10 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (Feb 19)

9. Shanna & Statlander Slug It Out

Shanna Kris Statlander
AEW

Shanna vs. Kris Statlander was a good match that may have been a great one if not for a few daft early moments emanating from the latter's signature nose-touch spot. These developed into a silly exchange of mawkish taps and piefaces from two of the division's better wrestlers who, had they chosen to get serious from the very first bell, could have delivered a real banger.

Regardless, this was still lots of fun. Statlander and Shanna started slugging the hell out of each other after dispensing with the silliness. The strikes were crisp, the holds snug, and the exchanges suitably fluid, showing that they're on a level above most in the division. Complimenting their solid work was the much-improved Britt Baker on commentary, whose *ssholery manifested in giving Tony Schiavone a cup of Starbucks coffee with his name misspelt. She was solid, enhancing the experience rather than detracting from it.

Statlander took the victory with her Big Bang Theory finisher, having used the same move to finish Diamante on the previous night's Dark. Her streak is taking her places...

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.