11 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Jan 1)

4. Cody Vs. Darby Allin Rematch Delivers

A successful wrestling rematch often means taking the themes and moments established in the previous bout and expanding upon them. That's exactly what Cody and Darby Allin did last night, with the duo calling back to several points from their acclaimed Fyter Fest encounter, including the Crossrhodes kickout that once again put Darby over as a hard-to-kill underdog.

The match was excellent. Unfolding before an invested and engaged crowd, it saw the propulsive Allin ground down by Cody's more methodical work, but still able to impose his will in spurts. An apron Coffin Drop had the building buzzing. Darby's work was as energised as ever and though he lost, he successfully showed why he became many an audience member's favourite AEW up-and-comer last year.

Arn Anderson's role alongside Cody was established, too. It was him telling Cody to get his knees up on a late Coffin Drop attempt that led to the roll-up finish, proving 'The Enforcer's' worth. He was responsible for this momentum-boosting win and he plays the "bad*ss old man" character as well as anyone else in wrestling. Bring on his next Spinebuster.