Dustin Rhodes, fresh off winning the TNT Championship at All In in his home state of Texas, is preparing for his first title defense. The upcoming match will take place this Saturday, July 26, 2025, on AEW Collision, where Rhodes will face Lee Moriarty, the reigning ROH Pure champion.
AEW officially announced this high-stakes encounter between champions, highlighting the significance of the bout. Moriarty, known for his dominance under Pure rules, will challenge Rhodes for the TNT Championship in what promises to be a competitive contest.
Lee Moriarty’s Historic ROH Pure Title Reign
Lee Moriarty recently etched his name in the Ring of Honor record books by becoming the longest-reigning ROH Pure champion. With his win over Blue Panther at the Supercard of Honor event, Moriarty surpassed Nigel McGuinness’ record by holding the title for over 350 days.
With a spectacular victory over the legendary Blue Panther on #ROHSupercard, ROH Pure Champion @TheLeeMoriarty solidifies his legacy at the top, becoming the longest-reigning Pure Champion in the history of Ring Of Honor. pic.twitter.com/R91xZzHXDI
— ROH – Ring of Honor Wrestling
Moriarty’s success under the Pure ruleset showcases his technical prowess and submission expertise, traits that will be crucial in his upcoming challenge against Rhodes.
Contrasting Styles Raise Stakes for the Collision Showdown
While Moriarty excels in Pure championship matches, his record under the standard wrestling rules on AEW’s Dynamite and Collision programs has yet to include a singles victory. On the other hand, Dustin Rhodes brings decades of experience into the ring at age 56, combining resilience with tactical skill.
The match hints at a compelling clash between Moriarty’s submission-based offense and Rhodes’ veteran savvy. Many speculate that Moriarty might leverage his technical abilities to wear down Rhodes, targeting the older competitor’s limbs to gain an advantage.
What This Title Defense Means for Both Competitors
This Saturday’s match represents more than just a championship defense for Dustin Rhodes; it is an opportunity to solidify his status as TNT Champion by overcoming a top-tier challenger. For Lee Moriarty, becoming TNT champion would mark a significant expansion of his already impressive legacy beyond ROH.
The outcome may influence the landscape of AEW and ROH affiliations, showcasing the rising crossover appeal between promotions. Fans eagerly await the collision of these two champions, anticipating a hard-fought match driven by contrasting styles and determination.
