On August 14th, All Elite Wrestling taped the August 16th episode of AEW Collision live from the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, delivering a packed show full of surprises and heated confrontations, as sources from Sports Illustrated, Wrestling Headlines, and Fightful have confirmed. Key storylines advanced, notable matches unfolded, and AEW President Tony Khan made a significant announcement that sets the stage for future collisions in the AEW universe.

Toni Storm Promo Interrupted by Athena and Billie Starkz, Mina Shirakawa Makes Shocking Save

The show opened with AEW Women’s World Champion Timeless Toni Storm delivering an engaging promo that quickly spiraled into chaos when she was ambushed by Athena and Billie Starkz. The two viciously attacked Storm, demonstrating their relentless aggression as Athena called on the crowd to show her respect in a heated demand. Just when it seemed that Toni might be overpowered, a surprise appearance by Mina Shirakawa turned the tide, as she chased off Athena and Starkz, rescuing the champion. The moment turned unexpectedly tender when Toni thanked Shirakawa with a kiss, hinting at a potential alliance or storyline to follow[1][3].

FTR’s Ruthless Tactics Lead to Ambush of Bandido, Big Stoke Intervenes in Brody King’s Effort

Backstage tensions ran high as former AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) executed a shady attack on Bandido, stealing his iconic mask to assert dominance. The confrontation spilled into the ring when Brody King pursued FTR, intent on retribution. Brody initially gained upper hand in the fray, but his comeback was interrupted by Big Stoke, who threw talcum powder into King’s eyes, allowing FTR to execute their signature move, the Shatter Machine, grinding down King’s attack[1][2][3].

Death Riders Secure Victory Over JetSpeed in Tag Team Action

In a thrilling tag-team bout, AEW stalwarts Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta, collectively known as the Death Riders, took on the fan favorites Speedball Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight (JetSpeed). JetSpeed showcased impressive teamwork and frequent near falls on Yuta, but a timely distraction from Marina Shafir allowed Wheeler to land a low blow on Bailey, quickly rolling him up in a bridged pinfall to secure a hard-fought win[1][2][5].

Ricochet’s Standout Performance and Ace Austin’s Official AEW Signing

Newcomer Ricochet delivered an electrifying performance against Ace Austin, nearly overcoming interference from The Gates of Agony. Ricochet ultimately triumphed with his patented Spirit Gun finisher, earning a pivotal victory. Following the match, AEW President Tony Khan made an official announcement, confirming that Ace Austin had signed a contract with AEW, solidifying Austin’s role within the promotion and expanding AEW’s roster with one of the top talents from the independent scene[1][2][3].

Tag Team and Multi-Woman Matches Highlight Competitive Depth

The night also featured Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly defeating Blake Christian and Lee Johnson after a dominant team maneuver, with O’Reilly promising a celebratory meal of Skyline Chili to the Cincinnati crowd, adding local flavor to the victory. In a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match, Kris Statlander emerged victorious over Julia Hart, Penelope Ford, and Anna Jay by forcing Hart to submit to a punishing leg scissor submission, earning a $100,000 prize and propelling herself up the women’s division ladder.

A post-match melee ensued involving Megan Bayne, Thekla, Skye Blue, Tay Melo, and Queen Aminata, escalating the faction warfare narrative, with Harley Cameron stepping in to aid Tay Melo and Queen Aminata in neutralizing the chaos[2][3].

Juice Robinson and Anthony Bowens Also Featured in Notable Segments

Singles action saw Juice Robinson earn a victory over Bryan Keith, adding momentum to Robinson’s singles campaign. In an intense backstage segment, Anthony Bowens expressed frustration towards interviewer Renee Paquette for her questions regarding Max Caster, fueling tensions and further developing their character dynamics[3].

Nigel McGuinness Triumphs in Fatal 4-Way Main Event, Setting Up IWGP Title Match

The night’s main event was a Fatal 4-Way match pitting Nigel McGuinness against Daniel Garcia, Hechicero, and Lee Moriarty. McGuinness triumphed over the strong field, positioning himself as the next challenger for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. This leads to a highly anticipated matchup against Zack Sabre Jr. at the upcoming Forbidden Door event, as confirmed by Brian Alvarez on Wrestling Observer but also reported independently by Sports Illustrated’s Rick Ucchino[1][3].

Backstage Insights and AEW’s Continued Growth

According to a WWE insider familiar with AEW operations and confirmed by Fightful sources, the decision to sign Ace Austin was part of AEW’s intent to bolster its roster depth heading into a jam-packed fall schedule. “Tony Khan is focused on bringing in fresh talent with proven in-ring ability, and Austin fits the mold perfectly,” shared the insider.

Wrestling podcasts have also highlighted the importance of Nigel McGuinness’ win, noting his status as a respected veteran and his potential to deliver an exceptional bout against Zack Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door, which will draw not only AEW viewers but also NJPW and IMPACT fans, further solidifying AEW’s collaborative relationships across the wrestling industry.

Looking Ahead

With major angles developing on AEW Collision, from the ongoing faction wars involving Toni Storm, Athena, and Billie Starkz, to FTR’s ruthless targeting of Bandido and Brody King, plus the highly anticipated IWGP World Heavyweight Title match announcement, the August 16th episode promises to be a must-watch event that furthers several key storylines.

AEW continues to elevate its programming and talent, delivering a compelling mix of storytelling and in-ring excellence that fans can look forward to as the Forbidden Door 2025 event draws near.

AEW Collision Taping Details

• Date: August 14, 2025 (taped for August 16 broadcast)
• Venue: Andrew J Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
• Sources: Sports Illustrated, Wrestling Headlines, Fightful, AEW official announcements

This AEW Collision preview offers fans detailed insight into the matches and moments recorded for an exciting upcoming episode that blends intense competition with evolving narratives and surprises. Stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and official AEW channels for full match coverage and ongoing updates.