Hello AEW fandom
This week’s Dark Elevation featured 8 matches in a 56 minute long show. So was it too much in too little time? Let’s find out and analyse what worked; what not.
1. Serena Deeb/Mercedes Martinez vs Heather Reckless/Tootie Lynn
An extended squash match with Deeb and Martinez securing the win via Stereo tap out.
What worked
- The dynamics between Deeb and Martinez was exciting with both trying to show their dominance to each other.
- The synchronized application of Serenity lock and Brass city sleeper looked amazing.
What not
- No major issues as the match served its purpose. Hopefully we get a storyline between the two veterans.
2. Andrade vs Frankie Kazarian
Andrade defeated Kazarian via pinfall in an entertaining match
What worked
- With two talented wrestlers you expect an exciting match and they did deliver one.
- Jose the Assistant kept his involvement to minimum but interference was well timed. Too much interference takes away from the in-ring action.
- Aubrey Edwards was hardly visible in the match
What not
- Both these wrestlers are too talented and deserve a proper storyline instead of bits and pieces appearances.
3. Nyla Rose/Marina Shafir vs Heidi Howitzer/Max the Impaler
Marina Shafir picks up the win via her Submission move Greedy
What worked
- Nothing
What not
- Marina Shafir needs to go to developmental. Her moves are clumsy and the attempted sleeper hold was painful to watch.
4. Swerve in our glory vs Davey Vega/Mat Fitchett
Lee/Swerve picked up the win in a dominant fashion
What worked
- The light banter between Lee and Strickland over the events of Casino Battle Royal made for some really good entertainment.
- Lee playing orchestra while Swerve was getting double teamed was really hilarious.
- Lee giving fist bump to a confused Swerve was icing on the cake in this developing storyline.
What not
- Another tag team of two talented wrestlers being wasted in squash matches.
5. Rebel vs Anna Jay
Anna Jay makes Rebel tap out to Queen Slayer
What worked
- Anna Jay in Pink
What not
- This squash match made no sense. It seems it was added only to give some in ring time to both Anna Jay and Rebel.
- Such pointless Squash serve no purpose
- Rebel lost faster than a jobber.
6. Tony Nese vs Warhorse
The premier athlete won the match via Pinfall after hitting The running Nese.
What worked
- Warhorse impressed yet again in a short match.
- Running bulldog move across top rope by Nese looked sick.
What not
- Nese and Warhorse deserved more time
7. Ruby Soho vs Miranda Gordy
Soho won via pinfall in a lackluster match
What worked
- Soho stays a fan favourite despite poor booking.
What not
- Yet another squash match that served no purpose.
8. QT Marshall vs Matt Sydal
Sydal picks up the pinfall win after countering brainbuster into hurricanrana.
What worked
- Sydal’s agility is always a pleasure to watch
- QT is a jobber but he still makes his matches feel competitive as always.
- Ring side antics of The factory after getting caught by refree made for some satisfying viewing.
What not
- As much as I like The factory, they do not belong in the main event of any show with the way they have been presented so far.
Overall, this was an okay show with Andrade vs Frankie Kazarian the only match worth watching. AEW really must stop cramming too many squash matches in 1 hour show.
