7 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dark (Jan 5)

Downs...

3. More Is Less

Rey Fenix Aaron Solow
AEW

Rey Fenix vs. Aaron Solow was a fine match in a bubble. Fenix is one of the most creative wrestlers in AEW and always a fun watch, while Solow has established himself as one of Dark's more punchable heels, always doing a fine job in defeat. Here, Fenix gave Solow plenty of shine, raising this a notch above the YouTube series' usual fodder - which is the problem.

Fenix fights for the AEW World Title on tonight's episode of Dynamite. He shouldn't be going six minutes with an enhancement talent.

Similar was Matt Sydal vs. Baron Black, which overstayed its welcome as well. Black lasted five minutes with a man booked in a marketed match with Cody Rhodes tonight. As with Fenix vs. Solow, a more decisive squash would have been appropriate.

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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.