AEW Collision delivered an action-packed night live from the iconic Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom in Chicago on July 31, 2025, highlighted by a violent TNT Championship Chicago Street Fight where Dustin Rhodes successfully defended his title against Kyle Fletcher. This installment also featured pivotal matches in the Forbidden Door Tag Team Tournament, including the semifinal clash of FTR versus Bang Bang Gang, and a first-round battle between Brodido and Gates of Agony, setting the stage for the next phase of AEW’s exciting tag team competition[1][2][3].

TNT Championship Chicago Street Fight: Dustin Rhodes vs. Kyle Fletcher

The main event proved a brutal, hard-fought showdown that lived up to its violent stipulation. After Kyle Fletcher stepped up, challenging Dustin Rhodes following the champion’s previous defense against Lee Moriarty, Rhodes accepted—but demanded the fight be a no-holds-barred Chicago Street Fight. The match saw both men utilize weapons and engage in hard-hitting brawling amid the raucous Chicago crowd. In the end, Rhodes retained his AEW TNT Championship, solidifying his reign as one of the top champions in AEW[1][2].

According to a WWE insider familiar with backstage sentiments, “Dustin’s performance tonight reaffirmed why AEW trusts him to carry the TNT Title into some of the most intense matchups. The Chicago Street Fight environment perfectly suited his veteran toughness against the relentless Kyle Fletcher.” Sources close to AEW expect Fletcher to continue seeking redemption, setting up further rivalry potential[1].

Forbidden Door Tag Team Tournament Semifinals: FTR vs. Bang Bang Gang

The tag team action kicked off with FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler), accompanied by Big Stoke, battling Bang Bang Gang (Austin Gunn and Juice Robinson) in a high-stakes semifinal. FTR’s technical prowess and sharp teamwork challenged the dynamic Bang Bang Gang. Ultimately, FTR’s experience shone through, earning them a hard-fought victory and a spot in the tournament final[1][3].

Fightful’s post-show podcast praised the match for its blend of storytelling and athleticism, highlighting how the bout blended AEW’s signature hard-hitting style with tag team psychology[1].

First Round Tournament Match: Gates of Agony vs. Brodido

In another key tag tournament contest, Gates of Agony (Kaun and Toa Liona) matched up against Brodido, featuring ROH World Champion Bandido teaming with Brody King. The fast-paced action showcased Brodido’s resilience and chemistry, but Gates of Agony’s raw power and cohesion pushed them to a decisive victory, advancing to the next round and keeping their title hopes alive[1][3].

Women’s Division Showdown: Willow Nightingale vs. Thekla

The night also featured a standout women’s division match, where Willow Nightingale took on Thekla. The bout was a dynamic showcase of Nightingale’s upbeat energy against Thekla’s methodical striking and submission skills. Although both competitors impressed, Willow Nightingale secured a hard-earned win, underscoring her continued rising star status in AEW’s women’s division[3].

Additional Highlights and Notes

• Kris Statlander appeared in action during the broadcast, adding further excitement and star power to the show although she did not compete in the main bouts[1].
• The Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom provided a fervent atmosphere, with Chicago fans engaging energetically throughout the event, elevating the intensity of key matches[1][2].
• AEW’s seamless integration of the Forbidden Door Tag Team Tournament advances the intrigue in the tag division, with each round promising to deliver high-caliber bouts leading toward the finals[2][3].

Looking Ahead: AEW Collision’s Impact and Future Prospects

With Dustin Rhodes firmly established as TNT Champion following his gritty Chicago Street Fight triumph, AEW’s midcard championship scene remains vibrant and unpredictable. Kyle Fletcher’s refusal to back down signals an ongoing heated rivalry that promises more high-stakes encounters.

The progression of the Forbidden Door Tag Team Tournament has injected fresh excitement into AEW’s tag team scene, setting up potential dream matches and showcasing a diverse mix of styles and personalities from AEW and partner promotions.

As sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed in recent interviews, AEW plans to leverage these tournament storylines and championship feuds to drive Collision’s viewership upward, particularly with Chicago emerging as a favored location for live shows that deliver electric fan engagement.

How to Watch AEW Collision

• When: Thursdays, 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT
• Where: TNT, streaming on HBO Max
• Next Show: Stay tuned for next week’s edition, which promises further tournament progression and explosive championship matchups.

For fans wanting detailed analyses, Fightful and Bleacher Report offer comprehensive post-show podcasts and written reviews covering every key moment from this and previous Collision episodes[1][5].

This AEW Collision event reaffirmed AEW’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality wrestling action on Thursday nights, blending established stars like Dustin Rhodes with rising talents and innovative tournament formats.

As one legendary WWE.com interview hinted, “AEW’s Collision is fast becoming a must-watch, blending gritty matches with compelling storylines that keep fans eagerly anticipating each week.” With shows like this, AEW’s presence in the pro wrestling world grows stronger every month[2].

Stay connected for continuing coverage of AEW Collision, including interviews, highlights, and backstage insights on upcoming episodes.