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

Downs...

3. Let's Switch Sting Up

Sting Darby Allin
AEW

A pattern is already forming in Sting's AEW appearances.

Dude shows up with his dramatic entrance whenever Darby Allin is in a hairy situation, warding off Team Taz in the process. He and the TNT Champion will lock eyes, drawing closer each weak, giving the impression that 'The Icon' is aligned with his spiritual successor without showing every card in his hand, maintaining an element of ambiguity.

It's becoming repetitive. Week after week, we see a slight variation on the same thing, and it's time to switch it up a little. A more creative use for Sting must be found in order for the Allin parallels and Team Taz animosity to bloom.

Last night was more of the same, with Sting hitting the ring after Allin had challenged Team Taz's entire lineup to throw down after his weigh-in with Brian Cage. Fine, in a bubble, but the "save" spot is becoming cliché now.

That new TNT Championship design looks cool, though.

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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.