AEW Dynamite’s September 10, 2025, edition at Philadelphia’s historic 2300 Arena delivered an explosive night full of intense matches, shocking twists, and high-stakes challenges that have already set the wrestling world buzzing ahead of AEW’s marquee pay-per-view, All Out. From Daniel Garcia’s jaw-dropping heel turn joining the Death Riders to “Hangman” Adam Page accepting a high-profile TNT Championship challenge, this episode brilliantly combined storytelling and in-ring action, though not without its share of negatives as some ongoing storylines struggled to find momentum.

Daniel Garcia Turns Heel, Aligns with Death Riders in Stunning Main Event Finale

The most talked-about moment came late in the show when Daniel Garcia, known for his technical prowess and respected persona, shocked fans by turning villainous. After the hard-fought main event where the Death Riders and their allies clashed in a chaotic $500,000 ten-man tag match, Garcia aligned himself with the Death Riders. This dramatic heel turn was emphatically cemented when Thekla attacked Toni Storm, allowing the Death Riders to execute a brutal beatdown on Darby Allin.

Sources close to AEW backstage told Wrestling Inc. that “Garcia’s turn was planned as a major storyline acceleration heading into All Out, infusing fresh energy into the faction rivalries and raising the stakes for upcoming confrontations.” The surprise betrayal adds a complex new layer to AEW’s faction warfare and sets up compelling matchups for the fall season[3][4].

Hangman Page Dominates Josh Alexander, Accepts Kyle Fletcher’s TNT Title Challenge

The night kicked off with an epic grudge match between AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page and ROH World Champion Josh Alexander. Both competitors delivered a brutal, high-octane contest packed with chops, suplexes, and near falls, culminating in Page sealing the victory with his signature Buckshot Lariat after a grueling 16-minute battle.

Rather than letting the momentum die, Page was immediately confronted backstage and in-ring by TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher, who challenged him for the AEW World Championship at All Out. After a tense moment, Page accepted but imposed a strict condition: Fletcher must face him solo, without the interference or support of Don Callis and his faction. This stipulation adds a personal edge to the match, promising an intense showdown at AEW’s biggest pay-per-view of the year[1][4].

Thrilling Philly Street Fight and $500,000 Ten-Man Tag Add Carnage and Drama

Toni Storm seized a hard-fought victory in a Philadelphia Street Fight, showcasing her resilience and solidifying her momentum heading into the fall schedule. Meanwhile, the $500,000 ten-man tag match main event provided wild chaos and athleticism, featuring The Young Bucks, Brodido, and the Death Riders. The bout was highlighted by multiple instances of high-impact maneuvers and teamwork, with the Death Riders proving their dominance in the carnage-filled encounter[2][5].

Bryan Danielson’s presence on commentary adding expert insights during these action-packed bouts was widely praised, enhancing viewers’ understanding of the in-ring storytelling and technical displays[2].

Mixed Reactions to Storyline Developments and Build to FTR vs. C&C

While the show garnered overwhelmingly positive reactions for its in-ring performances and Daniel Garcia’s heel turn, some storylines drew criticism for lacking direction. The repetitive build toward the FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) versus C&C (Chris Jericho & Claudio Castagnoli) feud was noted as dragging and underwhelming, according to Wrestling Inc.’s staff consensus. The lack of fresh narrative developments in this rivalry stood in contrast to the night’s other exciting moments, suggesting a need for AEW creative to inject new elements soon[3].

Backstage Buzz and Insider Insights

According to AEW insiders interviewed by Fightful and Wrestling Observer Radio, the decision to end AEW Dynamite’s residency at the 2300 Arena with such a momentum-packed show was intentional. An official source revealed, “AEW wants to leave Philadelphia on a high note, ensuring fans remember the epic battles and landmark moments before the flagship show moves back on the road.”

Sources close to Cody Rhodes confirmed that the buildup to All Out is being treated like AEW’s “most pivotal moment” this year, with multiple storylines now converging in Toronto, ensuring the September pay-per-view will deliver big in terms of title defenses and faction warfare[3][4].

What’s Next for AEW?

With Dynamite returning to the road next week and the Collision show still set for one more night at the 2300 Arena, AEW fans can expect a ramping-up of intensity as the countdown to All Out accelerates. Daniel Garcia’s new villainous alliance and Hangman Page’s TNT title defense challenge promise fresher, must-see matchups. WWE.com analysts also speculate that the fallout from Garcia’s betrayal could ripple through AEW’s rankings, potentially affecting several mid-card titles and faction standings[3].

In addition, the tension brewing backstage between young stars like Willow Nightingale and Marina Shafir, as well as escalating rivalry narratives featuring Toni Storm and Harley Cameron, indicate that AEW is strengthening its women’s division storylines alongside the men’s main event scenes[5].

AEW Dynamite on September 10, 2025, was an electrifying episode that managed to blend shock moments, superb wrestling, and high drama while setting a clear trajectory for the upcoming All Out pay-per-view. With Daniel Garcia’s stunning heel turn and Hangman Page’s high-stakes challenge stealing the spotlight, AEW continues to build compelling narratives and matches that keep fans eagerly anticipating what comes next in the world of All Elite Wrestling.