6 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 29)

1. Give Us A Hook

Tony Schiavone AEW Dark
AEW

The current AEW Dark format isn't doing enough to convince viewers that this isn't a skippable show.

In this form, Dark is for the die-hards only. The Joey Janela/Kenny Omega episode suggested this wouldn't be the case, but the web series has now settled into a house show-esque groove with two okay-ish undercard bouts supporting a ***1/2 main event and while there's plenty of enjoyment to be had for this willing to tune in, Dark needs some new hooks.

From Undesirable to Undeniable is great and the platform is useful for highlighting wrestlers who aren't on Dynamite ever week. AEW needs to expand on this, though. Matches need to be brisker - catchier, even - and Dark could also benefit from more squashes, with the likes of Nyla Rose showing up to wreck local competitors in just a few moves. It's also the perfect platform for Orange Cassidy, whose comedy may yet undermine Dynamite's real-sport feel.

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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.