7 Ups & 9 Downs From AEW Dark (Oct 20)

2. Ricky Starks vs. David Ali

Ricky Starks vs. David Ali
AEW

Ricky Starks continues to be one of the most compelling wrestlers in AEW because the guy crams so much detail into his work. Even here, against an overmatched jobber, 'Absolute' wrestled with a huge chip on his shoulder, hitting every stomp like he wanted to make an example out of Ali, incredulous that his opponent had the temerity to try and fight back.

Starks routinely elevates the Dark squash format to new levels. He's an absolute gem of a professional wrestler and won here via Roshambo, before taking a seat in the announce booth - where he was tremendous.

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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.