On the latest AEW Dynamite broadcast, Adam Copeland and Christian Cage reunited, forming a powerful alliance ahead of the upcoming Forbidden Door event. The reunion came after a heated moment involving FTR and Nick Wayne, as Copeland faced Stokely Hathaway but the match ended in disqualification due to interference by FTR. Christian Cage rushed in to protect Copeland, leading to a tense showdown that culminated in the two sharing an emotional embrace in the ring.
This moment highlighted the rekindled chemistry between Copeland and Cage, positioning them as key players in the AEW landscape as they prepare for their Tag Team match against Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne at Forbidden Door.
Mark Briscoe Withdraws from Dynamite Due to Injuries from Previous Match
Mark Briscoe was unable to travel for this week’s AEW Dynamite because of injuries sustained during his match last week against MJF. The injury update was announced during Wednesday’s broadcast by Excalibur, who revealed that Briscoe’s condition was serious enough to sideline him for the event. Briscoe suffered these injuries in the bout where MJF was victorious in the main event. His absence adds uncertainty to ongoing storylines connected to his character.
Will Ospreay Makes Dramatic Return, Challenges for Forbidden Door Steel Cage Match
Will Ospreay returned to AEW Dynamite with impactful timing, stepping in to save Darby Allin from an ambush by the Death Riders, who had placed a chair around Allin’s neck. Ospreay chased the group out of the ring and then issued a challenge for a Lights Out Steel Cage Match at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view. He also revealed his team, which includes Darby Allin and Hiroshi Tanahashi, setting up a high-stakes confrontation with Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd.

LIGHTS OUT. STEEL CAGE. NJPW x AEW FORBIDDEN DOOR.@WillOspreay, @DarbyAllin and @tanahashi1_100 join forces. The question is, can Ospreay’s neck withstand the fight ahead? Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/kmMq4nGhei
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) August 14, 2025
HOOK’s Anticipated AEW Return Teased in Latest Dynamite Episode
AEW fans were given a glimpse of HOOK’s imminent return during the second hour of the August 13 episode of Dynamite, as a video package teased the comeback of the three-time FTW Champion. HOOK’s last appearance was at Double or Nothing, where he participated in the Anarchy in the Arena match along with Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Katsuyori Shibata.
Earlier this year, HOOK disclosed he was recovering from a concussion and expected to be back soon, and this recent teaser confirms his return is approaching.
AEW Collision and Dynamite Lineups Offer High-Stakes Matches Ahead of Forbidden Door
This week’s AEW Collision card includes several notable matches: JetSpeed (Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight) face off against The Deathriders (Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta), a $100K Four Way Fight featuring Julia Hart, Kris Statlander, Anna Jay, and Penelope Ford, and a four-way contender match with Daniel Garcia, Nigel McGuinness, Lee Moriarty, and Hechicero competing to face Zack Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door.
For next week’s AEW Dynamite, several key bouts are scheduled, including Athena and Mercedes Mone versus Toni Storm and Alex Windsor, the final of the World Tag Team Title Qualifier Tournament pitting FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) against Brodido (Brody King and Bandido), and a conversation between Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley in anticipation of Forbidden Door.
Comprehensive Match Card Set for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door Pay-Per-View
The AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event on August 24 is stacked with high-profile matches. Featured battles include Hangman Page defending the AEW World Championship against MJF, Zack Sabre Jr. competing for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against an opponent yet to be announced, and the Lights Out Steel Cage Match showcasing the Golden Lovers, Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Will Ospreay versus Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, The Young Bucks, and Gabe Kidd.
Additional title matches include Kazuchika Okada defending the AEW Unified Championship against Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm versus Athena for the AEW Women’s Championship, and championship bouts for the AEW Tag Team, TBS, and TNT titles. The card also features the tag team match of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage against Kip Sabian and Nick Wayne, further emphasizing the significance of the Copeland-Cage reunion.
Rising Anticipation as AEW Prepares for Key Fallout and Future Developments
The series of returning stars and heated rivalries building on AEW Dynamite and Collision are rapidly increasing anticipation for the Forbidden Door event. Christian Cage’s alliance with Adam Copeland signals renewed storylines and opportunities for dramatic clashes. Meanwhile, Will Ospreay’s ominous challenge and HOOK’s pending return add layers of unpredictability.
Mark Briscoe’s injury remains a concerning variable, potentially affecting future bookings and matchups. With intense matches scheduled across AEW‘s programming, fans are bracing for impactful moments that could alter championship landscapes and forge new alliances or rivalries.
