AEW Dynamite Recap and Match Ratings: July 26, 2023

Welcome to the latest episode of AEW Dynamite, where we witnessed intense rivalries, surprise twists, and thrilling in-ring action. The July 26 show at MVP Arena in Albany, New York delivered an exciting night of wrestling that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let's dive into the highlights and reactions from the night's matches, along with our unique match ratings system that allows us to score each factor separately.

All photos credit AEW

**Orange Cassidy vs. AR Fox**

**Match Rating:**

- Action: 4/5

- Storytelling: 3/5

- Atmosphere: 4/5

- Innovation: 3/5

- Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

- **Overall Rating:** 18/25

The night kicked off with an electrifying match for the AEW International Championship between Orange Cassidy and AR Fox. Cassidy, known for his laid-back persona, brought the action with impressive moves and engaging sequences, earning a high score for action. The storytelling was compelling, especially with the teased heel turn by Fox, adding an intriguing element to the match. The atmosphere was lively, with the crowd firmly behind Cassidy. While not filled with groundbreaking innovations, the match was thoroughly enjoyable and left fans wanting more.

**Jack Perry Promo**

**Match Rating:**

- Action: 3/5

- Storytelling: 3/5

- Atmosphere: 3/5

- Innovation: 2/5

- Overall Enjoyment: 3/5

- **Overall Rating:** 14/25

During Jack Perry's in-ring promo, we saw a new attitude from the FTW champion, which added a layer of unpredictability to his character. The action during the promo was decent, but it was more focused on the verbal exchange between Perry and Jerry Lynn. The storytelling, revolving around Perry's newfound brashness and Lynn's veteran wisdom, was decent but lacked a bit of depth. The atmosphere in the arena was somewhat subdued, resulting in an average score. While there were no major innovative moments, the promo set the stage for an exciting showdown between Perry and Lynn in the future. I have to say I still personally find Heel Jack Perry to be a complete miss it comes off unnatural I hope he can turn it around only time will tell & I admit I wasn't feeling like Dominik Mysterio was a good heel at first and he figured it out.

**Pac vs. Gravity**

**Match Rating:**

- Action: 4/5

- Storytelling: 3/5

- Atmosphere: 3/5

- Innovation: 2/5

- Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

- **Overall Rating:** 16/25

The highly anticipated match between Pac and Gravity didn't go as expected, with Pac dominating in an extended squash match. Despite the lack of a competitive back-and-forth, the action was still solid, with Pac showcasing his intensity and athleticism. The storytelling was decent, with Pac reasserting his dominance ahead of future battles. The atmosphere in the arena was somewhat subdued, possibly due to the one-sided nature of the match. While there were no groundbreaking innovations, Pac's in-ring presence and aggression made the match enjoyable overall.

**Darby Allin vs. Swerve Strickland**

**Match Rating:**

- Action: 4/5

- Storytelling: 3/5

- Atmosphere: 4/5

- Innovation: 3/5

- Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

- **Overall Rating:** 18/25

The grudge match between Darby Allin and Swerve Strickland delivered high action and compelling storytelling. The action was intense and hard-hitting, with both competitors leaving it all in the ring. The storytelling was engaging, with the added element of AR Fox's sudden heel turn, adding a layer of complexity to the match's narrative. The atmosphere in the arena was vibrant, as the crowd was invested in the personal rivalry between Allin and Strickland. While there were no major innovative moves, the match was thoroughly enjoyable, leaving fans eager to see how this storyline unfolds.

**Dr. Britt Baker DMD vs. Taya Valkyrie**

**Match Rating:**

- Action: 4/5

- Storytelling: 3/5

- Atmosphere: 3/5

- Innovation: 2/5

- Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

- **Overall Rating:** 16/25

Dr. Britt Baker DMD continued her journey as a contender for the AEW World Women's Championship in a hard-hitting match against Taya Valkyrie. The action was solid, with both competitors displaying their skills and athleticism. The storytelling revolved around Baker's determination to prove herself as a top contender and Valkyrie's efforts to make a name for herself in AEW. The atmosphere in the arena was decent, but it didn't reach the level of excitement seen in other matches of the night. While there were no groundbreaking innovations, the match delivered a satisfying and competitive encounter.

**Blackpool Combat Club vs. Lucha Bros vs. Best Friends**

**Match Rating:**

- Action: 4/5

- Storytelling: 3/5

- Atmosphere: 4/5

- Innovation: 2/5

- Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

- **Overall Rating:** 17/25

The three-way tag team main event featuring Blackpool Combat Club, Lucha Bros, and Best Friends was a thrilling encounter. The action was high-flying and hard-hitting, with all teams delivering impressive moves and sequences. The storytelling centered around the desire to prove dominance in the tag team division, making the match emotionally charged. The atmosphere in the arena was electric, with the crowd fully engaged in the fast-paced action. While there were no major innovative moments, the match provided a captivating main event that left fans excited for future clashes.

**Overall Show Rating: 99/150**

The July 26 episode of AEW Dynamite delivered several enjoyable matches with consistent action and storytelling. While there weren't any groundbreaking innovations, the show had a good atmosphere overall. The main event provided a thrilling experience, and the show as a whole was solid and engaging.

AEW Dynamite continues to deliver captivating wrestling action, intriguing storylines, and surprise moments that keep fans coming back for more. The unique match ratings system allows us to analyze each match's individual strengths, providing a more nuanced and comprehensive view of the show.

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Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of AEW Dynamite as we build towards the milestone 200th episode, and keep following Don't Say The F Word Podcast for all the latest updates and analysis in the world of professional wrestling. Until next time, let's continue to enjoy the thrilling ride that AEW provides!