‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 25’ Review
Welcome to this weeks review of AEW Dark: Elevation – the 25th episode of the show (already?!) which is the start of the AEW week… all they need now is a regular Thursday show right? This episode is headlined by a Death Triangle match (on a Dark show?!) which was very nearly overshadowed by the Bowens/Martin opener!
Match #1: Dante Martin def. Anthony Bowens
My Thoughts: Goddamn this was a great opening match. Yes, there were a coupled of telegraphed spots and a few clumnsy looking moves & pauses but for the most part these two put on a proverbial wrestling clinic. Totally agree with Eddie Kingston (excellent commentary as always from Kingston) that these two are the future of prefessional wrestling; both just need more time to finesse… which is what appearing on Dark and Elevation is for!
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #2: Varsity Blonds def. Warren Johnson and Zack Mason
My Thoughts: This one was the usual AEW quasi-squash, with Johnson and Mason allowed to get a couple of spots in before Varsity Blonds took over and got the quick(ish) win.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #3: Chuck Taylor, Wheeler Yuta, and Orange Cassidy def. The Blade and TH2
My Thoughts: This one felt a little lacklustre, no one really looked like they were taking things seriously, everyone seemingly having fun here rather than trying to create an intense big fight feel. Probably because this was, honestly, little more than another stepping stonme in the Orange Cassidy/Matt Hardy feud.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Tay Conti def. Promise Braxton
My Thoughts: A great “spinny doodad” from Tay Conti was the highlight of this match… and yes, that was what the gloriously crazy Eddie Kingston called the move! This was yet another typical AEW quasi-squash. Conti let Braxton get a few moves in, a few spots, but she was always in control and was always going to win this one. Still, its always great to see Conti look so satisifed when she’s wrestling these days. Some of us remember… We remember….
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: Death Triangle def. Dark Order’s Alan “5” Angels, Evil Uno, and Colt Cabana
My Thoughts: Well I’ll be damned, if Colt Cabana didn’t look like a star here! This match was all about the storytelling – how Death Triangle are a well-oiled machine, a TEAM, one who won’t be split apart by Andrade… Meanwhile the desention in the ranks of Dark Order continues, with a possible split teased… could Alan “5” Angels be leaving Dark Order? I hope not. Personally I’m hoping that someone comes into AEW that will reunify Dark Order, be it a returning Hangman or SOMEONE ELSE???
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
A great opener and a great closer made this worth sitting through a gaggle of average, by-the-numbers matches. Interestingly this one feature more of AEW’s bigger names yet didn’t feel as intense or exciting as an episode featuring newer, greener, talent. But hey, running less than an hour I can’t complain too much.
