Ups & Downs: AEW Dynamite Review (Jul 3)

Simon Miller brings you all the ups and all the downs from this week's electric episode of #AEWDynamite including a new Hangman Adam Page, an old MJF, Britt Baker and Mercedes Moné setting a date for #AEW #AllIn and much, much more!
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[@ChrisLT]

Nice thing about seeing these sorts of quality shows live, especially with a packed house, is it makes you realize how much all the internet complainers about AEW don't matter. When you're in the middle of it, it's fun as hell and everyone was having a fantastic time.

[@cliffordjackson3]

FACTS dude.

[@SirGenesis206]

AEW live is unmatched. Great energy and like 4 shows of recordings to watch. I love it live. The gripes aren’t completely undeserved, but I’ve never regretted a ticket I bought to a show.

[@ChrisLT]

@@SirGenesis206 Yeah, I've been to shows of all sizes in the Chicago area. This is one of those towns that's always hyped, no matter who it is. Wintrust Arena is a relatively smaller venue but the energy yesterday was up there with a PPV.

[@Riff_III]

The “b*tch” counter is already having one of the best careers so far. Netflix era gonna be crazy

[@Sidgwick-zi8my]

This episode of Dynamite was a tremendous fun ride. You really see the nuances of Tony Khan's fan friendly booking and eye for detail in building up feuds and storylines. Match quality of course was a sprinkling of appetite satisfying bouts leaving you wanting more. The road to All In at Wembley Stadium is in such a healthy state that I don't even mind seeing Jericho on TV. Overall the episode is highly recommended and without doubt a highlight reel of why AEW continues to blossom.

[@user-ww6hr6lq6y]

Great comment Sidgwick!

[@ErictheEric]

Cant really say continues to blossom when ratings on TV are on a big dip currently.

[@rahulmcintyre2553]

Lol!

[@cliffordjackson3]

FACTS dude.

[@symphonyofgecko7768]

best episode of 2024 I think

[@stevesalvidge219]

The line from Britt about “where’s the line?” Is a direct call back to some Sasha Banks said in NXT. That is also why Mercedes said “oh you’re a fan.” So that part of the promo was very layered.

[@SimonMillerYT]

Dammit 😂 Let myself down there. Thank you! I’d forgotten about this

[@cliffordjackson3]

@@SimonMillerYT Simon I also think mercedes said that same line britt said in a segment on talk is bliss to nia jax on raw back in like 2018.

[@stevesalvidge219]

@@SimonMillerYT brother I am massively blown away that you responded to me. Thanks man for always being the Positive Pete. We need more of it in wrestling today!

[@christophercanadate2566]

I'm so glad someone else pointed that out... I was feeling like I was the only one who remembered that

[@Cluv22]

WOOOOOWWWWWW😮😮😮😮

[@HelixJoe]

Chris Jericho’s “that doesn’t work for me brother” had me laughing 😂

[@dan7291able]

LOL ME TOO

[@RedonkulousCaptious]

I was rolling XD The freakin audacity XD

[@xxxellbrownoxxx]

Jericho must be the GOAT at changing his character to stay relevant, always entertains me

[@sdonagmac2293]

That “pushing Daniel Garcia” bit at the beginning had me spitting out my drink 🤣🤣🤣

[@captainchuppachup]

The Learning Tree has turned it around. Yes you'll get people who will complain but that was a good segment.

[@ItsSaf01]

THANKS GUYS 👋👋👋

[@BabysitterSky]

It's really really really really not

[@JDTStagg88]

@@BabysitterSky Except to some, it really really really was. It’s absolutely a gimmick that’s not for everyone, and those who don’t like it will really not like it, but if you’re watching a Simon Miller video, you know not everything in wrestling is for everyone, and that’s completely fine. I’m enjoying the heck out of it personally, and I know many others are also

[@BabysitterSky]

@@JDTStagg88 I keep an eye on ratings, I'm glad you're enjoying it but a lot of people change the channel when it comes on.

[@FailureByDesignMusic]

@@BabysitterSky that's clearly not true because Chris Jericho's segments have been consistently some of the highest rated segments since the learning tree started.

[@PdZ2012]

Everything Pac does is beautiful: his kicks, his elbow drops, his moonsaults and of course, The Black Arrow. That man is like a beautiful, chiseled pit bull. The Captain America of pro wrestling, except he's British. He better have a meaningful match on that Wembley card.

[@SimplyHumanShow]

Don C telling Ospreay he’s gonna need a future favor sounds like he’s gonna demand a future title shot for Takeshita… World or International tho?! 🤔

[@t_hat_f_reaking_g_uy8323]

I love the new Okada, best heel work

[@arsenal_616]

I hope Okada is having as much fun doing it as I have watching it. He's hilarious as a heel. Great stuff.

