9 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Apr 22)

2. Dustin Saves His Career

Kip Sabian Dustin Rhodes
AEW

Stipulation concerns aside, Dustin Rhodes vs. Kip Sabian was a good main event that largely revolved around the veteran taking a pasting before battling back and scoring the victory, advancing to the next tournament round.

The wrestlers gathered around ringside generated a fun atmosphere as they willed Dustin on against 'Superbad.' Tony Schiavone and Chris Jericho did a tremendous job of putting it over as something big, too, elevating proceedings to the next level. Rhodes eventually fought back from Sabian's hold-based assault in the spot where he'd normally feed off the audience, nailing his Powerslam for a near-fall. The match soon gave way to interference from Penelope Ford, who tried to snatch victory for her partner only to be thwarted by Brandi Rhodes and her Spear, leading to a Canadian Destroyer on Kip, the cover, and Dustin saving his career.

It was very refreshing to see a match actually end on a Destroyer, given how overused that move is in transitional spots. The right result, too: Lance Archer vs. Dustin Rhodes is going to be incredible. See Big Dust's throwdowns with Vader (WCW Clash Of Champions XXIX) and Randy Orton (WWE Raw - 2013) to see how he excels as a doomed babyface marching into a seemingly unwinnable situation.

Advertisement
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.