WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Match quality on Dynamite was much improved this week, with no single match coming off poorly. This was exemplified by the fatal 4 way tag team match which was won by Kenny Omega and Adam Page. This match also featured Santana and Ortiz, Best Friends and The Young Bucks, with excitement available all throughout the match. Both shows excel in tag team matches, but the quality on show in this match was quite simply the best on offer between the 2 shows.
The mini tournament to crown a number 1 contender for the AEW World Championship featured 2 great matches, with Jon Moxley defeating Sammy Guevara and PAC defeating Darby Allin. Both of these matches were hard hitting, gritty and exciting, which put over the importance of progressing in the tournament. Both matches contributed to this week’s episode of Dynamite coming off much stronger.
NXT = NXT had yet another show with consistently strong matches, and much of this can be attributed to the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. Matt Riddle and Pete Dunne vs Flash Morgan Webster and Mark Andrews was a fabulous match which never dipped in quality once. Fans were on edge for the climax of the match, which was a true sight to behold.
Bianca Belair finally set herself up as a viable challenger to Rhea Ripley’s NXT Women’s Championship as she won the women’s battle royal, a result that left fans surprised. The quality of the match was strong, with multiple women improving their stock within NXT as a result. As the main event of the evening, this was a perfect way to end the show.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Cody responded to MJF in a passionate promo, highlighting how lazy MJF actually is. This came off well as Cody seemed motivated and ready for a fight, whilst his threat of giving MJF his own scar was memorable.
Chris Jericho gave a promo to justify his recent attack on Jon Moxley, which was well received by fans. Jericho claimed Moxley had signed his death warrant, which was equal parts chilling and exciting. Jericho continues to be an absolute delight on the microphone.
NXT = Keith Lee shared his thoughts about The Undisputed Era in a passionate promo. It isn’t often we get to hear from Lee himself, so it was captivating to see him run down The Undisputed Era in his own inimitable manner. Lee looked a star here as he proved he has the microphone skills to complement his immense in ring ability.
Zack Gibson delivered an emphatic post match promo upon defeating The Timesplitters, in which he announced The Grizzled Young Veterans had already conquered Europe, therefore were setting their sights on winning the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Gibson revelled in ending The Timesplitters’ so called reunion tour, which did not endear himself to the Full Sail faithful. It was a skilled promo that sets them up as the dark horses of the tournament.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Inner Circle understandably took Jon Moxley out after his victory over Sammy Guevara, with Chris Jericho whipping him with the AEW World Championship. This was a great rebuttal to last week’s attack on Inner Circle, with the interest in this feud now amped up considerably.
The Dark Order released a video which highlighted they are after Adam Page, and although The Dark Order have been an awful addition to AEW thus far, it will be exciting to see where the storyline goes with Page’s involvement.
NXT = The Undisputed Era continued their destructive streak as they took out Keith Lee, whilst also attempting to take out Tommaso Ciampa. This faction is quite simply the best aspect of NXT at the moment, and the intrigue over who their next victim will be remains an exciting prospect. The Undisputed Era always receive a loud crowd reaction when they arrive, which shows just how important they are to the yellow brand.
Bianca Belair struggled to establish herself as a force within NXT’s women’s division in 2019, therefore becoming the number 1 contender to Rhea Ripley’s NXT Women’s Championship shows she has grown as a performer. It will be compelling viewing as she challenges Ripley over the next few weeks, and hopefully this victory is the start of a redemption storyline for her.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = AEW was a great show which was better paced than last week’s episode. It wasn’t perfect, but the clear improvement made it much easier to digest and enjoy.
NXT = NXT was almost a perfect show. Promo segments were on fire, matches were of fabulous quality and overall, the show was exciting to watch. NXT is consistently putting on the best shows in WWE by a country mile, with this week’s episode one of the best in a while.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for Inner Circle looking strong after last week’s attack at the hands of Jon Moxley.
AEW loses no points as there was no aspect of the show which deserved to be highlighted as poor.
NXT gains points for not having The Timesplitters win, which initially seemed like it would have been the obvious result. Alex Shelley had his NXT moment, whilst The Grizzled Young Veterans benefitted from the victory.
NXT also gains points for setting up a redemption arc to Bianca Belair’s storyline. This will undoubtedly be a compelling aspect of future shows as the storyline develops.
NXT loses no points this week as the show was almost perfect.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+1 / -0) / NXT (+2 / -0)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = NXT
With a score of 4 to 3, NXT just edges this week’s Wednesday Night War. Both shows were incredible to watch, however NXT was just a tad more consistent. This truly is a wonderful night to watch wrestling and be a wrestling fan. Thank you NXT. Thank you AEW.
That's my pick for the better show of the week, but how do YOU stand?
Which was better, Dynamite or NXT?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
0 comments: