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

2. Deeb & Conti Tell Their Story

Serena Deeb
AEW

AEW established a tidy story for Serena Deeb vs. Tay Conti on this week's Road To show, which firmly established the challenger as a multi-tool player well-versed in judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and muay thai, with Deeb's pure pro wrestling mastery the counterpoint. Theoretically, Conti has the broader skillset, though Excalibur's note that "Once you stop concentrating on your core competencies, they get worse" foreshadows the inexperienced Tay's defeat.

Conti has more martial arts skill, but this is a wrestling ring - and Deeb is the better wrestler.

The story continued in last night's Dark bouts. Both looked great. Conti smashed through Marti Daniels with judo throws and Muay Thai kicks, while Serena's approach was pure wrestling, transitioning from hold-to-hold, focusing on different bodyparts whenever the opportunity was presented. Each style led to victory.

This is strong, strong storytelling, the likes of which we don't usually get on Dark.

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Channel Manager

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.