Malakai Black has done a number to the Nightmare Family over the last few weeks. First he took down Cody Rhodes, then Brock & Arn Anderson, and most recently Lee Johnson. This might have also played into the choice of The Gunn Club to go out on their own, attacking Paul Wight in the process. Tonight though, Black meets a man who knows a lot about darkness, a man with five decades of experience. There’s not much he can do to Dustin Rhodes that hasn’t happened to him before, but Black can certainly try.
Dustin Rhodes Is Fired Up
Rhodes came into this one ready to go, going right after Black before being kicked off the ropes. He’d come back with some quick lariats before a running big boot to the side of the head. Black would hit a head kick, but Rhodes came back with some strikes into the corner and a German Suplex. The fight spilled to the outside where Rhodes wanted a powerbomb through the timekeeper’s table, only for Black to slip out and hit a backdrop through it.
Rhodes would fight to his feet before getting back into the ring, and would throw some punches to try and get back into it. A knee to the gut would take his wind away and a choke would try to keep it away. Black would move into a heel hook, and Rhodes would be able to use his long body to reach the bottom rope. However, his leg was now another target and Black dropped him with a kick to the leg.
Malakai Black Continues With The Mind Games
There was a smile on the face of Black, as he stalked a crawling Rhodes around the ring. Rhodes hit a big right hand before some lariats. The drop down throat thrust was followed by a snap powerslam, but only got a two count. Black would hit a running knee strike for the two count, and Black would go get the boot of Cody Rhodes and throw it to his older brother.
This was yet another mindgame, and Rhodes would fire up after his family being insulted like this. The Texas Destroyer would be nailed, but only got a two count. Black would expose a turnbuckle, and as Rhodes went for the running bulldog, he’d hit the steel and Black Mass would end this fight.
Malakai Black is bringing something completely different to AEW, and his storytelling heavy approach to matches is extremely compelling. Rhodes is another great storyteller, and they meshed well for this one. Match Rating: 3/5 (***)
What is next for Malakai Black? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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