‘AEW: Dark’ Review (Nov 15th 2022)
Another week, another episode of AEW: Dark which features 8 matches on the card this week (thankfully; I do love a shorter show)… On with the review!
Match #1: Sky Blue def. Paris Van Dale
My Thoughts: Paris Van Dale is back again to get squashed by a signed AEW talent! I jest but Van Dale at least got more of a chance to show off her skills in this match than against Tay Melo. Sky Blue once again delivered a solid performance and the growth in her skills is very apparent every time she wrestles. As is the case here. A solid start to the show.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: The Iron Savages def. Brando Lee & Lucas Chase
My Thoughts: I still can’t get behind the change to The Iron Savages… Give me Bear Country any day. It’s a shame the duo haven’t hit the highs they had before injury, I did hope they’d be mainstays in the main event tag team scene but they seem, for know, relegated to YouTube shows. Which is a crying shame IMHO.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Kiera Hogan def. Kennedi Copeland
My Thoughts: This just squeaked into something more than a typical AEW quasi-squash match, even though Kiera Hogan was in control for the entirety of this match. Kennedi Copeland put in some great offence and really made in impression in what time she was given.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Frankie Kazarian def. Zack Clayton
My Thoughts: Veteran Frankie Kazarian versus heavily-pushed “newcomer” Zack Clayton? Sounded like we’d either get an interesting match or a total squash. But no, we got a wrestling match. One that was pretty bad if I’m honest. Kaz really deserved a more experienced opponent if this wasn’t going to be a total squash.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #5: Cole Karter, Lee Johnson & QT Marshall def. Channing Thomas, Jake Manning & Teddy Goodz
My Thoughts: Cole Karter and Lee Johnson get another outing as part of The Factory – have Aaron Solo and Nick Comoroto been relegated to “support acts”? Anyway, this was a decent match that was, so far, the best of the show. Of the enhancement talent, Teddy Goodz was a real highlight – shining in the short time he got in the ring. Got to wonder if Solo and Comoroto are going to leave The Factory (I’m talking kayfabe) given this iteration are actually winning matches?
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #6: Athena def. Little Mean Kathleen
My Thoughts: Another match where Athena destroyed her opponent and beat the hell out of her (so much so it was all over social media this morning) after the match. I’m digging this new heel version of Athena and I hope it leads to bigger things (a championship match) down the line.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #7: The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds, Evil Uno & John Silver) def. Mike Magnum, Brett Gosyln & Arjan Singh
My Thoughts: The Dark Order squash enhancement talent. Again. Yet they can’t win a match against any “big name” talent on the AEW roster. It’s getting stale Which is a goddamn shame for such a great faction!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #8: ROH Pure Championship Match – Daniel Garcia def. Brock Anderson
My Thoughts: A decent little back and forth between these two that showcased wrestling over storytelling and substance over spot-fest fluff. Still enjoy the fact ROH is at least getting some screen time, even if it is part of AEW’s YouTube shows. Though this felt like more of a “filler” than Garcia’s other title matches IMHO.
