9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Jan 27)

Ups...

9. The Doctor Is In

Britt Baker Shanna
AEW

Shanna had quietly put together a nice winning streak on Dark prior to running into Britt Baker, who felled her after a solid midcard bout that did just enough to finish on the positive side of the ledger.

Baker continues to look better after last year's injury than before. Her work is snugger and more believable, whether she's bashing her opponent into the barricades or peppering them with strikes. Granted, she's not Katsuyori Shibata, but the improvement deserves props. She'll soon be one of the most complete women's wrestlers in America.

A good pure pro wrestler, Shanna was as composed as you'd expect and almost had the good doctor beaten, hitting her rope-hang low dropkick late on. A second attempt at Lockjaw ended her night after Rebel made a scene, though. At least Thunder Rosa ran out to save her from the post-match beatdown...

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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.