3 reasons AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam was better than WWE Extreme Rules and 2 reasons it wasn't

#2. WWE Extreme Rules had the better surprises compared to AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam

All Out set an unfair precedent for AEW with the level of surprises on offer, with ex-WWE top stars like Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole making their debuts. AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam saw no new stars debut or return, while Rampage saw Homicide debut during the main event.

WWE, however, pulled out Sasha Banks during the Bianca Belair vs. Becky Lynch match. Even though a championship match on pay-per-view ended in a disqualification, it made excellent sense booking-wise.

Sasha Banks is one of the biggest stars in WWE with genuine mainstream appeal, and people were awaiting her return. Banks showing up at Extreme Rules in any capacity was a significant plus for the show.

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#2. AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam's storylines were more coherent than WWE Extreme Rules

AEW has placed more emphasis on coherent storylines than WWE, with Grand Slam and Extreme Rules continuing that theme. AEW gave sufficient build to all feuds and rushed nothing. In particular, MJF vs. Brian Pillman Jr. and Ruby Soho vs. Britt Baker, both matches saw exemplary mic work before Grand Slam.

On the other hand, WWE had a strange Alexa Bliss storyline, rushed a Big E match, and the main event was an afterthought as Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns had been announced for Saudi Arabia weeks ago.

Liv Morgan and Carmella fought for the umpteenth time with the same result, and Damien Priest retaining the US title was the only result without logical fallacies.

The in-ring action was quite remarkable at Extreme Rules. Alexa Bliss vs. Charlotte was better than expected, Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair delivered until Sasha Banks interfered, The Usos vs. Street Profits was the match of the night. Demon vs. Roman Reigns was great until the finish.

However, the storylines left a lot to be desired, and AEW trumped WWE big time in this aspect.