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

1. Cutler Stumbles To Defeat

Brandon Cutler
AEW

Brandon Cutler's AEW presentation is very, very weird. His entrance music is bad*ss and imposing, suggesting an absolute beast is about to stride out from the back whenever it hits, yet he's one of the skinniest guys on the roster. Then, he walks out with Kratos-adjacent facepaint and an awesome-looking dragon robe, suggesting he's a big deal, before he inevitably jobs out in a few minutes. It's a jarring disconnect between aesthetic and athlete.

Cutler partook in a disappointing opening clash against Darby Allin. "Disappointing" not because it came with high expectations, but because Darby's propulsive underdog performances have made him an early AEW highlight, yielding great bouts with the likes of Chris Jericho, Cody, and Jon Moxley. Here, the former EVOLVE standout wasn't permitted to show any of the skills that have seen him catch on with the crowd. It was a slow, unengaging plodder with only a few bursts of Darby's energy to light it up, and didn't come alive until Allin hit the Coffin Drop for the three-count.

It was also marred by a couple of awkward spots, with Cutler almost landing on his head off a poorly-aimed Moonsault Press minutes before hitting the sloppiest enzuigiri you'll see all year. Not good, unfortunately.

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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.