8 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dark (Nov 19)

7. Baker & Riho Triumph In Debut Showcase

Riho Britt Baker Aubrey Edwards
AEW/Lee South

Riho and Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander and Big Swole was a fine match that took a while to get going, but really clicked when it did.

The opening exchanges bordered on stodgy, with the entended Swole/Baker segment struggling to keep the crowd engaged, but things came alive after that. It became more energetic, kinetic, and compelling with Riho and Statlander in the ring, and was built around a showcase for 'The Galaxy's Greatest Alien,' who eventually lost to Britt's Lockjaw, but made the most of her opportunity, providing most of the match's best moments with her cool-looking offense.

Babyfaces Baker and Riho have found respect and chemistry after colliding for the AEW Wormen's Championship on a previous episode of Dynamite. That's more of AEW's shared universe storytelling in effect, and a nice touch in a division with few other obvious alliances (Brandi Rhodes and Awesome Kong aside).

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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.