8 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (10 Nov)

5. Battle Of The Proteges

Lee Moriarty Dante Martin
AEW

It's good, simple pro wrestling stuff, this Dante Martin storyline.

Lio Rush has weaselled his way onto AEW programming, convincing Martin to abandon Matt Sydal's mentorship and work with him instead. In response, Sydal has been fair and measured, saying it's cool if Dante wants to team with Lio, but bringing in a new protege, Lee Moriarty, in his place.

The story finally made it to the ring last night. This thing was a hoot. Highlighted by Rush exploding to life late on and a precise, slick series of technical counters and exchanges between Martin and Moriarty in the first minute, leading to things eventually speeding up, it was perfect TV fodder in that it advanced the story and popped the crowd. The "this is awesome" chants came out halfway through, showing the story is over.

Martin, of course, got the big moment, bouncing from one top rope to another before hitting a Moonsault on Lee for the pin. This success will only strengthen his resolve to stick with Lio, who may not be out for his best interests.

Advertisement
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.