[@cliffordjackson3]

FACTS.

[@skeltonpitts7121]

The only time in my life I ever cheered for JJ

[@Morganj27]

The crowd chanting Swerves House to Hangman was funny af. Hangman was losing his mind in real time 😂

[@MrGiggles44]

Nah Simon. That "most devastating move in all sports entertainment" dance you did for the willow match HAS to be a thing😂😂😂😂😂

[@wezzo77]

I literally look forward to Simon's "most devastating move in all of sports entertainment" pose/dance every episode. Always cracks me up! 😂

[@ahilario80]

Hey Simon, i think you may have to revoke the down, Mina is in Japan for a Stardom show, so her not being on Dynamite was out of AEW's control. Let's just wait and see if she makes more appearances before giving the official down lol.

[@SimonMillerYT]

No, I stand by that one. Mariah got bottled in the head and was fine the next day 😂. It’s not that deep though. I just try and keep the show easy and fun

[@logic8363]

​@@SimonMillerYT yeah just like Chad Gable

[@freebird264]

I’m calling it now, Hangman joins Team AEW and uses the match as a chance to screw over the others and break Swerve down in advance for All In

[@RandoDubz]

Nah I'm thinking Cage or Shane McMahon

[@RedonkulousCaptious]

They will probably have Hangman join the elite at the last second so he can go nuts during the match.

[@Kr4ShSkeL]

@@RandoDubz shane cant wrestle

[@mikeattard3543]

I missed the show until midway into the main event, so I didn't see any of the interactions between MJF & Garcia. Therefore, when Max kicked him low it was a surprise. I half expected Garcia to kick Max. Good stuff, so. The crowd was hot. One guy got nose to nose with Max, even. Maybe he was a plant, but if not that shows what kind of reactions MJF can get

[@joaoparreira4061]

I don't know how Jericho's story wild end but I would love it to be with a match vs Taz

[@danielgertler5976]

Daniel Garcia is the best. People wondering what happened to AEW's long term storytelling as if we haven't been watching Garcia for like 2 years now looking for a mentor when he doesn't even need one.

[@cliffordjackson3]

FACTS.

[@christophercanadate2566]

He has one... they've also been quietly building Matt Minard as a manager... He is very important to thr Daniel Garcia storyline and he's kinda been like the mentor Dannie always had

[@JimmyBacon05]

That's his son! Of course he's going to be his mentor 🙌🏽🥹😭​@christophercanadate2566

[@donaldsmith8648]

Willow was on WGN Chicago Morning news show yesterday she's awesome

[@christopherbaldwin1899]

She was on the FOX Chicago morning news show, too.

[@Inequities]

“We saw him getting treatment at a local medical facility backstage..” 😂😂😂 That made me laugh out loud. And I’m miserable lately.

[@tylertrainz4460]

“That was a DDT 😁” -this killed me 😂

[@michelnewcomb9860]

It was not Gates of Agony Simon, they are now Cage of Agony. I saw Mone becoming a heel, she's been getting booed lately. Adam Page was the most obvious wild card of wild cards. MJF heel turn was actually choreographed on his return. He said he remembered who exactly the hell he is. No more friendships and he is now being driven being driven by hate, hate, hate and nobody is safe. Those of us who remember his return promo knew this was coming.

[@chrisford7909]

Those were two of the greatest elbows ive seen in 30 years of watching... absolutely perfect placement!!!

[@pant24]

Those PAC elbow drops were PERFECT.

[@tomseville2345]

Shame Hangman grew out his full goatee; having just his "Outlaw" 'tache now makes more sense than ever...

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the review Simon

[@stephenmorton6764]

Simon give yourself a Golden Up and keep smashing it

[@krystynfunk4201]

Best dynamite in a long while. It’s almost like having a storyline behind every match, instead of random matches with no story, makes for better TV. Who would’ve thunk it.

[@rezsurfer2808]

whaaa cry more

[@krystynfunk4201]

@@rezsurfer2808 seems you’re the only one crying, I was being positive, idk how that’s crying. You sound triggered.

[@Kr4ShSkeL]

in a long while ??? The 2 previous weeks were awesome wake up xD

[@krystynfunk4201]

@@Kr4ShSkeL they weren’t. And it was awful again this week. Wake up.

[@Saintly1234]

Loving Heel Mercedes. She’s on a generational run and going to have grown men crying like little girls 😂

[@simodollaz748]

I lost it laughing on the "Toa rhymes with Samoa".

