‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 61’ 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. Let’s get right into the action!
Match #1: Julia Hart def. Abby Jane
My Thoughts: Abby Jane makes her AEW debut in a squash match against Julia Hart, who’s clearly been taking lessons from someone in the back – unleashing a couple of chops on Jane that sounded like they really hurt! Hart is still selling the black mist, this week the dark patch under her eye is significantly bigger than previously; and she’s getting more and more aggressive. Perhaps we’re due the final turn for Hart real soon?
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Anthony Ogogo def. Goldy
My Thoughts: Another squash match for Anthony Ogogo. Though it looks like, as with Julia Hart, some improvements have been since his last televised match. Whilst many have decried Ogogo’s work so far I’m still interested to see what type of wrestler he will become – he’s relying less and less on his boxing background with every match, so we’ll just have to wait it out…
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #3: Konosuke Takeshita def. Rhett Titus
My Thoughts: I love Konosuke Takeshita and his work, so it’s great to see him in AEW again and he’s a brilliant addition to the roster. Titus didn’t lie down and take the squash here, giving Takeshita a hard time and making him work for the win
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Tony Nese def. Cheeseburger
My Thoughts: ROH’s Cheeseburger was WELL over with the crowd so we, thankfully, got a competitive wrestling match rather than one of Nese’s usual squashes. Cheeseburger also put on one hell of a show, his fast and flashy move set totally shining against Nese’s more traditional work.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Willow Nightingale def. Gia Scott
My Thoughts: LOVED the fact Willow got the full intro for this match and the fact she got the win. Especially after not being tagged into her match last week. I’ll fully admit I hadn’t seen any of Willow’s work before she appeared in AEW but her infectious attitude made me a firm fan and I have since gone back and watched as much of her stuff as I can.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #6: Max Caster def. Zack Clayton
My Thoughts: Former reality star Zack Clayton makes another appearance for AEW in a squash match against Max Caster. No reason for this to be a full squash though given Clayton’s obvious ability, so I found that to be an odd choice. Otherwise, this was short and sweet.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #7: Anna Jay and Kris Statlander def. Emi Sakura and Nyla Rose
My Thoughts: Anna Jay gets another new tag partner for this week’s women’s tag match, which yet again sees Emi Sakura and Nyla Rose teaming together. unlike some folk, I’m not getting tired of these multi-women matches, especially when we get different combos like this week. It does feel however that we do need the heels to win once in a while. Maybe.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #8: Dark Order (Evil Uno, Stu Grayson, Alan “5” Angels, John Silver, Alex Reynolds, and 10) def. Anthony Bennett, Kori Meshaw, Mike Law, Jaden Valo, Eli Isom and Brett Waters
My Thoughts: Apart from getting the entire Dark Order on Elevation (apart from Colt Cabana), this match felt like a bit of a waste. It was too quick, broke down too soon and when the Dark order did get it under control they quickly won. A rare main event misstep.
