AEW Dynamite 7/10/24: 3 Things We Hated And 3 Things We Loved

Welcome to Wrestling Inc.’s weekly review of “AEW Dynamite,” the show that brings Sharpshooters galore in Calgary! It’s that time of year again with AEW running Calgary and hosting the finals of both the men’s and women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournaments. Our WINC staff has plenty to say about these matches and the night’s highlights and lowlights. For a full account of the evening’s events, check out our “Dynamite” results page. For in-depth opinion and analysis, read on.

How did we feel about Bryan Danielson’s victory over “Hangman” Adam Page in the men’s finals? How intense were our emotions about Mariah May winning the women’s finals and then viciously turning on Toni Storm? And how incredible is Mercedes Mone’s official heel turn? Here are three things we hated and three things we loved about the 7/10/24 episode of “AEW Dynamite.”

Hated: Adam Page is once again pushed aside for a former WWE veteran

Five years ago, the first AEW All Out featured “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Chris Jericho, with the winner becoming the inaugural AEW World Champion. Page, the young, homegrown talent, faced Jericho, the seasoned veteran known from WWE. Jericho’s victory was understandable; his star power was crucial for the fledgling company, while Page needed more development.

Fast forward to Double or Nothing 2022. Page, now the world champion after defeating Kenny Omega (another talent never associated with WWE), faced CM Punk. This marked Punk’s first world title challenge since his WWE Heavyweight title loss to The Rock at Elimination Chamber 2013. Again, the dynamic was the young star Page versus the established veteran Punk. Punk’s win was expected; his return had rejuvenated AEW, and Page’s title run had received mixed reviews.

Now, on the July 10, 2024 episode of “AEW Dynamite,” Page has evolved. Post-title loss to Punk, he’s rejoined The Elite, feuded intensely with Swerve Strickland, and turned heel, sporting a mustache as a symbol. He’s representing The Elite in the men’s Owen Hart Cup, aiming for a main event world title shot against Strickland at Wembley Stadium, near the five-year anniversary of AEW All Out. Despite The Elite’s broader goals, Page is singularly focused on Swerve. He’s reached the Owen finals, facing Bryan Danielson, a legendary figure nearing the end of his career and yet to hold the AEW world title. Page, now 32 and at his peak, is delivering top-tier performances. He’s the prime contender to headline AEW’s major event in a title match, cementing his stardom.

Bryan Danielson wins.

While Danielson’s victory may please his fans, it isn’t the best booking decision. Tony Khan had the chance to headline Wembley Stadium with AEW’s top young stars in a major feud. Instead, Page is sidelined in favor of another ex-WWE talent, driven by nostalgia. This decision feels short-sighted and more about fan service than strategic booking. AEW fans deserve better.