7 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Mar 24)

5. Omega Survives Breathtaking Nearfalls

Kenny Omega
AEW

Kenny Omega vs. Matt Sydal wasn't designed to hit the same level as The Best Bout Machine's best bouts. Rather than looking to deliver a cutting-edge ripper, the wrestlers crafted a bout that let the increasingly demented and arrogant World Champion show off against an opponent who wasn't realistically going to beat him, elevated by some genuinely breathtaking counters and nearfalls.

Sydal was exquisite in his defensive role. Though much of the layout meant him getting his ass-kicked, he was as fluid as water with his transitions, countering out of the One-Winged Angel and other big Kenny bombs for close, heart-stopping 2.999 kickouts. The final victory roll out of the OWA drew an Okada-esque kickout from Omega, bringing supreme levels of drama to an otherwise straightforward television match.

Kenny got the win, finally hitting the OWA on his third attempt. That he controlled so much of the match was entirely appropriate as well, given his and Sydal's respective card positions.

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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.