The card’s main event featured Dustin Rhodes defending the TNT Championship against the formidable ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty. This marked Rhodes’ first TNT title defense since capturing the belt at AEW All In: Texas, a significant milestone in his storied wrestling career. Rhodes, known as “The Natural,” brought veteran savvy and heart into the ring, while Moriarty entered with a reputation for technical mastery and unrelenting intensity. The match showcased a compelling clash of styles that energized the crowd and demonstrated both athletes’ championship caliber.

According to Fightful’s post-show podcast and report, Rhodes successfully retained his TNT Championship after a hard-fought contest, drawing praise for his resilience and ring psychology throughout the bout[1]. Sources close to the AEW locker room highlighted that Rhodes’ performance reaffirmed his status as a cornerstone of the mid-card scene and a reliable champion whose presence elevates the TNT title.

In another marquee matchup, Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena defended her title against the international sensation Alex Windsor. Athena, branded the “Forever Champ,” has been a dominant figure in AEW’s women’s division, and this defense carried significant weight given Windsor’s rising momentum. Windsor had made a strong Collision debut prior to this event by defeating Taya Valkyrie, and tensions between her and Athena had escalated dramatically after Athena mocked her on AEW Dynamite and physically targeted AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm in a vicious ambush.

The bout itself was a showcase of technical prowess and determination. Athena utilized her signature power moves and ring savvy to maintain control, while Windsor’s agility and resilience kept the audience fully engaged. As per detailed coverage by Wrestleview and Wrestling Inc., Athena retained the ROH Women’s World Championship, solidifying her “Forever Champ” nickname and setting up further intrigue within the women’s division[2][5]. WWE insiders report backstage that Athena’s performance was seen as a defining moment, reinforcing her position at the top and teasing potential future clashes with Storm and other AEW women’s wrestlers.

Adding to the evening’s excitement was the Forbidden Door Tag Team Championship Tournament quarterfinal match between Bang Bang Gang (Juice Robinson & Austin Gunn) and the duo of Big Bill & Bryan Keith. Both teams delivered raw intensity, with the Bang Bang Gang’s chemistry and crowd-friendly style contrasting the brute force and calculated aggression of Big Bill and Bryan Keith. Fans in Chicago were treated to dynamic tag team action that pushed both teams to their limits. Fightful noted that this tournament continues to be a highlight of AEW Collision, blending inter-promotional talent and creating fresh narratives that captivate the AEW and ROH fanbases alike[1].

The July 26 Collision event also featured various backstage moments and segments that built on ongoing storylines. For example, Athena’s promo cutting down Alex Windsor prior to their match added layers to their rivalry, while Dustin Rhodes’ comments after his victory underscored his fire to continue elevating the TNT Championship’s prestige.

Sources close to Cody Rhodes have suggested AEW is intent on solidifying Collision as a must-watch platform, capitalizing on Chicago’s passionate wrestling fanbase to create a live atmosphere that translates onto television and streaming platforms like HBO Max. AEW’s continued investment in championship matches and integration of ROH talent, as seen Saturday night, reinforces the company’s strategy to keep viewers highly engaged across all weekly shows.

Looking ahead, key storylines from this event hint at exciting developments:

• Athena’s continued reign as ROH Women’s World Champion sets up potential crossovers with AEW’s Women’s World Championship contenders, including Toni Storm and Billie Starkz.

• Dustin Rhodes’ TNT title defense cabinet appears poised for a series of high-profile challenges, with Lee Moriarty firmly positioned as a top contender should he regroup.

• The Forbidden Door Tag Team Tournament promises further explosive matchups that mix AEW and ROH stars, teasing new alliances and rivalries.

In sum, AEW Collision on July 26, 2025, delivered a night filled with championship drama, high-level wrestling, and storyline progressions that deepen AEW’s narratives heading into the fall season. Industry observers and fans alike can expect Collision to remain a critical part of AEW’s weekly offering, blending technical wrestling, character-driven stories, and tournament excitement that few brands can match.

For continuing coverage and expert analysis, follow updates on Fightful, Wrestling Observer, and WWE.com insights that frequently cover AEW’s ongoing evolution within the wrestling landscape.

Event Highlights:

Keep your eyes on AEW Collision as it continues to carve its identity with top-tier wrestling and compelling storytelling that resonate with fans worldwide.