5 Ups & 6 Downs From AEW Dark (May 26)
How do you like them apples, QT Marshall?
AEW Dark's most watchable format was the one it settled on shortly after debuting last October.
That version of the YouTube series worked because of its nice blend of matches, small angles, and the tremendous From Undesirable to Undeniable segment, which hit the skids after only a handful of episodes. It was supplemental rather than essential, but it worked. Dark was an easily digestible and enjoyable platform for wrestlers who weren't guaranteed a Dynamite spot every other week.
Unfortunately, Dark's current format is its worst. Squash Match Theatre is fine in these difficult times, but 8-10 matches a week is a lot, particularly as most of them have the exact same layout. There's little variety on offer and that leads to a tougher viewing experience. Fundamentally sound bouts suffer because you've already seen 4 or 5 of their ilk beforehand, making Dark a bloated, flabby episode of Jakked/Metal. They aren't awful and good stuff still shines through, though the platform isn't being maximised.
Best Friends, Wardlow, Colt Cabana, Jungle Boy, the Natural Nightmares, and more were all highlighted in this week's episode. It also featured a couple of minor angles that may actually be heading somewhere, though the show still lacks variety.
Let's light the fuse.