10 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Jan 22)

by Andy H Murray

1. Cowboy Sh*t Pays Off

Hangman Page
AEW

Hangman Page vs. SoCal Uncensored was far from your typical AEW tag match. This was a more traditional, methodical kind of bout. Rather than going for the division's usual highlight-reel approach, these four saved the cocaine and adrenaline until the end, building slowly towards an outstanding closing stretch elevated by the tentative opening phases and gradual escalations.

The announcers did a great job of putting this stylistic shift over, noting that the reduced distance between the ring and the barricade left little scope for flips and dives. The match was better for it. Spotfests can be fun, sure, but this was a more satisfying encounter.

Flashes of heeldom crept into Page's work as he got in a shoving match with Scorpio Sky, drawing Kenny Omega's admonishment for breaking the pitched "gentlemen's contest." This escalated with the action. At one point, Page almost took Kenny's head off with a misplaced Buckshot. This came on the back of an awesome Omega/Sky sequence that saw near-misses on both the V-Trigger and One Winged Angel, suggesting a future singles match between the two would probably rule.

Page scored the win for his team, hitting Frankie Kazarian with the Buckshot. This wasn't just a title win, but one over on Omega, who wasn't involved in the finish.

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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.