Grading AEW Dynamite (October 2)

Riho vs. Nyla Rose: A+

Shock of the night, match of the night.

This might not have been the main event, but it was the match and highlight of the night. Riho had pinned Nyla Rose before, at Fyter Fest in June, but that was in a triple threat match, and the odds were certainly stacked against her in this singles encounter.

That was the glue that held the match together. It was certainly Nyla's best match to date, thanks to the contrast against Riho who was so much smaller.

The crowd was mega hot for Riho, clamoring for her to beat Nyla. The energy level really elevated the match and made it feel so much more important. The two contenders didn't disappoint them. Riho threw everything she had and an opponent whose own arrogance cost her (recall the steel chairs Rose pulled out only to miss a cannonball on top of them), but it still didn't look like enough.

It was a roller coaster until the ending miracle, when a few double knee strikes to the head secured Riho the title in the biggest surprise of the night.

Riho's win was the correct decision. In contrast to the heel-heavy men's division, the women's division now has a beloved, popular babyface champion who can put on electric matches to elevate the title. Nyla's time will come, but the "Native Beast" could still use some seasoning before winning a championship. One has to think that if wins and losses are to mean anything, Nyla's time in the title picture has temporarily expired, despite the beef after the match.

Riho has more exciting match combinations ahead of her. I look forward to seeing what she does next.