11 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Aug 5)

9. A Functional Debut

Cody Matt Cardona
AEW

Matt Cardona looks f*cking huge.

This could be because his first interactions in this match were with the diminutive John Silver, because he has added serious muscle in lockdown, or, most likely, a combination of both. Either way, the guy looks to be in the shape of his life.

Cody and Cardona's tag with The Dark Order's C-team worked. The dirty secret about Silver and Alex Reynolds is that while they're cast as jobbers, they're actually an excellent tandem with years of independent experience. They proved it here as the ever-giving 'American Nightmare' allowed them plenty of offense, opening windows to show their flashy double-teaming style, leading to the Cardona hot tag and eventual finish via Radio Silence (the Rough Ryder's new name).

A good little in-ring debut for Cardona, though no seeds were planted for what he might do next. It'll be interesting to find out nonetheless.

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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.