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

3. Hangman Page Is P*ssed

Hangman Page
AEW

... in both senses of the word.

Page showing up to this show kayfabe drunk could've been a creative calamity, but they pulled it off. The confrontation with Private Party led to next week's tag match, which itself should be a continuation of the slow-burning Hangman heel turn, furthering the tension between Page, Kenny Omega, and the rest of the Elite. On commentary, the whiskey-swilling Hangman tempered all praise as Omega and The Young Bucks wrestled The Lucha Brothers and PAC. These weren't the words of a trusted ally, but one continuing to distance himself from his associates.

This is great stuff. Rather than rushing the impending turn, AEW are taking their time with it, feeding small escalations for a bigger payoff down the road. The show-closing angle with Hangman refusing to join The Elite's in-ring celebration was as well done as everything else. His disenfranchised state runs deep, and it's making for one of the most compelling storylines in the promotion at the moment.

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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.