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

3. Brandi Rhodes vs. Red Velvet

Brandi Rhodes Dustin Rhodes
AEW

This wasn't a well-worked match, sadly.

Its opening stages were built around a lame comedy bit, with Brandi mocking Velvet for apparently looking like her action figure. This was dumb and unfunny, and the actual wrestling wasn't good enough to compensate, with the exchanges lacking in cohesion and fluidity.

Anna Jay watched on from the stage as Brandi finished Velvet off with her recently-established rear naked choke finisher. A decent piece of storytelling to build towards their eventually singles match, though it's hard to know how we're supposed to take Brandi here. She should probably be the babyface, given it was Jay who attacked her after Cody's loss to Brodie Lee, but she acts like a total heel 90% of the time, making it impossible to buy in.

Jay needs to win their match - and fast.

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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.