11 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Oct 9)

8. A Shot Of Moxley

Jon Moxley vs. Shawn Spears was the weirdest match on Dynamite's card because, well... what the hell could anyone have reasonably expected from it? Mox is one of the hottest things in wrestling but coming off a staph infection. Spears, meanwhile, should be hungry, fired up, and determined to prove his former employers wrong, despite losing at All Out, though he has never been the most colourful performer between the ropes. Really, the bout's quality could've gone either way.

It ended up towards the lower end of the scale. This was a solid, enjoyable clash that fit its positioning, but not necessarily anything anyone needs to catch up on.

Spears performance was languid, which is a real shame after the Cody bout. It looks increasingly like that "good hand" comment was an accurate appraisal of his most appropriate role going forward. Fortunately, Mox is an instant bolt of energy to any ring he steps into and, clad in his New Japan tights, he entered a strong performance, particularly when interacting with the weaselly Tully Blanchard. His Paradigm Shift victory was the right move, too.

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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.