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

2. Rachael Ellering vs. Penelope Ford

Penelope Ford Rachael Ellering
AEW

AEW should sign Rachael Ellering. That's easy to say with the women's division in its current state, but the former NXT wrestler has distinguished herself this week, first by helping to hold things together in the Deadly Draw and now with her performance against Penelope Ford.

Ellering is a skilled, assured wrestler. Her work is crisp and smoother than most in the division, her power game stands out, she's well-rounded, and she knows what she's doing. She's a professional. More than holding up her end of the bargain in her losing role opposite Penelope Ford, she has earned a contract.

Ford looked good as well, further enhancing her status as 2020's most improved wrestler against a capable sparring partner. The increased swagger in her work compared to the start of the year is outrageous. Here, she took the W with a Fisherman's Suplex following the handspring cutter.

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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.