9 Match Star Ratings For AEW Fyter Fest
3. Cody Vs. Darby Allin
Cody isn't a solid, if unfashionable wrestler anymore. He isn't a better wrestling mind than physical performer. Cody is a great professional wrestler who has mastered a timeless style between this year and last.
Allin is a versatile performer who excels at driving a reaction from crowds because he's skin and bones and pathos. When he bumps so recklessly, it looks horrendous, like there is no getting up from it, and when he actually gets up from it, with incredible timing, the endeavour is so admirable that the crowd falls for him. Invariably. But Cody, cleverer than most, did well to put over Darby's impeccable technique early.
Cody looked pissed, embarrassed, at being out-thought, and so he dialled up his strength and viciousness, which dialled up the volume. His facial expressions were superb. Accused of ham, not without justification, this was a performance far more trusting of his adoring public. Allin, out-muscled, chewed through Cody's hand to gain some sort of advantage before absorbing two wild bumps, the second of which saw him crack the ring apron with his take on the trust fall (the coffin drop) before literally taking Cody to the limit.
The booking was tremendous: AEW needed one match to put over the time limit draw deal ahead of the weekly TV show - a stipulation that adds so much potent drama, if honoured consistently - and this clash between top star and breakthrough upstart was the perfect choice for it. From a production standpoint, mind, the ring announcements must be louder in future. The post-match angle built well from the Road to Fyter Fest, in which Cody casually, disrespectfully spoke of Shawn Spears as a potential player coach. Undeniably effective, this probably didn't warrant an unprotected chair shot to the head as retaliation.
Post-CTE, does anything?
Star Rating: ****