5 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dark (Jun 30)

2. Lance Archer vs. Pineapple Pete

Elevated enhancement wrestler Pineapple Pete deserves to get a little extra before in he's inevitably pinned to the mat. That was the case against Lance Archer, where the wrestler otherwise known as Suge D used his superior speed and Archer's focus on Joey Janela at ringside to craft believable openings, resulting in a stronger-than-expected bout.

Lance looked demented here. This new version of his character is even more unhinged than ever before and he took pleasure in punishing Pete, warning Janela of what's coming his way at Fyter Fest. He started by bludgeoning Pete during his entrance and later turned the tide with a brutal Chokeslam on the edge of the ring apron. Towards the end, Archer looked directly down the camera lens, holding his opponent at his mercy, before using the faithful Blackout/EBD Claw combo for the finish.

A good, story-driven bludgeoning here, with Janela going after Archer with a leaf blower after the fact. Their Fyter Fest match should be bags of fun.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.