10 Ups & 3 Downs From AEW Dynamite (Jun 17)

1. MJF Vs. Billy

MJF Billy
AEW

AEW is attempting to protect the MJF character, draw attention to his pristine win/loss record, and keep him occupied, as Brian Cage completes the short-term AEW World Championship picture, with a diversionary subplot. This is all very noble and that, but it feels like a very midcard concern. Beyond last week's contrived set-up - with the greatest will in the world, why would Tony Schiavone interview Billy? - it was at least consistent with his "talent over tenure" MO to work him. The match was fine, with much of the ironic connotations that word holds.

The comedy spots were mostly funny, the manner in which MJF won made sense, and the defiantly story-driven match with a crystal clear babyface versus heel dynamic complemented the flow of the show, even if this match itself dragged at times. MJF right now occupies an uneasy space between pupil and prodigy.

This was more former than latter.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!