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

1. Havoc Vs. Allin Falls Flat

Jim Ross noted in his introduction to Jimmy Havoc vs. Darby Allin that neither wrestler likes the idea that they'd been typecast as a "hardcore guy" and each was keen to show they can do more, though JR didn't think this would hinder their craziness.

It did, to the match's detriment.

Havoc and Allin got the layout wrong here. Though they incorporated a couple of big-hitting spots (Havoc's suplex over the top rope and to the outside was nasty), they nullified many of Darby's strengths by having him work from beneath against an unengaging controller for 80% of the runtime. Allin is a good selling, can bump like a maniac, and draws sympathy, but his trademark propulsiveness was neutered as Havoc ground him down. Jimmy, meanwhile, isn't a convincing enough dominator to keep the crowd invested when working a conventional control sequence; he's grimy (biting hands and twisting fingers), but no ring general.

While this number one contender's bout didn't need to be an all-out spotfest to succeed, it was desperately lacking in energy. This is a shame, though the warning signs were there in JR's framing and Havoc's ghastly inset promo, and while it's hard to call the contest outright bad, a more popping clash would've sent Allin towards Jericho with more momentum.