5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (May 12)

1. Statlander Wins Listless Encounter

Kris Statlander vs. Dani Jordyn may have come off better on a card that didn't feature seven superior squashes. The work was fine and the layout okay in a bubble - it just didn't have anything to distinguish it.

This was a nothing match. When you have guys like Private Party and Rey Fenix getting flashy and Britt Baker pushing her character to the forefront elsewhere, you can't get away with "nothing." It lacked personality, punch, and impact, and offered nothing to help it stand out, though Statlander's victory was obviously the right choice.

We're constantly told how powerful a wrestler Statlander is. Perhaps showcasing that in a shorter, harder bout would have been a better option.

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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.