Welcome to another edition of Wednesday Night War from Smark Out Moment, where we compare this week's episodes of AEW Dynamite and WWE NXT and determine which one of the two was the better show.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Eddie Kingston vs Lance Archer was a great opening match, with Archer having arguably his best performance in an AEW ring. Both men fought with passion, resulting in a match that was off the charts. Britt Baker also worked hard to get a good match out of Shanna, performing better than I had anticipated.
The main event was a fantastic match, with The Dark Order once again showing they are the complete package. Not only are they funny, but they are also talented in ring technicians. The Elite won, but both teams showered themselves in glory.
NXT = As usual, NXT featured a solid set of matches this week. Each Dusty Rhodes Classic match came off well, with both MSK and the team of Dakota Kai and Raquel Gonzalez looking extremely strong in victory. Gonzalez, in particular, looked a real star.
The main event was a fantastic way to end the show, with Finn Balor and Kyle O’Reilly putting their differences aside to defeat Oney Lorcan and Danny Burch. Both Balor and O’Reilly showcased their abilities to underline why they cannot be touched in terms of in ring quality and entertainment.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Sting gave an extremely short, yet highly effective promo this week, stating that both he and Darby Allin are hoodlums. This allowed fans to look forward to their match at Revolution, rather than focusing on the fact that Sting should not be competing, given his history of injuries. PAC and Jon Moxley gave strong performances of their own to build up their match next week against Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, displaying a level of fire and confidence that we haven't seen in either man for a while. Props also need to be given to Arn Anderson for delivering a geuinely heartfelt promo with Cody Rhodes.
NXT = Scarlett provided yet another promo this week, however it came off as very old hat. I fully understand why she is the mouthpiece for Karrion Kross, but she really needs to throw fans a curveball once in a while.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Sting and Darby Allin gave a moody promo to advance their issues with Team Taz, whilst Hangman Adam Page was courted by Matt Hardy. The issues between The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega were hinted at again, but it is clear these developments will be addressed on next week's show.
NXT = There was a considerable amount of storyline development this week, with the spectre of Legado del Fantasma hanging over the show once again. Finn Balor also solidified his alliance with The Undisputed Era, however it is clear he is only using them to achieve a united goal.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a fun show, featuring a better level of pacing than recent weeks. The match quality was great, whilst storyline development was scheduled in a manner which added to the enjoyment value of the show.
NXT = NXT felt fresh this week, coming across as a wholly entertaining and enjoyable two hours of television. The pacing was solid, whilst the show was scheduled in a logical manner.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for making Hangman Adam Page feel like a hot comodity within AEW.
AEW also gains points for giving Jon Moxley a sense of revenge in anticipation of their tag team match next week.
AEW loses points for the finish to Lance Archer vs Eddie Kingston, which could have come off so much better.
NXT gains points for featuring a positive amount of storyline development, utilising a number of subtle hints at future feuds and developments.
NXT also gains points for trying to make Toni Storm seem like a credible challenger to Io Shirai. If she can be booked well over the next few weeks, then I have no doubt she can be a success.
NXT loses points for Curt Stallion’s generic and uninspired promo skills.
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 strong, however it was the tighter experience from NXT that left the biggest impression, especially when considering the Dusty Rhodes Classic matches.
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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