Match Card and Segments In No Particular Order Today:
- In-Ring Segment: Christian Cage Promo
- Details: The sement opened with Christian Cage, a prominent heel and former Patriarch, addressing the crowd. He acknowledged his controversial persona, declaring, “I am an asshole,” which drew a positive reaction from the Chicago crowd. Cage reflected on his obsession with the AEW World Championship and his actions at All In: Texas, particularly addressing his strained relationship with Nick Wayne and past comments about Adam Copeland. He questioned whether his past remarks were truly egregious, hinting at ongoing tension with Copeland and setting up potential future matches, possibly at AEW All Out in September.
- Analysis: This segment effectively reestablished Cage as a manipulative, self-aware heel. His promo was engaging, blending humor and menace, and it planted seeds for a reunion or confrontation with Adam Copeland, a storyline with long-term potential. The crowd’s positive reaction underscored Cage’s ability to connect despite his villainous role. However, the segment was more about character development than immediate storyline advancement, which some fans might have found slow-paced.
- Singles Match: Ricochet vs. Mark Briscoe
- Result: Ricochet defeated Mark Briscoe (time not specified, estimated ~10-12 minutes).
- Details: This match was hyped as a clash between two high-flying, charismatic competitors with a history, adding personal stakes. Ricochet, continuing his heelish persona, leaned into his role as an arrogant antagonist, while Briscoe brought his signature intensity. The match featured fast-paced action with aerial maneuvers and technical exchanges, showcasing both wrestlers’ athleticism. Post-match, MJF appeared, attacking Briscoe and setting up a match for the following week’s Dynamite, furthering their feud stemming from All In: Texas.
- Analysis: The match was a highlight for its in-ring quality, with both competitors delivering a compelling performance. Ricochet’s heel work added depth, and Briscoe’s underdog energy resonated with the crowd. The post-match angle with MJF was effective in maintaining momentum for their rivalry, though some felt it overshadowed the match itself. This segment successfully built toward next week’s show while reinforcing Briscoe’s feud with MJF.
- AEW World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament Quarterfinal: The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) vs. The Outrunners (Truth Magnum & Turbo Floyd)
- Result: The Young Bucks defeated The Outrunners (time not specified, estimated ~8-10 minutes).
- Details: This match was part of the ongoing tournament to determine the #1 contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Titles at Forbidden Door. The Young Bucks, no longer EVPs after their loss at All In: Texas, were portrayed as heels adapting to their new reality, with commentary noting their changed entrance and attitude. The Outrunners, a fan-favorite underdog team, brought energy but were outmatched by the Bucks’ experience and cunning. The match likely featured the Bucks’ signature superkick-heavy offense against The Outrunners’ high-energy, throwback style.
- Analysis: The Young Bucks advancing was predictable, given their status and the tournament’s stakes, but The Outrunners likely provided a fun, crowd-pleasing performance. The match served its purpose in progressing the tournament bracket, though it was seen as filler by some critics due to the obvious outcome. The Bucks’ post-EVP narrative added a layer of intrigue, hinting at a potential character shift or alliance (possibly with Don Callis, as teased in prior weeks).
- Tag Team Match: Toni Storm & Alex Windsor vs. Athena & Billie Starkz
- Result: Athena pinned Toni Storm (time not specified, estimated ~9-10 minutes).
- Details: This women’s tag match pitted AEW Women’s Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm and Alex Windsor against Athena (the “Forever Champion”) and her protege Billie Starkz. The match was a showcase of the ongoing feud between Storm and Athena, with Starkz and Windsor adding depth to the rivalry. The action was described as competitive, with Athena securing the pin on Storm, a significant moment that likely sets up a future title challenge. The match featured technical wrestling, high-impact moves, and strong character work, particularly from Athena’s brash persona and Storm’s theatrical flair.
- Analysis: This was a standout match for the women’s division, with Athena’s pin over the champion adding intrigue to their storyline. The inclusion of Windsor and Starkz allowed for fresh dynamics, though the focus remained on the Storm-Athena rivalry. The result suggests Athena as a credible challenger for Forbidden Door, though some fans might have preferred a cleaner build to the title match. The match was praised for its quality but criticized by some for not advancing the broader Forbidden Door card significantly.
- Mid-Show Time Slot Change: AEW World Championship Match (Everyone Banned from Ringside) – “Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. Jon Moxley
- Result: Hangman Adam Page retained the AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley (time not specified, estimated ~20-25 minutes).
- Details: The main event was a rematch from All In: Texas, where Page won the title from Moxley in a Texas Death Match marred by interference. This time, a stipulation banned everyone from ringside, ensuring a one-on-one contest. The match was described as a brutal, intense affair, showcasing Page’s aggressive cowboy persona against Moxley’s relentless brawling style. Page’s victory solidified his second title reign, though sources suggest the win raises questions about Moxley’s immediate title prospects and sets up potential new challengers, possibly MJF or others.
- Analysis: This match was the highlight of the night, delivering high drama and top-tier in-ring action. The no-interference stipulation allowed both wrestlers to shine individually, with Page’s victory reinforcing his redemption arc post-All In. Critics noted that the match elevated the show’s overall quality, with some initially rating the episode lower (6.5/7) but revising upward due to the main event’s impact. The result leaves open questions about Moxley’s path forward and whether Page’s reign will face immediate threats, particularly from MJF, who has been teasing a title shot.
Additional Segments and Storyline Developments
- MJF’s Appearance: Beyond his post-match attack on Mark Briscoe, MJF’s presence was a focal point, with his ongoing storyline with The Hurt Syndicate and his pursuit of the AEW World Championship adding layers to the show. His interactions suggest a potential alliance or betrayal, keeping fans guessing about his next move.
- Forbidden Door Build: The episode did more than enough to build toward Forbidden Door beyond the Tag Team Title Eliminator match. The main event made sense after listening to Hangman.
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