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

1. Santana & Oritz vs. Ryzin & Faboo Andre

Ortiz AEW
AEW

Santana and Ortiz are usually strong in their bully-boy squash matches, though their clash with Ryzin and Faboo Andre was an unfortunate botchy mess that ultimately did little to elevate the Inner Circle men.

The most notable slice of stodge was the finish. Ortiz hit Andre with a powerbomb seconds before Santana hit an attempted knee strike, though he whiffed it. Ortiz scored the pinfall regardless. Earlier, Andre "hit" a kick that missed by miles off his hot tag, sending Ortiz reeling into the corner.

Botches aren't always this destructive, though that the wrestlers continued down the same path in spite of them meant this one came off the rails. Not a disaster, and certainly not the most egregious match Dark has ever played host to, but sloppy nonetheless.

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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.