5 Match Star Ratings For AEW Dynamite: Winter Is Coming

3. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D Vs. Leyla Hirsch

Kenny Omega Don Callis
AEW

Another quiet gain in a Women's division that still needs more time to take shape - and for Hikaru Shida to not go full Seth Rollins and kill her babyface appeal by being sh*t-scared - this match while not blow-away great accomplished its dual objective.

Britt Baker went over, Leyla Hirsch got over.

The match underscored Baker's vast improvement. Working opposite a credible grappler with an educated ground game, she adapted very well to the style to craft a convincing struggle that developed an entertaining American TV flavour. In a great moment, Rebel - who to lovely comedic effect has embraced the Reba persona with unabashed enthusiasm - ate a meaty suicide dive after Baker pushed her in front of the missile. She rattled her head against the guardrail in a nasty (read: glorious) bump.

The flow flagged somewhat through the placement of the break, but the match scorched up by the finish after a frenetic exchange of submissions.

An accomplished performance by Baker, who has modified her style to great effect following her return from injury, the post-match was even better. Thunder Rosa beat her down in a revenge ambush, and she conveyed a sense of fury and danger fabulously. That match will bang. Hikaru Shida Vs. Abadon is another matter. Gains, setbacks.

A pattern has long since formed, but this division peaks far better than it has in months, at least.

Star Rating: ★★★¼

Contributor
Contributor

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!