10 Ups & 7 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Dec 11)

Downs...

7. Sakura Vs. Swole Drags

Emi Sakura and Big Swole is a solid pairing that yielded a (somewhat) solid match last night, but one lacking in energy at key points.

These 10 minutes felt like 15. That the bout occasionally dragged means it was a tad too long, and they struggled for fluidity at several points, creating some stodgy exchanges. It wasn't necessarily "bad" and Swole showed loads of personality, particularly when she went full James Brown with Sakura's microphone, but the problems diminished the heat and undermined the rub of the win.

Swole going over was the right move and Hikaru Shida's surprised ringside reaction suggests a match is brewing between the two. Here's hoping that that one comes off a little better than this, which wasn't as electric as it needed to be.

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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.