6 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite: Beach Break (Feb 3)

3. Wise Up, Adam

Matt Hardy Hangman Page
AEW

It's about time Hangman Page wisened up to those trying to lead him astray. Having turned The Dark Order down so recently, it was frustrating to see him not dismiss Matt Hardy at the first sign of shenanigans last night, as 'Big Money Matt' tried to play their relationship up as more than Page would like it to be in their backstage segment. How many times must this happen before he finally sees these snake oil salesmen don't have his best interests in mind?

The match with Serpentico and Luther to the story it wanted to, with Hardy stealing the pin after Hangman had done the grunt work via Buckshot Lariat. Again, Page failed to wisen up. He looked confused, and maybe a little annoyed, but that's it. Nothing more.

AEW has earned a level of trust that makes "let it play out" a valid counterpoint to most criticisms. It's certainly the case here, as Page could well dismiss the manipulative Hardy next week, but he felt like a man standing in place last night, repeating the same old mistakes over and over again.

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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.