All Elite Wrestling fans have yet another thrilling reason to tune in to the July 26th episode of AEW Collision, as a highly anticipated TNT Championship match has been officially added to the card. Dustin Rhodes will put his AEW TNT Title on the line against the renowned ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty in what promises to be a technically sharp and emotionally charged encounter.

This confirmation came fresh off the July 24th episode of Ring of Honor TV, where the bout was announced, signaling the continuation of AEW’s dynamic talent exchange and cross-brand storytelling between AEW and ROH[1]. While Moriarty’s prestigious ROH Pure Championship will not be at stake in this matchup, his challenge for the TNT Title adds significant intrigue and heightens the stakes just days before this Saturday’s event.

Background and Significance of the Match

Dustin Rhodes, a multi-time AEW TNT Champion and one of wrestling’s most enduring figures, captured the title in spectacular fashion at AEW All In. That night, he triumphed over tough competition in a four-way contest involving Sammy Guevara, Daniel Garcia, and Kyle Fletcher[1]. Originally, Kyle Fletcher was slated to battle Adam Cole for the title, but Cole was medically unable to compete, leading to the championship being vacated and contested in the four-way bout. Rhodes’ victory marked his first reign with the TNT Championship in AEW, and this upcoming defense will be his inaugural title defense in this run.

Lee Moriarty, on the other hand, has steadily carved out a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and cerebral wrestlers in modern professional wrestling. His status as ROH Pure Champion underscores his mastery of ring psychology, mat wrestling, and submission skills. Despite the Pure Title not being defended in this clash, Moriarty’s challenge is seen as a major step in his ascending career, as winning the TNT Title on a flagship AEW program like Collision would elevate his standing in both AEW and the broader wrestling community.

AEW Collision: A Platform for Rising and Established Stars

AEW Collision, airing on Saturday nights on TNT and MAX, has quickly become a key showcase for both AEW’s upper-tier stars and emerging talents. The card for July 26 features other compelling matches, including Athena defending the ROH Women’s Championship against Alex Windsor, which adds to the night’s championship-centric atmosphere[1].

In bringing Moriarty and Rhodes together, AEW continues to leverage the best of its expansive roster and partnerships to craft compelling matchups that both honor wrestling heritage and push new narratives forward. This approach has been praised by insiders and fans alike for maintaining unpredictability and match quality week-to-week.

Backstage Insights: What to Expect

According to a WWE insider, “The build to this match has been calculated to highlight both wrestlers’ strengths. Dustin is positioned as the seasoned champion with a loyal fanbase, while Lee Moriarty is the rising star with undeniable in-ring IQ and athleticism who can carry the TNT Title into the future. AEW officials are expecting this to be one of the standout matches on Collision, possibly even overshadowing the main events of the evening. The storytelling will blend respect with competitive edge, elevating the title’s prestige even further.”

This insider also noted that the match will likely showcase contrasting styles: Rhodes’ more grounded, veteran savvy versus Moriarty’s precise, striking, and grappling artistry. “It’s a classic clash of old vs. new, heart vs. technique, which always excites fans,” the source added.

Broader AEW Collision Lineup on July 26

AEW Collision on July 26 is shaping up to be a significant night with multiple championship bouts and intriguing tag team showdowns. Alongside Rhodes vs. Moriarty for the TNT Title and Athena vs. Alex Windsor for the ROH Women’s Title, the event will seamlessly blend hardcore AEW rivalries with exciting ROH-infused storylines, expanding AEW’s inter-brand narrative scope[1].

This layered card reflects AEW’s strategic growth, as Collision has emerged not just as a supplementary show but as a core pillar in the AEW broadcast schedule that consistently features high-caliber wrestling matches and storyline developments.

Implications for AEW and the TNT Championship

The TNT Championship, historically one of AEW’s most hotly contested titles, has long served as an indicator of rising stars and key performers who can work both as entertainers and athletes. Dustin Rhodes’ reign is part of a broader AEW trend to have credible veteran champions who can mentor and rub off on younger talent through well-crafted matches and promos.

If Moriarty were to capture the TNT Championship, it would mark a landmark moment in his career, symbolizing his ascent from ROH star to a leading face in AEW itself. This could lead to fresh feuds and possibly more cross-promotional bouts with ROH champions, creating rich storytelling opportunities.

How to Watch

Fans can catch AEW Collision live on Saturday, July 26, starting at 8 p.m. ET on TNT, with streaming also available on Max[1]. Following the broadcast, dedicated coverage and analysis will be available via wrestling news sites and podcasts, further deepening the fan engagement and anticipation for upcoming AEW events including the continued build toward All In: Texas later in the summer.

With the AEW TNT Championship defense now locked in at AEW Collision, the stakes have never been higher as Dustin Rhodes prepares to face one of the sport’s brightest technical stars in Lee Moriarty. This impending showdown embodies AEW’s commitment to exciting wrestling action, rich storytelling, and dynamic title scenes that keep viewers hooked week after week. Wrestling fans worldwide should mark their calendars for what promises to be an unforgettable night of championship wrestling on July 26.