AEW Dynamite (4/12) Preview: Blackpool Combat Club In Action, Two Title Bouts, And More

It's Wednesday, April 12, 2023, and you know what that means!

It's time to break down the April 12 episode of AEW Dynamite on TBS.

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This episode will feature two incredible championship matches, the first-time-ever encounter between Keith Lee and Chris Jericho, and more.

Here's everything you need to know before the latest AEW Dynamite on TBS.

Orange Cassidy Defends Yet Again

With all of the championship defenses he has made as the AEW International Champion, Orange Cassidy is slowly but surely feeling the wear and tear of the grind he has put himself through. It could be argued that he is his own worst enemy and on April 12, Buddy Matthews is hoping to kick the living shit out of him.

Buddy is looking to pick up more gold for the House of Black and with Cassidy's exhaustion surely ramping up, the saying may be true, The House Always Wins.

Keith Lee vs. Chris Jericho

For the first time ever Keith Lee will take on Chris Jericho. This match was born off the back of Chris Jericho disrespecting Adam Cole and Keith Lee, a former enemy of Adam's looking to teach the wrestling veteran a lesson in respect. Jericho intends on teaching Keith a lesson about what happens when you mess with Le Champion.

This match could also be a stepping stone for Keith as he looks to find a way into a championship picture. A victory over a former AEW World Champion could very well help him establish himself as a single Superstar. With this detour from his rivalry with Swerve, Lee looks to remind the world that he is Limitless.

Also, Adam Cole will surely be watching this encounter from somewhere.

TNT Title Open Challenge

Powerhouse Hobbs is again looking to defend his AEW TNT Title. This time, he will face Ring of Honor's Silas Young. The first real major opportunity for "The Last Real Man," Silas is hoping to upset the current TNT Champion and close The Book of Hobbs once and for all. Hobbs is more than capable of holding his own and is looking to prove his dominance as champion.

Also, wherever the TNT Champion goes, expect the QTV cameras and personnel to follow.

Darby Allin Takes On Swerve Strickland In A Highly-Anticipated Contest

Darby Allin and Swerve Strickland may be destined to fight forever. The latest chapter in the history of these two competitors sees Strickland setting his sights on Darby as Darby had his sights on Maxwell Jacob Friedman and the AEW World Championship.

Strickland chose to make an example out of Darby Allin, sending Brian Cage to attack him on the most recent AEW Rampage as part of the recent merger of the Mogul Affiliates & The Embassy.

With Darby hoping to make this match a short detour on his path to the Championship and Swerve looking to carve out his own path to his first AEW singles championship belt, the match on April 12 looks to be one to remember.

Women's Tag Team Action

Toni Storm & Ruby Soho will represent The Outcasts against the inaugural AEW women's World Champion, Riho, and the newest recipient of the All Elite graphic, Skye Blue. The Outcasts will likely have the numbers game with Saraya in the corner of Toni & Ruby, but Skye & Riho have heart and they're not going to go down easy. Plus, Riho may bring her equalizer, the pipe to the ring. The latest chapter in the story of the divided AEW women's division will take place on April 12.

The Blackpool Combat Club Takes On Elite-Adjacent Duo

Jon Moxley and Claudio Castagnoli, representing the Blackpool Combat Club, will look to send another message to The Elite by way of their associates, Brandon Cutler and Michael Nakazawa. Brandon and Michael are hoping to make a point to stand up to the bullies, but considering the opposition, they would be wise to make survival their main objective.

Last week, Bryan Danielson sent a sadistic message by taking a screwdriver to Hangman Page's face. The next step in this rivalry will take place tonight one way or another, even if it's just another sacrifice.

In addition to all of this, AEW World Champion MJF is mandated to appear in Milwaukee. Also, FTR, Jade Cargill, and more are holding onto gold, and the next chapter in their stories may also take place tonight.

Here is the updated lineup for Wednesday's AEW Dynamite:

AEW Dynamite (4/12)

  • Keith Lee vs. Chris Jericho
  • Darby Allin vs. Swerve Strickland
  • AEW International Championship: Orange Cassidy (c) vs. Buddy Matthews
  • Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Brandon Cutler & Michael Nakazawa
  • AEW TNT Championship: Powerhouse Hobbs (c) vs. Silas Young
  • Skye Blue & Riho vs. The Outcasts (Toni Storm & Ruby Soho)

Fightful has live coverage of AEW Dynamite every Wednesday night as it airs on TBS. We will also have a podcast breaking down all the action after the show goes off the air on our YouTube channel.

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