5 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dark (Mar 24)

Downs...

1. Spears Story Still Isn't Clicking

This Shawn Spears story still isn't it, unfortunately.

Robert Anthony stepped in as Spears' latest tryout tag team partner last night. He entered a solid performance against SoCal Uncensored's Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels in a fine little match with an effective layout and solid fundamentals, but little to remember it by. Tully Blanchard recording footage for note-taking purposes was a nice touch, as was Spears chastising his partner for screwing up, leading to a 2-on-1 assault and defeat, but that's the extent of it.

The problem isn't the work but the story behind it, as AEW pairs Spears up nought but established jobbers and local enhancement guys. How does anyone invest in that? Fans know Shawn's partner is going to end up taking the L for his team before the former Tye Dillinger moves on to the next one. It's an endless, flat circle, and it could use a change.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.