6 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (October 18 - Results & Review)

1. Hikaru Shida Vs Emi Sakura

Not so much better late than never than best, Hikaru Shida’s non-title clash with Emi Sakura was the best match on Dynamite and substantially more rewarding as a one-night story than anything else on the show too.

The last thing announced for the evening’s show, this contender’s match was gifted a quality pre-match video package that highlighted the massive advantage Sakura held over her former trainee in singles competition. It’s not real booking, it’s not longterm storytelling, and Shida already feels like she’ll have another frustratingly under-thought title reign, but this was the very best version of a TV exhibition display from a World Champion.

Snug save for one moment that it wasn’t (a slightly whiffed Katana at least only drew a one-count before the match-winning one hit like a brick), the women tore it up here, exploiting their fantastic chemistry and the non-title stipulation to extract drama that the “upset” was indeed possible. That it didn’t was all the sweeter.

Like all women on the roster, Shida will remain in the tough spot of being featured mostly on the margins rather than being booked with the conviction and effort typically placed into a men’s feud. But, as Champion, her profile must be highest and this was earnest a rabbit-out-the-hat match as you’ll get to ensure just that.