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

Ups...

5. The Format

Tony Schiavone studio
AEW

AEW absolutely nailed Dark's setup and format, delivering a show that still looks and feels like the company's other content, but is different enough to make it stand out from Dynamite and Road To.

Tony Schiavone divided his time between studio work and commentary. He was as great as you'd expect in the studio and it was a revolving team of announcers, with Jim Ross and Excalibur both jumping in at points. This gives the impression that their work was recorded after the show rather than live, and this was reflected on the broadcast, though it didn't make a difference.

The way Schiavone framed and introduced each match was particularly effective, with the ex-WCW man coming through with short blasts of critical information. He put Darby Allin over, highlighted the Priestley/Baker beef, and sold the Tag Team Championship tournament after the eight-man tag, amongst other hype spots. Nothing groundbreaking there, but little touches like this make all the difference.

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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.