[@wethepeoplewolfpack4233]

M.J.F. is back! Ya gotta Love it!! Also Simon, PLEASE bring back "Collision" ups and downs! Thanks!

[@michaelskatharoudis9201]

Danielson is probably winning the Owen Hart Cup but I would have liked Jarrett to win at least one match, the tournament is dedicated to his real friend’s memory

[@j.k.massey364]

I look forward to this every week! Is there ANYWAY we can get a Rampage/Collision show again??!!! AEW FANS NEED YOU!!

[@KK-mk8dj]

Swerve vs Hangman at All In should be great.

[@aaronhurst4379]

I'm here, for super-heel Hangman Page, and a possible rematch with Swerve for the title

[@Kennyboi420]

Hangman's back!!!

[@StoveToTheFace]

I think they should have let Jerret win with a roll up or something and then have Hangman give him a viscous beat down forcing Jerret to withdraw from the 2nd round. That would give a big unexpected pop when he pins Page, gives him a win he deserves in this cup, and gives Page even more heat than he got. For the best results it should of been done on a different night so the MJF angle didn't over shadow it.

[@zaphod100]

Off topic, but I noticed AEW promoting Shark Week on their video wall, which is hosted by John Cena this year

[@RollerCodsterWFEW]

So glad Hangman is back!

[@ronald-xs7sp]

Happy Fourth of July, Simon!

[@AldousTyler]

Mentioning "Beach Bash" as a mistake for "Beach Break" was a stroke of genius, Simon! Nice way to get a plug in for the event where you will be wrestling Danhausen!

[@MichaelAnderson-yu8mr]

0:01 I love when he does that 😂😂😂😂😂

[@the_lawless]

Feels good that this year they seem to really be building stories towards all in. Rip Mina I will miss you

[@user-bp8cu3eh4x]

Mercedes says go to back of line meanwhile she got title shot her first match in aew

[@jeffrey_solis90]

AEW has been killing. Even the weakest story (Jericho, and it's only him. Everyone else is great) have been great. If AEW keeps it up and ignores anything with WWE, they will bounce back.

[@JamesBowman-vk4ob]

Thank you , You have a blessed day too .

[@brandonabel2594]

Man as a huge Pac fan, the opening match pissed me off

[@brandonnewby178]

21:26: Jokes on you, buddy, I ain't got a significant other to hear that. 🤣🤣🤣

[@ATL13n]

Electric Boogaloo 😂😂😂 Simon Miller is a 💎! Golden Up for you Sir! I enjoyed this Dynamite, hopefully they continue the positive momentum. Welcome back DMD!! That match should be a banger if both ladies can stay healthy during the build. Jeez, the women's division has so much potential to be top tier once the injury bug is over, and of course with the correct booking. I'm sure Double J wanted Hangman to get over to prove that he is behind the overall AEW brand. I thought we would get the Don Callis screw job on Will vs DG...but good ol MJF came through in the end. Thanks for the review Simon!

[@BorkTorque]

Heel moveset Hangman is going to be rad!

[@japhethsjourney3930]

So let me get this straight, Adam Cole turns on MJF and MJF comes back and kicks him in the nuts and that’s it 🤷‍♂️ MJF has a feud with Rush because 🤷‍♂️ And now MJF turns back heel before we get to see him and Adam Cole finish their damn story. I’m confused 🤔

[@kevintyson9059]

I don't care about AEW, i just love watching Simon

[@MILKSHAKEPOD]

7:21 Marina’s promo she cut before the PPV was her saying she’s not going anywhere and that she plans to go into Wembley as champion.

[@robertelee467]

Although we all kind of saw it coming… I did not think they would turn MJF heal that quick. That is a golden 👎

[@xNobodyOfConsequenceX]

Not gonna lie, I was hoping Daniel was gonna hoof Max in the Jacobs but oh well it was still good.

[@adiassi]

Simon... you are the shiz!!! Love all the reviews you do!

[@jaymars12000]

I’m sorry Simon I didn’t realize Luke Perry was TNT champion.

[@OlsenMath]

I appreciate your love of goofy wrestling. That is my favorite as well.

[@vincek6613]

Enzuigiri was definitely a nod to Owen. He did those all the time

[@rrr12653]

that red shirt made you look big sir, hope you have a good day.

[@auglicious]

Matt Menard's promo after the show was fantastic...do yourself a favor and look it up!

[@kennyhall9117]

SIMON IS THE BEST, SIMON NUMBER ONE 👏👏

[@RajR96]

Finally!

