6 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dark (Jan 12)

1. Bates & Velvet Struggle

Leva Bates
AEW

Leva Bates and Red Velvet worked a subpar match, unfortunately. Clunky from the moment Velvet slumped while attempting to bridge out of a pin attempt, the exchanges were awkward and not particularly convincing, and despite the odd attempt to pick up the pace, it felt like they were running through their sequences on too low a gear. Energy levels were low.

Matches like this exist so that performers can get the necessary reps to improve. While forgivable, their quality still needs to be assessed - and Velvet vs. Bates was a weak match relative to everything else on Dark.

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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.