8 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (8 Dec)

5. Contrasts

Jamie Hayter Riho
AEW

Styles make fights - and Riho vs. Jamie Hayter was one hell of a styles clash.

This was a smart bout to put together on a couple of levels. From a storytelling standpoint, of course Britt Baker would send Hayter out to soften Riho up ahead of their Women's World Title fight. In terms of action, it's kind of perfect, too. Hayter is a hoss and Riho is the opposite. Jamie is powerful enough to believably throw almost anyone around, let alone someone of Riho's size, while the former champion's game is all about using her tiny frame to her advantage, countering, flying, and slipping her way out of trouble.

Riho uses her opponents' momentum against them to generate offense. She also bumps brutally, transforming moves like Hayter's backbreaker into the most devastating-looking thing in the world. This made her a great foil for Jamie in a match she ended up winning via her running double-knees after planting Hayter with a top rope crucifix bomb.

Hayter, too, is an incredible bumper, taking the crucifix bomb like a pro. Here, she was a tremendous powerhouse contrast to the diminutive babyface.

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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.