WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = FTR defended their AEW Tag Team Championship against SCU in a thrilling contest, with FTR stealing the victory thanks to interference from Tully Blanchard. This was a fabulous example of the quality within AEW's tag team division, whilst also serving as an effective way to highlight how FTR continue to slip towards the dark side. They call themelves the pinnacle of tag team wrestling, and it is hard to deny them that accolade after this week's performance.
Eddie Kingston chose Jon Moxley's opponent this week, with the AEW World Champion taking on The Butcher. Whilst not as hard hitting as last week's AEW World Championship match, it was a stiff contest, with The Butcher putting on a better performance than I thought he was capable of. Overall, the matches on Dynamite this week were much more intense than those on NXT.
NXT = Dakota Kai took on Shotzi Blackheart in a strong match this week, with both women clearly wanting to put on a strong performance to underline why they should remain in contention for the NXT Women's Championship. Blackheart was able to secure the victory, although nothing should be taken away from Kai. This was a strong match to reinforce not only the title aspirations of both women, but the overall quality of NXT's women's division.
The main event of the show featured Damien Priest and Io Shirai vs Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. It was an interesting match that favoured storyline over action, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable. Overall, the matches on NXT were less intense than those on Dynamite, however they succeeded in reinforcing the talent of certain wrestlers. They also succeeded in building towards NXT TakeOver: 31.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Cody gave a stirring promo as he explained the shame he felt after losing the AEW TNT Championship so quickly. His delivery was much more confident than we have become accustomed to, with The American Nightmare coming across really well.
NXT = Kyle O'Reilly had a stunning promo segment, something he is not renowned for. It was refreshing to see him spotlighted in a manner that is usually reserved for Adam Cole, therefore it made his challenge for Finn Balor's NXT Championship feel all the more valid.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = It was compelling to witness the chaos that ensued as Cody announced he would accept Brodie Lee's challenge for a dog collar match. Sometimes it is entertaining to watch as the world burns, and this segment was one of those times. Everyone involved seemed hungry for blood, which made the segment succeed in raising the anticipation for Cody vs Lee.
NXT = Whilst not the most interesting storyline for fans, it has to be noted that KUSHIDA vs Velveteen Dream has been successful in making KUSHIDA feel like a legitimate threat within NXT. It is about time that KUSHIDA received a push, and hopefully he will be able to use this feud as a springboard to bigger and better things within NXT. Velveteen Dream has not succeeded during this feud, and one has to question if this is due to his alleged personal issues.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a genuinely exciting show this week, featuring a strong mix of matches and promos. The pacing of the show was well structured, which helped contribute to a smooth and enjoyable event.
NXT = NXT was a strong go home show for NXT TakeOver: 31. Promos and matches were well received, with the anticipation for this weekend's event being suitably ramped up throughout this week's show.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for making Cody a genuinely compelling character upon his return. He has a new fire that was sorely missing from his promo performances, whilst his desire to put on great matches seems renewed.
AEW also gains points for teasing MJF joining Inner Circle. It is still not clear if he will be an addition to the stable or if they will actually start feuding, but the journey to get there is entertaining.
AEW also gains points for using Chris Jericho to put over young talent. He is not a selfish wrestler, as he understands how important it is to build up the stars of tomorrow. This week, he helped make Isiah Kassidy look like a star.
AEW loses points for featuring Billy Mitchell. He should be nowhere near a wrestling show, and it was embarrassing to see him featured.
NXT gains points for continuing to push KUSHIDA. It has been long overdue to see the Japanese star enjoy a push, and hopefully he can capitalise on this added spotlight to defeat Velveteen Dream at NXT TakeOver: 31.
NXT also gains points for highlighting how ruthless Ridge Holland is. If booked correctly, he can be a dominant member of the NXT roster.
NXT also gains points for sowing the seeds for a face turn for Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly, whilst also maintaining the heel nature of Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong. This will be an intriguing dynamic over the next few weeks.
NXT loses points for the fact that Cameron Grimes is producing the wrong kind of heat. Rather than making me want to boo him, I just want his unbearable character to go away.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+3 / -1) / NXT (+3 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 5 to 3, AEW wins this week's Wednesday Night War. As ever, both shows are the highlight of the wrestling week. Dynamite is near faultless at the moment, especially since they have focused more on wrestling than promos.
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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