9 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (30 Mar)

2. Wheeler Yuta Elevated

Bryan Danielson Max Caster
AEW

This was great. Predictably so.

Wheeler Yuta is laced with untapped potential. If this wasn't already obvious to those who have only ever seen him wrestle in AEW, it is now. The (former?) Best Friends associate was fantastic against in-ring standard-bearer Bryan Danielson, demonstrating impressive fire as he tried to raise himself to the all-timer's level, bringing out previously unseen levels of fire and aggression without abandoning his smarts. This was evident in the way he countered the Cattle Mutilation, bringing out the absolute worst in Danielson in the process.

For daring to counter one of Bryan's signature submissions, Yuta earned himself a faceful of saliva before the arm-trapped stomps, an extra Gotch-Style Piledriver, and the Lebell Lock that wound up putting him to sleep.

The story tells us that while Yuta might be edging closer to the Blackpool Combat Club's respect, he still has a long way to go. William Regal sold this wonderfully on commentary and Danielson, while angered in the moment, will likely emerge from this with Yuta firmly on his own radar.

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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.