4 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dark (Jan 21)

1. Tell Us What Happened

Joey Janela
AEW

There was no sign of the pretaped Joey Janela vs. Rey Fenix match on last night's Dark - and for good reason. As was reported coming out of last week's tapings, Fenix was hurt during the bout. This had a detrimental effect on its quality and, rather than airing it, AEW cut it from Dark entirely.

That's justifiable, but it needed an explanation. Dynamite saw Janela promise that 2020 would be a big year for him and it would begin with a match against Fenix. That this was then scrapped without explanation makes Joey look like a kayfabe idiot, creates a plothole, and leaves fans confused.

Having Tony and Dasha note that Fenix got injured in the bout (w/ accompanying footage) would not only have filled this plothole, but put whatever ails Rey over as well.

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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.