7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 6)

1. Matt Sydal vs. Michael Nakazawa

Michael Nakazawa
AEW

The problem with Michael Nakazawa's comedy bit is that it stops being funny the second or third time you see it implemented with little variety or creativity. Nak pretty much does the exact same in each bout. If you're into it, cool. If you aren't, these bouts stink worse than the man's foosty underwear.

Matt Sydal won via using said underwear in a Cobra Clutch. There was oil.

Ugh.

AEW framed this as a tongue-in-cheek revenge story, with Nakazawa oiling up the ropes for Sydal's infamous All Out botch, where he slipped from the top while attempting a Shooting Star Press. Sydal cut a wonderfully over-the-top promo before this, promising the end the Japanese wrestler's career in revenge. That gets a supplemental Up, though the match was pure tripe.

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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.