26th Oct2022

‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 86’ Review

by Phil Wheat

Welcome back to another review of AEW Dark: Elevation, and yes, given how much wrestling we had to cover last week I missed last week’s show! This week features seven matches and a number of big-name stars! We’ve got Ian Riccaboni, Matt Menard and Jose the Assistant on commentary, so let’s get into the review…

Match #1: 10 def. Baron Black

My Thoughts: Baron Black jumped 10 before the bell and 10 totally no-sold it, along with everything else Black tried to throw at him. I do wonder what the plan is for 10… He is being head-hunted by Jose the Assistant on behalf of the LFI, yet when he gets a decent singles match AEW throw Orange Cassidy into the mix?! Then he goes and has squash matches like this. What is the plan? WHAT IT IT?!

My Score: 1 out of 5

Match #2: Eddie Kingston and Ortiz def. Russ Myers and T-Money

My Thoughts: I could literally repeat what I said about 10 with Eddie Kingston and Ortiz. What is going on with these two? Kingston should be main eventing Dynamite and/or Rampage not working Dark matches… I’m not feeling the “anger issues” storyline he’s doing with Ortiz either. Still good match, even if the outcome was never really in doubt – though it was for a second when Ortiz took a beating from T Money!

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #3: Serena Deeb def. Haley J

My Thoughts: Another lesson dolled out from the Professor as she made light work of Haley J – even if she gave her a free shot in the opening. Deeb seems to be getting more cheers from the AEW audience these days than boos… Perhaps time for a babyface turn? This was still squash-tastic though!

My Score: 1 out of 5

Match #4: The Blonds (Brian Pillman Jr. and Griff Garrison) def. The Workhorsemen (JD Drake and Anthony Henry)

My Thoughts: The Blonds really have lost their “Varsity” title. Well you never know it might mean these guys are gonna go all out in the style of the previous pro-wrestling blondes. You’d hope so, especially considering it looked like Brian Pillman gave a sh*t in this match, seemingly channelling Kenny Omega at one point! Kudos to JD Drake and Anthony Henry too – those guys are great AND can make opponents look great too!

My Score: 2.5 out of 5

Match #5: Emi Sakura and Mei Suruga def. Nikki Victory and Jaylee

My Thoughts: Another great women’s tag team match from the tag team workhorse Emi Sakura, who reteamed with Mei Suruga for this one – which meant we got some fantastic moves and flowing wrestling from the duo. Did you see that “Transformer” they hit at the end of the match? Ingenious!

My Score: 2.5 out of 5

Match #6: Matt Hardy def. Lord Crewe

My Thoughts: Less of a match and more of an angle regarding Hardy and The Firm, who “own” his contract. Hardy was distracted by Ethan Page and Stokely Hathaway on commentary which meant Crewe at least managed to get some offence in. Still, another storyline that I can’t get behind TBH.

My Score: 1.5 out of 5

Match #7: Claudio Castagnoli def. QT Marshall

My Thoughts: Claudio Castagnoli on a Dark show? Pretty much guarantees a good time. And thankfully QT Marshall brought his A-game to this match, looking better and wrestling better than he has in previous Dark and Elevation main events. A decent end to a show that have lots od ups and downs!

My Score: 3 out of 5

Final Verdict: 2.5/5

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