The state of the industry
June 17 was a defining window for professional wrestling, anchored by a high-stakes episode of AEW Dynamite in the Smart Financial Centre. From Mercedes Moné’s latest defense to the brewing intensity between Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, the following list ranks the most impactful developments.
1. Mercedes Moné vs. Hazuki
This match served as the centerpiece of the latest Dynamite broadcast. Moné continues to command top billing, and her ability to weave high-level international talent into the title picture remains her strongest asset. The technical exchange provided a needed legitimacy to her current reign. It ranks first because it signaled a clear commitment to world-class wrestling over spectacle.
2. Swerve Strickland - Will Ospreay segment
The back-and-forth between Strickland and Ospreay dominated the discourse, as Wade Keller and Taylor Halley discussed on the PWTorch post-show. While the star power is undeniable, the segment carried both pros and cons regarding their trajectory. It ranks second due to the sheer heat generated between two of the promotion's premier babyfaces.
3. Kenny Omega vs. Zack Sabre Jr. build
The foundation for this clash is being laid with painstaking detail. Seeing Omega back in the mix with a technical wizard like ZSJ is the best creative move AEW has made this month. It earns this spot because it appeals to long-term fans who prioritize ring work over flash-in-the-pan angles.
4. MJF vs. Briscoe program
This feud is functioning as the gritty alternative to the main event picture. The promo work is sharp, and the intensity feels earned rather than manufactured. It ranks fourth because it effectively stabilizes the upper mid-card during a busy transition phase.
5. Nattie vs. Jaida Parker
As covered by Kelly Wells and Nate Lindberg, this NXT pairing was a masterclass in modern storytelling. Nattie remains a benchmark for the division, and the match quality showed why the veterans are still essential. It ranks fifth for its reliability in elevating younger talent.
6. 12-Man Tag Team Match
While the chaotic nature of 12-man bouts can be polarizing, this effort on Dynamite was necessary to feature deep-roster talent. It served as a functional heat-builder for secondary storylines. However, it sits in the middle of the pack because it lacks the sustained focus of singles competition.
7. Vice & Grey vs. Zaria & Jordan
This tag team contest successfully highlighted the depth of the current NXT roster. It was a fast-paced affair that didn’t overstay its welcome. It ranks seventh because it provided a solid bridge between higher-profile segments.
8. Naraku and Tony D’Angelo
The invitation for a sit-down meeting between Naraku and D’Angelo adds a layer of intrigue to the NXT mob-centric narrative. It is a slow-burn development that needs more time to bear fruit. The pacing is deliberate, perhaps too much so compared to the high-stakes action seen elsewhere.
9. Dynamite production quality
The visual presentation on June 17 was a step forward, but there remain minor audio sync issues in certain Dynamite video packages. While the effort to modernize the look is clear, the technical flaws are impossible to ignore. This ranks ninth as a reminder that management needs to tighten the ship on overall consistency.
10. The 2021 Flashback reflection
Looking back at the state of Raw five years ago, as noted in the WKPWP flashback episode, serves as a harsh comparison for modern booking. It reminds fans that internal friction and lack of likable protagonists are not new issues. It brings up the rear because, while educational, it offers little to the unfolding events of this week.
The Big Picture
The wrestling landscape on 6/17 focused heavily on establishing long-term feuds following a period of roster shifts. While the quality of matches is soaring, talent management remains the primary pressure point for both major promotions.
Honorable Mentions
The quiet movement of Okada within the roster hierarchy remains a major subplot, and CM Punk’s physical training updates are keeping social media active, even if both were eclipsed by the active television output on Tuesday and Wednesday.
