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

3. GREAT Build For Big Match

FTR AEW
AEW

In happier news, Saturday's Collision looks like a show that is actually worth watching!

The build to the FTR Vs. Better Than You Bay-Bay World Tag Team title match was tremendous and refreshing for its simplicity. Too often in 2023, AEW's intricate storytelling has approach has felt more unfocused than fascinating. This was simple, to the point, and very effective.

MJF and Adam Cole cut a promo first, one that, in an oversight, was pre-taped last week. This episode of Dynamite was crying out for hot live promo segment. Regardless, this was great. MJF parodied Dax Harwood's somewhat corny promo style with a dead-on impression. He crucified the bloke. I love my family and this business! was delivered brilliantly, and there was a purpose to it. He also buried Dax for being CM Punk's lapdog/puppet/mouthpiece in a killer line that drew an actual, shocked reaction. That is how you shoot, brother.

Dax Harwood was awesome in his response. Clearly, the Pinnacle did not unfold as envisioned, and even if you haven't listened to Dax's podcast on the subject, you could infer what is Dax's very possible real hatred of MJF in his promo. The look in his eyes was scary. He looked ready to maim MJF then and there.

In an interesting wrinkle, MJF promised Adam Cole a World title shot "win, lose, or draw" - which casts doubt on the expected turn.

A great promo battle hinting at what promises to be a stiff, receipt-stuffed big time tag title match with a result that could go either way: this is how it is done.

This is how it should be done more often.

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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!