13 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (Jun 3)

5. Another Hurdle Leaped

Hangman Page Kip Sabian
AEW

While the issues with Kip Sabian, Jimmy Havoc, and Penelope Ford's act were abundant throughout their Tag Team Title matches first two acts (specifically their overreliance on interferences and distractions), a strong competitive spirit ran through this bout, shooting through the Ups side of the column.

Ford was thrown out after attempting to hit Hangman Page with a top-rope 'Rana. Page caught her, so Rick Knox told her to get the hell out of there, leading to Havoc attacking with a wrench. A heat segment following and Kenny Omega was isolated, but the babyfaces brought the energy, firing up to nail the Last Call for the victory.

This felt gruelling, competitive, and hard-fought. Omega was a spent force by the end and sold his exhaustion well, putting the heels' efforts over strong. He and Page were brisk and energetic throughout. Take nothing away from Havoc and Sabian either: yes, their act is trope-ridden, but they upheld their end of the bargain workrate-wise as well.

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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.