On July 23, AEW continued its residency at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois, showcasing a high-energy episode of Dynamite that advanced key narratives and intensified the buildup to the upcoming Forbidden Door 2025 pay-per-view in London, England. Among the highlights was a deeply personal promo from Will Ospreay addressing his injury, a moment that added emotional weight to the evening’s programming.
While WWE’s Roman Reigns made his return on Raw, AEW fans were treated to a blend of competitive bouts, fierce rivalries, and compelling character developments that kept momentum steady heading into a major summer of wrestling.
Adam Page Shows Restraint After Dominating Wheeler Yuta
Adam Page quickly overpowered Wheeler Yuta in a singles match, reinforcing his strength as AEW World Champion with a decisive victory. Despite expectations for a tougher contest, Page’s confident performance established his dominance early in the show.
Following the bout, the story deepened as Page retrieved a steel chain and unleashed a punishing assault on Yuta, seeking vengeance for The Death Riders’ attack on Colt Cabana during Collision. Mirroring his previous title-winning moment against Jon Moxley at All In Texas, Page wrapped the chain around Yuta’s neck, threatening to hang him over the ropes. Yet, just in time, he pulled back, showing mercy rather than escalating the brutality further. This choice strengthened Page’s role as a sympathetic and complex hero in the eyes of the audience.
FTR and JetSpeed Kick Off Fierce Tag Team Tournament
The AEW tag team division gained renewed focus as Dynamite launched a tournament to determine challengers for The Hurt Syndicate’s AEW World Tag Team titles at Forbidden Door. The opening bout featured the veteran duo FTR facing off against the rising team JetSpeed in a fast-paced and hard-hitting contest.
Both teams brought contrasting strengths—FTR relied on experience and cunning, while JetSpeed impressed with athleticism and tenacity. Despite JetSpeed’s spirited effort, FTR secured the win but immediately faced repercussions when The Hurt Syndicate, hired by Cope, ambushed them following the match. This interference, stemming from Cope’s ban on directly confronting FTR, sets the stage for a heated rivalry and emphasizes the tournament’s significance for the tag team landscape.
Will Ospreay Reveals Hidden Neck Injury in Powerful AEW Promo
Emerging amid speculation about his future, Will Ospreay delivered a heartfelt promo on Dynamite, disclosing that he has been wrestling with herniated discs in his neck. Ospreay admitted to concealing the severity of his injury from medical professionals to continue supporting Team AEW during critical moments, including helping Adam Page battle The Death Riders and contributing to AEW’s success at All In.
This revelation not only portrayed Ospreay as a dedicated and courageous figure but also integrated his real-life struggles into ongoing storylines, making his character more relatable and compelling. His willingness to risk further injury underlines the resilience driving AEW’s athletes and adds an authentic emotional element to the build toward major upcoming events.
Rising Tension Between Toni Storm and Athena Intensifies
The rivalry between Toni Storm and Athena gained traction during an AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator match where Storm defeated Athena’s protégé, Billie Starkz. After the bout, Athena and Starkz launched a surprise attack on Storm, escalating their feud within the women’s division.
The confrontation brought the highly effective Athena-Starkz alliance back into the AEW spotlight, a narrative that has been compelling in Ring of Honor for several years. Adding to the drama, Alex Windsor rushed in to defend Storm and drive off the attackers, marking her growing role on AEW programming and expanding the women’s storyline dynamic further.
AEW Dynamite Continues To Build Momentum Toward Major Summer Events
This week’s AEW Dynamite delivered strong in-ring performances and layered storytelling, including Adam Page’s moral complexity, the strategic positioning of the tag team division, and Will Ospreay’s emotional transparency about his injury. These elements contribute to the anticipation surrounding Forbidden Door 2025 in London and hint at evolving rivalries that will define AEW’s summer narrative.
With characters revealing new dimensions and alliances shifting, AEW Dynamite remains a critical stage for wrestlers like Ospreay, Page, and Storm to deepen audience engagement while laying the groundwork for high-stakes matches in the coming weeks. Fans can expect further developments as the Road to Forbidden Door intensifies.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How many 5 star matches Will Ospreay?
A. Ospreay has the most matches rated 5 stars or more by wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, with 53 matches. He is also among five wrestlers who have had two five-star matches on the same night, achieved at AEW’s Worlds End in 2024.
