5 Ups & 6 Downs From AEW Dark (May 26)

4. Sonny Kiss & Joey Janela vs. Brady Pierce and John Skyler

On a show largely populated by smirking dollar-store heel jobbers, Brady Pierce stood out for his height and for looking like a cleaner version of Cody Garbrandt. John Skyler, meanwhile, has been a solid southern indie hand for years now. Both played their losing roles well.

Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss are loads of fun together. They've got great onscreen chemistry for a couple of guys that had only ever teamed once before and that bodes well for the future, particularly as neither looks set to bag a featured Dynamite programme.

'The Concrete Rose' entered the strongest performance, standing out through his eye-catching, flashy offense without sacrificing impact. Kiss isn't the finished product but is quietly one of AEW's most intriguing prospects. The character is great, the work grabs your attention, and all he needs now is seasoning.

A Janela elbow drop on Skyler sealed the deal.

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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.