From June 30th to July 6th, both AEW and WWE experienced a hectic week packed with continuous events, including Evolution, Saturday Night Main Event, Great American Bash, All In: Texas, Raw, Smackdown, NXT, Dynamite, and Collision. The in-ring performances were notably strong, highlighted by AEW’s special 300th Dynamite episode, which showcased some of the week’s top matches, while WWE also delivered several memorable bouts, including a key title change on Raw. Using TheSportster’s rating system, here are the standout matches of the week:
9. Andrade & Rey Fenix vs. Fraxiom (WWE Smackdown): Rated 7/10, this high-speed tag team match spotlighted Andrade and Fenix as formidable competitors, with limited character or psychological depth but an engaging crowd reaction.
8. MJF vs. AR Fox vs. Beast Mortus vs. Anthony Bowens (AEW Dynamite 300): Also 7/10, this fatal four-way brought dynamic action, strong character work from MJF, and a lively audience response.
7. New Day vs. Judgment Day (WWE Raw): Scoring 7.25/10, this match ended with a surprise win by Finbarol and JD McDonna, providing solid in-ring action and a gradually building intensity.
6. Young Bucks & Konosuke Takeshita vs. Paragon & Bandido (AEW Dynamite 300): With a 7.5/10, the bout was a chaotic, action-packed showcase focusing on athleticism more than storytelling.
5. FTR vs. Outrunner (AEW Collision): Rated 7.75/10, this gritty, bloodied contest stood out as an intense, old-school fight that kept fans on edge despite the expected outcome.
4. Mercedes Monet vs. Mina Shirakawa (AEW Dynamite 300): Also 7.75/10, this TBS title match featured realistic action with psychological storytelling through submission attempts, culminating in a satisfying finish.
3. Rusev vs. Sheamus (WWE Raw): Scoring 7.75/10, this physical match displayed brutal intensity, though the crowd reaction lagged, with a controversial finish setting up future encounters.
2. Daniel Garcia vs. Kyle Fletcher (AEW Collision): An 8/10 rated TNT title match with high stakes, blending technique, character depth, and solid crowd engagement, where Fletcher emerged victorious.
1. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kota Ibushi (AEW Dynamite 300): The week’s best match at 8.25/10, this clash combined a storied rivalry and ongoing storylines to deliver a tense, hard-hitting contest echoing NJPW’s golden era, ending with Okada’s win.
Fan Take: This roundup highlights the increasing quality and variety in both AEW and WWE, underscoring a vibrant wrestling landscape. For WWE fans, the evolving storylines and in-ring excellence signal thrilling developments ahead, promising fresh rivalries and dynamic matches that could reshape the sport’s future.
