WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = AEW put on a number of solid matches this week, with multiple tag team matches coming off really well. FTR once again proved why they are one of the best tag teams in AEW as they defeated a spirited Private Party. The Elite vs Dark Order was also a great match, with the storyline of the match enhancing the enjoyment factor.
The destructive manner in which Brodie Lee defeated Cody was mind blowing, especially as Cody had virtually no offense of his own. This match underlined the threat posed by Brodie Lee, setting him up as perhaps the most dangerous man in the company.
NXT = NXT featured some quality matches as we headed towards NXT TakeOver: XXX. Ridge Holland showed he has clear potential in a losing effort against Johnny Gargano, although the Powerslam spot was scarily close to ending Gargano's career. Dakota Kai succeeded in defeating Jessi Kamea quickly to underline the threat she posed to Io Shirai.
The main event of the show featured Finn Balor vs Velveteen Dream for the final spot in the NXT North American Championship ladder match. The contest was solid, but it lacked real excitement that both men are easily capable of.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Jon Moxley and MJF both gave pre recorded promos this week, with both men coming off well. Moxley finally looked strong on the microphone in this feud, whilst MJF's use of a lawyer was suitably slimy.
NXT = The face off between Adam Cole and Pat McAfee was well worked this week, as both Cole and McAfee spoke with a confidence that is often missing in NXT promos. It was heartening to see Cole embrace this feud for what it is, making it feel more important than it should.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Dark Order destroying Cody at the end of the show was shocking, especially as the long term threat posed by the stable appears to have finally been justified. This was a wonderful way to end the show, with Dynamite feeling more exciting as a result.
NXT = Keith Lee vs Karrion Kross was only advanced via a video package, which was an absolute shame considering this is the main event of NXT TakeOver: XXX. At least there was storyline development on the rest of the show, with Adam Cole and Pat McAfee working well to make hardcore NXT fans believe in their feud.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite felt different this week, but that may have been down to the fact it aired on a Saturday. Matches were great, promos hit hard, and Brodie Lee finally fulfilled the promise of his AEW contract.
NXT = NXT was a great show this week which built well towards NXT TakeOver: XXX. The show felt more deliberate and focused this week, possibly due to the fact they were running unopposed for once.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for keeping Britt Baker's segments each week fresh, despite the fact she has been unable to get physical.
AEW also gains points for making Brodie Lee feel like the biggest threat in the company.
AEW loses points for the dull match that signalled the end of the Deadly Draw tournament. The tournament has been a success, but the final was anything but.
NXT gains points for making Pat McAfee look like a threat to Adam Cole. Not only that, but his brashy persona has been fully embraced by NXT as he continues to come across as a complete dick.
NXT also gains points for making Legado del Fantasma look even stronger. They are a real force in NXT, and built correctly, they could easily be the next Shield.
NXT loses points for including the botched Powerslam in the Johnny Gargano vs Ridge Holland match. This match was taped twice, therefore there was no need to highlight this near career ending spot.
NXT also loses points for using Velveteen Dream in a prominent position. Allegations in his personal life continue to be raised, which puts his position as a top heel into question. As we move towards more fan interactions at shows, this could be an issue. It also hurts the overall product that for the past three nights, #FireVelveteenDream has been trending. Until proven one way or another, NXT should be wary about how they use him.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -1) / NXT (+2 / -2)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 3 to 2, AEW wins this week's schedule affected Wednesday Night War. Both shows were fantastic, but Dynamite felt more exciting overall. They also don't have the personal issues hanging over them that NXT has.
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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