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

5. Joey Janela and Sonny Kiss vs. The Initiative

Joey Janela The Initiative
AEW

Diminishing returns are now kicking in for The Initiative, who enter good performances every week before falling in a spirited defeat, their quest for the ever-elusive first victory continuing. These matches become less effective every time out, so it's time for a change. That doesn't necessarily mean winning, either: just something different.

Regardless, this was a good, solid bout characterised by quickfire exchanges early on. Joey Janela ran wild before Avalon and Cutler started working him over as the momentum swung back-and-forth. It was brisk, fun, and peppered with creative spots, though the nasty bump Avalon took off Janela and Kiss's match-ending Electric Chair manoeuvre looked scary.

Here's hoping 'The Librarian' is okay, though a couple of weeks off would likely do The Initiative a favour at the moment.

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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.