AEW Dynamite’s August 20, 2025, go-home episode from the packed OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, delivered a mix of thrilling moments and some missteps as the promotion built anticipation for the monumental Forbidden Door event. While the show showcased top-notch wrestling, star-studded alignments, and intense promos, a few choices left hardcore fans divided. Here’s our breakdown of the 3 things we loved and 3 we hated from AEW Dynamite in Glasgow.

3 Things We Loved From AEW Dynamite 8/20/25

1. Bryan Danielson Joining Commentary Added Depth and Excitement
The night began with a bang as Bryan Danielson — a former AEW World Champion — made his surprise entrance to a thunderous “YES!” chant. His addition to commentary alongside Excalibur and Tony Schiavone brought expert insight and palpable excitement to each match. According to Wrestleview’s Jerome Wilen, Danielson’s presence was a classy touch that amplified storytelling, especially during high-stakes moments and the tag team eliminator finals[1].

2. Stellar Trios Action Hype for Forbidden Door
One of the highlights was the trios match featuring Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kevin Knight, and Mike Bailey of JetSpeed. This bout set a high bar of intensity and paced well, previewing the lights-out steel cage match slated for Forbidden Door. The interplay between AEW stars and NJPW legends amps anticipation for Sunday’s crossover show, with wrestling analyst Fightful praising the chemistry and stakes involved in the build-up[2][5].

3. The AEW Tag Team Eliminator Finals Delivered a Thrilling Draw
The showdown between FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) and Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) went the full 30-minute time limit, ending in a captivating draw that keeps both teams strong heading into Forbidden Door. The electric atmosphere inside the OVO Hydro saw the crowd fully invested until the final bell. Fans and critics alike, including reporting from Sports Illustrated, drew attention to the technical prowess and storytelling intensity this match provided — reinforcing why AEW’s tag division remains one of its strongest assets[4].

3 Things We Hated on AEW Dynamite 8/20/25

1. Overbooked MJF and Mark Briscoe Storyline Dragging Momentum
While the MJF-Hangman Page-Briscoe angle injects real stakes, its heavy-handed presentation strained credibility. MJF’s sinister on-screen threats — including holding Briscoe tied up and threatening to set him on fire — felt excessive and detracted from an otherwise well-constructed narrative around cowardice and honor. A source close to AEW backstage noted to Wrestling Inc. that some creative personnel view this storyline as too convoluted right before a huge PPV, and there are talks about toning it down after Forbidden Door[5].

2. Underwhelming Women’s Tag Team Match Despite Star Power
The women’s tag match featuring Athena & Mercedes Mone defeating Alex Windsor & Toni Storm was solid but lacked the spark expected, especially given the talent involved. The match, though technically sound, suffered from pacing issues and overreliance on repetitive spots, which momentarily deflated the crowd’s energy. AEW watchers noted this in post-show podcasts as one segment that underutilized its performers on such an important night[1].

3. The Heavy Focus on Tournament Build-up Left Little Room for Other Storylines
With much of the show dedicated to the World Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament and Forbidden Door build, other ongoing feuds and characters got minimal screen time. This uneven distribution meant some promising story arcs, such as Darby Allin’s and Kenny Omega’s ongoing rivalries, didn’t get the development they deserved. As per last week’s interviews on The WWE After Show, industry insiders believe AEW’s pacing could benefit from spreading out such tournament-heavy episodes to maintain fan engagement across all storylines[3].

Additional Notes and Backstage Insights

• Hangman Page vs. MJF Stipulation Drama: Hangman’s agreement to MJF’s demands on the stipulations for their championship match highlights the psychological mind games at play. Sources reveal AEW’s creative team is banking on this layered tension to culminate in a high-impact Forbidden Door finale[5].

• NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi Impact: Tanahashi’s consistent performances and charisma continue to elevate AEW’s partnership with NJPW, reinforcing the cross-promotional significance of Forbidden Door. WWE.com’s recent coverage calls this collaboration a “game-changer” in global pro wrestling[2].

• Crowd Energy and Production Value: From the full house at OVO Hydro to HBO Max’s crisp production, AEW has nailed the live-event atmosphere that fans crave. Fightful emphasizes that AEW’s choice of Glasgow tapped into a passionate wrestling market, enhancing the overall show presentation[2][4].

AEW Dynamite’s go-home edition on August 20, 2025, delivered a landscape of outstanding matches and engaging narratives but stumbled slightly with storyline pacing and some booking choices. As AEW and NJPW gear up for Forbidden Door, the Glasgow crowd witnessed a snapshot of the high stakes, star power, and drama set to explode this weekend.

For continuous WWE and AEW coverage, including exclusive interviews and insider reports, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and your favorite wrestling podcasts.