9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (May 19)

Downs...

2. At Least They Threw Hands

The typically robust AEW matchmaking mechanism malfunctioned with Rebel vs. Hikaru Shida, which was advertised as a "title eliminator" despite Not-Reba's inactivity and Britt Baker's upcoming Double Or Nothing match. Putting it together made little sense in that regard. Yes, Rebel is Baker's ally, so the match could have been sold as Britt sending her sidekick out to soften Shida up or humiliate her for the pay-per-view, but it wasn't.

It existed almost entirely without context. That's very un-AEW, and primarily why the match finishes on this side of the ledger.

A quick, single-move squash would have made this forgivable, but Shida and Rebel ran through interference and other heel spots before the end. Shida going for Baker's Lockjaw in front of her (glove and all) was a nice touch but not enough to save it.

That they got physical after the bell is a positive, and something that was overdue for this feud. Nonetheless, the Women's World Title scene could have had a stronger week.

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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.