[@DregStrummer]

Lookin jacked

[@andymcfly]

Dynamite was so good. Show goes by fast. Great matches. Solid storylines. Everyone getting goos on the mic and characters. I was at forbidden door. My first aew PPV but 3 aew event. Amazing atmosphere and show. I swear the only ppl that complain about aew dont watch aew.

[@boyankovachev7982]

❤❤❤

[@tomseville2345]

*Killswitch*, Simon. Luchasaurus is like your father; unfortunately, your father is DEAD...

[@vladimirpetrov1239]

Best AEW Dynamite in a while I loved it!!!

[@azharmoosa4005]

Where's the podcast video review ?

[@sidthelee]

Live for the first time

[@johnmccormack139]

F**k you ad algorithms. How you gonna have a 60 second ad 1 minute into a video that's less than 30 minutes and then have more ads after that

[@bernardonicolato4158]

The Callis favor should be a match against Kyle

[@danielelsom7793]

Did he say willow nightingale and Mariah way are both gonna win the owen hart cup?

[@davidpickavance1]

and that Luke Perry is TNT champ. 🤔

[@super6baker910]

Pac should have won he was amazing

[@brandonnewby178]

19:47: You asked some friends?

[@joeyclemenza7339]

I don't think we're done with Mariah and Toni.... that Mina drama is going to come back before All In.

[@twrx9801]

Been awhile since I watched downdownupup

[@davidpickavance1]

Water Time 9000. 😂

[@Joe-zs5ms]

Push Garcia right to NXT please.

[@Aevilbeast]

Hell No... I'm a huge fan of Danny and as much I hate to say it...but I know full well that even with Vince gone and with HHH in charge, he'd never ever have any kind of chance because of his size....At most he'd probably have a decent run in NXT but most likely would never get called to the main roster and if did he most likely get turned into a glorified jobber or as joke character or Akira Tozawa. The glass ceiling would so low for him ever. While they're getting better at using smaller wrestlers, but right now, unless your a luchador (which even they still don't have the best track record of using properly), they really have no idea how to properly use smaller wrestlers in WWE. It really sucks, but it's just extremely hard for a smaller wrestler to attain anything other than lower midcard status. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with being a lower mid-card or jobber, that's position someone has gotta have, but most wrestlers aren't willing to settle for that unless absolutely no other way. At least for now, until he becomes a such a big start that WWE cannot ignore him any longer, he's much better off in AEW where he has a much more room to grow and improve. Honestly, if he had to go another promotion...I'd LOVE to see him have a run in NJPW! He'd be awesome there, especially with his style of wrestling. There would be some potential dream matches there...just imagine Him vs Zach Sabre Jr.!!!

[@johnsloss9672]

Heel mjf is good but like most aew booking it makes no sense to the turn!

[@Slasher025]

5 seconds in... wtf was that? dead... gwfl!!!

[@thesnudge1]

Brilliant Dynamite! Loved the lot, even the usually unbearable Jericho stuff!

[@gmpnj29]

😂😂😂 what a push!

[@ddjsoyenby]

this was a great aew.

[@xRLJohns24x]

Simon and Willow tag team plz

[@mikeamiri7536]

Luke Perry

[@bigdaddykush1830]

When did the miz join AEW?

[@jimiseria8063]

I am from India 😊😊

[@Weird_password]

These shirts are way too long Simon…

[@danieldeleon8922]

Double J should have advanced in the tournament………..👎👎👎

[@MrParker-ux2mh]

Simon….how in tf is Willow AND Mariah gonna both win the Blue Blazer Cup?

[@betterthanumjf]

Maria's gotta win to fave toni storm

[@DanielWilson-k2d]

Your neck is getting thicker.

[@Tompeteux]

SIMON MILLER DOO DOO ALERT!🚨 25:24 💩

[@cameronbriglin8522]

Up

[@jaylagaskins5049]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@jasonlee3759]

Careful Simon, the crowd might start chanting ABW! 😂

[@winslowcross235]

I’m sorry, but there are way better wrestlers aew could be putting over besides Danny Garcia

[@FFA441]

What did simon say that people got mad?

[@Justin032106]

"I find it mad that some corners of the internet have forgotten what The Young Bucks did for wrestling. I know it’s a minority all things considered but those dudes switched the whole thing up. Inspired others. They deserve way more flowers."

[@afp445]

​​@@Justin032106 Well, he's not wrong 🤷 People can hate them all they want to but the fact remains that the Bucks have always been talented and their contributions to wrestling as a whole cannot be dismissed

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

@@afp445 agreed

[@bierguy3033]

Comment for algorithm.

[@luchawwl]

Hurry up, Simon. 😂