7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Dec 18)

Ups...

7. A Fantastic Television Match

Page Omega
FITE TV

This was a great television match, as distinct from a great wrestling match on television, because it furthered a story and doubled as a high-octane jolt to the senses. It was as entertaining in the moment as it was forward-thinking in the grander booking scheme.

The interaction between Kenny Omega and Hangman Page was masterful; Omega, the leader of the Elite, attempted to encourage the disaffected Page with more hype-up gestures; Page in response looked apathetic and resentful, but never over-did it. He is telegraphing the turn just enough to make it believable and earned when it does happen - and to not make Omega look foolish when that tremendous Buckshot lariat is blasted in earnest, cold blood. And what's great, and again, it's subtle, is that this doesn't just feel like pretext for a programme; beneath the clear tension, attempts are being made to present Page and Omega as an actual unit via an introduction of signature double-team moves.

Amid this body language and miscommunication issues, the match itself was electric, if slightly uneven at times, and the finish was classic fare done well for this mode of storytelling; that sudden lariat to Omega looked like a genuine mistake, but then, real tag teams don't make such mistakes.

Great storytelling, very good lucha things, two unfortunately glaring botches by the team that were meant to be in sync.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!