10 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite: Road Rager (7 July)

Downs...

1. Andrade Falls Flat

Andrade El Idolo
AEW

While mechanically solid and well worked, Andrade El Idolo's in-ring debut fell as flat as his first Dynamite appearance, unfortunately, as he and Matt Sydal delivered a mid-paced match that failed to generate much noise from the Miami crowd.

That's a failing on the performers' behalf. The crowd shouldn't be blamed for dull atmospheres because it's the product's job to deliver something worth reacting to. Here, Miami responded only to Andrade's fleeting explosive bursts, suggesting that a squash match against an under-matched opponent, rather than Sydal, would have been more fitting. People only wanted to pop for the newcomer's big move.

Even a post-match beatdown that saw the former La Sombra target Matt Sydal's arm while he was helpless couldn't generate any heat, highlighting the shortcomings. A real shame - but one he can recover from. Remember Miro's first few weeks?

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.