Venue: Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL
Vibe Check: Packed house, storyline chaos, and surprise pivots as AEW’s Chicago residency continues to evolve ahead of All In: Texas.
🎙 Opening Salvo – Dustin Stands Alone
Dustin Rhodes kicked off the show with a sentimental reflection on his 37-year journey in wrestling. The moment felt almost testimonial—until Don Callis stormed in with Kyle Fletcher, floating the idea of Rhodes joining the Callis Family. Dustin refused, sparking an unexpected old-school standoff. This segment served two purposes: anchoring Dustin’s legacy while keeping the Callis Family angle unpredictable.
What it means: AEW is using veteran gravitas to build tension around the Callis Family, adding layers to a faction that thrives on mind games.
đź’Ş Women’s Division Heats Up – The Rise of Athena Elite
Taya Valkyrie vs. Alex Windsor opened the match card, with Windsor securing a win via Sharpshooter. But the story was Athena. Making a high balcony entrance, she teased the launch of Athena Elite Wrestling—her rogue project that directly challenges Toni Storm’s dominance. Storm stormed the ring (pun intended), demanding a signed contract, but Athena ghosted.
What it means: Athena’s character shift is cinematic and bold. If AEW plays this right, it could become one of their top women’s angles heading into the fall.
🚀 Speed, Violence, and Spectacle
Match-by-match breakdown:
| Match | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Windsor vs. Taya Valkyrie | Windsor via Sharpshooter | Athena’s post-match promo stole the spotlight |
| Ricochet vs. AR Fox | Ricochet via roll-up | Gates of Agony interference muddied the win |
| Megan Bayne vs. Tay Melo | Bayne via sitdown powerbomb | Dominance reestablished post-injury |
| Kyle O’Reilly vs. Max Caster | O’Reilly wins 5-Minute Challenge | Technical showcase with stiff intensity |
| RUSH vs. Shibata | RUSH wins w/ Beast Mortis interference | Hobbs saves post-match—future alliance brewing? |
| Four-Way Tag ($200K Purse) | Gates of Agony win | Colten Gunn injury angle adds fallout potential |
| Main Event: Bandido/JetSpeed/Dorada vs. Callis Family | Babyfaces win | Dorada hits shooting star press for finish |
What it means: Collision leaned into chaotic energy—run-ins, faction warfare, and injury angles suggest momentum building toward a stacked All In card.
🧠Storyline Depth Check
- Callis Family: Recruiting Dustin felt like a red herring—but it hints at a veteran-led pivot or inner conflict.
- Athena vs. Storm: Has legs to carry AEW’s women’s division all summer. Could bleed into Collision and Dynamite crossovers.
- Tag Division: With Gates of Agony rising and CRU gaining traction, AEW is finally refreshing its tag ecosystem.
📢 Closing Notes
Tony Khan hyped up Chicago’s multi-night legacy, teasing reveals and rematches. His announcement didn’t drop major news but laid the groundwork for future stakes, especially if Dustin or Storm follow up soon.
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