Between September 1 and 7, wrestling fans witnessed an intense week filled with notable performances across WWE and AEW programming. This period marked the beginning of WWE’s road to Wrestlepalooza following their Clash in Paris event, while AEW progressed toward their All Out 2025 pay-per-view. The Best WWE Matches Week featured strong in-ring action, with AEW’s Dynamite and Collision shows delivering particularly impressive bouts when compared to WWE’s RAW, SmackDown, and NXT.
TheSportster’s rating system evaluated each major match from the week to determine which contests stood out at both promotions.
Clash Between Aleister Black and Damian Priest on SmackDown
On WWE SmackDown, Aleister Black faced Damian Priest in a heated encounter that scored a 6.75 out of 10 from TheSportster. The match began explosively with Black attacking Priest before the bell, setting a tone of animosity that carried through the contest. Black’s babyface struggle from a disadvantageous position added emotional weight, though the bout itself showed a rough edge that lent it some realism despite not being perfectly clean.
The match’s conclusion saw Black securing victory using questionable tactics, which contrasted with his character’s usual style but added fuel to their ongoing feud’s narrative tension.
Dominik Mysterio and AJ Styles Duel on RAW
WWE RAW featured Dominik Mysterio defending his Intercontinental Championship against AJ Styles, earning a 7 out of 10 rating. Set against a passionate French crowd, the match contained moments of high drama as Styles came close to winning with several near-falls, successfully engaging the audience throughout.
Although the in-ring action was solid, it lacked extraordinary highlights. Mysterio excelled in portraying a compelling heel character, enhancing the match’s storytelling. However, the energy in the arena dipped after interference resulted in a tainted finish, disappointing fans eager to see Styles triumph.
A Strong Contest Between Sami Zayn and John Cena on SmackDown
In one of the more prominent WWE matches, Sami Zayn and John Cena clashed for the United States Championship in Cena’s final Chicago appearance, receiving a 7.25 rating. Their bout demonstrated impressive chemistry, with Cena paying tribute to his previous rivals through various spots and sequences throughout the match.
The back-and-forth action captivated the crowd until Brock Lesnar unexpectedly interfered, attacking both competitors and causing the match to end in a no contest. This abrupt finish left fans disappointed after a well-fought contest.
AEW Dynamite’s Tag Team Showdown: Brodido vs. The Death Riders
On AEW Dynamite, Brodido defended their AEW World Tag Team Titles against The Death Riders, receiving a 7.5 rating. Given it was Brodido’s first title defense, the outcome was fairly predictable, yet the match kept the audience engaged with close calls influenced by The Death Riders’ underhanded tactics.
The contest featured strong teamwork, smooth execution, and effective storytelling, as Brody King and Bandido continued to develop their tag team chemistry en route to another significant victory.
Hard-Hitting Main Event: Mark Briscoe vs. Konosuke Takeshita on AEW Collision
The AEW Collision main event showcased Mark Briscoe against Konosuke Takeshita in a bout rated 7.75. This match impressed with its physicality and significant moves, keeping fans uncertain about the ultimate winner.
Takeshita’s ongoing babyface transition was highlighted by his refusal to accept help from faction members, wrestling cleanly throughout. However, the finish involved interference from MJF to cost Briscoe the match, fitting within their storyline but denying a clean resolution.
Dynamic Tag Match Featuring Don Callis Family & Young Bucks Versus JetSpeed, Adam Page & Kenny Omega
A high-energy AEW Dynamite tag team match earned a 7.75 score, where the Don Callis Family & Young Bucks faced JetSpeed, Adam Page, and Kenny Omega. While the early portion of the match was relatively subdued, the latter half turned chaotic with fast-paced offense, multi-person spots, and high-flying maneuvers.
Though some criticized the lack of consistent psychology, the overall pace and excitement made this encounter entertaining. The villains’ victory helped position Kyle Fletcher as the next contender for the AEW World Championship, and the post-match assault on Kenny Omega added to the drama.
Mercedes Mone vs. Alex Windsor Battles for the TBS Championship
Mercedes Mone and Alex Windsor faced off on AEW Dynamite for the TBS Championship in an 8 out of 10 rated match. Their contest was marked by hard strikes, submission exchanges, and technical precision, reflecting strong chemistry developed during prior weeks.
Windsor’s attempts to lock in the Sharpshooter submission challenged Mone’s defenses, creating a tactical battle that kept the crowd invested despite Windsor’s probable underdog status. Ultimately, Mone retained her title, escaping the submission threats once again.
Top Match of the Week: Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia on AEW Collision
The highest-rated bout of the week was the rematch between Jon Moxley and Daniel Garcia, scoring 8.25. This match effectively continued the narrative of Garcia striving to defeat the established star Moxley, portraying a desperate and angry struggle that felt intense throughout.
Garcia’s near victories and emotional investment drew strong fan support, but Moxley emerged victorious again in a crushing finish. This match significantly enhanced Garcia’s character development and intrigued the audience for future encounters.
Importance and Future Impact of These Matches
This week’s wrestling offerings underscored the evolving strategies of WWE and AEW as they build momentum toward major upcoming events like Wrestlepalooza and All Out 2025. The Best WWE Matches Week highlights not only the athleticism and storytelling prowess of competitors like Sami Zayn, John Cena, and Jon Moxley, but also showcases emerging talents such as Daniel Garcia and Konosuke Takeshita.
As these storylines unfold, the reactions from passionate audiences and intricate character work will continue to shape the wrestling landscape, promising compelling matchups and significant title defenses in the weeks ahead.
