3 Ups & 7 Downs From AEW Dark (Nov 5)

5. Unlikely Alliance

Jurassic Express Joey Janela Jimmy Havoc
AEW

Booking Jimmy Havoc and Joey Janela to team against Jurassic Express was an oddball move that didn't make a whole lot of sense on paper.

The duo have been cast as enemies so far in AEW, with their Fight For The Fallen trio's implosion providing the impetus for All Out's Cracker Barrel Clash. Nothing has changed since then. Heading into Dark, there was no reason to believe that Janela and Havoc were anything close to on the same page, and while this eventually played into the tag match's finish as Joey stapled Jimmy in his goddamn face, why they were booked as a team wasn't put over well at all.

This wasn't framed as an odd couple pairing, but just a random pair of dudes thrown together on the B-show. The problem is that Janela and Havoc aren't that. This should've been addressed as they were making their way to the ring, not deep into the bout.

Advertisement
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.