Location: Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, IL
Fallout from: AEW All In: Texas
AEW Dynamite returned to Chicago with a loaded card and the weight of All In’s aftermath pressing down on every segment. With Hangman Page newly crowned as AEW World Champion and the Young Bucks stripped of their EVP titles, this episode marked the beginning of a new era. The show balanced emotional storytelling, high-octane action, and character development in a way that felt both transitional and forward-looking.
Hangman Page’s Championship Address
The night opened with Hangman Adam Page delivering a heartfelt promo that set the tone for AEW’s new chapter. Rather than basking in personal glory, Page turned the spotlight on the fans, declaring, “You deserve it,” and crediting them for AEW’s rise. He thanked a long list of wrestlers who helped shape his journey, including Orange Cassidy, Jay White, Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, and notably, Swerve Strickland. His message to Jon Moxley was clear: vulnerability doesn’t make him weak—it makes him human. This was a cathartic moment that reinforced Page’s connection to the AEW faithful.
Grade: B+
Kyle Fletcher vs. Máscara Dorada
In a blistering opener, Kyle Fletcher defeated Máscara Dorada in a match that showcased both men’s athleticism and storytelling. Dorada dazzled with aerial offense, including a slingshot missile dropkick and a 450 splash, but Fletcher’s power and precision won out. The finish—a brutal brainbuster—cemented Fletcher’s momentum as he eyes the TNT Championship. Post-match, Fletcher sent a warning to Dustin Rhodes, hinting at a future showdown.
Winner: Kyle Fletcher
Grade: A-
The Young Bucks and Don Callis: A New Alliance?
Matt and Nick Jackson, now stripped of their EVP status, wandered backstage in search of respect and relevance. After being mocked by Ricochet and others, Don Callis approached with an offer of partnership. While the Bucks refused to join his “family,” they agreed to a tentative alliance. This segment was rich in character work and hinted at a slow-burning storyline that could redefine the Bucks’ role in AEW.
Grade: A
8-Man Tag: Hechicero, Josh Alexander & The Young Bucks vs. Bandido, Brody King & JetSpeed
This chaotic, high-energy match delivered on spectacle. The Young Bucks, alongside Hechicero and Alexander, picked up the win after a flurry of superkicks and a technical submission. The chemistry between the Bucks and their new allies was surprisingly strong, and the match served as a showcase for AEW’s tag division depth.
Winners: Hechicero, Alexander & The Young Bucks
Grade: A
Adam Copeland Confronts FTR
Adam Copeland returned to address his issues with Christian Cage and FTR. After a fiery promo, Stokely Hathaway interrupted to announce that Copeland would be fired if he attacked FTR. Copeland responded by spearing Hathaway, sidestepping the restriction. This segment added layers to Copeland’s feud and teased a future tag team reunion with Christian.
Grade: B
$100K Women’s 4-Way: Thekla vs. Statlander vs. Nightingale vs. Aminata
Thekla emerged victorious in a chaotic four-way match, aided by interference from Julia Hart. Despite a questionable pinfall execution, the match was a showcase for AEW’s women’s division. Thekla’s alliance with Hart and Skye Blue appears solidified, and the brewing tension between Statlander and Nightingale suggests a future singles clash.
Winner: Thekla
Grade: B+
Toni Storm’s Victory Speech Interrupted
“Timeless” Toni Storm delivered a theatrical promo celebrating her win over Mercedes Moné. She was interrupted by Athena and Billie Starkz, setting up future title contention. Storm’s charisma carried the segment, and Athena’s challenge adds intrigue to the women’s title picture.
Grade: B+
Kazuchika Okada vs. Rafael Quintero
In a brief squash match, Okada dispatched Quintero with a Rainmaker before calling out Swerve Strickland. This segment was short but effective, teasing a blockbuster title match at Forbidden Door.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada
Grade: B
Main Event: Hangman Page, Powerhouse Hobbs & Mark Briscoe vs. The Death Riders
The main event saw AEW’s new champion team with Hobbs and Briscoe to take on Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta. The match was fast-paced and physical, with Page’s team securing the win. The post-match staredown between Darby Allin and Moxley hinted at future conflict.
Winners: Page, Hobbs & Briscoe
Grade: B+
Final Thoughts
This episode of AEW Dynamite was a strong follow-up to All In: Texas. While it didn’t feature shocking debuts or title changes, it laid the groundwork for compelling stories heading into Forbidden Door. Hangman Page’s promo was a standout moment, and the evolving dynamics around the Young Bucks and Don Callis promise long-term intrigue. AEW’s residency in Chicago is off to a promising start.
Overall Grade: A-
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