12 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Oct 2)

9. Refreshing Presentation

This is another all-encompassing point rather than one relating to a specific match or segment, but one of this show's greatest triumphs is that it felt both refreshing and different.

Dynamite was presented as a true alternative. Tony Khan promised no "invisible camera" backstage segments prior to the broadcast, and while we got a single check-in on the main event participants, this held true. The camera cuts were a lot less mania-inducing than the average Kevin Dunn-produced show. Rather than having an interview robot welcome their guest at this time backstage, Tony Schiavone spoke to SCU on the ramp. There wasn't a tedious heel announcer trying to get themself over rather than calling the action. Stressing the importance of wins and losses was a priority throughout the night, which added stakes to everything. The list goes on.

If they hadn't already, AEW established their identity here. Doing so was one of their most important checkboxes heading into Dynamite's first episode - and they nailed it.

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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.