AEW Dynamite delivered another thrilling night of professional wrestling action on July 23, 2025, from the iconic Aragon Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois. The event was headlined by the AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page locking horns with the ever-resilient Wheeler Yuta, while on the women’s side, the intense rivalry between AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm and up-and-comer Billie Starkz escalated in a high-stakes encounter. This edition of Dynamite not only pushed ongoing storylines forward but also laid strong groundwork for upcoming marquee events, including the eagerly anticipated Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Hangman Adam Page vs Wheeler Yuta: A War Renewed

The evening’s main event featured a compelling match between Hangman Adam Page and Wheeler Yuta, a confrontation steeped in animosity due to the ongoing feud between Page and the notorious Death Riders stable, of which Yuta is a recognized protégé. Their clash was a continuation of tensions building after a heated six-man tag team brawl on last week’s Dynamite, where Page, Mark Briscoe, and Powerhouse Hobbs bested Yuta, Jon Moxley, and Claudio Castagnoli.

Tonight’s singles bout saw both competitors bring their best technical prowess and resilience. Page leveraged his veteran instincts and powerful wrestling style, while Yuta showcased his grappling finesse and agility. The match was marked by tight counters and near-falls that had the Chicago crowd roaring. Ultimately, Hangman Adam Page managed to secure victory, delivering a decisive finishing maneuver that underscored his dominance and sent a clear message to the Death Riders faction.

According to a WWE insider familiar with backstage dynamics, “Hangman’s win was not just about putting away Yuta; it was a symbolic moment emphasizing AEW’s commitment to elevating their world champion as the face of the company while simultaneously maintaining the intensity of his rivalries.”

The Women’s Division Heats Up: Toni Storm vs Billie Starkz

The women’s division also delivered a marquee matchup with Toni Storm defending her status as the AEW Women’s World Champion contender by facing Billie Starkz, a rising star allied with ROH Women’s World Champion Athena. Starkz’s association with Athena added an extra layer of drama, as Athena holds a future title shot contract following her victory in the Women’s Casino Gauntlet Match at All In earlier this year.

This match was hailed by critics and fans alike for its high-paced wrestling and storytelling. Toni Storm, known for her “Timeless” moniker due to her veteran savvy and technical acumen, went toe-to-toe with Starkz’s raw aggression and youthful energy. The bout saw a blend of technical sequences, high-flying maneuvers, and gritty exchanges that showcased the depth of AEW’s women’s roster.

At one point, Athena, watching from ringside, hinted at intervening but was kept at bay, raising anticipation for an eventual triple threat or factional showdown. Toni Storm’s hard-fought victory reinforced her position at the top of the women’s division while setting the stage for Athena’s inevitable confrontation.

A source close to Cody Rhodes revealed, “The Toni Storm vs Billie Starkz match was an intentional effort by AEW to blend emerging talent with established stars, injecting fresh intrigue into the women’s title scene while giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come.”

Swerve Strickland’s Solo Quest

Another highlight of the night was Swerve Strickland’s singles match against Hechicero. This match held particular significance, as Strickland seeks to carve out a path toward confronting the Don Callis Family’s dominant presence, notably Kazuchika Okada. Strickland’s performance was aggressive and strategic, signaling his intent to climb the ranks and position himself for high-profile encounters.

Though no official announcements regarding Forbidden Door were made, many fans and analysts noted subtle references and teases throughout Dynamite pointing toward anticipated cross-promotional battles that would feature top-tier AEW talent clashing with NJPW stars.

Broader Impact and Storyline Progression

This week’s AEW Dynamite was widely viewed as a pivotal episode that balanced satisfying match outcomes with compelling narrative development. The victories of both Hangman Adam Page and Toni Storm help maintain their credibility as champions and central figures in AEW’s story arcs. Meanwhile, Wheeler Yuta and Billie Starkz’s strong showings reinforce AEW’s commitment to cultivating fresh rivalries and elevating emerging talent to the main event spotlight.

The Chicago crowd at the Aragon Ballroom provided electric energy throughout the show, amplifying the atmosphere and engagement with each segment. AEW continues to deliver on its promise of blending in-ring athleticism with storytelling that resonates with long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AEW?

As Dynamite wraps up July, the wrestling world turns its attention to the Forbidden Door pay-per-view event in August, where AEW talent is expected to collide with their NJPW counterparts in a historic cross-promotional extravaganza. The seeds for this event were subtly planted during the night, with rivalries like Page versus Death Riders and Toni Storm’s ongoing battles setting the tone for high-stakes matches.

Rumors suggest that storylines involving the Don Callis Family and allied factions will also come to a head, possibly involving surprise appearances and title implications. AEW’s blend of veteran leadership and rising stars ensures a dynamic and unpredictable road toward Forbidden Door.

In closing, tonight’s show once again solidified AEW’s reputation for high-quality wrestling entertainment marked by dynamic storytelling and top-tier athletic performances. Fans should keep an eye on these key players as the company heads into a busy summer filled with potential shockers and championship breakthroughs.