13 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Fyter Fest 2019

8. CIMA Edges Daniels In Veteran Battle

Fyter Fest kicked off with one of its most anticipated singles matches, with former Dragon Gate standout CIMA facing off against SoCal Uncensored's Christopher Daniels, mirroring Double Or Nothing where their respective factions faced off in the same spot.

25 May's opener ruled, as CIMA, El Lindaman, and T-Hawk found their footing as stars to watch against the established gang of bell-ends. This opener? A delightful veteran scrap between two old pros who know what the f*ck they're doing, and executed their plan well.

They spaced out and built to their biggest bombs well. An Arabian Moonsault off the ropes highlighted Daniels' early shine, before CIMA hit him with a top rope Backstabber minutes later. The Strong Hearts man tried taking control from there, but it didn't quite play out that way, as damage to his lower back prevented him from taking full advantage. Daniels' countered his way out of what looked like a Fisherman Driver and hit the Angel's Wings. It wasn't enough, though. CIMA eventually got that Fisherman Driver, then kept the pressure, heading north for a Meteora and the 1-2-3, setting him up nicely for next month's bout with Kenny Omega.

The relatively short runtime is our only real complaint here, but perhaps the 49-year-old Daniels isn't capable of working longer singles contests. Regardless, this hit the mark and he sacrificed no credibility in losing the fall.

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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.