WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = The Lumberjack match between Cody and Orange Cassidy was a step below their previous time limit draw, but that is not to say it wasn't an enjoyable romp. The outside interference was highly effective, whilst Cody once more capitalised on an opportunity to steal a victory. Cassidy has also well and truly proven that he deserves to be highlighted and pushed as a true star within AEW.
Kenny Omega vs Penta El Zero M was an absolutely stunning match! It was hard hitting, frenetic, and most importantly, exciting. Omega may have won the match, but Penta convinced everyone that he deserves to hang with the best in AEW. Overall, AEW didn't have a single bad match this week.
NXT = Io Shirai and Candice LeRae once again put on a fantastic match, this time within the confines of Tables, Ladders and Scares! Shirai retained in a thrilling bout, but LeRae lost nothing in defeat. I think it is genuinely impossible for these two to have a bad match against each other.
NXT lives and dies by its matches, however this week they certainly fell on their own sword. Dexter Lumis vs Cameron Grimes was a complete shitshow, with absolutely nothing about it being entertaining. It's a shame this got so much time, as a better stipulation would have benefitted their encounter. This left a sour taste on an otherwise strong night of wrestling.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Eddie Kingston once again showed why he is the best promo in AEW, shooting hard on how Jon Moxley is a coward. It was simple, but oh so effective. MJF's show opening promo was good, but it felt similar to every single one of his other promos about Wardlow.
NXT = Pat McAfee excelled on the microphone this week, displaying the qualities that will undoubtedly make him an asset to NXT. He spoke with such confidence and vigour that I couldn't help but be impressed.
WINNER: NXT
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Jon Moxley vs Eddie Kingston was progressed further this week, with strong promo work advancing the storyline. As much as I am enjoying this feud, I do long for them to get their hands on each other.
Overall, AEW didn't focus too heavily on storylines this week, but they ensured feuds such as MJF vs Chris Jericho ticked along nicely.
NXT = Storylines took a backseat this week, but that was to be expected as Halloween Havoc was essentially a mini pay-per-view. Pete Dunne's heel turn was well executed, whilst Shotzi Blackheart continues to be a thorn in the side of Candice LeRae.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a strong show this week, however the pacing felt a little off. I believe the Town Hall meeting was placed in the wrong spot, although the show did finish on a pulsating note.
NXT = Halloween Havoc was a solid, if not spectacular show. The presentation was superb, however the cinematic match robbed the show of it's strong pacing.
WINNER: NXT
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for creating the impression that Penta El Zero M was actually going to defeat Kenny Omega. I bit hard on the final near fall, which is exactly what fans love about close contests.
AEW also gains points for the intrigue surrounding the Lumberjack match. It was a fascinating dynamic to see the different wrestlers attack each other arbitrarily.
AEW loses points for the Town Hall segment. It just did not come off well.
AEW also loses points for continuing to make Miro look foolish. This man deserves so much better!
NXT gains points for making Damien Priest look strong in defeat. It is a shame he had to drop the belt, but at least he didn't look weak in doing so.
NXT also gains points for Pete Dunne's transformation. Not only was his heel turn effective, but he looks transformed with his new physique.
NXT loses points for the cinematic match between Dexter Lumis and Cameron Grimes. It is clear NXT has issues in creating a compelling cinematic match, as none of them have been exciting.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+2 / -2) / NXT (+2 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = NXT
With a score of 3 to 2, NXT wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were strong, but the appeal of Halloween Havoc meant NXT had the stronger show overall. It has been quite a while since NXT looked stronger than AEW, but they achieved it this week with a tighter show than recent weeks.
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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