5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Sep 29)

Dissension in The Dark Order, Tay Conti, Nyla Rose, and more.

Nyla Rose
AEW

All Elite Wrestling switched things up with this week's episode of Dark, attempting to present the nine-match card as something more than the usual run of samey squash matches by incorporating several storylines. They have done this before, of course, and the format rarely lasts, though the twist was welcome. Consuming this typically dry show on a weekly basis gets tiresome.

That isn't to say there wasn't room for a handful of textbook Dark pseudo squashes, though. Last night had several, and their effectiveness was as varied as ever, particularly in the tag division.

Ricky Starks has been a complementary presence in the commentary booth lately and earned an eight-match run last night, replacing the guesting Shawn Spears after the opening bout. He did a good job as usual, though it helps that he has built-in chemistry with Taz and is generally one of AEW's slickest talkers, easing the transition.

It was a rough night for The Dark Order, who experienced misfortune in two separate tag matches. Elsewhere, SoCal Uncensored warmed up for tonight's Tag Team Title shot, while Nyla Rose, Tay Conti, Best Friends, and more worked showcase spots. Let's light the fuse...

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.