In a bold move, Tony Khan announces free AEW Dynamite main event, delivering Will Ospreay vs. Swerve Strickland live at Portland’s Theater of the Clouds during tonight’s four-hour Summer Blockbuster event. As AEW intensifies its build toward All In on July 12, the company amps up anticipation with one of its most talked-about rivalries featuring two top stars, right in front of the Oregon crowd.
This marks the third episode of Dynamite in the current seven-week run-up to All In, and AEW aims to capture viewer attention early with headline matches amid a tense, unpredictable atmosphere among its roster.
Ospreay and Swerve Face Off After Heated Backstage Brawl
Will Ospreay made waves by pledging to do whatever it takes, even risking himself, to ensure Jon Moxley loses the AEW World Championship to Hangman Page at All In. In a complicated attempt to rally support, Ospreay tried convincing Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page to put aside personal differences to thwart Moxley’s Death Riders. However, this plan quickly unraveled and ended with a backstage fight between Ospreay and Swerve, setting tonight’s grudge match into motion.
With trust shattered, Ospreay now believes Swerve may attempt to interfere and prevent Hangman’s victory at All In, making Strickland just as dangerous to AEW’s world title ambitions as the Death Riders. As a result, Ospreay challenged Strickland to a singles match tonight, raising the stakes for both athletes and the promotion.
High-Profile Rematch and Potential for Unexpected Angles
Fans will recall that Swerve vs. Ospreay was the main event of last year’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view. Now, AEW offers the rematch at no cost, making it a compelling centerpiece for tonight’s broadcast. Although both Ospreay and Strickland are among AEW’s elite, neither has a match confirmed for All In, sparking rumors that tonight’s outcome could launch a major new story. AEW audiences are left wondering whether Jon Moxley and the Death Riders will get involved to derail both Ospreay and Strickland before All In’s championship picture solidifies.
Strategic Match Placement Amid Lengthy Broadcast
With the Summer Blockbuster scheduled for four hours, AEW is likely to load the first half of the show with major bouts. Last week’s Fyter Fest ratings revealed many viewers failed to stick around late into the broadcast, so delivering key matches, including Ospreay vs. Swerve, earlier could help maintain audience engagement.
Women’s Division Builds Toward All In Championship Showdown
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm, coming off a victory last week with Mina Shirakawa over Julia Hart and Skye Blue, returns for a singles match against Hart tonight. Meanwhile, Mercedes Mone will join commentary, as fans watch closely to see what steps she’ll take in her intensifying feud with Storm ahead of their All In clash. Mercedes Mone’s involvement is expected to add extra tension throughout the match.
Pride Month Spotlight: Anthony Bowens Challenges Kyle Fletcher
Anthony Bowens aims to make a statement during Pride Month in AEW, taking on Kyle Fletcher in a singles match. Despite Daddy Ass accompanying Bowens at ringside, defeating Fletcher may be difficult with potential interference from over five members of the Don Callis Family likely to back Fletcher.
Major Contract Signing and Tag Team Action Returning
An important segment tonight is the contract signing for the Winner-Take-All match at All In between AEW International Champion Kenny Omega and AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada. Fans are eager to see if Omega’s allies in The Elite make their presence felt after last week’s confrontation put The Rainmaker on edge.
In women’s tag action, Tay Melo makes her return from injury, teaming with Anna Jay for TayJay’s first match in over two years. They will face Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford, with the babyface team needing to exploit Bayne’s partner’s vulnerabilities in order to secure a win.
MJF and Hurt Syndicate Take On Lucha Libre Stars
MJF is set for his first match as a Hurt Syndicate member, teaming up with Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Lashley against Komander, Kevin Knight, and Speedball Mike Bailey in a trios contest. This bout is MJF’s chance to establish his presence and aggression under MVP’s group leadership.
Mistico, the acclaimed lucha libre legend, is also making his AEW return. After MJF dismissed Mistico’s reputation in CMLL, speculation points towards a future Mistico vs. MJF matchup, potentially leading to an announcement for next week’s Grand Slam Mexico event.
Emerging Feuds and Unanswered Questions
Other stories developing on tonight’s show include Thekla’s dominance following her victorious AEW debut against Lady Frost and the upcoming clash with Queen Aminata. The toxic rivalries continue as Queen attempts to reverse her fortunes against Thekla at Summer Blockbuster.
Absent stars remain on the minds of fans—such as Chris Jericho, Adam Copeland, and Darby Allin—with questions lingering about their All In roles. There is uncertainty around Christian Cage‘s alignment and whether Adam Cole can trust Daniel Garcia with the Callis Family looming.
Elsewhere, Ricochet’s ongoing search for new allies, Powerhouse Hobbs’ recent destruction of Max Caster, and the status of HOOK after an Anarchy in the Arena return all add layers of uncertainty. The status of Jack Perry continues to puzzle fans, as his absence remains unaddressed.
All Eyes on Portland as AEW Sets Stage for Major Payoff
Tonight’s loaded card in Portland will determine critical paths heading into All In, with Tony Khan’s decision to offer the free AEW Dynamite main event likely to elevate ongoing feuds and shine a spotlight on AEW’s top talent. With so many unresolved storylines—ranging from championship aspirations to alliances in flux—tonight’s Summer Blockbuster could reshape the momentum for AEW as it approaches its biggest summer event.
