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 = Dynamite featured a number of solid matches, with Serena Deeb vs Riho coming across really well. Their encounter took some time to get going, but the finishing sequence was a real beauty to behold. The main event was also excellent, highlighting how strong all six men are. Rey Fenix also reminded fans just how insane his repertoire is, whilst Jon Moxley finally shut Eddie Kingston up.
NXT = NXT showcased a number of feuds in solid matches, highlighting the strengths of all wrestlers involved. The main event was the most entertaining match, with Pete Dunne taking down Finn Balor to revitalise his chances of remaining in the hunt for the NXT Championship.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = I enjoyed Taz’s brief call out of Sting, especially as he wasn’t taking any shit from The Icon. What took the promo quality off the scale this week was the utterly ridiculous promo segment featuring Kenny Omega and a class of children. Ridiculous, but oh so entertaining.
NXT = Karrion Kross and Scarlett both produced a solid promo, whilst the interaction between the Women’s Tag Team Champions and the women’s Dusty Rhodes Classic winners was better than expected. Overall, NXT featured numerous entertaining and effective promos.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Kenny Omega featured heavily in the show, blending his feud with Jon Moxley, his own abrasive dickishness, and his neglect of The Young Bucks. I enjoyed the focus on the AEW World Champion, and I hope these stories will be fleshed out more over the next few weeks.
NXT = The implosion of The Undisputed Era was compelling, especially as Adam Cole is a much better heel than a face. Finn Balor’s involvement in the storyline also helps to create a compelling narrative.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a great show this week, featuring a strong mix of matches and promos. The pacing was almost perfect, with only a few promo segments feeling out of place.
NXT = NXT felt engaging and entertaining this week, using the momentum from NXT TakeOver: Vengeance Day to produce a show that was exciting from start to finish.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for creating a massive amount of anticipation for Revolution by announcing an Exploding Barbed Wire Deathmatch. Talk about intense!
AEW also gains points for inching closer and closer to having Hangman Adam Page choose to join The Dark Order.
AEW gains even more points for Brandi Rhodes’ gender reveal. I’m a sucker for anything baby related, being a father myself. Congratulations Brandi and Cody Rhodes!
AEW loses points for referring to Kenny Omega as the WWE Champion. Major faux pas!
NXT gains points for continuing the insane storyline that is Cameron Grimes and his new found wealth. So over the top, yet so funny.
NXT also gains points for keeping Xia Li intriguing. It helps that Kacy Catanzaro also commits to the storyline.
NXT gains even more points for keeping Karrion Kross’ character from going stale. I am enjoying this tweener phase he is in.
NXT loses no points as there wasn’t anything in the show that I felt brought the enjoyment factor down.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+3 / -1) / NXT (+3 / -0)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = NXT
With a score of 5 to 4, NXT wins this week’s Wednesday Night War. Both shows were incredible, but NXT hit it out of the park this week with a show that was perfectly structured.
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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