10 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (18 Aug)

8. Thunder In Houston

Thunder Rosa
AEW

There were clear crowd lulls as Penelope Ford wrestler Thunder Rosa last night, with Houston more interested in watching Rosa hit her signature spots and show fire than anything else. That worked to the bout's detriment. The audience wasn't there for Ford, despite her efforts, though they popped huge for Rosa.

The work was on point. Ford pulled out a couple of big bombs, including a field-levelling cutter on the outside, while Rosa laid her shots in in the corner. Though things cooled off when Penelope was in control, the closing grappling sequences were fluid and believable, particularly the Muta Lock counter from the Fire Thunder Driver. These exchanges led to the finish as well, with Rosa trapping the leg for a submission victory.

Thunder Rosa is in ascendency since signing a full-time AEW contract last month. This win over a former title contender should set her up for something big after All Out, where Britt Baker presumably faces Kris Statlander.

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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.