WEDNESDAY NIGHT WAR:
AEW DYNAMITE vs. NXT
FACTOR 1: MATCHES
AEW = Dynamite featured a number of strong matches, such as the exciting bout between The Young Bucks and TH2. Despite being the AEW Tag Team Champions, they did not have full control of the match, coming perilously close to defeat. TH2 only just lost out on the victory, but they impressed with their crisp high flying offense.
Abadon and Dustin Rhodes both enjoyed squash victories, however this was largely due to progressing their respective storylines. The main event was entertaining, however it felt as if all six men were holding back, especially Eddie Kingston. Overall, it was a strong week for matches on Dynamite.
NXT = Tommaso Ciampa vs Cameron Grimes was a fun little romp, with Ciampa continuing to look like an absolute machine. Grimes has really elevated his work over the past few months, and even in defeat, he looked extremely strong.
Raquel Gonzalez followed up her strong performance at NXT TakeOver: WarGames with a solid victory over Ember Moon. She is so much more assured in the ring, which makes her matches unmissable. This main evented the show, and both women made sure to put on a strong performance.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 2: PROMOS
AEW = Sting and Cody gave a promo together, which was solid, if not unspectacular. It fell on Don Callis and Kenny Omega to provide the standout promo this week, fully cementing Omega's dickish heel persona.
NXT = The show opening promo between Finn Balor and his litany of challengers was entertaining, however it did feel sort of cliche. It wasn't bad, but it could have come off much better.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 3: STORYLINES
AEW = Kenny Omega and Don Callis only hinted at the future plans for the new AEW World Champion, which only increased the anticipation for his reign. Dark Order also played a huge role in the show as they attempted to recruit Hangman Adam Page and Dustin Rhodes. Do I detect the rumblings of a face turn?
NXT = This week's show was booked heavily around the NXT Championship, with Karrion Kross making his long awaited return. This was a fine development though, as Finn Balor's injury had resulted in a serious dearth of action for the title.
WINNER: AEW
FACTOR 4: SCHEDULING / PACING
AEW = Dynamite was a strong show this week, combining solid wrestling with good promos to result in a show that didn't outstay it's welcome. The pacing was good, which is something AEW have struggled to secure with promo heavy shows.
NXT = NXT was a solid show this week, creating a genuine sense of excitement over the NXT Championship. The pacing was great, logically building to Karrion Kross' return.
WINNER: AEW
EXTRA CREDIT BONUS ROUND!!!
AEW gains points for creating even more excitement over Kenny Omega's heel turn. Don Callis is a great option to pair him with.
AEW also gains points for continuing to build up their tag team division. Even outside of the titles, there are multiple storylines being played out.
AEW gains even more points for Abadon no selling the kendo stick shot from Hikaru Shida. Give this woman the title!
AEW loses points for Miro attacking production staff. It made him look weak, not strong.
NXT gains points for bringing back Karrion Kross in an interesting manner.
NXT also gains points for continuing to build up Raquel Gonzalez.
NXT gains even more points for feeling like a more cohesive show this week.
NXT loses points for the manner in which Damien Priest, Kyle O'Reilly and Pete Dunne bickered in the ring.
POINT ADJUSTMENTS: AEW (+3 / -1) / NXT (+3 / -1)
THIS WEEK'S WINNER = AEW
With a score of 6 to 2, AEW wins this week's Wednesday Night War. Both shows were strong, but it really feels as though Dynamite is running on all cylinders at the moment. Kenny Omega is building to something huge, and I cannot wait to see what this will be.
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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