4 Ups & 5 Downs From AEW Dynamite (July 26 - Review)

1. An Overall Lack Of Spark, Priorities

Gravity AEW
AEW

Dynamite did not do much, if anything, to create a rapt anticipation ahead of one of the biggest wrestling shows ever.

A lot of fans wanted storyline build to huge attractions they can't wait to see. They were instead served a samey, action-heavy card, two matches on which were glorified exhibitions that went nowhere. Dynamite should emphasise "fixtures" to preserve the sporting framework - the show can feel too episodic and contrived for its own good - but not when All In is a month away.

AR Fox received more focus than Konosuke Takeshita. Isn't Take the next big bad heel of the promotion? If not, isn't now the time to build him to that level? Is diluting his push to make way for Jericho a good idea?

Jon Moxley Vs. Orange Cassidy is a clear direction for one of the upcoming pay-per-views, and it's bigger than it felt last night. Is it truly on the Wembley scale, though?

The losers of Blood & Guts being back in action without a scratch didn't do a lot for the aura of that gimmick match, which isn't ideal. It's not a major problem - the match is a huge draw by AEW standards - but it isn't ideal.

What is set for All In? Who is feuding at present? Mox Vs. Orange. Hung Bucks/Elite Vs. Dark Order. Jericho is biting the neck of the Omega Vs. Takeshita rivalry. Punk Vs. Starks II?

People are getting concerned about the scale and importance of All In. This might be impatience on their part, but a month left to go, given AEW's elusive PPV model, is surely the time to get excited.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

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!