‘AEW Dark: Elevation – Episode 104’ Review
Welcome back to another review of AEW Dark: Elevation, which features seven matches on the card once again. We’ve got regulars Paul Wight and Matt Menard on commentary as usual. So let’s get into the review!
Match #1: Emi Sakura def. Rachelle Riveter
My Thoughts: Nice to see Emi Sakura OPEN an episode of Elevation, though as usual she’s squashing her opponent. Well I say this is a squash, but this is the trademark-pending “AEW quasi-squash”, with Sakura giving Rachelle Riveter just enough space to get some offence in and not look totally weak. Which, if I’m honest, is always a trait of Sakura’s matches – she allows her opponent, no matter who it is, to show off their skills. Unlike some other people on the roster!
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #2: The Kingdom (Mike Bennett and Matt Taven) def. EJ Sparks and Aguila Aguirre
My Thoughts: EJ Sparks and Aguila Aguirre got like what, two shots in on The Kingdom? This was a much more traditional squash match. I know Nerdly’s own Kev will love the fact The Kingdom were in action but this is a long way down from their dominant run in ROH no that long ago…
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #3: Diamante, Nyla Rose, and Marina Shafir def. Mazzerati, Miss May, and Brittnie Brooks
My Thoughts: I’m really digging the trios team of Diamante, Nyla Rose and Marina Shafir – they’re three hard-hitting wrestlers who should really be dominating ANYONE they face. I know we’ve also had Emi Sakura in the mix but I think Diamante is a good replacement for her given how her style fits with Nyla Rose and Marina Shafir. Plus we get these three in action AND Sakura in singles competition doing her great thing… What’s not to love. Well, apart from the fact this was another squash match!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: Powerhouse Hobbs def. Daniel Evans
My Thoughts: Come one, what do you expect from a Powerhouse Hobbs match these days? Some decent competition? Nope. He’s being booked in the same way Lance Archer is… Hopefully he doesn’t suffer the same fate as Archer though!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #5: Ethan Page, Matt Hardy, and Isiah Kassidy def. Ice Williams, Braxton, and Watson
My Thoughts: The Ethan Page, Matt Hardy and Isiah Kassidy story rolls on and whilst it’s fun to see Page play the heel and belittle both Hardy and Kassidy, I can’t help but think this is going to just peter out once Marq Quen is back from injury rather than come to some huge finale. I hope the three prove me wrong. Otherwise, this was ANOTHER squash!
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #6: Athena def. Danielle Kamela
My Thoughts: Woah, hold on. Danielle Kamela actually got to get some hits in against Athena in this one! That makes a change from the straight-up squashes we’ve seen from the former Ember Moon in recent months. Nice to see a little bit more action in this match, which means I’m calling this Athena match more of an AEW quasi-squash this week!
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #7: Konosuke Takeshita def. Lee Johnson
My Thoughts: Konosuke Takeshita main events another AEW YouTube show… Which is just how it should be! I’m not afraid to admit I’m a complete Takeshita fanboy, seriously. He’s made such an impact in the short time he’s been seen in an AEW ring that it’s hard not to want him to get all the title shots, all the big matches. BUt yes, even someone as fantastic as Takeshita has to pay his dues… And the dude kills it every time. Also, it’s great to see Lee Johnson back on AEW television, feels like it’s been too long.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2/5
Too many squash matches for my tastes this week, unfortunately…
