2 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Dark (Jan 14)

Downs...

5. Stodgy Brawl Undermines A Solid Story

Shanna Nyla Rose
AEW

Whoever booked this week's Dark came up with a solid idea by having Shanna attack Nyla Rose on the ramp, preventing their match from actually happening. It added a nice slice of variety to the show and Shanna had a bone to pick, having been driven through a table by the 'Native Beast' before Christmas, establishing their feud.

The execution wasn't up to scratch, though. Perhaps it went over better in person, but the live crowd didn't sound into it, reacting to Nyla's vertebrae-rattling Spinebuster on the outside with a slight "ooh!" when it warranted a guttural "aaaaarRGHGGHgghwhatthehellareyoundoing?!". Worse was the Big E spot, with Shanna attempting to spear Rose through the ropes with a table on the outside. Again, a great idea, but Nyla held onto the top rope for a second too long, making for a clunky viewing experience.

The brawl continued backstage and while it's great to see AEW telling a non-title story in their women's division, this stuff just didn't feel convincing. Wrestling isn't much fun when you can see how the sausage gets made.

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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.