We’re back for another Winners and Losers AEW edition. We got a doozy of a match on Dark between Bea Priestly and Kris Statlander and Britt Baker taking on newcomer to AEW, Machiko.
Dynamite would feature the number one contender match between Britt Baker and Kris Statlander and we would see Awesome Kong make her Dynamite debut.
AEW Dark 12/17/19
The first women’s match we get on Dark is the bout of Britt Baker vs Machiko. The match started out fast and fierce with Baker smashing Machiko with a discus elbow and then into a number of pinning combinations. Baker looked sharp and focused and would gain the victory via submission from the Lock Jaw.
The match was ok and did its job in putting Baker over and getting her a tick in the win column.
Next, we got the match of Bea Priestly vs Kris Statlander. The Galaxy’s Greatest Alien and the Top Gaijin went at it early on trying different attempts to get one over each other. Statlander would miss a moonsault on the outside and Bea would gain control with a flying knee.
The Nightmare Collective would make an appearance at ringside as they continue to try a recruit Statlander to the group. They would stand in the crowd with Kris Statlander signs as they cheered her on. The Collective would look as out of place in the crowd as they do in the ring.
Statlander and Priestly would hit big power moves and strikes for close pinfalls until Statlander hit Priestly with a brutal big bang theory. It was a clean, hard-hitting, and smooth match.
Statlander then cuts a promo backstage, stating that she will be our leader and next AEW Women’s Champion.
AEW Dynamite 12/18/19
Last week it was announced that Britt Baker and Kris Statlander would go toe-to-toe to determine who is next in line to face Riho for the AEW Women’s Championship. Since officially signing for the company Statlander has been on a great run, winning her first two matches against Shida and Bea Priestly. If she defeats Baker then Statlander would go top of the table and become next in line to face Riho at AEW Dynamite Jan. 1. 2020.
The Nightmare Collective make their way to the ring as Awesome Kong makes her AEW Dynamite debut to defeat an unnamed victim for a brief and meaningless squash match. This is not working.
Next up we would get Britt Baker vs Kris Statlander in a highly anticipated matchup. Baker countered Statlander unique taunts, nose boops and cartwheels with attempts to unsuccessfully synch in the Lock Jaw. The two would continue to battle back and forth to gain control of the match. Statlander’s obvious size and strength advantage would eventually overcome Baker and Statlander would impressively power up out of a Lock Jaw attempt into the Big Bang Theory for the win.
This was a good match despite it being a forgone conclusion that Statlander would win. Statlander is on such an upward trajectory and Baker has been in the number one position before and failed at the final hurdle. We would see Riho at ringside looking worried while Statlander celebrated. Tony Schiavone would make his way to the isle to interview Kris but is interrupted by Brandi Rhodes. Statlander would reject the offer to join The Nightmare Collective. Rhodes pokes Statlander in the eye with her high heels while Awesome Kong and Monica Cruise watched.
And that ladies and gentlemen is how you kill momentum.
Winner: Kris Statlander
At 24 years old she has such a bright future. She is strong, powerful and athletic. Her size and stature make her instantly noticeable and she strides about the ring with effortless ease. Statlander is a star and AEW know it. The rocket has been strapped to her back and she should be the champion as soon as possible. Her impending feud with Brandi Rhodes and The Nightmare Collective could hamper momentum but she is on such a run that it hopefully doesn’t affect her too much.
Loser: The Nightmare Collective
As stated earlier it just isn’t working. We’ve had promos and segments giving us an insight into the reasons of the group yet it just remains confusing, and strange but not a good way. The collective is also the third dark and twisted group/cult in action on the show and by far the weakest of the three. We asked for storylines and characters but not all the same ones at all the same time.
Final Thoughts
Another decent showing from the women of AEW here. Dark continues to feature the division more prominently and has even started up a women’s division update section on the YouTube show. Dynamite, despite showcasing more women on the programme fails to make the most the amazing talent they have at their disposal. Two of the “spooky” teams have got to go and I’m afraid it won’t be the one that features the Chief Branding Officer.
The mega push of Kris Statlander in such a short space of time is proof of just how much the division was lacking star power. Her upcoming match with Riho should be a great match and hopefully, we’ll see a new champion in the new year to really put the division on a new and exciting path.
What did you make of this week’s offering from AEW and Kris Statlander as the number one contender? Let us know below and as always stay tuned to Diva Dirt for all of your AEW news and updates.
