WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Cody defeated Darby Allin in an extremely entertaining match to progress to the finals of the AEW TNT Championship tournament. Cody put on a solid performance, whilst Allin looked capable of picking up the victory himself. Unfortunately for Cody, his brother Dustin Rhodes was unable to progress to the finals as he was defeated by Lance Archer in a hard hitting match. Both contests were solid and worthy of the praise the tournament has received so far.
Wardlow’s rehabilitation continued as he enjoyed a squash match victory over Musa, whilst Brodie Lee continued his impressive run with a comprehensive victory over Marko Stunt. Both matches were able to show how squash matches can be booked well to build a wrestler up.
NXT = Mia Yim rose to the challenge of facing Charlotte Flair this week, in what proved to be a valiant effort. Yes, Yim was unlikely to win the match, but it was a strong effort that legitimised the threat she posed. She looked motivated, whilst Flair looked happy competing in the environment of NXT.
Keith Lee defended his NXT North American Championship against Damien Priest in the main event, with Priest coming close to causing an upset. Lee’s overwhelming strength proved to be the difference maker, as he continues his impressive run in NXT. This was a strong match to end the show, and both men can be happy with their efforts.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = MJF’s injury promo was performed well, with his uniquely obnoxious character continuing to work well in AEW. His presence has been missed on Dynamite, so it was great to see him come across well here.
NXT = The Newly Bros Show segment was hilarious, with Matt Riddle showing a considerable amount of personality. The speed comment was extremely funny, with Byron Saxton displaying so much more personality himself than we are used to. Timothy Thatcher also came off well, which made this an extremely enjoyable promo segment.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Once again, Dynamite had less of a focus on storylines, however this may be attributed to the taping schedule.
NXT = Drake Maverick kept his slim hopes of progression in the Interim NXT Cruiserweight Championship tournament alive with a victory over Tony Nese. Maverick being released from WWE has been used well as a storyline in NXT, as fans have a true and passionate connection to Maverick.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a fun show, however it didn't feel as complete as NXT did.
NXT = NXT was an enjoyable show, with a good mixture of matches and storyline development.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for continuing to put on a solid AEW TNT Championship tournament.
AEW loses points for a clear lack of storyline development in the AEW World Championship picture.
NXT gains points for The Newly Bros Show. It was a fun segment that felt fresh.
NXT also gains points for setting the stage for Charlotte Flair defending her NXT Women’s Championship against Io Shirai next week. Shirai looked fired up, whilst Flair looked highly concerned.
NXT loses points for relegating Johnny Gargano to Candice LeRae’s sidekick. His demeanour around LeRae was over the top, but in a way that hurts his credibility.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+1 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = NXT
With a score of 4 to 1, NXT wins this week’s Wednesday Night War. Both shows were great to watch, however NXT felt like a more complete show. Hopefully there will be more substance to AEW storylines once they start live shows again.
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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