WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = The AEW TNT Championship tournament provided fans with some extremely entertaining and pulsating matches, with Darby Allin vs Sammy Guevara the standout contest. It was an exciting and frenetic match, with Allin winning to advance to the semi-finals.
Dustin Rhodes was also victorious in his quarter-final match against Kip Sabian, and whilst Allin winning was the correct choice, it can be argued that Rhodes should have put Sabian over. Regardless of whether or not that was the correct booking decision, it was a hell of a match, perfectly bookending the show with near flawless tournament matches.
NXT = NXT featured some interesting matches this week, using tag team contests to further their storylines. Tegan Nox teamed up with Shotzi Blackheart to take on the oppressive Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez, only to be overpowered by the sheer strength of Gonzalez. This allows Nox vs Kai to continue, which has been one of the better NXT storylines in recent months.
The main event of the evening was Velveteen Dream and Keith Lee vs Adam Cole and Roderick Strong, with Dexter Lumis replacing Lee halfway through the match. This was a sheer disappointment, as the contest felt lifeless and devoid of any interest. This was mainly due to the lack of a crowd, but it was still disappointing nonetheless.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Brodie Lee was seen offering a spot in Dark Order to a a physically imposing character, and he used his intelligent words to reassure this individual that it was the right choice. Once again, Lee has dispelled the notion that he cannot speak with a truly effective promo. AEW has a real diamond in the form of Lee, who now seems like the full package.
The true promo highlight of the week was the brilliance of Broken and Mortal Matt Hardy, both of which succinctly increased the anticipation for Hardy vs Chris Jericho. Hardy’s promos may not be for everyone, but they are certainly a highlight of Dynamite, for better or for worse.
NXT = The video package for the transformation of Candice LeRae was intriguing, if not slightly underwhelming. Her heel turn has been coming since she screwed over Tommaso Ciampa, and although the video package was interesting, it did not hit a home run. Johnny Gargano tried his best, but the idea of an evil husband and wife tandem doesn’t fill me with much excitement.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = The AEW TNT Championship tournament took centre place this week, but there was still time to advance Matt Hardy vs Chris Jericho. Broken Matt Hardy transformed into Mortal Matt Hardy, which was a nice touch, with Jericho continuing to sell the storyline well. This is the top storyline in AEW, and so far, it has been booked well.
NXT = Velveteen Dream vs Adam Cole continued this week, but the lack of a crowd is having a clear impact on Dream’s ability to get his character, and therefore the storyline, over. His character is one which truly resonates with fans, therefore having no fans to feed off hurts and negatively impacts his ability to carry the storyline. Dream and Cole tried hard, but it just wasn’t enough this week.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = AEW put on a much improved episode of Dynamite this week, which was helped by the insane consistency of the matches from the AEW TNT Championship tournament.
NXT = NXT was an entertaining show, however the Velveteen Dream and Adam Cole storyline is devoid of any real heat, which is a real shame. Also, the bait and switch of Dream vs Finn Balor was hugely disappointing.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for the brilliance that is Matt Hardy. His 2 forms were expertly used, and it is clear he still has enough gas in the tank to entertain.
AEW also gains points for the entertaining Wardlow squash.
AEW loses points for failing to make Kip Sabian a bigger star by defeating Dustin Rhodes. It isn’t the end of the world, but it feels like a missed opportunity.
NXT gains points for trying to progress Dexter Lumis up the NXT ladder, as it is clear Triple H sees something in him.
NXT also gains points for trying something new with Candice LeRae, even if it wasn’t as impactful as it should have been.
NXT loses points for promising us Velveteen Dream vs Finn Balor, only to take that away on the night. If they knew in advance that they didn’t want to hold the match, then they should have avoided advertising it in the first place.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 5 to 1, AEW easily wins this week’s Wednesday Night War. NXT was unable to provide us with an exciting match as promised, whilst AEW put on a near flawless show. NXT was not a bad show, it’s just that Dynamite was a much better and complete offering. This is exactly why I love both shows. They are entertaining, and during uncertain times, it is important to be grateful for what excitement we can take from professional wrestling.
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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