10 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (Feb 19)
9. Shanna & Statlander Slug It Out
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...