‘AEW: Dark’ Review (Sep 20th 2022)
Another week, another episode of AEW: Dark which, after last week’s short five-match card, is a whopping 11-match show..! Let’s just say I prefer the shorter shows. Let’s get right into the review!
Match #1: John Silver & Alex Reynolds def. Zuka & Alexander Moss
My Thoughts: I’m in a constant state of worry about the current 4-man roster of the Dark Order. It seems like the further away from the death of Brodie Lee, the more Tony Khan seems to be abandoning this team. I do sometimes wonder if not for their connection to Hangman Page, would they all still be in AEW? Which is a shame because the Dark Order, and in particular John Silver & Alex Reynolds, always deliver great matches – even on Dark and Elevation!
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Emi Sakura def. Avery Breaux
My Thoughts: It would seem that Emi Sakura is heading back to singles territory is recent shows are to be believed. SHe’ had a great run as the de facto leader of a number of women’s tag and trios team on Dark and Elevation, so hopefully the singles spotlight shows off what she can do to those not versed in her singles work. Though I’m still not sure why she’s been paired with Baliyan Akki as her valet/manager?
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: The Trustbusters def. Marcus Kross, Mike Magnum, & GMK
My Thoughts: I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I just don’t care about the Trustbusters faction… Which makes watching their matches a chore. But still, even I can admit this was pretty good.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #4: Anthony Ogogo def. Luke Kurtis
My Thoughts: This was more about Ogogo’s post-match promo, which saw him call out the AEW roster to face him rather than the enhancement talent he’s been squashing week in and week out. And yes, this was one of those squashes!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #5: Zack Clayton def. Vary Morales
My Thoughts: I have no idea what the hell this was. Clayton gets his second match of the week and spends most of the time arguing with a fan in the crowd. WTF?! Like Taz on commentary, I was laughing at the entire thing!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #6: Marina Shafir def. La Rosa Negra
My Thoughts: AEW finally gave Marina Shafir a decent opponent to face! La Rosa Negra managed to hold her own against Shfir AND made her look good in the process. AS a match this looked and felt a lot better than Shafir’s usual squash matches.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #7: Madison Rayne vs. Viva Van
My Thoughts: For a coach, Madison Rayne has had more matches than Dustin Rhodes at this point. I joke of course but Rayne does seem to be slotted into AEW’s Youtube shows quite frequently since she signed with the company. And if she IS a coach, she probably shouldn’t be doing weak finisher like in this match… doesn’t really set a good example does it?
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #8: KiLynn King def. Sahara Seven
My Thoughts: My girl KiLynn King is back on AEW programming and she demolished her opponent with a fantastic pump-handle slam for the win! What’s not to love about seeing one of the heroes of AEW’s pandemic era getting such a decisive win?
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #9: Tony Nese & Josh Woods def. Baliyan Akki & Ryan Matthews
My Thoughts: Josh Woods goes from a superb match against Samoa Joe on Rampage to this… Which did not give me much hope for Nese and Woods’ tag match against Wardlow and Joe this week. My guess is that match is going to be something of a squash.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #10: Sonny Kiss def. Joe Ocasio
My Thoughts: A good match for Kiss, who – even though now with the Trustbusters – still feels wasted in AEW. I know not everyone can be main eventers but Kiss felt like a breath of fresh air debuting in AEW and now, post the Janela break-up and feud, seems to be floundering. Kiss can still put on good match though!
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #11: Matt Sydal def. JD Drake
My Thoughts: This was a great match but not the barnstormer I’d expect from these two men. Perhaps they’re holding bac for the inevitable Workhorsemen/Sydal & Martin tag match? Whatever, this was a great way to end Dark and send the audience away happy!
