Lovell’s AEW Dark Review 2.2.21

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Let’s jump into this week’s episode of AEW Dark.

M’Badu, Terrence & Terrell Hughes (AEW trios debut) vs. Dustin Rhodes, QT Marshall & Nick Comoroto (AEW trios debut)

It’s still strange to have Comoroto in a smiling babyface role since he seems like a natural heel. Perhaps it’ll lead to an eventual heel turn where he destroys Dustin and QT. Comoroto called for M’Badu early in the match, which set up a HOSS FIGHT. Regular readers know how much I love those. These six went back and forth for a bit, and Comoroto had some ridiculous power moves before slamming our friend M’Badu for the win at 7:17. This match was clearly a showcase for Comoroto, so they’ve obviously got plans for the guy after the Dynamite match with Jon Moxley.

Blake’s Rating: **1/2

KC Navarro (0-3) vs. Rey Fenix (3-1)

This is your weekly reminder that Fenix is one of the best wrestlers in the world. He wasn’t losing this match, as he showed off quite an aggressive streak ahead of the big six-man tag team match on Dynamite. Navarro got more offense in than you would probably expect, but I thought he was pretty good in this spot. Fenix hit the frog splash off the top for the victory at 5:41.

Blake’s Rating: **3/4

Tay Conti (2-1) with Anna Jay & Dark Order vs. Tesha Price (0-1)

-1 is back, and he’s got his game face on. Taz also used the word “tomfoolery” on commentary, which is pro wrestling broadcasting at its finest. Others have mentioned it, but Conti has really grown into her role in AEW. She’s got the skills in the ring, but she’s also doing a great job portraying her confidence and personality. I’ve said it before but the eventual Tay Conti vs. Anna Jay feud is gonna be AWESOME. Conti made quick work of Price to get the victory at 3:36.

Blake’s Rating: **

– The Waiting Room with Ricky Starks! Baker talks about Kenny Omega’s fashion, makes a joke about the Young Bucks putting themselves over, and then hypes the wedding. Starks enters and is basically dressed like The Rock. The guy is a national treasure. There’s some sexual tension between these two, and Adam Cole isn’t gonna like that. Neither will Tony Schiavone because he comes in to wrap this segment up. Tony is the best and not sure there’s a close second.

Thunder Rosa (5-2) vs. Dani Jordyn (0-8)

Thunder Rosa vs. Britt Baker should be great. It’s the type of feud that the AEW women’s division needs right now. Jordyn has improved during her various appearances on AEW Dark, but she wasn’t winning this one as Rosa planted her for the win at 4:02.

Blake’s Rating: **

Fuego Del Sol & Vary Morales (AEW tag team debut) vs. Santana & Ortiz (2-1)

Fuego and Morales is a fun team. Excalibur and Taz were really playing up Santana and Ortiz dropping out of the tag team rankings and them being pissed about it. It’s the little things. That theme continued in the match, as Santana Ortiz were not playing around. They used a double team to get the easy victory at 2:32.

Blake’s Rating: SQUASH

Leyla Hirsch (0-1) vs. Katalina Perez

Leyla Hirsch is back and that’s good for ratings. She came out on a mission and was the aggressor right off the bat. Perez fought back but Hirsch was not having any of that. She quickly locked on the armbar and forced Perez to tap at 1:48. Hirsch is a machine.

Blake’s Rating: SQUASH

– We get a music video for The Acclaimed where they basically run down every team in AEW. Love these dudes.

The Acclaimed (2-0) vs. Ryzin & Danny Limelight (AEW tag team debut)

Limelight continues to be one of the AEW Dark MVPs from the past several months. He’s so good inside the ring. Ryzin got distracted by Anthony Bowens going after Limelight on the outside, and that led to The Acclaim to Fame for the win at 4:58. Yes, after the match, Max Caster licked Ryzin’s hand. Because of course he did.

Blake’s Rating: **1/2

Bear Country, Sonny Kiss & Joey Janela (AEW 8-Man tag debut) vs. Shawn Dean, Baron Black, Aaron Solow & Mike Verna (AEW 8-Man tag debut)

If you’ve ever asked yourself what your favorite bears are, look no further than Bear Bronson and Bear Boulder. Also, let’s not forget about the great match Baron Black had with Fenix last week on AEW Dark. That was a lot of fun. Janela ran wild in this match for a bit, which led to Bear Country coming in and doing things that hosses do. That means Boulder picking up Bronson and using the assisted splash onto Verna. Janela then came off the top with the diving elbow for the victory at 5:11.

Blake’s Rating: **1/2

Ivelisse & Diamante (2-0) vs. Vertvixen & Jazmin Allure (AEW tag team debut)

Excalibur and Taz played up the AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Tournament, and I’ve gotta admit that I’m a sucker for tournaments. Whether it’s a wrestling tournament or a favorite cereals tournament, I just love them. As for this match, what Allure probably did not love was getting kicked in the face by Ivelisse and Diamante, and that was enough for the win at 5:29. Also thought Excalibur did a great job playing up Ivelisse and Diamante potentially squaring off in the tournament.

Blake’s Rating: **

Gunn Club (AEW tag team debut) with Austin Gunn vs. John Skyler & Ray Jaz (AEW tag team debut)

Skyler is back after the ACL injury several months ago, so that’s good. It’s also worth noting that Austin Gunn may be the most energetic person in wrestling. He’s loving life and you can’t blame him as a member of the future AEW trios champions. They worked to the hot tag for Colten, and he ran wild and got the pin on Skyler for the win at 6:25.

Blake’s Rating: **1/2

Alex Gracia (0-3) vs. Red Velvet (2-0)

Did you know that Red Velvet is STRAIGHT OUTTA YOUR MOMMA’S KITCHEN? If not, now you know. Gracia continues to get a lot of work on AEW Dark, but this one was set up as a showcase for Velvet as she prepares to whoop Shaq’s ass. Velvet hit the running boot to the side of Gracia’s head for the victory at 4:15.

Blake’s Rating: **

Dark Order’s 10 with The Dark Order vs. Jake St. Patrick (0-1)

St. Patrick says it’s St. Patrick’s Day, and I do not think that’s accurate. Is he sure? Either way, -1 is back on commentary, and his first words are “Where the hell is my five bucks?” in reference to Excalibur losing a bet last week. FUTURE STAR. Midway through the match, -1 starts laughing hysterically and then proclaims, ‘I love violence.’ This kid is the best. 10 apparently also loves violence because he slammed St. Patrick for the win at around three minutes.

Blake’s Rating: -1

Chaos Project (7-4) vs. SCU (1-0)

I have no doubt that -1 is gonna love this match because Luther also loves violence. The storyline continues with SCU breaking up if they lose another match, and that does add a nice dynamic to all of their matches. As usual, Luther used Serpentico as a weapon in this one, and that’s a personal favorite in Chaos Project matches. I enjoyed Excalibur and Taz playing up Kazarian taking a risk by not breaking up pin attempts on Daniels, which again, is great for the storyline. What was also great was SCU hitting their finisher on Serpentico to get the victory 8:52.

Blake’s Rating: ***

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6.5

The final score: review Average

The 411

This was another fine episode of AEW Dark with good in-ring action and character work. Talents like The Acclaimed, Red Velvet, Leyla Hirsch, Bear Country, and Nick Comoroto have used this show to hone their skills, and it's awesome to see it paying off for them by either earning contracts or wins. Elsewhere, just when you thought the AEW commentary team couldn't get any better, -1 comes in and takes it to another level. Give him the five bucks, Excalibur!