21st Sep2021

‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 29’ Review

by Phil Wheat

Welcome to this weeks review of AEW Dark: Elevation. I’m Phil and this weeks episode features a match between Sonny Kiss and Joey Janela – their feud apparently culminating/continuing on Dark, where most of this story has played out…AND the breakdown of the Dark Order. It really is interesting to see both stories play out only on AEW’s YouTube shows and not across ALL shows like some other companies. Rewards those that watch all of AEW programming.

Match #1: Thunder Rosa def. Kaia McKenna

My Thoughts: Kaia McKenna was seriously no match for Thunder Rosa here. What little offense McKenna got in looked weak compared to the absolutely vicious attacks Rosa laid in on her. This one started out like most Rosa YouTube matches – opponent gets some offense in etc., but quickly switched into a absolute squash match.

My Score: 1.5 out of 5

Match #2: Gunn Club (Billy, Colten, and Austin) def. Anthony Bennett, Ray Jaz, and Leon St. Giovanni

My Thoughts: Gunn Club continue their winning streak (13-0 in trios matches apparently) in a match that was basically a showcase of the heel Gunn Club, sacrificing three young guys to the more vicious father and son team. Though I’m not buying Austin and Colten as heels yet – even less so given how nice they come across on AEW’s instagram!

My Score: 1.5 out of 5

Match #3: Alan “5” Angels and 10 def. Evil Uno and Colt Caban

My Thoughts: Alex Reynolds and John Silver in their corner this was 5 and 10’s match to win and win they did. But this match also continued the collapse of the Dark Order brilliantly. Colt Cabana and 10 tried to play peacemakers, telling their partners NOT to go to hard on their opponents and when that didn’t work the match broke out into a physical brawl – especially between Uno and Alan”5″ Angels! This one featured some interesting, and hilarious, commentary from Paul Wight and Eddie Kingston too.

My Score: 3 out of 5

Match #4: Orange Cassidy def. Mike Verna

My Thoughts: Mike Verna returns to AEW, but sans the Superman gimmick. Only to get squashed in quick fashion by Orange Cassidy who ran through his moveset before smacking Verna with the Orange Punch for the win.

My Score: 1.5 out of 5

Match #5: Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) def. Teddy Goodz and Jorge Santi

My Thoughts: This was a squash match for sure but one that was interesting… Insomuch that Private Party looked stronger, and more like the strong, decisive pre-HFO team they used to be. More of THIS Private Party please, I had enough of the Hardy stooges version thanks AEW!

My Score: 1.5 out of 5

Match #6: Hikaru Shida def. Masha Slamovich

My Thoughts: This was a decent, if unmemorable match, between former champ Shida and possible new Impact Wrestling signee Slamovich. Nothing remarkable here, just a solid womens wrestling match. Like Kazarian, Shida sems to be floundering outside the title picture.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #7: Sonny Kiss def. Joey Janela w/ Kayla Rossi

My Thoughts: Joey Janela did his usual shtick in this one with it really looking like Sonny Kiss was putting in all the effort here. Good job Kiss got the win then! Just when you thought this feud was over Janela’s sidekick Kayla Rossi laid out Kiss before hitting a double foot stomp moonsault onto the chair which Janela hit Kiss with! I’m guessing this storyline is not over with.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #8: Santana and Ortiz def. Avery Good and JT Dunn

My Thoughts: Good god this was a squash. Much like the Private Party match earlier this squash only worked to make Santana and Ortiz looks strong, powerful and determined. Which is exactly what they need to be now that the Inner Circle have quietly broken up.

My Score: 1.5 out of 5

Match #9: Dustin Rhodes def. QT Marshall

My Thoughts: This match seemed like it came out of leftfield, I thought this feud was well over. I guess not as Rhodes and Marshall really sold the hatred between each other here – with strong blows that looked hard-hitting. Of course despite a near-fall or two on Rhodes, Marshall looked absolutely nowhere near the same class as the veteran… Rhodes has still got it. We just need to see it more in AEW.

My Score: 2.5 out of 5

Final Verdict: 2/5

A decidely average episode of AEW Dark: Elevation the only real highlight being the continuation of the Dark Order story in a well fought and well told match. I’m hoping this builds into something other than the destruction of the group… Fan theory would suggest either Hangman page is going to comeback and lead them or perhaps someone close to the faction already? Someone who’s currently waiting for 90 days to end? If AEW get the blessing of Brodie Lee’s wife and son I’m sure fans would love to see a certain other family member perhaps come in to lead the Dark Order?!

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