5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Feb 4)

by Andy H Murray

1. The Mixed Tag Match Itself

We've already spoken about Ford/Sabian vs. Riho/Omega as a concept; now let's talk about the match itself.

This thing was very, very good. It was comfortably the highest-calibre match Dark has hosted in weeks and an absolute riot of a crowd-popper rife with fun spots, good character work, and heat. Sabian and Ford were more over than they've ever been in AEW as they worked Riho over. The AEW Women's Champion sold well for them to boot, leading to the big, explosive Kenny Omega hot tag that everyone knew was coming, but delivered regardless.

'Superbad' was particularly effective here, constantly talking sh*t to both Kenny and the crowd as he controlled Riho. Matches like this, where he's paired with the likes of Omega, will help him take off after recent middling performances.

Kenny and Riho's established chemistry saw them ride to victory. With Ford taken out via Snapdragon, 'The Best Bout Machine' unleashed a cloudburst of signature offense on her partner, pinning Sabian with his instakill - the One-Winged Angel.

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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.