10 Things You Learn Re-Watching AEW Dynamite’s First Episode
4. Riho’s Title Win Is Bigger With Hindsight
Confession time: This writer has always been hard on AEW's women's division, at least during those early days. The scene seemed super-weak, and yours truly was less than convinced by workers like Riho or Nyla Rose. That changed a bit re-watching this episode of Dynamite. Why? One reason.
Riho vs. Rose was one of the show's best matches.
The live crowd were right into everything these women did. Riho's underdog performance rallied support behind her, and Nyla's control of the match worked a treat. Sure, the original belt AEW handed the women sucked, but everything both Riho and Rose tried came off without a hitch. Their finish got a thunderous pop too.
Every division and belt has to start somewhere. Time has been kind to Riho's win and Rose's role as a monster heel who just couldn't put the smaller worker away. In short, if you were a doubter like this guy, then do yourself a favour and give these early matches a second chance.
You might end up pleasantly surprised too.