WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Every single match this week impressed me, especially the tag team match between Kenny Omega & Adam Page and The Lucha Bros. This was a frenetic and exciting match which was thoroughly entertaining, with The Lucha Bros looking strong in defeat. AEW's tag team division is arguably better than NXT's, and once again Omega and Page showed why they deserve to be the current AEW Tag Team Champions.
The tag team battle royal to determine the new number 1 contenders to the AEW Tag Team Championship was a fun contest, however the main event of Dynamite was the crowning glory of the show. Cody took on Wardlow inside a steel cage in order to get his hands on MJF at a later date, with Cody putting in yet another impressive performance. Cody defeated Wardlow with a memorable Moonsault from the top of the cage, which highlighted how important it was for him to win.
NXT = Most of the matches on NXT felt a step below how good they should have actually been, with Velveteen Dream vs Roderick Strong a good example of this. Dream and Strong tried to put on a great match, but it felt slower than it should have been, with Dream committing a few botches within the match. It was still a fun match, but it could have been so much better.
Despite NXT's women's division being stacked with strong performers, there is still room for improvement with some of the less seasoned wrestlers. Chelsea Green defeated Kayden Carter in a poor match, and this was made worse by the fact Bianca Belair interrupted it to threaten Charlotte Flair. This left a bad taste in my mouth, but Green and Carter didn't exactly shower themselves in glory with their insipid and ineffective offense.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Nyla Rose was interviewed by Tony Schiavone, explaining how she isn't pleased with the fan reaction to her winning the AEW Women's Championship. Rose added she is the queen bee in AEW's women's division and will stand up to anyone that challenges her. This was a great promo as it showed Rose has fire and passion outside of the ring.
NXT = Raquel Gonzalez showed some serious skill on the microphone as she explained why she stood up for Dakota Kai at NXT TakeOver: Portland. Gonzalez has an interesting character, and her union with Kai should be mutually beneficial.
Finn Balor delivered a brief but memorable promo as part of a video package, revealing that the next step in his NXT tenure will be revealed next week. Balor is compelling as The Prince, with this character allowing him to express just how talented he is on the microphone.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Dynamite pushed the Cody vs MJF storyline heavily this week, and the show benefitted as a result. This has become one of the most intriguing and compelling storylines in AEW, with Cody benefitting from his new character. Fans have responded positively to the storyline, and MJF has slowly but surely become one of the best wrestlers in the company.
Inner Circle continued to harass Jon Moxley this week, however he was supported by Dustin Rhodes and Darby Allin as they attacked him following his match with Jeff Cobb. This was a surprising development in the storyline, and one I am eagerly looking forward to as it develops further.
NXT = Velveteen Dream and Roderick Strong competed in the main event of NXT, however their match lacked the anger the storyline has hinted at so far. Dream was victorious, but he was ambushed by The Undisputed Era after the match, which hints at Dream potentially facing Adam Cole at NXT TakeOver: Tampa for the NXT Championship. It will be interesting to see where this storyline goes, but only if Dream regains the fire he has shown over the past few weeks.
Tommaso Ciampa took his anger out on Austin Theory, noting how he will be coming after Johnny Gargano. It will be exciting to see the next chapter in the Ciampa and Gargano feud, especially as the heel and face dynamic we are used to has been flipped. This promises to be a strong match at NXT TakeOver: Tampa, and I cannot wait to see the build to this.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was once again a fun show to watch from start to finish. Every match was fun and exciting, whilst promo segments felt truly effective. This was a strong show, with AEW starting to get into a consistent groove with Dynamite.
NXT = The post NXT Takover: Portland show was a huge step below what we have become accustomed to, as it was slow and lethargic. Part of this is the reluctance to immediately start building to NXT TakeOver: Tampa, but regardless, the show wasn't entertaining.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for hosting such a strong main event. Cody's feud with MJF feels important, and Cody's performance against Wardlow emphasised this.
AEW loses no points as nothing on the show was bad.
NXT gains points for Velveteen Dream's outfit. Not only was the blue jumpsuit a fun outfit, but the reveal of yet another Marina Shafir design was a fabulous touch.
NXT loses points for Bianca Belair interrupting Chelsea Green vs Kayden Carter. Yes, their match was very poor, but it showed a certain level of disrespect towards the women's division.
NXT also loses points for teasing another Keith Lee and Dominik Dijakovic match. Despite the amazing match they had at NXT TakeOver: Portland, it is important for Keith Lee to move onto another challenger to continue building his unbeatable aura.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+1 / -0) / NXT (+1 / -2)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 4 to 0, AEW easily wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Dynamite was such a great show, with no single segment or match coming across poorly. NXT was in comparison poor, and this can be blamed on the hangover from NXT TakeOver: Portland. Hopefully next week will be better for NXT, especially as they will need to start building towards NXT TakeOver: Tampa. Dynamite continues to be consistently entertaining, which is amazing for fans of wrestling. Wednesday night wrestling is still amazing!
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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