3 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Mar 10)

1. Goth Stuff

Abadon AEW
AEW

Ugh.

No.

Twitter and Reddit got caught up in Abadon's unique appearance after Dark, and she does have a cool aesthetic, but this isn't AEW. Abadon splootered blood all over her face during the entrance and apparently weighs in at "1000 lost souls." This isn't the product we were sold. This isn't a "real sport feel," but goofy, hokey, sub-Impact Wrestling/Undead Realm toot that'd be better at home on banter indies or in WWE's darkest, daftest corners.

Abadon vs. Hikaru Shida was another clash that was far too competitive. Shida, a top-ranked wrestler in the women's division, took close to six minutes to put the newcomer away. This needless competitiveness undermined what should've been another statement victory for the Japanese star, who'll likely challenge Nyla Rose soon.

The shtick totally derailed the action too, with Shida forced to sell horror at Abadon's gimmick and the newcomer borrowing The Undertaker's sit-up spot. It was wack, and yeah, it's Dark, but that doesn't give it a pass.

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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.