WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Match quality was strong on this week's episode of Dynamite. Cody once again excelled as he took on Warhorse, defending his AEW TNT Championship in a fabulous contest. Warhorse's AEW debut established himself as a strong wrestler, whilst underlining just how talented Cody is. Whilst not as good as last week's effort against Eddie Kingston, this was still a strong and enjoyable match to watch.
Hangman Adam Page and Kenny Omega vs Dark Order was yet another great AEW tag team match, with the champions retaining their titles. The action was hard hitting and frenetic at times, with Brodie Lee standing by to observe the carnage. Page's issues with Omega were once again subtely teased, whilst the near falls within the match made the contest feel more exciting. This was the perfect example of why AEW's tag division is so revered.
NXT = NXT featured a number of strong matches, with Johnny Gargano taking on Roderick Strong in a match which could easily headline any TakeOver event. Gargano managed to beat Strong in an extremely well worked match, underlining that he remains a true threat in NXT despite his recent issues.
Finn Balor vs Timothy Thatcher vs Dexter Lumis was an incredible match to determine who would progress to being one step closer to the NXT North American Championship. Each wrestler looked strong as they fought to determine a winner, however it was Lumis who took his opportunity by submitting Thatcher whilst he had his own submission locked in on Balor. This was a creative finish that befitted such a phenomenal match.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Dynamite played host to a short but sweet promo from Jon Moxley, in which he called Brian Cage and Ricky Starks punk bitches for their previous attack on Darby Allin. This style of delivery works well for Moxley, as he sounds much more intimidating in a brief but snappy promo.
MJF delivered what was perhaps the best promo to date in AEW history as he officially challenged Jon Moxley at All Out for the AEW World Championship. He spoke of change being required at the top, whilst being passionate about how much better he is than Moxley. This was an incredible promo that was on the same level as CM Punk's pipebomb promo. It was just that damn good.
NXT = Promo quality was great this week, with Dakota Kai coming across as cold and calculated as she explained why she left Candice LeRae alone in their tag team match. Her promo was made even better by her interactions with Rhea Ripley, which evidenced how Kai is the complete package. Keith Lee also succeeded in giving a promo which made fans sit up and listen to every word that he said.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Chris Jericho's ongoing feud with Orange Cassidy was built upon further this week, with Best Friends and Jurassic Express defeating Inner Circle in a fun 10 man tag team match. Matt Hardy also turned up to cost Sammy Guevara the victory, which means their feud has seemingly resumed now Guevara is back from his suspension.
Dark Order had a large impact on the show as they not only tried to take out Cody, but Hangman Adam Page and Kenny Omega were also intended victims. It seems Brodie Lee is preparing a huge assault on AEW, and it remains compelling viewing to see what happens next. That's right. Compelling viewing, which is not something I thought I'd write when Dark Order first started.
NXT = Keith Lee vs Karrion Kross was furthered this week, with Lee coming out to he ring to explain that whilst Dominik Dijakovic will be fine, he wants a piece of Kross. After Scarlett distracted Lee, Cameron Grimes attempted to take out Lee, only to be hit with a Spiritbomb. Kross then came up on the titantron to warn Lee that he will take out more people unless he is given a shot at Lee, to which the NXT Champion agreed.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a fun show to watch this week, with the in ring product being matched in quality by storyline progression. The show was well paced and logically booked, with this week's offering feeling as strong as ever.
NXT = NXT was a strong show this week, with very few segments that didn't come off well. Match quality was high, whilst the show felt well paced and for the most part was logically booked.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for Taz's commentary, which was much better than the usual insipid delivery we get from Jim Ross.
AEW also gains points for the impactful manner in which Matt Cardona debuted. He looked noticeably bigger than the last time we saw him compete in a WWE ring, whilst the assertion that he hails from Strong Island was funny to hear on commentary.
AEW loses points for Jim Ross' continued assertion that Aubrey Edwards is unable to officiate large matches correctly. It felt like a slight against arguably the best referee in AEW, coming off as mean rather than coming off as a valid viewpoint.
NXT gains points for teasing something big with The Undisputed Era. They have struggled recently, but it is compelling viewing to see what they will do next to rebound.
NXT also gains points for the strong manner in which the women's division is currently being booked. Io Shirai is a strong NXT Women's Champion, whilst her challengers are clamouring to beat each other decisively to earn the opportunity to try and dethrone her.
NXT also gains points for Dexter Lumis finally breaking out with a match making performance. He now heads into NXT TakeOver: XXX with momentum in his favour.
NXT loses points for seemingly cutting the legs off Cameron Grimes. Yes he is annoying, but I feel he didn't need to be squashed by Keith Lee to prove a point to Karrion Kross.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -1) / NXT (+3 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a close score of 4 to 3, AEW wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were of a high quality, but AEW blew NXT away with the quality of MJF's promo, in addition to the better quality of storylines. NXT truly excelled with the quality of its in ring work, whilst both shows were booked well. Both brands should be winners, but AEW just edges it this week.
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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