2023 was set to end the year with a bang. Titled the New Year’s Smash Special, this episode had a lot to unfold. With the Continental Classics still ongoing, Samoa Joe and MJF dealing with The Devil, and much more, fans awaited this episode with bated breath.

This episode of AEW Dynamite comes straight from Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida.

Recap of AEW Dynamite 27-12-2023

Opening match: Continental Classic Gold League Final Triple Threat Match: Jon Moxley vs. Swerve Strickland vs. Jay White

Winner: Jon Moxley

The shower opened with the Continental Classic Gold League Final. Jon Moxley took on Swerve Strickland and Jay White to see who the final contender would be. White and Moxley had a match last week where Moxley walked away with the victory. The match was rough and brutal, with each man trying their best to be the winner. The majority of the match took place outside the ring, as it was a no disqualification bout.

The match featured a chair spot and Strickland flying high to take out Moxley and White. Moxley was on the defense for the opening part of the match, with White being the opportunist. The winner will be headed to the finals at AEW’s World End, and each man wanted that spot for themselves. The match was long, action-packed, and a perfect match for the final episode of AEW Dynamite in 2023. With multiple near falls, the match shifted gears near the end, involving the fans cheering for the action. After a Death Rider, Moxley picked up the win.

Backstage segment

We get Strickland backstage talking about the match he just had. During the heated segment, Strickland challenged Keith Lee, who had already sent over a contract for a match this Saturday at World’s End. Strickland and Lee were once partners who now have unfinished business.

Mariah May interview by Renee Paquette

May claimed that she was in support of Toni Storm and that her debut match will be on the first episode of AEW Dynamite on New Year’s. Riho appeared behind May, who attacked last week, and May ran to the ring to escape. Storm appeared but got beaten by Riho, who is after her title.

Backstage segment

Top Flight and Action Andretti address coming up short against The Acclaimed weeks prior. Orange Cassidy, Trent, and Rocky Romero stroll by and challenge to see them on Friday.

Don Callis And Family Interview

Don Callis took the ring with Konosuke Takeshita, Powerhouse Hobbs, and ROH TV Champion Kyle Fletcher. Callis talked about boxing week in Canada and claimed he had gifts for the fans. Sammy Guevara made his return to interrupt the interview. After a heated back and forth between Callis and Guevara, which involved Callis claiming Guevara does not have the mental capacity to be a parent, a brawl broke out.

With the numbers being on the side of the Don Callis family, Guevara was in trouble. Out came Chris Jericho to a loud pop to save Guevara. With the numbers not being in the favor, the lights went out, and out came Sting and Darby Allin to aid Jericho and Guevara.

Continental Classic Blue League Finals: Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston

Winner: Eddie Kingston

The two babyfaces squared off for the Continental Classic Blue League Finals. Like the Gold League at the show’s start, the match was action-packed. The fans were on the edge of their seats, cheering for both men. The two displayed great chemistry, with each being in control of the match at times.

Just like the Gold League match, this lasted for a long time, pushing both men to their limits. Kingston won after a powerbomb on Danielson.

Postmatch

While Kingston stood surprised in the ring after his victory, Moxley came out. Moxley asked Kingston to give his 100% at their match at AEW’s World’s End, which will see one of them walk out as the Triple Crown Champion.

Kingston claimed that he was older and more experienced than Moxley and that he should watch his mouth.

Backstage segment

Christian Cage was seated backstage with his “family” awaiting Adam Copeland. Copeland showed up, and a brawl broke out with Cage. AEW security and officials had to break the two up, with Cage calling Copeland a coward.

Kris Statlander vs. Skye Blue

Winner: Skye Blue

Blue closed the year with another victory over Statlander. She made headlines by having over 50 matches this year. While Statlander had a bit of control, Blue was quick to shut her down. After a Code Blue, she won the match via pinfall.

MJF vs The Devil’s Henchmen for ROH Tag Team Championship

Winner: The Devil’s Henchmen

Before the match started, a live video from backstage played showing Samoa Joe hurt. MJF faced off against the Devil’s Henchmen in a handicapped match. Despite starting strong, MJF was no match for the duo, resulting in a quick pinfall victory. MJF lost the titles to The Devil’s Henchmen.

Postmatch

The ring was filled with more of The Devil’s Henchmen, who beat down the injured MJF. Samoa Joe came down to the ring, limping with a steel chair in hand, scaring off the henchmen. However, he turned the chair on MJF and hit a Bronco Buster off the top rope on MJF. Standing tall, he lifted the AEW Championship, cementing his heel turn.