Between July 21st and July 27th, AEW and WWE’s shows—Raw, Smackdown, NXT, Dynamite, and Collision—delivered a range of compelling matches for fans. Using TheSportster’s rating system, the standout bouts of the week become clear, highlighting notable moments from each promotion.
WWE is building anticipation for its first-ever two-night SummerSlam event, while AEW is gearing up for Forbidden Door 2025 in London.
At WWE Raw, Judgment Day faced Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, culminating in Judgment Day retaining their titles in a match marked by some confusing interference but strong performances, especially from Raquel Rodriguez. (6.5/10)
On AEW Dynamite, Toni Storm took on Billy Starkz in a well-received match showcasing Storm’s charisma and storytelling, further emphasized by the post-match attack from Bell. (6.5/10)
Sheamus and Rusev squared off again on WWE Raw with a solid yet less energetic match than their previous encounter, ending in a Sheamus win after a frustrating finish involving an exposed turnbuckle. (6.75/10)
AEW Collision featured The Matriarchy battling AR Fox and Angelico in a fast-paced and entertaining contest where AR Fox stood out, though the storytelling was minimal. (6.75/10)
WWE NXT presented a fierce triple threat for the NXT Championship with Oba Femi, Josh Briggs, and Yoshiki Inamura, highlighting Briggs and Inamura’s dynamic relationship while Femi dominated the match. (7.5/10)
The ROH Women’s World title was contested on AEW Collision, with Athena defeating Alex Windsor in a physical match that showcased Athena’s heel work and crowd control skills. (7.5/10)
At AEW Dynamite, FTR and Jetspeed clashed in the World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament, delivering a fun and technically strong match that saw FTR succeed as the clever heels. (7.75/10)
Lastly, WWE Raw’s best match came from Iyo Sky versus Stephanie Vaquer, a beautifully executed and fluid encounter that captivated fans despite ending in a non-finish, leaving the question of who is the better wrestler open. (7.75/10)
Fan Take: This roundup highlights the evolving storytelling and in-ring talent across AEW and WWE, showing fans a rich variety of match styles and narratives. For WWE enthusiasts, the rising stakes of SummerSlam and the engaging rivalries on display promise an exciting future for pro wrestling, keeping the sport fresh and dynamic.
