On the July 31, 2025, edition of AEW Collision, tag team powerhouses FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) clinched their place in the finals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Eliminator Tournament, while the dynamic duo of Brody King and Bandido—collectively known as “Brodido”—advanced to the semifinals, intensifying the competition for a future AEW Tag Team Title shot[3][1].
The night’s action kicked off with Brody King and Bandido facing off against The Gates of Agony in an intense quarterfinal showdown. Despite the noticeable size disadvantage for Bandido compared to his opponents Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona, the pair showcased remarkable teamwork and resilience. King matched his opponents’ power, setting the stage for Bandido’s signature high-flying 450 Splash, which secured the pinfall victory and Brodido’s advancement to the semifinals, where they will meet The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) on the August 6 episode of AEW Dynamite[3][2].
Later in the evening, FTR took on the Bang Bang Gang’s Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn in the semifinals. The match featured clever strategies, with referee interruptions notably halting the use of Stokely Hathaway’s crutch for leverage. Ultimately, Dax Harwood capitalized on a timely roll-up on Austin Gunn to secure the win, sending FTR to the tournament finals where they will await the outcome of Brodido versus The Young Bucks[3][1].
According to sources close to AEW, backstage sentiments are bullish about FTR’s chances, given their polished in-ring psychology and veteran savvy. “FTR’s experience and brutal efficiency make them heavy favorites heading into the finals,” a WWE insider revealed during a recent Fightful Wrestling podcast, highlighting the team’s consistency in high-pressure matches[1].
The stakes are high, as the winner of the AEW Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament earns a title shot against the reigning champions, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin), at the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, a much-anticipated cross-promotional event that is expected to draw significant viewership[1][2].
This tournament progression marks a crucial phase in AEW’s tag team division, revitalizing rivalries and spotlighting emerging talents alongside established stars. The pairing of Brody King’s powerhouse style with Bandido’s lucha libre agility has struck a compelling balance that has captivated fans and critics alike[3].
In addition to the tournament updates, Thursday’s AEW Collision aired from Chicago’s iconic Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, showcasing a capacity crowd energized by competitive bouts and setting an electrifying tone for the upcoming Dynamite episode[4].
For wrestling enthusiasts tracking the tournament closely, a full post-show podcast covering detailed match recaps and insider interviews is available, providing deeper analysis and on-the-ground perspectives from AEW’s latest events[1].
With FTR solidifying their place in the finals and Brodido pushing forward with unstoppable momentum, the AEW Tag Team Title Eliminator Tournament is shaping up as one of the most thrilling tag team storylines in 2025. Fans should mark their calendars for AEW Dynamite on August 6, where the pivotal Brodido vs. Young Bucks semifinal match will decide who faces FTR for a shot at tag team glory[1][2].
As the tag team landscape evolves, all eyes remain on the Forbidden Door event—poised to be a career-defining moment for the tournament’s champions and challengers alike.
Sources include Fightful, Wrestling Inc., AEW official announcements, and multiple wrestling news podcasts and interviews.