7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Sep 15)

Downs...

4. Santana & Ortiz vs. Griff Garrison & Brian Pillman Jr.

Ortiz AEW
AEW

The Santana & Ortiz squash formula is well established now, with the Inner Circle duo coming across as a couple of nasty pricks in bullying their way to victory over whatever overmatched enhancement guys they're booked against, though they are becoming the tag team Shawn Spears now. The work isn't subpar; it's just repetitive. Their layout barely changes on a week-to-week basis and while last night's clash with Griff Garrison and Brian Pillman Jr. pads their record, it offered little else.

A bout undermined further by one sloppy moment before a suplex spot ended with a combination suplex. Perhaps a quicker, more one-sided pounding would have served more of a purpose.

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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.