9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (5 Oct)
5. Hope Springboards Eternal
On a night defined by recovery, the women's division segment - still not plural sadly, but when is that going to change? - was brilliant across the board.
The trios match pitting Willow Nightingale, Athena and Toni Storm against Jamie Hayter, Penelope Ford and Serena Deeb was a lean, all-action affair that astutely showcased the depth of the division (even if the set-up last week was a criminal, baddies-are-automatically-friends contrivance).
Every performer received a chance to shine, but Willow and Penelope stood out. That's another singles match that needs to happen, after - or hell, on the same show! - as Toni Storm Vs. Athena. The basement dropkick counter from Ford's handspring elbow attempt was so brutal and emphatic. The structure of the match was clever; the audience has been conditioned to not react to women's matches, and they simply weren't allowed the time to turn off. The division needs saving, no hyperbole, and assembling hot, breathless contests that also allow a glimpse into potentially great match-ups puts over the present and builds the future.
Moreover, Dr. Britt Baker simply declaring that Saraya can't wrestle was funny - as if it's up to her, in a great, arrogant bit of character work - and the idea that this means she can is vital reprieve from the dreadful threat of an onscreen authority figure.
Paige got physical, but took no bumps - a far better way of preserving the mystery than hinting at the worst WWE device of the century.