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Brian Cage vs. Chandler Hopkins on AEW Dark
Chandler Hopkins surprisingly started off the AEW Dark match on top with effective spin kicks that rocked Brian Cage. The Machine, however, caught Hopkins in the corner and slammed him into the mat.
Hopkins tried to execute a handspring back elbow, but Cage caught him once again and sent him flying across the ring with the German release suplex. Hopkins used his speed to execute the springboard stunner, but Cage's recovery time was fast.
Cage dropped Hopkins right on his head before running in for an uppercut and an enzuigiri. But Hopkins kept coming back with a series of swift kicks. He missed a heel kick but continued to counter Cage's every move.
Hopkins finally landed his handspring kick, giving him a two-count. Taz sounded frustrated with the frequency of Cage's moves. "Get on point, Cage," snapped Taz. He apologized for his outburst and hoped for Cage to get the job done.
The FTW Champion wasted a lot of time with his deadlift suplex, and Hopkins delivered a brilliant pendulum German suplex.
Cage, though, hit the Fireman's carry facebuster (F'n5) out of nowhere. Chandler got his leg on the ropes to break the count. The back-and-forth action continued as Hopkins blocked a powerbomb attempt with a kick to the midsection. He hit the ropes but still got laid out with a stiff powerbomb.
Cage then mercilessly hoisted Hopkins up and delivered the Weapon X for the win. Good match!
Result: Brian Cage def. Chandler Hopkins on AEW Dark
Grade: B+
Taz's mentioning of the flaws in Cage's in-ring approach added a great storyline layer to the match and justified the high number of moves. This was good storytelling all around, which progressed the Team Taz angle.
Ricky Starks ran away from the commentary table as Brian Cage came towards him, and Taz said that they were just going to have a conversation backstage.
Diamante vs. Ashley D'Amboise on AEW Dark
Diamante ambushed D'Amboise after the bell with a furious attack in the corner. Diamante whipped the French wrestler across the ring before running in for a low-angle dropkick.
She countered a side slam by delivering a side Russian leg sweep. Diamante cleverly locked in a nerve-hold body-scissors submission move for the win on AEW Dark.
Result: Diamante def. Ashley D'Amboise on AEW Dark
Grade: C
Diamante continued the assault on D'Amboise after the match. The underrated Hispanic star means business, and she looks focused on running through the women's division.
