6 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dark (Aug 4)

1. Abadon vs. KiLynn King

Abadon AEW
AEW

Now that the "real sport feel" thing isn't as prevalent, there is absolutely a way to make Abadon's 'Living Dead Girl' gimmick work in AEW. Subjectively, the shtick isn't for everybody (including this columnist), but if it's sold right, the act can get over. We saw this when she mauled Anna Jay a few weeks ago.

"Sold" is the key word here.

This is the opposite of what KiLynn King did on Dark. Firing up, flexing, and acting tough when she should have been conveying fear and intimidation, the way she worked undermined Abadon's whole act. King showed only fleeting signs of trepidation against a wrestler who needs to be the most horrifying thing in the world to get over and even went 50/50 with the monster for much of it, neutering Abadon's victory.

This should have been a straightforward mauling with the loser visibly shaken up as Abadon shrugged-off her comebacks, sat bolt upright following big moves, and indulged in other Spooky Sh*t. Abadon can't be trading momentum swings with enhancement talent: she must look like a force.

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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.