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

1. Trust The Process

Above all else, last night's AEW Dynamite succeeded as evidence that the promotion have listened to the recent criticism, taken note, and are now actively working towards improving their product.

Not everything hit, of course, and it was particularly disappointing to see them bait-and-switch the Jon Moxley/Inner Circle angle, but there were a number of clear efforts to move away from their more maligned content. There wasn't a shred of hokum anywhere, most of AEW's biggest names were present and correct, the focus was on in-ring action and storytelling above all else, and while much of a wrestling show's quality is subjective, how Dynamite came out will have many a fan sighing with relief. This was a solid, solid night, and a great building block going forward.

Truer tests will come when The Dark Order and co. are back on television in larger roles and, as is always the case with wrestling, the follow-up is as important as the here and now. Regardless, AEW's decision-makers are paying attention. They aren't putting up their walls but attempting to move forward, and that's all anyone could've asked heading into last night.