14 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Dec 4)

6. Statlander Steps Up

Hikaru Shida Kris Statlander
AEW

This big week for AEW's women's division continued with Hikaru Shida, the number one contender, wrestling newcomer Kris Statlander.

Statlander has shone in recent tag outings on Dark and Dynamite. She's a much-touted indie prospect and a huge get for AEW, particularly with how things have gone for this division so far, and proved it again. She was in excellent form against one of the roster's best wrestlers and shone through moments like catching Shida off her step-up chair spot on the outside, before driving her spine into the barricade. The crowd were into her as well, willing Kris on as she battled out of an armbar spot, with her victory going over strongly.

A package Tombstone Piledriver put Shida away for the upset victory. Though too short to touch genuine greatness at this pace, it was a very strong outing from two wrestlers destined to be featured heavily as the division is reconfigured. It's hard to take anything away from what they delivered here.

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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.