9 Ups & 4 Downs From AEW Dark (Sep 2)

by Andy H Murray

1. Frankie Kazarian vs. Angelico

Angelico Frankie Kazarian
AEW

What a delightful surprise this was.

Frankie Kazarian vs. Angelico was an awesome, unexpected change of pace characterised by strong mat work. Harking back to the llave style on which Angelico was raised, it saw the two veterans forgo flips and adrenaline spikes for a sharp, well-worked chess battle, though it wasn't without heat. Angelico amplified the nastiness in the second act, launching Kaz shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Things remained largely grounded thereafter, though the tone was definitely intensified.

Kazarian ended up taking the victory after working Angelico into his Reverse DDT, drilling him for the win. It looks like AEW is doing something with the SoCal Uncensored man at the moment - let's see where that goes.

As far as Angelico goes, great to see him working a bout like this, away from TH2.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.