5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (4 May)

2. Martinez & Purrrazzo Struggle To Get Over

Mercedes Martinez
AEW

Through no fault of their own, Deonna Purrazzo and Mercedes Martinez struggled in Dynamite's main event spot.

Their ROH Women's World Title match was solid and well-worked. Purrazzo targetted Martinez's arm, attempting to soften her up for the Fujiwara Armbar, which Martinez sold well. Big bombs came later on, including a spear on the apron, though it all came back to good, solid work, with Martinez pulling Purrazzo into a Romero Special, then a modified Dragon Sleeper for the win.

Beyond a quick, quiet "Virtuosa" chant early on, the duo got little from the crowd. This is a failing of the booking team. All fans were given as an appetiser was a short video segment on last week's episode of Rampage - and nothing else. The main event slot requires a level of investment far greater than such a meagre build can deliver, particularly as this was Deonna's first time on AEW television.

Two good wrestlers had a good match. Unfortunately, long periods played out to near-silence, harming the viewing experience.

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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.