5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Aug 11)

Downs...

4. Shawn Spears vs. Alex Chamberlain

Shawn Spears
AEW

This was the same Shawn Spears match Dark has been playing host to for months now, with the only variation being 'The Chairman's' decision to knock Alex Chamberlain out at ringside rather than between the ropes.

These layouts are solid but repetitive. Spears works the jobber over, gets stumped, and regroups with Tully Blanchard on the outside. He refocuses and amplifies his intensity thereafter, showing increased aggression in his work as he punishes the overmatched opponent, leading, eventually, to the Death Valley Driver and the W. Then comes the metal slug in the black glove. Wash, rinse, repeat.

It's time for this act to evolve beyond its current state. An essential move if Spears is to take flight again.

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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.