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

6. Oozing Star Power

Anthony Ogogo
AEW

Anthony Ogogo is a pro wrestling megastar in the making - and last night was another sign of that.

Walking out with the entire Factory at his back, the former Olympian made short work of Austin Gunn. We got to see him truly sell for the first time, as Gunn attacked furiously at the bell, backing the boxer into a corner and making him cover up his surgically-repaired eye. It was a composed defensive performance from Ogogo, who found the opening with the first gut shot, put Austin down with a segment when he fought back, then popped him in the air and landed another for the finish.

That Gunn was bleeding from the mouth (the plasma ended up on Ogogo's face too) added to this squash's spectacle. Ogogo looked like a monster here, and watch out for the eye: AEW has given the Brit an Achilles Heel and clear weaknesses for smart opponents to target. Believable avenues aplenty on a body part surgically repaired nine times throughout Ogogo's combat sports career.

Narrative-wise, this feud is all over the place, with the outdated USA vs. UK tale telling us Ogogo is the heel when most things about him show us he's the babyface. At least the output was strong this 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.