5 Ups & 8 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Jan 8)

Downs...

8. Diminishing Returns

Pentagon Jr
AEW

Sammy Guevara vs. Christopher Daniels was a fine little TV match for most of its duration. Cocky little c*nt vs. broken veteran hero is such an easy dynamic to spin, it had a bit of heat from last week's setup segment, and there was the added bonus of CD's ongoing story, with the SoCal Uncensored man out to prove he's still got it after botching an Arabian Press while wrestling Pentagon Jr.

The problem was the finish. Daniels was undone when Pentagon came out with a microphone, dared the 'Fallen Angel' to hit the top rope, and facilitated the distraction finish. Guevara took the pin after booting Daniels' head off.

Sure, it continues the Daniels/Pentagon feud, but does that rivalry really need another chapter? It also came straight after the screwy finish in Riho vs. Kris Statlander. Two-in-a-row is grating, particularly in a company that once trumpeted a "real-sport feel," and Guevara vs. Daniels didn't hit.

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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.