8 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite: New Year's Smash (Jan 6)

3. A Ripping Opener

Young Bucks SoCal Uncensored
AEW

AEW's big multi-man tags are usually well-crafted, utilising their many moving parts strongly. This one was no different. Incorporating The Young Bucks' existing beefs with The Acclaimed and TH2, as well as their mutual respect for SoCal Uncensored (who have their own issues with the heel teams), we got a fast, popping opening match that moved from spike to spike effortlessly.

Things started hot with all eight wrestlers spiking the adrenaline. Things slowed down before the heels worked Christopher Daniels over, though the pace was picked up when Matt Jackson faked a Moonsault to dive to the outside. Risky Business scored a close two-count after this and as the match unfolded, it was peppered with each team's flavour, meaning it was about everything anyone could ask for in this spot.

Daniels and Matt collaborated on the Best Meltzer Ever for the finish. Frankie Kazarian grabbed the stick afterwards, holding onto his promise that he and Daniels would split after their next loss, but asserting that they'd have the Bucks' back any time they needed them.

Given what happened after the main event, put money on the Bucks defeating the sentimental veteran team, cruelly forcing them to split.

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.