‘AEW: Dark’ Review (Mar 21st 2023)
Another week, another episode of AEW: Dark which once again this week features a mere FIVE matches (music to my ears!) Anyway, on with the review…
Match #1: Juice Robinson def. Leon Ruffin
My Thoughts: This is EASILY the best match Juice Robinson has had in AEW so far. Leon Ruffin was a great opponent and a brilliant foil for Robinson, who needed the win to build his rep in the company, especially considering his antics on AEW’s main show(s) last week.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Kiera Hogan def. Leila Grey
My Thoughts: An interesting match-up, with a former baddie taking on a current baddie in what could be a new feud in AEW, one that would allow the Jade Cargill hype-train to continue but allow for “camp” to take loses whilst building up possible opponents to dethrone Cargill.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: The Iron Savages def. The Wingmen (Ryan Nemeth & Cezar Bononi)
My Thoughts: By now, if you’ve been reading my reviews for long enough, you’ll know I’m not a fan of Ryan Nemeth but it was good to see Cezar Bononi back in action – it’s been a while since he’s wrestled as part of The Wingmen. The real stars of this one were Bronson and Boulder, even though I still hate their new gimmick, and it was great to see them get the win!
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #4: The Renegades def. Avery Breaux & Mafiosa
My Thoughts: The Renegades get to face a couple of enhancement talents, a role they have been in, and they get to win with a decisive squash. You have to wonder what, if any, long-term plan AEW have for the duo. After all, AEW’s women’s tag division is in dire need of some ACTUAL tag teams not just singles wrestlers thrown together.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #5: Toni Storm def. Billie Starkz
My Thoughts: Just wow. This was a fantastic main event and really stepped things up for Dark. These are the type of Dynamite/Rampage-worthy matches that AEW’s YouTube shows need to elevate them from a bevvy of squashes (which both shows oftentimes fall into). Toni Storm was ALWAYS in control of this one but she let Billie Starkz, who’s really made an impact in the brief time she’s been on AEW programming, get her time in the spotlight. Before brutally putting her in her proverbial place with a half-and-half suplex and the Storm Zero for the win!
