5 Ups & 8 Downs From AEW Dark (Aug 25)

1. Mel vs. Red Velvet

Mel Red Velvet
AEW

This squash was worked in molasses. It was a sleepy, unengaging monster vs. jobber match that started with Mel barely walking Red Velvet down in the corner, eating some token offense, running through her own basic moveset, before taking the win.

The right layout, though it wasn't well-performed. Mel is slow. She attempts to project dominance but is never imposing or fearsome, no matter the opponent. Running through somebody as small as Velvet should be an easy layup but while the former Nightmare Collective bruiser got the ball through the hoop eventually, it took several attempts.

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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.