7 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (18 Jan - Review)

3. Kushida vs. Darby Allin

It could have used a little more heat, a little more intensity, Darby Allin vs. Kushida, but the end result was still a strong technique-first match - and a story well-told.

Debuting for AEW, Kushida was accompanied by the LA Dojo's Kevin Knight and DKC while Sting cornered Allin. Throughout, the match reminded you of how many levels there are to Darby's game. While the flashy, daredevil spots understandably grab the headlines, he is a diverse, well-rounded wrestler with no holes in his game. He proved that once again by matching Kushida on the deck, though his arm and shoulder were pulled, gnawed, and stretched at throughout.

This provided the core of the story. Kushida was constantly working to soften Allin's limb up for his Hoverboard Lock. The high spots came later on, escalating when Kushida caught Darby on the outside, doing so as the TNT Champion dived from the top rope. Later, the in-ring Hoverboard Lock had the LA Dojo so convinced of the outcome, they handed Sting a towel to throw in on his partner's behalf.

Struggling out of the final Hoverboard, Allin prevailed via Last Supper, besting Kushida by the slimmest of margins. The Japanese star was quick to remind Darby of this, even as he shook his hand.