‘AEW: Dark’ Review (Nov 1st 2022)
Another week, another episode of AEW: Dark which, like Elevation, features nine matches… On with this week’s review!
Match #1: Danhausen def. Jon Cruz
My Thoughts: Danhausen manages to get a win after losing to QT Marshall on Elevation. Though it was againzt jobber Jon Cruz, who was last seen on Dark getting quickly squashed by The Butcher (way back in 2021). Still it’s always great to see Danhausen in action. Always.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: The Embassy def. Fuego Del Sol and Waves & Curls
My Thoughts: Well this was surprise, I expected a quick squash of Feugo and his teammates but no, instead we got a decent display of action from everyone involved. In fact this was – in another total surprise – one of the best matches we’ve seen from The Embassy so far.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Nyla Rose def. Leva Bates
My Thoughts: We expected a squash and we got a squash. Leva did get in some offence so we can call this a typical AEW quasi-squash. Though I did appreciate the fact Nyla claimed she was defending her title. Y’know, the one she stole from Jade!
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #4: Dante Martin def. Encore
My Thoughts: You can always guarantee a good match from Dante Martin, the only issue is he sometimes feels wasted in matches against enhancement talent. Just like this match. At least Encore looked even in defeat.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Toni Storm def. Diamante
My Thoughts: Diamante gets another match this week, one that was a lot more balanced than her Elevation match against Madison Rayne. Both these women worked well together, delivering a great, solid, match – one of the best on this week’s show in fact!
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #6: Orange Cassidy & Best Friends def. Sonny Kiss, Ari Daivari, & Tony Deppen
My Thoughts: This was a superb match, with the Trustbusters managing to even make it look like they could win this one! Which, honestly, would’ve p*ssed me off… Still, despite looking good here AND performing well, I really can’t get behind Ari Daivari’s faction. So I was glad OC and the Best Friends got the win.
My Score: 4 out of 5
Match #7: Kip Sabian def. Dean Alexander
My Thoughts: This was a text AEW quasi-squash match, with Kip in control for most of the match and Dean Alexander getting just enough offence in to not look like a total chump. Despite being a squash, this was also one of Kip’s better matches since his return to AEW.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #8: Marina Shafir def. Kennedi Copeland
My Thoughts: Now THIS was a squash match. Kennedi got one, ONE, slap to Shafir in the entirety of this all-too-brief match. Otherwise this was all Shafir. Like Elevation’s Jace Cargill match this felt more like a tune-up for the duo’s clash on Dynamite rather than a real match.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #9: Rey Fenix def. AR Fox
My Thoughts: AR Fox opened this one strong, taking the fight to Fenix. In fact Fox looked to be in control of this match early doors, really showcasing his skills, even hitting a fantastic dive on Fenix on the outside! Eventually Fenix took control and, like a lot of these kinds of matches, ended this one waaaay too quickly. I would love to see this pair get another go at it, only with a bit more time for the next one!
