7 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dark (Jun 22)

4. Shawn Spears vs. Pineapple Pete

Shawn Spears' black glove was the focus of the bout here, as it should have been. This Barry Windham/Ted DiBiase-inspired proper is a key part of his rebirth under Tully Blanchard. It's an important character hook for a guy who desperately needed one and while still a work in progress, 'The Chairman' is utilising it well.

Pineapple Pete's recent focus justified the extra moments here. He forced Spears to the outside at one point, allowing Shawn to regroup with Tully before getting going again. A few powerful corner blasts led to referee Aubrey Edwards checking the glove wasn't loaded. It wasn't, and Spears continued, eventually levelling Pete so effectively that Edwards went to check on him, allowing Blanchard to slide a steel slug into the ring. Spears put it inside the glove while Aubrey's back was turned and a concussive shot followed, ending the match.

Good, solid storytelling, with Spears' occasional moments of detrimental cockiness showing that he's still growing under Blanchard's tutelage.

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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.