10 Ups & 0 Downs From AEW Dynamite: New Year's Smash (Jan 13)

6. FTR Avoid Marko Stunt's Banana Peel

Dax Harwood Marko Stunt
AEW

FTR had promised to mess Marko Stunt up in tribute to Jim Cornette, having goaded the diminutive flyer into taking Luchasaurus' place in this match, calling him a glorified mascot.

The match was what most would have expected. Jurassic Express fought with spirit, using their slipperiness and superior speed and agility to craft openings, breaking FTR's control. Stunt, p*ssed off, scored a couple of near falls though his evasiveness, while Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler were presented as total bullies throughout, treating Marko like a smear of dog sh*t on their boots.

Tully Blanchard's intervention led to FTR's victory, as Stunt was pinned via Big Rig with Jungle Boy wiped out on the outside. Some may look at this and say "Why do FTR need Tully to win?", but that isn't the story. Blanchard doesn't interfere because Dax and Cash need him to beat Marko; he interferes because these guys are total *ssholes, and doing so when it isn't necessary makes them even bigger *ssholes.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.