AEW Dynamite (5/3/23) Preview: Roderick Strong Debuts, Trios Battle Royal, More

It’s Wednesday, May 3, 2023, and you know what that means!

It’s time to break down the May 3 episode of AEW Dynamite on TBS.

This episode will feature the in-ring debut of Roderick Strong, a Trios Battle Royal, and more.

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

Adam Cole & Roderick Strong Team Up

On April 26, Roderick Strong shocked the system by showing up in NXT, immediately setting his sights on the Chris Jericho Appreciation Society. On May 3. The surprise debut of Roderick Strong was a shock to the system, and on May 3, he will team with Adam Cole for the first time in years alongside Bandido and Orange Cassidy. 

The Messiah of the Backbreaker is free and he’s hoping to hurt a lot of people along the way.

Juice Robinson Steps Into A Ring With Ricky Starks

Juice Robinson will take on Ricky Starks finally one-on-one. The last time this match was scheduled to take place, AEW revealed the signing of the debuting Jay White. Ricky Starks is looking at tonight’s match as a way to get what’s his. On May 3, Starks is out for vengeance and Robinson is hoping to write the next chapter for the Bang Bang Gang.

Trios Battle Royal

During the April 28 episode of AEW Rampage, AEW announced that a Trios Battle Royale will take place on the May 3 episode of AEW Dynamite. The teams are listed below:

– Dark Order (John Silver, Alex Reynolds, & Evil Uno)
– The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, & Billy Gunn)
– QT Marshall, Powerhouse Hobbs, & Aaron Solo
– The Butcher, The Blade, & Kip Sabian
– Lucha Bros (Penta El Zero Meido & Rey Fenix) & Vikingo
– The Varsity Athletes (Tony Nese & Josh Woods) & Ari Daivari

Thus far, no official stakes have been added to the match, but one would have to imagine that this helps move a team up tremendously in the trios rankings

Saraya Takes On Willow 

In the latest match to take place in the war between The Outcasts and AEW originals, Saraya will take on Willow Nightingale. 

By now it is understood that none of these matches ever really boil down to a one-on-one situation. Saraya will more than likely have Ruby Soho and Toni Storm in her corner. While she may be fun-loving, Willow isn’t oblivious to the fact that she needs to have people in her corner on May 3. Fans will get to see what she has planned when AEW Dynamite airs live on TBS

MJF’s Double or Nothing Match Will Be Determined Once And For All

After getting himself involved in both matches of the short “Pillars Tournament,” MJF assumed that he would have an easy night at AEW Double or Nothing as he had already paid Sammy Guevara to lay down for him. Unfortunately for Maxwell, his actions may now bite him in the ass. On May 3, MJF will team with Sammy Guevara against both Darby Allin and Jack Perry. Should Perry and Darby win, they will be inserted into the AEW World Championship match on Sunday, May 28. 

Sammy Guevara’s wife, Tay Conti, had a lot to say about Sammy making a deal with Maxwell Jacob Friedman. Tay wants Sammy to know that this is his time to shine, and if Darby and Jungle Boy win, all of the pillars will be front and center in Las Vegas, Nevada, competing for the AEW Title.

The Elite Will Speak

Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson will have something to say on May 3 after again failing to get revenge on the Blackpool Combat Club, leading to Konosuke Takeshita being attacked with a screwdriver on April 26. 

It is already known that on May 10, Kenny Omega will get the opportunity to face Jon Moxley again; only this time, they will fight inside the steel cage. With AEW Double or Nothing also on the horizon, The Elite’s words could have huge ramifications on the immediate future of AEW programming.

Here is the updated card for the May 3 episode of AEW Dynamite: 

AEW Dynamite (5/3)

• Adam Cole, Roderick Strong, Orange Cassidy & Bandido vs. Jericho Appreciation Society (Jake Hager, Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker) (Chris Jericho will be on commentary)
• MJF & Sammy Guevara vs. Darby Allin & Jack Perry (If Darby & Perry win, they will be added to AEW Double or Nothing main event between MJF vs. Guevara)
• Saraya vs. Willow Nightingale
• We’ll hear from The Elite (Kenny Omega & The Young Bucks)
• Ricky Starks vs. Juice Robinson
• Trios Battle Royale

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.