9 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Mar 25)

6. Darby Allin Evolves

Darby Allin Kip Sabian
AEW

A sign of evolution from Darby Allin last night, who defeated 'Superbad' Kip Sabian with a new Gibson Leglock finisher, calling it The Last Supper. As great (and over) as the Coffin Drop is, it's always heartening to see performers adding new wrinkles, particularly when they're as promising as Darby.

Cody put Allin over as a young Sting early on, though Sabian enjoyed the lion's share of the offense early on. He kept Darby grounded, wearing him down with traditional eel-style offence peppered by the odd Penelope Ford interference, though this wasn't as overbearing as usual. Eventually, Kip got too high-pressure, allowed Darby to burst into life with trademark propulsion, not holding a thing back despite the empty arena.

Allin's wild dive was particularly pop-worthy, and his victory was earned. Even underdogs need the odd W to maintain their credibility and Allin is now 2-0 in his past couple of singles matches, setting him up for a nice little run.

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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.