On July 17, 2025, the AEW Collision event took place at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Garland, Texas, featuring a series of high-energy wrestling matches, including the notable Tay Melo AEW Collision Match. The event aired on TBS and HBO Max and drew an attendance of over 1,000 fans, eager to witness intense bouts and evolving storylines.
The atmosphere was charged as the crowd engaged with multiple matches and promos, setting the tone for what would be a night full of physicality and emerging rivalries. Tay Melo’s match against Megan Bayne attracted particular attention, demonstrating the fierce competitiveness present throughout the card.
Opening Moments Spotlight Dustin Rhodes and Rising Tensions with Kyle Fletcher
The show began with Tony Schiavone welcoming viewers before introducing the new TNT Champion, Dustin Rhodes, who entered holding multiple titles including the ROH belts. Rhodes reflected on his journey, dedicating his victory to his late father while asserting his determination to be a fighting champion. His promo underscored a theme of resilience that resonated with fans.
The mood shifted as Don Callis and Kyle Fletcher confronted Rhodes, igniting a bitter rivalry centered on control of the TNT Championship. Fletcher declared his intent to claim Rhodes’ title, threatening to overshadow Rhodes’ achievements. A physical altercation ensued, with Rhodes landing a punch before the antagonists retreated, setting up future conflict over the prestigious belt.
Opening Match Recap: Ricochet Triumphs Over A.R. Fox Amidst Ringside Chaos
The first official match featured Ricochet facing A.R. Fox in a dynamic contest that saw tactical escapes, high-flying moves, and outside interference. Fox initially took advantage of Ricochet’s evasiveness but ultimately succumbed to Ricochet’s finishing move after a series of near falls. The victory added momentum to Ricochet’s standing within AEW.
Throughout the match, Fox received substantial offense but maintained a strong presence that captivated the audience. The involvement of Ricochet’s allies briefly distracted Fox, though he managed to push through before taking the decisive Spirit Gun from Ricochet to lose after roughly twelve minutes.
Rivalry Developments and Backstage Ambush Heighten Dramatic Stakes
Colt Cabana was unexpectedly attacked backstage and ringside by Jon Moxley and his allies, including Marina Shafir and Yuta, who wrapped a chain around Cabana’s neck, echoing Cabana’s submission loss to Hangman Page earlier. This brutal assault deepened the sinister aura surrounding the Death Riders faction and hinted at escalating tensions within AEW’s narrative landscape.
Later, backstage interviews captured tension between Statlander and others, highlighting her competitive spirit while reinforcing ongoing disputes that remain unresolved.
Powerhouse Megan Bayne Dominates in Tough Match Against Tay Melo
The focal Tay Melo AEW Collision Match saw Bayne and Melo clashing in a fight where no one was allowed at ringside, intensifying the one-on-one nature of the contest. Bayne immediately imposed her strength by unleashing a series of power moves, while Melo countered with agility and submission holds, including a Fujiwara armbar and a triangle hold.
The bout was a back-and-forth struggle, with Melo demonstrating resilience through multiple counters like a guillotine choke and executing high-impact maneuvers such as a Canadian Destroyer. Despite her efforts and dynamic offense, Melo found herself overpowered as Bayne connected with a running powerbomb, sealing Bayne’s victory in a match lasting approximately ten minutes.
This outcome showcased Bayne’s rising dominance within AEW and positioned her as a formidable force in the competitive women’s division.
Tag Team Turmoil: Gates of Agony Seize Victory in $200,000 Tag Match
A lucrative four-way tag team match featuring Big Bill and Bryan Keith, CRU’s Action Andretti and Lio Rush, Gates of Agony, and The Gunns brought high-intensity tag action to the Collision card. The match started with rapid exchanges and strategic tagging, including impressive teamwork and signature moves from all sides.
Following a chaotic brawl, the Gates of Agony team took control, culminating in a decisive double-team crucifix powerbomb that allowed Bishop Kaun to secure the pinfall. Their victory earned them a significant $200,000 prize, furthering their status within AEW’s tag division and underscoring the division’s depth due to the presence of multiple competitive factions.
Smaller But Impactful Matches Continue to Build AEW Storylines
Other matches included a quick submission victory for Alex Windsor over Taya Valkyrie, characterized by efficient chain wrestling and submission holds, showcasing Windsor’s technical prowess in a brief but effective encounter.
Following this, a heated backstage exchange between Toni Storm and Athena laid the groundwork for a new feud, with Toni daring Athena to accept her challenge while Athena deflected and indicated plans for other opponents, maintaining intrigue surrounding the women’s division.
Mid-Card Action: Max Caster’s Struggles and LFI’s Triumphant Efforts
Max Caster faced Kyle O’Reilly in a swiftly concluded match dominated by technical skill. Despite Caster’s attempts to gain an advantage using distraction tactics, O’Reilly forced an early tap-out with an armbar, keeping momentum on the side of The Conglomeration faction, which celebrated their partner’s win backstage.
A singles match between Lio Rush and Katsuyori Shibata delivered solid physicality with a sequence of suplexes and strikes from both competitors. Rush ultimately secured a hard-fought win, reinforced by his aggressive offense and persistence despite Shibata’s resistance.
Following the contest, members of the LFI faction assaulted Shibata until Powerhouse Hobbs intervened with a steel chair, halting the beatdown and signaling potential alliances and rivalries ahead.
Multi-Man Tag Showcase Highlights Don Callis Family and Veteran Talent
A multi-man tag match featuring The Don Callis Family and a team composed of Jet Speed, Mascara Dorada, and Bandido provided a showcase of AEW talent in chaotic, fast-paced action. The match involved intricate sequences, aerial maneuvers, and tactical teamwork over the course of thirteen minutes.
Mascara Dorada concluded the match by delivering a shooting star press and securing a victory via pinfall, illustrating the skill and agility of the faces in their triumphant effort against the heel-heavy Don Callis Family alliance.
The Broader Impact of Collision’s Latest Episode on AEW’s Landscape
While the show featured numerous exciting matches and moments, some segments suggested the promotion is still working to fully capitalize on momentum generated at prior events like All In. The involvement of key players such as Dustin Rhodes, Jon Moxley, and emerging women’s competitors indicates that storylines are evolving slowly but with potential for future developments.
The Tay Melo AEW Collision Match, despite ending in a defeat, exemplified her fighting spirit and ability to engage fans, while Megan Bayne’s powerful build towards prominence marks her as a wrestler to watch. With several intriguing rivalries simmering, including those involving Athena and Toni Storm or factions like The Don Callis Family, AEW Collision remains a critical platform for unfolding stories in professional wrestling.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Tay Melo?
A. Melo hasn’t appeared on All Elite Wrestling TV for more than two years. Her last AEW appearance was in January 2023. She took a break at AEW Double or Nothing to announce her pregnancy. Melo made her wrestling comeback at STARDOM earlier this year.
Q. Was Tay Melo in WWE?
A. Before joining AEW, Melo wrestled for WWE’s NXT under the name Taynara Conti between 2017 and 2020.
