‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 74’ Review
Welcome to this week’s review of AEW Dark: Elevation, the opening salvo in the AEW wrestling week. Once again we’ve got the duo of Tony Schiavone and Mark Henry on commentary this week… Let’s see what the show has to offer!
Match #1: Julia Hart def. LMK
My Thoughts: Julia Hart’s transformation continues… Like last week, ere her character work was at the fore, with a determined walk to the ring, a stalking of her opponent (which I think is REALLY working for Hart) and a vicious streak that saw her slap the crap out of LMK. Onwards and upwards for Hart methinks!
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Leila Grey def. JC
My Thoughts: It’s clear AEW see something in Leila Grey, given that she’s had numerous matches now AND she’s been lined up as a baddie replacement on the main shows too. And that’s also evident by the fact she clearly squashed her opponent in this match – which is something AEW typically reserve for the “big name” stars!
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #3: Butcher, Blade, Angelico and Private Party def. Joey Ace, Victory Chase, Julio Cruz and Waves & Curls
My Thoughts: An over-crowded 10-man tag match that seemed to exist only to get everyone on “TV”. This was a squash of the simplest order, with the main roster guys jumping the enhancement talent and never letting up.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: The Factory (QT Marshall, Anthony Ogogo, Aaron Solo, and Nick Comoroto) def. Bobby Orlando, Bryce Donovan, Brett Gosselin, and T.U.G Cooper
My Thoughts: Another multi-man match and another squash match. Again, felt like this was just so The Factory got on AEW programming once again. Like they do every week on Dark and Elevation!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #5: Cole Karter def. Serpentico
My Thoughts: Urgh… Luther accompanies Serpentico for this one. However… I think this match actually needed Luther’s shenanigans, even though I normally hate it. Why? Because Karter is a charisma black hole and Luther was a fine distraction to that! Serpentico is, as always, the workhorse of AEW – pulling out tremendous matches when it’s asked of him or playing the fool when that’s required too. Underrated for sure.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #6: Athena def. Christina Marie
My Thoughts: We’re in squash match territory again. Only this time it’s of the typical AEw quasi-squash variety, with Athena giving Christina Marie plenty of time and space to showcase herself and her skills. Still, felt like a bit of a waste of Athena’s talents.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #7: Toni Storm, Willow Nightingale and Hikaru Shida def. Marina Shafir, Emi Sakura and Nyla Rose
My Thoughts: Let’s go! Now THIS is a main event match! OK, so I know people will just say this is another iteration of the women’s trios matches we’ve seen week in week out but… The trio of Storm, Shida and Nightingale is like wrestling heaven. Toni Storm is a badass Australian wrestler who can really go; Hikaru Shida is one of the best women’s wrestlers working in AEW right now and Willow Nightingale? Well I’ve professed my adoration of her charismatic, gloriously cheerful presentation since she first stepped foot in AEW. And these three are working TOGETHER in a match! Plus, what’s not to love about Willow going toe-to-toe with Nyla Rose. More of that please!