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

Downs...

3. End Of The Rhodes?

Dustin Rhodes
AEW

There were a handful of problems with Dustin Rhodes putting his career on the line against Kip Sabian:-

1. The stipulation telegraphed the outcome. Any discerning viewer knew that Rhodes was winning as soon as he raised the stakes to such a degree, because why would the underappreciated legend walk away in the middle of his Indian summer?

2. It was a tournament quarter-final against a lower-midcard guy on a rank-and-file show in the empty arena era. Not exactly a fitting departure point for a man with 31 years in the game.

3. Sabian vs. Rhodes wasn't wrestled like a potential retirement bout at all, lacking the urgency and desperation demanded by such scenarios.

Though well-executed in the Cody/Dustin voicemail segment, the stipulation was a net negative for the above reasons. At least Dustin vs. Lance Archer will bang...

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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.