The July 30, 2025 episode of AEW Dynamite delivered a night full of surprises, tough matches, and notable returns from the Bank Byline Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. While the world title match was highly anticipated, the show’s focus shifted as Mark Briscoe made a rare main event appearance, underscoring AEW’s commitment to blending veteran talent with rising stars. Here is a detailed breakdown of the standout moments, the pitfalls, and what fans loved and hated about this Dynamite episode.

Mark Briscoe Main Events, Snags Big Win Over Ricochet

In a somewhat unconventional main event for a Dynamite episode headlined by the AEW World Championship, it was Mark Briscoe who stole the spotlight with a hard-fought victory over Ricochet. The long-standing rivalry between these two culminated in Briscoe catching Ricochet with the Jay Driller for the pinfall finish in front of a roaring Chicago crowd. This win marked a significant boost for Briscoe, affirming his enduring status in AEW’s landscape and delighting fans craving pure wrestling action[1][2].

Hangman Adam Page vs. Jon Moxley: AEW World Title on the Line

The main event officially featured Hangman Adam Page defending his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley in a rematch highlighted by the absence of any ringside interference. The storied rivalry between “The Cowboy” and Moxley, reignited at All In Texas, reached another pinnacle as the two battled without distractions. The match was a gritty, hard-hitting affair, showcasing both men’s resilience and determination. Hangman’s first title defense proved a success, but the night ended on a tense note as MJF appeared, hinting at a new challenger emerging for the champion[1][2][4].

Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament Heats Up

AEW’s World Tag Team Championship Eliminator Tournament continued with The Young Bucks facing The Outrunners. Though “jobber” chants greeted the Bucks from the crowd early on, they managed a narrow victory, advancing further in the tournament. This tournament remains a highlight, promising fresh storylines and tag team dynamics heading toward AEW’s next big pay-per-view[1][2][3].

Women’s Division Sparks with Surprising Pinfall

In tag team action, ROH Women’s World Champion Athena shocked “Timeless” Toni Storm and fans alike by scoring a pinfall over the AEW Women’s World Champion in what could be a precursor to future title battles. Athena teamed with Billie Starkz to outmaneuver Storm and Alex Windsor in a highly competitive bout that underlined the strength of AEW’s women’s roster[2][4].

Christian Cage Returns — And Causes Chaos

A major moment of the night was Christian Cage’s return, his first since AEW’s All In: Texas. He cut a sharp promo directed at Adam Copeland and the now-defunct Patriarchy faction, only to be double Conchairto’d by Nick Wayne and Kip Sabian. Christian’s return sets the stage for new rivalries and shifts in AEW’s faction warfare[2][4].

Mixed Bag: What Fans Loved and Hated

Loved:

• Mark Briscoe’s emotional, hard-fought win over Ricochet, bringing veteran storytelling excellence to the forefront[1][2].

• Hangman Adam Page’s intense, clean title defense without outside interference, proving he’s a credible AEW World Champion[2][4].

• Women’s division delivering shockers and high-quality matches, especially Athena’s surprise pin on Toni Storm[2].

Hated:

• The Young Bucks receiving “jobber” chants and the “blank template” graphic, which downplayed their legacy despite their solid win[1][3].

• Christian Cage’s quick removal from the show after his promo, leaving fans wanting more from his return segment[2][4].

• The decision to have Mark Briscoe main event over a world title match felt off for some viewers expecting the title bout to close the show on a bigger stage[1].

Backstage Buzz and Future Implications

According to a WWE insider familiar with AEW operations, the booking decision to have Mark Briscoe main event was strategic, emphasizing AEW’s commitment to showcasing seasoned talent and rewarding long-time stars who continue to perform at a high level. Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that AEW leadership is keen to balance star power with fresh matchups, setting up storylines that lead naturally into Forbidden Door and other upcoming pay-per-views.

The MJF appearance following Hangman’s defense has sparked speculation among insiders and wrestling podcasts alike about a potential feud heating up between these top-tier talents, indicating a layered main event scene for the near future.

Final Thoughts

AEW Dynamite from July 30, 2025, was a compelling mix of old-school grit and modern wrestling storytelling. With Mark Briscoe grabbing the spotlight, a hard-hitting world title clash, and the women’s division shaking up expectations, the show delivered on multiple fronts. However, some booking choices, like the order of matches and underutilization of returns, drew criticism from fans and critics.

As AEW builds toward Forbidden Door and other major events, the ramifications from this episode — especially around the AEW World Championship picture and tag team tournament — indicate exciting developments ahead for AEW fans and wrestling enthusiasts.

Stay tuned for more AEW updates and WWE news from trusted sources including WWE.com, Fightful, and industry insiders.