6 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (1 Dec)

Downs…

4. Spluttering Showcase Falls Short

CM Punk Lee Moriarty
AEW

Booking Lee Moriarty opposite CM Punk was a good idea that didn't deliver on its promise. An opportunity to elevate one of the most promising wrestlers in North America was unfortunately sullied by cumbersome technical exchanges that played to Lee's strengths, but not his opponent's. As they traded holds, rolled into various pin attempts, and worked for parity, Moriarty and Punk regularly came off overly cooperative, hurting investment.

The idea that Punk laboured past Moriarty plays to his story, as does his less-than-stellar performance. Still, this was ugly television.

MJF was on commentary throughout, ripping the 43-year-old for not being able to tear through someone on Lee's level. Afterwards, he grabbed the microphone, threw insults at Punk, and threatened to put his dog to sleep (!). When Punk challenged him to step up, Wardlow came out and got between the two.

A disappointing comedown from last week's incredible in-ring segment, as a total package, this was the biggest letdown on the card. At least MJF was suitably loud and obnoxious on commentary.

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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.