...but this episode was simply not a fabulous episode of wrestling television.
Decent throughout and excellent at either end, there were at least two irrefutably excellent matches along with several foundational segments that were at their very least purpose-serving. But what purpose, exactly?
NXT has done a better job than AEW so far at hyping its matches for the following week, but a far inferior job of making those matches mean as much when they're actually happening. Admirable in that this week's episode clearly did nothing to try and win or steal a ratings point, this episode also clearly did nothing to try and win or steal a ratings point.
In a vacuum, it's all hot sh*t. But will any of it actually attract or keep the new eyes that might have only just discovered it?
Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett
