‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 50’ Review
Hard to believe we’re 50(!) episodes into AEW Dark: Elevation… You’d think AEW might make something of a song and dance about the milestone but no, instead we’re back to doing what Elevation does every week. Serviceable matches that let their wrestlers get some “developmental” time and showcase enhancement talent (usually to see if they can get over with the AEW crowd). Anyway, on with this weeks review.
Match #1: Dante Martin def. Kevin Matthews
My Thoughts: This was Dante Martin letting Kevin Matthews (aka Impact’s Wrestling’s KM) getting a chance to show off. Yes, we’re in AEW quasi0squash match territory. Martin eventually went on the offence and took control and took over with a flurry of dropkicks and splashes – getting the win in just under four minutes.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Thunder Rosa def. Riley Shepard
My Thoughts: Unlike the usual Thunder Rosa matches this was definitely a squash match, one that featured more wrestling than the usual fast-paced rope-running we’ve seen in modern wrestling. Shepard had a good look and sold well for Rosa. So there’s that.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #3: Zack Clayton def. Serpentico
My Thoughts: Reality star Zack Clayton is back on AEW programming after impressing last month in a match against QT Marshall and here he does it again, scoring a win against Serpentico even with interference from Luther at ringside. It will be interesting to see how Clayton fares by the end of 2022…
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Powerhouse Hobbs def. Matt Sydal
My Thoughts: The Team Taz / Dante Martin & Matt Sydal feud continued in this match, with Ricky Starks in Hobbs’ corner and Lee Moriarty as Sydal’s backup. Both men interfered in the match in a totally predictable fashion; however what wasn’t predictable was how good this match was. Sydal’s skill and speed perfectly matching Hobbs’ size and strength, in a match that went five minutes but never, NEVER, dragged.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Men of the Year (Ethan Page & Scorpio Sky) def. Jaden Valo & Steve Pena
My Thoughts: We’re back in squash match territory with this match, which was pretty much a blink and you’ll miss it affair. You’ll forget this one by the time the Dark Order come out for their match next, A waste of ALL the talent involved.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #6: The Acclaimed, 2point0 & Daniel Garcia def. Dark Order
My Thoughts: Not a single match featuring these guys EVER disappoints and neither did this one. This one broke down, as expected with a ten-man tag match but the spot-fest more than made up for that. Yes, this one worked as a spot-fest, whereas you’d normally be complaining about too many spots. Exciting and fast-paced action really revived this episode of Elevation.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #7: Ruby Soho, Tay Conti & Anna Jay def. The Bunny, Emi Sakura & Nyla Rose
My Thoughts: Another Trios outing for the women of AEW, a combination of which we seem to be seeing on a weekly basis on Dark and Elevation. Maybe it’s time to also showcase this stuff on TV on Dynamite and/or Rampage? These matches are a lot of fun and any time The Bunny gets to cut loose is always welcome!
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
An average episode of AEW Dark: Elevation this week, with only the 10-man tag standing out due to the spot-fest excitement. But don’t skip the Hobbs/Sydal match, which furthered not only the feud between Team Taz and Martin/Sydal/Moriarty AND showcased Hobbs in a match that actually went some time rather than his usual squash matches. Plus what’s not to love about the women’s Trios matches AEW is treating us to?