Full Breakdown
AEW WrestleDream 2025: Key Highlights and Aftermath
10/19/2025, 10:49:53 PM
Main Event: Adam Page Retains Against Samoa Joe
On October 18, 2025, the AEW WrestleDream event took place at the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri, featuring a marquee match for the AEW World Championship. "Hangman" Adam Page defended his title against Samoa Joe, a former champion. The match was intense, with Page ultimately retaining his championship after executing three Buckshot Lariats, pinning Joe for the victory. This marked Page's fifth successful title defense, extending his reign to over 100 days.
Post-Match Controversy: Samoa Joe's Heel Turn
Following the match, a significant turn of events unfolded. As Page attempted to show respect by raising Joe's hand, Joe instead attacked him, leading to a brutal post-match assault. Joe, along with his faction, The Opps, which includes Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata, laid out Page with a Muscle Buster, signaling a dramatic heel turn. This unexpected betrayal has set the stage for a potential rematch, as Page's rivalry with Joe appears far from over.
Additional Championship Matches
The WrestleDream card featured several other championship bouts. Kris Statlander successfully defended her AEW Women's World Championship against "Timeless" Toni Storm, while Kyle Fletcher retained the TNT Championship against Mark Briscoe. In the AEW World Tag Team Championship match, the team of Brody King and Bandido, collectively known as Brodido, defeated Kazuchika Okada and Konosuke Takeshita to maintain their titles.
Notable Matches and Moments
The event also included an "I Quit" match between Darby Allin and Jon Moxley, which concluded with Allin emerging victorious after receiving assistance from wrestling legend Sting. The match was marked by extreme violence, including the use of an aquarium as a weapon. Sting's return added a nostalgic element to the match, further elevating its significance.
Official Statements & Responses
AEW President Tony Khan praised WrestleDream as one of the company's greatest shows, highlighting the intensity and quality of the matches. He confirmed that Jon Moxley sustained a cut during the main event but was otherwise fine. Khan also addressed technical issues experienced during the broadcast, attributing them to problems on Amazon's end.
Criticism & Opposition
While the event was generally well-received, some fans expressed disappointment over the abrupt heel turn by Samoa Joe, arguing that it undermined the respect built during the match. Critics noted that such turns can sometimes detract from the storytelling aspect of wrestling, particularly when they occur immediately after a hard-fought contest.
What's Next
Looking ahead, AEW is set to promote its next pay-per-view event, Full Gear, scheduled for November 22, 2025. The aftermath of WrestleDream has created several potential storylines, including a rematch between Page and Joe, as well as the ongoing rivalry between Allin and Moxley. The dynamics within The Opps and their newfound heel status will also be closely monitored as AEW continues to develop its narratives.
