WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = The match quality on Dynamite this week was superb, with the main event street fight coming off really well. Chris Jericho and Sammy Guevara defeated Matt Hardy and Kenny Omega in a quality contest, which was entertaining in addition to acting as a great way to advance the feud between Inner Circle and The Elite.
Jon Moxley took on Kaz in a spirited contest, which was evidence of the high level of competition and match quality available on the AEW roster.
NXT = Adam Cole defended his NXT Championship against Velveteen Dream in a high quality contest. It wasn’t as strong as an NXT TakeOver title match, but it was a strong effort nonetheless.
Io Shirai challenged Charlotte Flair for the NXT Women’s Championship in what has been described as a true dream match. The action was intense, with Shirai being elevated further by Flair. Flair may have stolen the victory by drawing the DQ, but Shirai left an impression on the minds of fans who tuned in for Flair.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = In terms of promos, MJF gave a solid performance as he explained why he is the strongest wrestler in AEW. He came over like a complete dick, which is exactly what his character requires. It was well performed, with MJF’s promos always coming across well on Dynamite.
NXT = Finn Balor gave a strong promo near the close of the show as he explained whoever attacked him will be punished. The Prince is a compelling character, with Balor’s microphone skills feeling much improved.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Dynamite continued to effectively build Inner Circle vs The Elite, with Chris Jericho in particular revelling in this week’s victory. This remains the most compelling storyline in AEW, but it is important that Jon Moxley receives a credible opponent for his AEW World Championship.
NXT = NXT wasn’t heavily driven by storylines this week, however Karrion Kross fully established himself as a threat following his debut.
Dexter Lumis involved himself in The Undisputed Era’s business by supporting Velveteen Dream in his title match, which suggests this feud will be extended.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a phenomenal show, with the show acting as a true return to form. Matches were of high quality, whilst the show itself felt well paced and logically set up.
NXT = NXT was a great show, featuring 2 title matches which did not disappoint. The show wasn’t as frenetic as Dynamite, but it was still a quality show to watch.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for featuring such a fun main event.
AEW loses no points for what was a near perfect show.
NXT gains points for constructing an episode which felt important.
NXT also gains points for Karrion Kross’ Mortal Kombat reference. He imitated one of Scorpion’s most infamous lines to great effect. Get over here indeed.
NXT loses no points for featuring nothing that actually deserves a points deduction.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+1 / -0) / NXT (+2 / -0)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 4 to 3, AEW wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were great, however Dynamite was head and shoulders above NXT in terms of overall quality. Wednesday nights are still the best night of the week for 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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