7 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (19 Jan)

Downs...

2. A Slow Start For The World Title Feud

Hangman Page Lance Archer
AEW

It's unfortunate that AEW's latest World Title program has made such a slow start, given the audience's investment in 'Hangman' Adam Page and his recent peaks opposite Bryan Danielson, but last night wasn't particularly encouraging for a feud that will presumably headline a big Dynamite prior to Revolution.

Lance Archer vs. Frankie Kazarian got long in the tooth. He's one of the most explosive monsters in the game and stands as a pantheon tier squash artist, but Lance struggled to generate heat here. The bout's long control periods felt plodding rather than threatening. Kaz showed fire in his comebacks, as he always does, but a shorter, more emphatic hammering would've worked better here - and if AEW didn't want to use Frankie in that role, give Fuego Del Sol a call. They've already got the perfect babyface jobber to the stars on the roster.

The crowd perked up when Page emerged to save Kazarian from further damage after the bell. The World Champion ended the brawl on top, though Lance countering the Buckshot Lariat was a nice touch that will hopefully play into their match. The big man now has a clear-cut way to block Page's biggest weapon.

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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.