WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = As always, AEW put on some great tag team matches on Dynamite. Jurassic Express defeated The Lucha Bros in a quality contest, with Jurassic Express once again underlining their credentials as a solid and talented tag team.
The best match of the night was the main event. Dustin Rhodes attempted to avenge his brother's loss from a few weeks ago against Brodie Lee, with the AEW TNT Championship on the line. Rhodes had a fire to his performance that made the match feel more personal, but Lee's overwhelming power proved too much. This was a solid match to end the show.
NXT = NXT featured two incredible matches this week, with Finn Balor and Adam Cole competing for the NXT Championship. Both men appeared to have the match won at different points, but it was the irrepressible Balor who came out on top. This was a fabulous sequel to last week's Fatal Four Way match, and both men rightfully looked like the biggest stars in NXT.
Rhea Ripley took on Mercedes Martinez in a quality Steel Cage match. Weapons littered the ring and were put to good use, but the action itself was as good as anything else on the show. Despite looking strong against Ripley, Martinez was unable to take advantage of Robert Stone's distraction. Ripley came out on top following a Top Rope Riptide through a table to end a truly fabulous match.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Anticipation was built towards Jon Moxley vs Lance Archer as they each gave a solid promo this week. They both noted how they will beat the other, but it was Moxley who came across better. He is not underestimating Archer, but he certainly believes he will win.
NXT = Tegan Nox was invited to dinner with the Gargano's, which inevitably descended into chaos. The segment was well acted, with Nox coming across better here than she has for quite a while.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Dynamite was light on storylines this week, however there was some development in the Hangman Adam Page vs The Elite storyline. It was interesting to hear Page's intention to regain the AEW Tag Team Championship with Kenny Omega, only for The Cleaner to announce he would be returning to singles competition.
NXT = The Robert Stone Brand vs Rhea Ripley feud was essentially ended this week, with Mercedes Martinez unable to beat Ripley. This has been a strong feud which has produced some great matches, so it will be interesting to see what is next for Stone and his entourage.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a good show, however it didn't feel as tight as it normally does. It was entertaining, but a few segments fell flat.
NXT = NXT was a very strong show, featuring a strong mix of matches and promos. The 2 hour runtime absolutely flew by.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for dealing with the storyline between Hangman Adam Page and The Elite in such a strong manner.
AEW also gains points for ramping up anticipation for Hikaru Shida vs Nyla Rose.
AEW loses points for the underwhelming debut of Miro. The former Rusev should have debuted as a dominant force, not as the best man to a midcarder.
NXT gains points for putting on such a violent women's match to end the show.
NXT also gains points for creating intrigue between Io Shirai and Shotzi Blackheart. This is a match I didn't realise I wanted.
NXT loses points for continuing to push Velveteen Dream. I genuinely think it is for the best for all parties to have Dream take an extended break.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = NXT
With a score of 4 to 2, NXT wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were fun, but it was NXT which was the tighter and more enjoyable experience.
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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