AEW Dark: Elevation Review - July 11, 2022

By Graham "GSM" Matthews

Emi Sakura def. Paris Van Dale

It's been a little while since we last saw Sakura score a singles win on one of the Dark shows. As I've said before, they're never going to push Sakura as a singles act again (nor should they with how much deeper the division has become), but they give her these wins every now and again to boost her win-loss record and so it means more when she loses to someone on the roster. This was basically a three-minute showcase for Sakura.

Dante Martin def. JD Drake

Drake proves time and time again why people should not be sleeping on his in-ring ability. The guy is very good and especially shines in singles competition. This is why he should be having more singles matches and not be relegated to the Wingmen crap. Martin is very talented in his own right and the two of them worked very well together here. I appreciated that this received an ample amount of time so it could be as competitive as it was.

Julia Hart def. JC

Hart looked like she was ripping off Diamante a little bit with the bandana over the mouth during her entrance. I wasn't high on her joining House of Black as I didn't (and don't) think they need her, but to her credit, she's improving her presence and character work. That was really the highlight of this match more than the in-ring action itself. Keeping it short and sweet was a smart move.

"All Ego" Ethan Page def. Colin Delaney

It's always a treat to see Delaney make the occasional appearance in AEW, and it brought a smile to my face hearing the crowd chant his name early on. He's the perfect enhancement talent. He scored more offense than I thought he would, but Page went over decisively in the end. This was a nice rebound win for Page following his loss to Orange Cassidy two weeks on Dynamite. I'm curious what's next for him and Scorpio Sky now that Sky is no longer AEW TNT Champion.

Anna Jay def. Shawna Reed

Jay seems to have replaced Ruby Soho as the new queen of the Dark shows as that's where a majority of her matches take place these days. I know she isn't the most polished performer in the division, but she has potential and I wish AEW would do more with her beyond building her up for the rare title shot. This was brief and designed to give her a win before she loses to Serena Deeb this Wednesday on Dynamite.

Best Friends def. The Factory (QT Marshall and Aaron Solo)

Chuck Taylor must be happier than anyone that AEW decided to put Trent Beretta back in Best Friends as opposed to continuing Roppongi Vice with the Forbidden Door build now over. He as no other spot on this roster otherwise. Crowds still love them as a duo, so they were over here. It's well documented that The Factory bore me to tears, but this was a solid main event with a fun final few minutes.

Overall Show

This was one of the shorter editions of Elevation in recent weeks with only six matches and that added to my enjoyment of it personally. This is the formula Elevation should follow more often with there being a few squashes spotlighting certain stars and then one or two matches that are more competitive (and ideally entertaining). The main event was quality stuff, but Martin vs. Drake was the best bout on the show.

SEE MORE: Elevation Reviews