The rivalry between Darby Allin and Ricky Starks continued tonight (Sept. 30) on Dynamite in a singles match to kick off the show.
Team Taz had a trick up their sleeve in the form of interference from Brian Cage, but Will Hobbs cut him off before Cage could make it into the ring. The two big men brawled to the back, leaving Darby and Ricky to go at it uninterrupted.
It looked like the end was upon us when Darby executed an explosive Yoshi Tonic, but Starks kicked out of the pin attempt.
After exchanging face slaps in the middle of the ring, Starks knocked Allin out of mid air with a spear for a near fall.
Incredible counter from @starkmanjones to almost win this thing! #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/1yVPXBui8S
— All Elite Wrestling on TNT (@AEWonTNT) October 1, 2020
Starks tried to end the match with his finisher off the top rope, but Darby fought out of it, knocking Starks off the buckle. He immediately followed up with a Coffin Drop to Starks’ injured lower back, and that was enough for the win.
Darby Allin sometimes relies on thumbtacks and skateboards to neutralize his foes, but this week all he needed was a bit of an assist from Will Hobbs.
What did you think of the opening match on Dynamite?
Get complete Dynamite results and coverage here.