WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = FTR defeated TH2 in a hard hitting match to successfully retain the AEW Tag Team Championship. It appeared effortless as FTR put on yet another strong performance, adapting well to the high flying offense of TH2. The match stipulation was used well, whilst the quality of the match was evidence of how much better AEW's tag team division is compared to NXT's tag team division.
The Dog Collar match between Brodie Lee and Cody for the AEW TNT Championship was a suitably brutal affair. Lee came across as an absolute monster, whilst Cody portrayed the valiant face that never says die. Cody bleeding profusely was a great visual, with Lee targetting it for extra effectiveness. This was a strong match to showcase on television, especially considering how it could have reasonably main evented an AEW pay-per-view, and Cody regaining the title was a great moment to savour.
NXT = NXT kicked off with a superb match between KUSHIDA and Tommaso Ciampa, with the only issue being the interference from Velveteen Dream. It was refreshing to see KUSHIDA be pushed harder than he has been pushed so far in his NXT tenure, whilst Ciampa looked more motivated than we have seen him be for a number of weeks.
The main event of the evening featured Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez take on Rhea Ripley and Ember Moon. The match had a great storyline behind it, whilst all four women put on a great performance. It was yet another example of the fine work that goes on in NXT's women's division, whilst also evidencing what benefits Moon will bring to the product.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Dynamite featured a number of promos and vignettes praising Chris Jericho, but it was MJF's promo which came across the best. He once again evidenced why he is one of the best talkers in AEW.
Cody's post match promo was passionate, allowing fans to buy into his AEW TNT Championship victory with more enthusiasm. Yes, it may have come across as cheesy, but it was very effective.
NXT = Ember Moon produced a heartfelt promo as she explained her return to NXT. The mention of Ember's Law was a great touch, allowing Moon to come across well as a passionate face.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Cody's recent revival continued as he defeated Brodie Lee to regain the AEW TNT Championship. Not only was it an extremely violent contest, but Cody came across as strong and valiant. This is arguably the best storyline in AEW at the moment, but Kenny Omega vs Hangman Adam Page is burning away slowly in the background.
NXT = Io Shirai revealed she didn't come out to help Rhea Ripley when she was being attacked by Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez because it is not her issue to worry about. Shirai's priority is her NXT Women's Championship, and it is this interest that keeps the overall storyline of NXT's women's division ticking over well. Everyone wants to take the fight to each other to prove themselves worthy of facing Shirai, which makes the title and Shirai feel important. It is great to see so many storylines within the women's division be woven into the fight to become NXT Women's Champion.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a solid and entertaining show, with a great emphasis on thrilling matches. The pacing of the show was good, whilst matches and promos were used effectively.
NXT = NXT was also a solid and entertaining show, featuring a good mix of matches and promos to advance storylines.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for emphasising the impact that Chris Jericho has made on the wrestling industry. He well and truly deserves the recognition he received for his 30th anniversary.
AEW also gains points for Cody's entrance. It felt special, adding to the anticipation for his match with Brodie Lee.
AEW loses points for Jim Ross' insipid commentary. This week in particular, I felt Ross' delivery actually took away from the enjoyment of the show.
NXT gains points for keeping KUSHIDA's character strong. He is finally enjoying a sustained push, and I for one could not be happier for him.
NXT also gains points for presenting Ember Moon as a strong character in NXT's women's division. It is clear that she will be pushed hard now she has returned to the yellow brand, and hopefully this week was the start of yet another strong run for Moon.
NXT also gains points for Johnny Gargano's performance in his vignette with Candice LeRae. Whether intentional or not, it was highly entertaining and amusing.
NXT loses points for the bad luck of Ridge Holland's injury. He appeared to blow out his knee, which is a real shame considering he was in the midst of his first real push.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -1) / NXT (+3 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 4 to 3, AEW wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were fine examples of wrestling, but it was Dynamite that felt the more complete show. It also helps that Cody vs Brodie Lee was a phenomenal match.
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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