9 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (5 Jan - Review)

8. Saraya's Mystery Partner Is...

Toni Storm Saraya Hikaru Shida
AEW

Saraya's mystery tag team partner is Toni Storm... or is it?

The lingering uncertainty comes not only from Dynamite, but pre-show reporting too. Yes, Saraya outright named Storm as her partner, much to Hikaru Shida's chagrin. In theory, creating that jealousy within Shida is a strong angle building towards Saraya's next big feud, with the Japanese star opposite the former Paige. Toni also has more reason than most to want to get her hands on Jamie Hayter and Britt Baker, who screwjobbed her Women's World Championship reign.

... but Britt Baker effectively named Mercedes Moné without actually naming her during her and Hayter's pretape, calling herself 'The Boss.'

Before the show, it was reported that while AEW wouldn't totally give the mystery partner away, their identity would be "pretty evident" thanks to a promo from Britt or Saraya. DAZN's Steve Muehlhausen then outright stated that sources had indicated it would be Moné.

If it is Mercedes, expect AEW to run an angle eliminating Storm from participating. Hayter and Baker beating her down and rendering Toni unable to compete would fit the involved characters and patterns, leading to Mercedes' surprise arrival.

And if it ends up being Storm, that's fine too. AEW hadn't teased Mercedes once before last night - and swiped those hopes away almost immediately If fans are disappointed by the former Sasha Banks' absence, the company has zero culpability.

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.