10 Ups & 0 Downs From AEW Dynamite (25 Jan - Review)

9. Darby Holds It Together Before He Falls Apart

Darby Allin's new story is one of the simplest to tell for a man that sustains what he does during matches - his body will no longer tolerate such reckless abuse.

Commentators hit the point hard as he entered for his TNT Title clash with Buddy Matthews, but not as hard as Matthews hit him in the opening stretch. Perfectly illustrating the point, the House Of Black man's viciousness was everything we've come to expect from Allin's television work, but more pointed and forceful in light of his mounting injuries and ailing frame.

Most wrestlers look amazing beating the f*cking absolute sh*t out of Allin, but the stacked and jacked Matthews looked particularly impressive having his turn. In a cute turnabout of an old dig, the former Buddy Murphy drilled the Champion with a buckle bomb/curb stomp combo. This felt like a tribute to ex-colleague Seth Rollins, a man accused as much as Matthews of being a Kenny Omega tribute act. Breadcrumbs aren't enough to fill those starving for Elite/House Of Black action, but it was something all the same.

Allin's fightback was as energised and absorbing as ever, and after Sting and new H.O.B enemy Ortiz despatched Malakai Black and Brody King, a top rope Death Drop looked like a deathblow of a finish until an unfortunate miscommunication necessitated a Coffin Drop for the cathartic win. Speaking of which, Samoa Joe's post-match promo forecast violent revenge in their Championship rematch next week. The 'One True King Of Television' has been missed, and his attempt to re-ascend to the throne next week promises yet more punishment for an Champion feeling the strain.