5 Match Star Ratings For AEW Dynamite: Winter Is Coming
3. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D Vs. Leyla Hirsch
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