This week in professional wrestling has been eventful, with AEW and WWE showcasing their strengths and weaknesses as WWE just came off Money in the Bank and the completion gears up for All In 2024 in London next month. Ringside Report Network’s Wrestling Uncensored, hosted by Dave Simon and Pro Wrestler “Genesis” Johnny North, zoomed into the highlights and lowlights from both promotions. Here’s a rundown of what happened and the hosts’ opinions on the state of wrestling entertainment.
WWE’s Post-Money in the Bank Struggles
After the Money in the Bank event, WWE’s Raw and SmackDown struggled to deliver compelling television. Dave and Johnny discussed how the fallout from the pay-per-view lacked excitement and substance.
Johnny North criticized the overall quality of Raw and SmackDown, stating, “Raw and SmackDown were quite bad this week. It felt like they were trying to get through the week without real effort.” This sentiment was echoed by Dave Simon, who noted the lacklustre crowd reactions, particularly in Ottawa. “It’s not Montreal. Montreal crowds are always on fire. Ottawa, on the other hand, felt dead,” Dave commented.
The return of CM Punk to Raw was one of the few highlights, but even that segment had its issues. Johnny observed, “The crowd wasn’t great for Punk’s return, which was surprising. It just didn’t have the impact it should have.” While strong, the segment between Seth Rollins and CM Punk couldn’t save the show from its overall mediocrity.
Buildup to AEW All in 2024 Tops WWE in Wrestling Entertainment This Week
AEW All In 2024 is set to be a game-changer in the world of professional wrestling. This week’s Ringside Report Network’s Wrestling Uncensored dives into AEW’s Owen Hart Tournament and the exciting build-up to All In at Wembley Stadium. Meanwhile, WWE struggles post-Money in the Bank with lackluster episodes of Raw and SmackDown. Discover why AEW topped WWE in wrestling entertainment this week and what fans can expect as AEW All In 2024 approaches.
AEW’s Owen Hart Tournament and Build to All In 2024
In contrast, AEW seemed to shine this week, particularly with its Owen Hart Tournament and the build-up to All In 2024 at Wembley Stadium. Dave and Johnny were enthusiastic about AEW’s programming, praising its engaging content and energetic crowds.
Dave highlighted the significance of AEW’s events in Canada, noting, “Dynamite in Calgary had a solid crowd, reflecting the city’s rich wrestling history. It was a stark contrast to WWE’s Ottawa show.” He further emphasized AEW’s ability to keep fans excited and invested, particularly with the ongoing Owen Hart Tournament, which has been a hit among fans.
The hosts discussed key moments from AEW Dynamite, including Toni Storm’s intense match, during which she bled, and the brewing rivalry between Mercedes Mone and Britt Baker. “Mercedes calling out Britt and then running away was a classic heel move, setting up a potential match at All In 2024,” Johnny remarked.
Comparing the Promotions
When comparing the two promotions, the hosts agreed that AEW had the upper hand this week. Johnny expressed frustration with WWE’s inconsistent booking, stating, “WWE only seems to put in real effort between January and April. The rest of the year feels like filler.” Dave added, “AEW, on the other hand, is building towards something big with All In 2024 at Wembley. They’re keeping fans engaged every week.”
One of the critical talking points was WWE’s handling of its talent and storylines. The hosts felt that WWE often drops the ball with promising storylines and character development. Johnny pointed out the mishandling of Bayley’s championship run, saying, “Bayley’s run has been underwhelming. They’re not giving her anything significant to work with.” In contrast, AEW’s consistent booking and investment in long-term storytelling were praised.
AEW’s Future Prospects
The hosts were optimistic about AEW’s future, especially with the upcoming All In 2024 event. Dave and Johnny speculated on potential matches and storylines, with Johnny predicting, “We’re likely to see Mercedes Mone vs. Britt Baker at All In, which could be a show-stealer.
The Owen Hart Tournament was another highlight, with both hosts praising AEW’s tribute to the late wrestler. Dave noted, “The tournament honours Owen Hart’s legacy and provides compelling matches and storylines. It’s a win-win for AEW and the fans.”
WWE’s Path Forward
Despite their criticism, the hosts acknowledged that WWE could bounce back. They discussed possible directions for WWE’s major storylines, particularly the ongoing Bloodline saga. Dave speculated on Roman Reigns‘ return and its impact on the storyline, saying, “Roman might come back after SummerSlam to challenge Solo Sikoa, leading to a major feud.
However, the hosts agreed that WWE needs to consistently work throughout the year, not just during WrestleMania season. “WWE needs to keep fans engaged all year round, not just from January to April,” Johnny emphasized.
Conclusion
This week, AEW topped WWE in delivering entertaining and engaging content. While WWE struggled post-Money in the Bank, AEW continued to build excitement with the Owen Hart Tournament and the upcoming All In 2024 event. As Dave and Johnny pointed out, consistent storytelling and crowd engagement are key to keeping fans invested, and AEW seems to excel in that regard.
Key Takeaways:
- WWE’s Raw and SmackDown struggled post-Money in the Bank.
- AEW’s Owen Hart Tournament and build-up to All In were highlights.
- AEW outperformed WWE in fan engagement and storytelling.
- WWE needs consistent effort year-round to keep fans engaged.
Note: Ringside Report MMA and Wrestling Uncensored will not be broadcast next week. Stay tuned for updates and more wrestling coverage.
