5 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dark (Jun 9)

Ups...

5. Welcome, 5

It was a productive show for The Dark Order, who welcomed Alan Angels to their ranks as 5. This went down in a backstage segment. Brodie Lee inducted 5 to the cult before his match with Lee Johnson, which was observed by a stoic 10, John Silver, and Alex Reynolds, who barely moved a muscle as their new brother sought to prove himself as a disciple.

Angels, the elevated enhancement guy, was made to work for it against Johnson, who entered a spirited performance. Brodie's arrival on the ramp was the influence he needed, though. A variation on a Backstabber (using feet rather than knees) ended Johnson's night and set 5's Dark Order career off with a win, with the faction beating the felled man down afterwards.

5 is a fitting recruit, as the Order preys on losers who can't get ahead in spite of their best efforts. Angels worked hard, proving himself against the likes of Kenny Omega and Rey Fenix, but fell every time. Brodie's boys went after him, brought him in, and now have another distinct member for Lee's feud partner's to face before graduating to the big man, making this a smart move.

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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.