8 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (26 Jan)

1. More Plunder, More Problems

That All Elite Wrestling books too many plunder matches isn't a new complaint at all, but it was particularly relevant last night.

Booking two weapon/prop-based stipulations on the same show meant that neither landed the way they should have last night. By the time we got to Orange Cassidy vs. Adam Cole, we had already been desensitised by Cody Rhodes vs. Sammy Guevara. Yes, there was a differentiation in how the plunder was utilised in these matches, with the TNT Title fighters not as liberal with their weaponry use, but both bouts were calibrated to generate similar thrills.

This is a longstanding issue. While the promotion continues to use these stipulations to better effect than any other North American promotion, the overindulgence has created a situation where they don't feel special anymore. A big dive from the top of a ladder feels routine because we see things like this every week.

And in a fortnight, we're getting a Texas Deathmatch. That should feel big, scary, and imposing. Instead, it's just part of the formula.

Dialling back on these things would benefit AEW immensely. Show restraint, hold back, and make them special again.