Samoa Joe vs. Darby Allin TNT title match set for AEW Dynamite
A TNT title match has been announced for the January 4 AEW Dynamite.
Samoa Joe will defend his title against Darby Allin on the show.
Allin and Joe were involved in an angle to close out the December 28 Dynamite. Following the main event, Darby rescued Wardlow from a post-match attack by Joe. The show closed with Darby holding up the TNT belt and staring at the champion.
AEW Dynamite on January 4 will take place in Darby’s hometown of Seattle, Washington. Darby participated in a DEFY show from the city last February and presented Nick Wayne with an AEW contract. Allin had been trained by Nick’s father, Buddy Wayne.
Tony Khan announced the match on social media Thursday afternoon.
Next Wednesday, Jan 4
Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite
Seattle, WA@TBSNetworkTNT Championship Match@SamoaJoe vs @DarbyAllin
The King of Television vs. The Longest Reigning TNT Champion Ever!
We'll have exclusive comments on this bout from Darby + @Sting tomorrow on #AEWRampage! pic.twitter.com/b5zLWd0W98
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) December 29, 2022
Allin’s 186-day reign from November 2020 to May 2021 is the longest in the title’s history. He also holds the record for the most combined days spent with the belt despite only holding it once. His eight successful defenses of the belt are tied with Miro and Cody Rhodes for most in a single reign.
AEW Dynamite on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, is scheduled for Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena as the promotion makes its debut in the city. Two matches have been announced thus far:
- Ricky Starks vs. Chris Jericho
- TNT Champion Samoa Joe defends against Darby Allin