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 = Every single match this week was warmly received, with no match failing to capture the imagination. Thunder Rosa shone brightly against Leyla Hirsch, whilst Lee Johnson securing the victory for himself and Cody Rhodes was a wonderful moment. The main event of the evening was simply stunning, with KENTA, Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and Lance Archer putting on a violent and hard hitting Falls Count Anywhere match. It was helped by the storyline narrative, whilst the contest itself never dropped from fifth gear. Overall, it was a fantastic night of wrestling on Dynamite.
NXT = I thoroughly enjoyed KUSHIDA’s match with Austin Theory, as both men looked strong with their presentation in the match. The best match of the night, however, was the main event to determine the final qualifier for the finals of the Dusty Rhodes Classic. Grizzled Young Veterans overcame the irrepressible power of Tommaso Ciampa and Timothy Thatcher, arguably making them look like a match for MSK this weekend. Overall, this was a strong night of wrestling.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Promos were largely short and sweet this week, however, Jungle Boy's promo stood out for me. He came across well in a serious capacity, and his assertion that he would make Dax Harwood his bitch was fabulous to hear, as this was evidence of a much more confident and intimidating character.
NXT = Cameron Grimes’ madcap promo was insane. The references to the GameStop investment debacle were hilarious, as too was his over the top delivery. I don’t know where this version of Grimes has been hiding, but I absolutely love him!
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = MJF's continued manipulation of Sammy Guevara resulted in the departure of Guevara from The Inner Circle. Coming out to the ring to his own music, he informed Chris Jericho of his decision following the warning he gave him in December. This is an intriguing development, as Guevara has the potential to be a huge babyface for the company.
NXT = The segment in which KUSHIDA exposed Johnny Gargano as a liar was highly entertaining. Not only did it serve it’s purpose well in setting up their match at NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day, it also made KUSHIDA look like a million dollars. This is the presentation he has so sorely needed to look like a force in NXT.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a big improvement over last week's show. Matches felt important, whilst promo segments and storyline development came across well, aided by much improved pacing.
NXT = NXT felt like a strong go home show for this weekend’s pay-per-view. The pacing was good, whilst the scheduling was organised well.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for the segment in which Darby Allin was dragged around the parking lot in a bodybag. It was a great, if uncomfortable visual.
AEW also gains points for making the AEW Women's Championship tournament feel important.
AEW also gains points for the creativity of the Falls Count Anywhere match. I mean, potatoes are dangerous, right?
AEW loses points for there being no immediate consequences for Orange Cassidy ruining the wedding of Penelope Ford and Kip Sabian.
NXT gains points for the continued push being afforded to Xia Li. Believe it or not, I am actually enjoying her current storyline.
NXT also gains points for creating intrigue surrounding Johnny Gargano’s apparent withdrawal from his NXT North American Championship match with KUSHIDA. There was a slight buzz online, with some people claiming he had COVID. Thankfully, it was just a storyline development, and one that certainly had fans talking.
NXT loses points for the end to the show, which felt out of place.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+3 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = NXT
With a score of 4 to 3, NXT wins this week’s Wednesday Night War. Both shows were incredible fun this week, with very little to hate from each offering. Overall, NXT was the tighter show, but as I always say, these two shows were proof that Wednesday nights are the best wrestling night of the week!
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!
Subscribe to Smark Out Moment on YouTube, iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more!
0 comments: