13 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW All Out

11. Cunning Riho Strikes Again

Fyter Fest saw Riho score a major victory as she used guile and ring smarts to roll Nyla Rose up for a shock pinfall victory. At All Out, she repeated this feat, defeating the impressive Hikaru Shida in a match that largely revolved around her being dominated by her larger opponent.

Shida's work on top was as strong as Riho's defensive chops. Bludgeoned and thrown around, the Kenny Omega-affiliated prospect looked overmatched, but she was never truly out of the match. Her counters, cradles, and roll-ups came through underdog spirit and intelligence. She wasn't trying to "steal one," but play a smart game by frustrating Shida with comebacks and hope spots, trusting her body not to give up on her will, and it all paid off by the end.

The bout's muted crowd reactions prevent it from finishing higher up our list. Regardless, the size discrepancy gave Riho and Shida and easy David vs. Goliath story that they executed well, and the victor is getting over as the women's division's premiere underdog babyface.

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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.