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

4. Dr. Britt Baker Responds To Her Critics, And Brilliantly

Toni Storm Britt Baker
AEW

Dr. Britt Baker Vs. Toni Storm was a quality, unfussy match that committed to a bold, necessary and indisputable result in a very crafty manner.

Without being a blow-away great war, this was a flawless segment of television, provided you look beyond the very 2019 NXT device of setting up a title match by 1) staring at a belt and then 2) staring at one's opponent from the ramp. Triple H had a real hard-on for his own 2011 silent seg with the Undertaker, and now, alas, Tony Khan has identified it as an efficient booking shortcut.

The match itself was strong and at times inspired. Storm doubling the fun of the DDT by executing two consecutive unique variations was a cool, unexpected spot, but the highlight of the match saw Baker and Storm have some insider fun.

Storm's hip attack to the corner has drawn criticism; some in the wrestling media believe it's an inevitable concussion of a move. Baker sold it as precisely that. Even those who sensed the punchline/ruse coming were surely thrown the longer Baker nursed her head and lay flat.

She put Storm over clean, and for the various, justified complaints about the women's division, this felt like a genuine breakthrough moment for Storm, which must mean AEW has nailed Baker's Ace role.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!