‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 60’ Review
Welcome to this week’s review of AEW Dark: Elevation, we’ve got Excalibur, Mark Henry and Paul Wight on commentary and an 8-match card featuring some of AEW’s biggest stars in yet another stacked show!
Match #1: Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alex Reynolds, Alan “5” Angels, and 10) def. Luther, Bulk Nasty, Jake Omen, Tito Oric, and RC Dupree
My Thoughts: No idea why this was a match. A total squash by Dark Order and opponents that were so rag-tag that they were unremarkable. This was a waste of screen time even for Dark Order!
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #2: Kris Statlander def. Julia Hart
My Thoughts: This was a great match and a perfect example of why Elevation and Dark exist. Statlander got some screen time for her new character and Julia Hart got more experience in the ring – experience that is clearly paying off. This wasn’t a rushed match or a squash, both of which you might have expected from those involved.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Konosuke Takeshita def. Brandon Cutler
My Thoughts: Loved seeing Takeshita back in AEW, even if it was in a match with Brandon Cutler! Cutler was outwrestled and outclassed throughout this on… No idea why it took TWO moves to finish Cutler off though?
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Tony Nese w/ Smart Mark Sterling def. Steel City Brawler
My Thoughts: This was the AEW debut of Steel City Brawler who essentially got squashed by Nese in a stereotypical AEW quasi-squash match (Brawler had to get in some offence in front of the home crowd though didn’t he?). Speaking of Nese, working with Smart Mark is undoubtedly going to be a plus for him – Sterling can do all the talking and Nese can concentrate on the wrestling he’s so good at.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #5: Minoru Suzuki def. QT Marshall
My Thoughts: Too many shenanigans to make this a real match at first, but thankfully ref Paul Turner kicked Aaron Solo and Nick Comoroto out of ringside, leaving QT Marshall to take his beating like a man. Because you know QT could NEVER win against Minoru Suzuki. Ever. Though why Suzuki wasn’t just allowed to beat QT to death in a total squash I’ll never know.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #6: John Silver def. Vince Valor
My Thoughts: This felt like just a reason to get more Dark Order on TV and give the entire faction screen time (Anna Jay wrestles in the next match). Valor got one move in. ONE MOVE. That’s how much of a squash match this was.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #7: Trios Match – Ruby Soho, Anna Jay, and Skye Blue def. Emi Sakura, The Bunny, and Nyla Rose
My Thoughts: I do enjoy these women’s trios matches every week on Elevation and Dark but I do worry that they’re getting rather stale. It’s every week. The same combination of women usually. Perhaps it’s time to change things up? Bring in some new blood on either team? Emi, Nyla and The Bunny have been working together for ages – we need new heels!
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #8: Penta Oscuro def. Max Caster
My Thoughts: This was termed the “second main event” and it felt like it too, the women’s match was clearly the more enjoyable of the two – though you can never complain about watching Penta wrestle. Ever. This match felt a little “going through the motions” for a wrestling match, couldn’t tell you why I felt like that though…
