Kazuchika Okada made a striking appearance on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday, debuting his new entrance theme, C.U.R.I.O.S.I.T.Y. by ONE OK ROCK. Fresh from his commanding performance at AEW All In: Texas 2025, where he secured the AEW Unified, International, and Continental Championships, Okada wasted no time showcasing his prowess by swiftly defeating Rafael Quintero in singles competition.
Following the match, Okada addressed the audience and challenged Swerve Strickland, referencing Strickland’s recent upset over The Young Bucks at All In: Texas, which led to the Jackson brothers being stripped of their EVP roles. Strickland stepped forward to confront Okada, but before any conflict could unfold, Okada left the arena accompanied by Don Callis, leaving the rivalry unresolved for the time being.
KAZUCHIKA OKADA GOT A NEW THEME SONG WHAT THE FUCK
Here’s the full entrance, didn’t expect this but I really dig it#AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/dnSl4953fE
— ProdigiousOmega 🇨🇩🇵🇸🇸🇩 (@ProdigiousOmega) July 17, 2025
Toni Storm Defends Title and Faces New Threat
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm celebrated her recent victory over Mercedes Mone at All In: Texas 2025, expressing gratitude alongside subtle confidence. On this week’s Dynamite, she thanked Mone for the tough contest while emphasizing that she exploited every error made by The CEO during their bout.
However, Storm’s moment of triumph was interrupted by Athena, fresh from her win in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match. Athena issued a pointed warning to Storm about the forthcoming title challenge, suggesting the champion should abandon any illusions of a perfect ending as her defeat looms near.
It was announced that Storm is scheduled to face Athena’s protégé, Billie Starkz, in a one-on-one match set for the July 23rd episode of AEW Dynamite.
“Timeless” Toni Storm addresses her adoring public as well as @MercedesVarnado after a successful title defense at #AEWAllInTexas!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/7WJQfQolQI
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 17, 2025
Looking to the future, “Timeless” Toni Storm gets interrupted by the Forever ROH Women’s World Champion @AthenaPalmer_FG!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/cdsSJbL9z5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) July 17, 2025
Thekla Forms New Alliance After $100,000 Victory
This week’s episode of AEW Dynamite featured Thekla securing a $100,000 prize by winning a Four-Way Match against Queen Aminata, Willow Nightingale, and Kris Statlander. The contest narrowed to a one-on-one battle between Thekla and Aminata after Nightingale and Statlander were eliminated.
Thekla appeared to be at a disadvantage until Skye Blue intervened with a distraction, allowing Julia Hart to deliver a surprise black mist attack. Capitalizing on this, Thekla sealed the victory with a powerful stomp on Aminata.
Following the match, Skye Blue and Julia Hart joined Thekla in the ring, signaling the formation of a new alliance among the three competitors.
Adam Copeland Explains His Motivation Behind Saving Christian Cage
Adam Cope Copeland addressed fans during AEW Dynamite after his return at All In: Texas 2025, clarifying that his comeback was not intended to rescue Christian Cage, although he admitted to still hoping for his friend’s recovery. Instead, Copeland targeted the tag team FTR, blaming them for the injury that kept him sidelined for four months and vowing to exact retribution.
Stokely Hathaway soon entered the scene, accompanied by security personnel, warning Copeland that any violent action against FTR could result in his immediate removal from the company. Undeterred, Copeland swiftly incapacitated two security guards before finishing the segment with a spear on Hathaway.
Upcoming Matches and Updated AEW Lineups
Fans can anticipate several matches planned for AEW Collision this week, including TNT Champion Dustin Rhodes appearing fresh off his All In: Texas victory. Other notable matchups feature Taya Valkyria versus Alex Windsor, Megan Bayne facing Tay Melo, and RUSH battling Katsuyori Shibata. Also scheduled are AR Fox versus Ricochet and a Don Callis Family six-man tag match against Bandido, Mascara Dorada, and the Jetspeed duo of Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight.
Looking ahead to next week’s AEW Dynamite, Toni Storm is confirmed to battle Billie Starkz, continuing the build-up to her ongoing feud with Athena’s camp.
Broader Context and AEW Storylines Moving Forward
The developments on this episode of AEW Dynamite contribute to the evolving storylines shaped by significant matches and character rivalries. Kazuchika Okada’s impressive championship sweep and new theme underline his rising dominance in AEW, while Toni Storm faces increasing challenges from Athena and Billie Starkz, heightening the stakes for the Women’s World Championship.
Thekla’s newly formed alliance with Skye Blue and Julia Hart adds another dynamic faction to AEW’s women’s division, signaling potential shifts in power and ongoing competition among top contenders. Adam Copeland’s return not only reignites tensions with FTR but also underscores the personal narratives fueling rivalries within the promotion.
With fresh matches and storylines set for upcoming broadcasts, AEW continues to engage its audience with a blend of athleticism and drama, promising further developments in the weeks ahead.
