5 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (April 3 - Results & Review)

2. Very Good Opener...But...

To underscore how phenomenal Will Ospreay is, this was one of his weaker in-ring efforts in a while, and it was still very, very good.

Will Ospreay Vs. Powerhouse Hobbs did at times feel like their very first in-ring meeting. A certain hesitation prevented them from marshalling the action into a free-flowing, gripping underdog story. On more than one occasion, each appeared to be waiting for the other to get into position. The broad story told - for the first of three occasions on what really was a night to forget - was of an underdog using guile and agility to avoid the lunging monster.

Of the three David Vs. Goliath matches (!), that story was best articulated in the opener. Hobbs has a wicked forearm to the back of the head on him, and is dynamic enough to sell Will's most flashy offence (and smart enough not to do it too often). Still, a hoss is only as strong as his aura, and Hobbs is more 50/50 than invincible. He did beat Chris Jericho, but then again who doesn't?

Ospreay, an ugly sky twister press aside, was excellent here, if a bit histrionic at times. Very good match, but stunningly predictable.

This continues to be a big issue with Dynamite, especially when the angle advancement elsewhere was minimal...