WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Dynamite featured a number of solid to great matches this week, with particular emphasis on the quality of the tag team division. Jurassic Express vs Dark Order was all sorts of exciting, whilst The Young Bucks vs The Acclaimed was a fantastic main event.
The only real blip on the show was Chris Jericho and MJF vs Top Flight, which did not come off well at all.
NXT = Dakota Kai vs Rhea Ripley was a tremendous bout, highlighting how talented both women are. Kai in particular looked strong, and whilst she lost, she nevertheless made herself look like a strong threat to NXT’s women’s division.
The main event was extremely disappointing, however this can be attributed to the fallen stock of Velveteen Dream. Adam Cole deserves better than this, whilst it may be best for everyone if Dream quietly goes away from NXT.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Sting’s interview was solid and enjoyable, whilst Kenny Omega and Don Callis were once again entertaining as absolute dicks.
NXT = The Gargano’s performed well in their promo segment, combining dickish heel sentiments with hilarious and over the top jokes.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Storylines were lightly advanced this week, but Sting’s presence on the show created tension and anticipation for his first real storyline involvement. It is clear AEW are planting the seeds for multiple feuds, therefore it is great to see this in action.
NXT = The Gargano’s enhanced their glowing reputation as slick heels, whilst NXT’s women’s division continues to effectively weave multiple feuds that have effective builds into one coherent and cohesive overarching storyline.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a solid show this week, and although there was a clear element of holiday fatigue, the pacing of the show wasn’t bad at all. It also helped that the show finished on a high.
NXT = NXT was also a solid show, however the pacing was greatly affected by how the show was structured. Adam Cole vs Velveteen Dream was not a great way to end the show.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for pushing Top Flight and The Acclaimed as the future of AEW’s tag team division.
AEW also gains points for Sting continuing to be used correctly. AEW have already surpassed the manner in which WWE presented Sting.
AEW loses points for the struggles experienced by MJF and Chris Jericho as a team. For some reason, this is not the pairing I want to see within Inner Circle.
NXT gains points for continuing to highlight how silly Johnny Gargano is as a heel. He is so over the top that it actually works.
NXT loses points for how poorly presented the main event was. Adam Cole deserves much better than facing off against a damaged and half hearted Velveteen Dream.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -1) / NXT (+1 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 3 to 2, AEW wins this week’s Wednesday Night War. Both shows were more enjoyable than the time of year would suggest, but Dynamite was a much tighter show overall.
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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