WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Dynamite featured 5 strong matches this week, with The Lucha Bros, The Butcher and The Blade defeating The Elite in a hellacious match. This was yet again a perfect example of how AEW excels in multi man matches, with the chaos within The Elite adding to the narrative of the match.
Another match which was extremely fun to watch was Kip Sabian vs Joey Janela, with both men putting on an intriguing battle. Sabian stole the victory, which should allow for a further match to take place in their feud.
Overall, the match quality was high, with every match keeping the interest of fans until the bell rang for the finish.
NXT = There were 5 matches on offer this week, which is a lower number than we have become accustomed to. However, all of the matches were great which ensured that fans were treated to a great night of wrestling. Angel Garza defeated Isiah Scott in a fabulous match, which allowed both stars to shine. Garza may have won, but Scott looked like a true star within NXT.
The main event of the night pitted The Broserweights and Tommaso Ciampa against The Undisputed Era, which was one extremely well worked match. The Undisputed Era had their comeuppance as they lost via DQ, only to be taken out post match by Velveteen Dream. This match worked well to increase the anticipation for NXT TakeOver: Portland, whilst also being a solid match in isolation.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Chris Jericho delivered an effective promo about how low Jon Moxley is for taking out Santana’s eye. The irony within his promo was delicious, which ensured this came across effectively.
The segment between MJF and Cody was extremely well produced, with Cody coming across as the ultimate face. He took his 10 lashings from MJF like a star, which ensured that MJF was irate at not having the desired effect of destroying Cody. He low blowed Cody to end the segment, which truly presented him as a despicable man, which made the segment even better than it possibly could have been.
NXT = Bianca Belair demanded answers from Rhea Ripley, only to be met with a returning Charlotte Flair. Flair disrespected Belair, whilst Ripley came out to explain to The Queen that as NXT wrestlers, they are united. This led to Ripley and Belair taking out Flair, much to the delight of the fans in attendance. Ripley had put over how strong Belair was, whilst Belair showed fire here that she has been previously lacking, which made this segment a lot better.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho continue to dance around each other, which increases the anticipation for their eventual battle. Moxley took out Santana as revenge for his own eye being damaged previously, whilst Jericho resorted to his slimy heel nature in decrying Moxley for his actions. The anticipation for their match continues to build, with this feud deserving the attention it is receiving.
Britt Baker continues to play up to her new heel character, which is honestly compelling viewing. She has transitioned to the role naturally, and she is using elements of her real life character to accentuate her strengths. It will be great to see how she can use this to become the AEW Women's Champion, and it is lovely to see the women's division get a level of spotlight outside the awful Nightmare Collective.
NXT = The Undisputed Era vs Tommaso Ciarpa continued this week, with The Broserweights teaming up with Ciampa to take the heels out. Ciampa vs Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver: Portland is an extremely personal match, with Cole getting a measure of revenge over Ciampa following last week's attack. This was short lived, as Velveteen Dream came out to even the odds, which makes for an intriguing addition to the storyline.
Charlotte Flair injected herself into the Bianca Belair vs Rhea Ripley storyline, which was fine until she started to disrespect Belair. Flair should have waited until after NXT TakeOver: Portland to declare that she would indeed be taking on the NXT Women's Champion, as Belair has a realistic chance of beating Ripley. However, this seemed to be glossed over, which was a real shame as Belair and Ripley deserve much better.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = AEW felt vibrant this week, with no single segment stinking up the show. Matches were well produced, whilst each promo segment felt logical and interesting. Overall, this was a great week of Dynamite wrestling.
NXT = NXT was as good as it always is, however the addition of Charlotte Flair took away from the show. The show was well paced, but it failed to hit the heights of Dynamite.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for the visual of Jon Moxley taking out Santana, as this left a big impact on viewers.
AEW loses points for the Dark Order storyline continuing to bomb in spectacular style.
NXT gains points for the memorable fashion in which Velveteen Dream returned. He was already a true star, but the reaction of the fans solidified his status as one of the biggest names in NXT.
NXT also gains points for highlighting the shared strength of the NXT roster during the Charlotte Flair segment. Despite being enemies, Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley truly live up to the mantra of We Are NXT.
NXT loses points for Charlotte Flair's attitude towards Bianca Belair. It came off as mean, when in actual fact she should show respect for how much better NXT has become since she left.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+1 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 4 to 1, AEW easily wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were strong, but AEW is excelling just that little bit more in each area. 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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