9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (15 Sep)

2. A Successful Maiden Voyage

Adam Cole
AEW

Adam Cole's first AEW match opened last night's Dynamite, with the former NXT Champion wrestling Frankie Kazarian in a dynamic, engaging match that didn't necessitate either man emptying the tank.

It's a credit to Cole and his crowd control that he hasn't felt overshadowed by the arrivals of CM Punk and Bryan Danielson. The guy is over as hell. His bond with his audience runs deep - and it showed here. Newark was all over every second of this match and while no doubt bolstered by Kaz's 'Elite Hunter' persona (which is partly to thank for this match coming together in the first place), this was primarily about getting Cole's first match (and win) in the books.

The "this is awesome!" chants came towards the end, preceding the Panama Sunrise and running knee for the win. It was storytime afterwards too, with Cole taking aim at Jurassic Express and Christian Cage, challenging them to a trios match in Arthur Ashe. The SuperKliq is back.

An extra nod to Kazarian here, who was a tremendous first opponent for Cage a few months ago and performed to his usual high level again here. The former SoCal Uncensored man remains one of the most underrated wrestlers in the game.

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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.