8 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (11 Aug)

2. Second Trios Match Suffers

Matt Hardy Orange Cassidy
AEW

Dynamite's second trios match pitted Hardy Family Office's Matt Hardy and Private Party against Chuck Taylor, Orange Cassidy, and Wheeler YUTA, and suffered by comparison. This is often going to be the case when an Elite six-man is on the card, but that this clash wasn't as fluid, brisk, and pop-worthy as the opener made it feel tame by comparison.

The abundance of outside interferences and distractions was the real problem, though.

AEW's increased reliance on such spots has been well documented (and criticised) on these pages over the last few months. It was in full flow again last night, with The Bunny, The Blade, Jack Evans, Kris Statlander, Angelico, and Nyla Rose all getting involved, pulling attention away from the action and influencing the finish. Hardy ended up scoring the pin after everybody and their childminder got involved.

A supplemental Up for Cassidy's performance. He was tremendous as he lazily mocked Hardy and Private Party's signature props, showing the kind of adaptability that gives his character longevity. The action was good in spurts, too, but not enough to overcome the eye-rolls.

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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.