4 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (12 April - Review)

Ups...

4. A Terrific Opener

Swerve Strickland Vs. Darby Allin was a fantastic opener.

Darby started the match with an explosiveness supercharged even by his bullet-quick standards, and there was a narrative logic to the urgency; having been hit by a car, and then by a truck in the way of Brian Cage in a terrific Excalibur call, Darby needed to win - and win quickly. This story beat put over Swerve's gruesome steps-assisted cut-offs and prowling control sequence over all the more.

The match evolved into a superb, ultra-competitive back and forth with a fantastic rhythm to it. It was so close that it felt like only a major move would settle it, and that major move was a terrifying (albeit perfectly executed) poison 'rana from the apron to the floor.

There was also a narrative logic to the insanity: Excalibur made sure to mention that Swerve was 4-3 up on Darby historically. Darby had to take a risk and execute such a brain-scrambling manoeuvre to get the job done, particularly when he was within touching distance of the World title picture. This spot summoned the Embassy, which incited a cracking finishing sequence overflowing with convincing near-falls. Each false finish after the 'rana felt certain to be the end. The fans knew that the finish was imminent - it had to be, after such a deadly-looking move - and every near-fall subsequent to it informed the drama until Darby eked out the win. The 'rana spot wasn't executed for the sake of it, thrown away for a cheap pop. It elevated the tenor of the match.

This was a terrific piece of business far superior to their only good Rampage effort last year.