4 Ups & 1 Down From Last Night's WWE 205 Live (Jan 3)

Downs...

1. Ariya Daivari

Daivari Gallagher
WWE.com

It’s odd that Ariya Daivari did not graduate through WWE’s developmental system, so closely does he approximate the standard WWE style. To put it bluntly, there’s little to distinguish him from the pack - even a toned-down version of, say, Lince Dorado is a refreshing deviation from the norm.

On this week’s edition, Daivari interfered in what was a very promising match between Jack Gallagher and Tony Nese, just when it was getting good. The predictability was fine - it was an organic means of developing their rivalry - but one couldn’t help wonder how much better the show would be, were the roles reversed.

As the video package glorifying Tony Nese attested, the man isn’t too far removed from his “Premier Athlete” nickname. He’s slightly indebted to Neville, in both physique and in-ring style, but his understated arrogance sets him apart.

In short, his evident talents are being wasted in his fleeting and truncated appearances. Daivari might just be fodder for the Jack Gallagher push - but he’s occupying a lot of TV time which is perhaps better suited to his more talented peers.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!