10 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Oct 28)

3. War Dogs

Wardlow Hangman Page
AEW

Wardlow continued his ascent as one of AEW's more exciting prospects with a banger opener against Hangman Page last night.

MJF's muscle man was as great as he was against Jungle Boy. It's not just his big, dazzling power moves, but fundamentals like his positioning and timing, now. He catches and counters smaller wrestlers instinctively. It never looks fake or choreographed, and whether this is a product of intense graft or a natural, innate ability, Wardlow has it down. His base is extremely solid.

Page was excellent, too. Finally, it felt like Hangman was shedding his sad cowboy skin, coming out of his shell as a fiery, f*ck-you-up pro-wrestling. He worked faster than usual and broke out all kinds of high-risk spots when faced with the monster, eventually putting Wardlow away with two consecutive Buckshot Lariats - and even then, 'The War Dog' just got his shoulder up after the three-count.

That is how you protect somebody in defeat. Countouts, disqualifications, and distractions are for bookers without balls.

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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.