10 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Apr 1)

Downs...

2. Squash Harder

Hikaru Shida
AEW

Preceded by a fine video package highlighting Hikaru Shida's recent triumphs was a bout that saw debutant Anna Jayy defeated in a shade over five minutes.

Though fundamentally sound, it was the wrong layout. Shida is emerging as Nyla Rose's top contender. If that's the case and they're building her up for 'The Native Beast,' she needs to be putting unproven opposition away a lot quicker. Look at Jake Hager and Jon Moxley and the way they've smashed similar wrestlers in a fifth of the time it took Shida to dispense with Jayy. Those squashes were quick, impactful, and effective: Shida vs. Jayy was neither.

It's no fault of the wrestlers, but whoever laid this thing out. The situation called for dominance, not 50/50, and it stands only as another W to pad Shida's record.

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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.