11 Ups & 0 Downs From AEW Dynamite (May 31 - Review)
2. Kris Statlander Vs Nyla Rose
Proving that a special Dynamite was occurring, this maiden TBS Championship defence for Kris Statlander occupied the typical women's match quarter hour spot but never once felt like it.
Hot in the building and heated in the ring, this took advantage of a tried-and-true formula for the promotion and the benefit of two perpetually over performers. Nyla Rose has played first losing challenger multiple times in the past, and this match was a reminder why. Her strength and surprising areal abilities make the task at hand look insurmountable, and the babyface battling back to get it done sets them up as a fighting champion.
And so it went. The fans were wild for Statlander's nearfalls, and wilder still for her win and first retention. For something announced on the day of the show and so transparent in its motives, this couldn't have been better. The new TBS Champion goes to 1-0, and her singular defence ended up as the most memorable match for the belt in months.