7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 22)

Ups...

7. Joey Janela Is A Star

Brandon Cutler Joey Janela
Lee South/AEW

Consider this the mildest of Ups as Joey Janela vs. Brandon Cutler was a relatively humdrum match that was too competitive to properly highlight the victor but too short to get both competitors over, leaving it somewhere in the mediocre middle.

Still, Janela's personality nudges this over to the positive side. This crowd loved 'The Bad Boy.' AEW have something in him and can now craft a genuine upper-midcard star if they capitalise on his charisma, magnetism, and, of course, craziness.

It wasn't all the Joey Janela show as Cutler's work was highlighted by athletic bursts missing from previous outings, though it's tough to get a read on the two-contract man's long-term prospects. Regardless, a solid little bout with the right winner, as Janela put his opponent away with a top rope Brainbuster.

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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.