WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Jon Moxley vs Pac was a fabulous match, which definitely benefitted from having the number 1 contendership to Chris Jericho's AEW World Championship on the line. This was a hard hitting match, with Pac being an utterly disgusting heel by going after Moxley's injured eye. Moxley winning was the right decision as it feels he is the superstar who will defeat Jericho for the championship.
In another amazing match, Kenny Omega and Hangman Page defeated SCU for the AEW World Tag Team Championship. This was the perfect way to open this week's episode of Dynamite, with absolutely incredible tag team wrestling on offer from both teams. It also helped that this was the first ever title change in AEW history, which adds an extra layer of decadence to the match. This was a thrilling contest, and one which showed AEW may just have the better tag team division.
NXT = There were a number of strong matches on NXT this week, with Keith Lee vs Roderick Strong the standout highlight. Despite the presence of The Undisputed Era, Lee was able to fight them off and stand tall to become the new NXT North American Champion. Lee is a star within NXT, and is destined for true success within WWE. Strong himself put in a great performance which underlines just how solid he is.
In terms of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament, Pete Dunne and Matt Riddle overcame Imperium in a fun match. Dunne and Riddle are talented singles wrestlers who have successfully made the transition to tag team wrestling, and this match was proof of their talent. This was also a better offering than The Undisputed Era vs Grizzled Young Veterans, which fell flat after a disappointing ending.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = AEW was short on promos this week, but MJF produced a memorable verbal attack on Cody, even mocking him for his lisp. This led to The Young Bucks getting some revenge on MJF with stereo Superkicks. This was a great way to reinforce to fans how much of an insufferable heel MJF is.
NXT = NXT featured a video package to highlight the feud between Dakota Kai and Tegan Nox. This was a great feature that made Nox look gutsy, whilst Kai came across as menacing as she has been since she turned heel.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Cody vs MJF and Jon Moxley vs Chris Jericho were both addressed this week, with Cody gaining a modicum of revenge over MJF, whilst Moxley reaffirmed his status as the number 1 contender to Jericho's AEW World Championship. Dynamite benefits from slow burn storylines, and these 2 are the best currently on offer.
NXT = The Undisputed Era vs Imperium was the main storyline featured on NXT this week, which was understandable considering their upcoming match at Worlds Collide this weekend. The brawl to end the show was highly entertaining, with Imperium looking surprisingly dominant.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = AEW had a different feel to it this week, which made the show feel interesting. The show was exciting, and was an improvement on last week’s offering.
NXT = NXT once again was an easy show to watch. Everything about the show clicked, with promos and matches flowing logically into each other.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for featuring matches from Chris Jericho’s cruise. It only stands to make the show feel different, whilst making the cruise itself seem more important than it did last year.
AEW loses points for not finding a way to air the show live from the cruise. In 2020, there must be some manner in which they could have aired the show live. Being on tape delay meant some viewers didn’t bother to tune in.
NXT gains points for making Keith Lee’s NXT North American Championship victory feel important. This was a huge step towards him becoming the king of NXT.
NXT also gains points for the insane visual of WALTER chopping Adam Cole into a flip. It was highly entertaining to say the least.
NXT loses points for having Imperium cost The Undisputed Era their match against Grizzled Young Veterans. Yes, it played into the overarching storyline narrative, but it didn’t benefit either team.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+1 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 3 to 2, AEW wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Dynamite was a more exciting show, with current storylines that surpass those in NXT. NXT is not a bad show at all, but AEW hit much sweeter notes this week. Once again, I love Wednesday Nights!
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!
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