12 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 27)

by Andy H Murray

1. Peter Avalon vs. Brandon Cutler

Peter Avalon Brandon Cutler
AEW

AEW's long-running face to the bottom concluded last night, as Brandon Cutler defeated Peter Avalon to finally score his first AEW victory. A teary-eyed post-match played out, with Cutler's buddies The Young Bucks there for him as he celebrated, making this a genuine feel-good moment in this awful year.

That the match had a few warts there only enhanced the charm. This was a very good clash that gave the impression the wrestlers hated each other from the getgo, with Cutler and Avalon barreling into each other at the first bell.

The No DQ stipulation was well-utilised and the plunder never felt like a crutch, meaning moments like Cutler backdropping Avalon off the apron and through a table never felt cheap. A bin, Legos, and books were all brought into play, and it looks like Avalon and Leva Bates are done as a double-act too, with Bates slapping her fellow 'Librarian' and walking out towards the end. A bad night for him all around.

Cutler's triumph came when he reversed a top rope Hurricanrana into a pin. He may never main event an episode Dynamite, but he and Avalon crafted something real and pure here. Hats off to them.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.