5 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 8)

Downs...

3. A Downgrade Of Jurassic Proportions

SoCal Uncensored vs. Jurassic Express was a fun little six-person tag to close Dark's first episode, but therein lies the problem. Their All Out trios clash was so much more than a "fun little six-person tag." That was an explosive, character-filled, firecracker of a bout, and a perfect pay-per-view opener. Thus, this condensed rematch felt like a letdown.

We've already seen the ****+ version of this match. Given that it only went down a few weeks ago, this makes it difficult to get too excited for the *** version.

The SCU vs. Jurassic Express format probably needed a tad more breathing room. Nine minutes didn't seem enough for the veterans to get going or for Marko Stunt and Jungle Boy to build to a truly spectacular Luchasaurus hot tag and while Dark itself didn't need to be longer (its brevity was one of its greatest strengths), perhaps AEW should've thought twice about putting this match's layout.

Worked at more of a house show clip than the previous scrap, this had some fun moments like the overmatched and undersized Stunt literally bouncing off Scorpio Sky when attempting a crossbody. Again, it was a good, solid match - just a downgrade from All Out.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.