9 Ups & 2 Downs From AEW Dynamite (May 19)

Double Or Nothing developments aplenty from Moxley, Kingston, Miro, Baker, and many more.

Christian Cage
AEW

One week removed from the most inconsistent episode of Dynamite since the brand debuted, last night saw AEW hit TNT with a show that couldn't have been more different, delivering a slower, steadier, and more progressive evening without sacrificing important developments and high-calibre matches.

Last week was the best and worst of AEW in one show. Swinging wildly from the in-ring majesty of Miro vs. Darby Allin to the Sports Entertainment schlock of the bubbly bash, it had an all-over-the-place feel that was fortunately addressed last night.

This show was crammed with Double Or Nothing 2021 developments, even if Dynamite didn't peak as high as it often does. Nonetheless, with two title matches on the card in Serena Deeb vs. Red Velvet and The Young Bucks vs. Varsity Blonds, championship eliminators elsewhere, and the big Inner Circle segment all on deck, there was plenty to get stuck into.

Of course, the backdrop to all of this was AEW's new WarnerMedia deal, with Dynamite moving from TNT to TBS, Rampage debuting on Friday nights, and four annual supercards on the horizon, all for an eight-figure sum.

To think there are still people out there who'll tell you this promotion is failing.

Let's light the fuse...

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.