6 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dark (Sep 8)

by Andy H Murray

1. Ricky Starks vs. Ben Carter

Ricky Starks Ben Carter
AEW

This was comfortably Dark's most interesting match heading into the show, and not just for Ricky Starks' continued excellence.

Ben Carter is one of the most must-see prospects on the independents at the moment. He's raw and unrefined but already demonstrates a command of the little things similar to last night's opponent, particularly when getting his ass kicked. Witness this defensive performance and take stock of a name destined to fill marquees for years to come: Carter's bumping and selling were excellent.

In this crazy, out-of-control market, where indie wrestlers barely have a chance to get hot before being signed, AEW would be mad not to jump on Carter immediately. Similarly, any viewer who wants to be ahead of the curve needs to board the hype train now.

A match characterised by strong chain work broken by explosive bursts saw Starks almost get shown up on several occasions. He's a narcissistic prick who doesn't take these enhancement guys seriously enough and it almost left him red-faced against Carter, though Ben was eventually put away with Spear and Roshambo.

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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.