“Summer Blockbuster” is a new addition to AEW’s roster of special television events, giving this week’s episode an added gravitas.
However, like last week’s “Fyter Fest,” this was just another stop on the road to “All In” Texas.
HIT: Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay
Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay are two of the greatest performers in the world. Last year, they amazed fans at “Forbidden Door,” squaring off in the main event for Strickland’s AEW World Championship. In that encounter, Strickland got the better of Ospreay. Albeit, with an interesting caveat. Ospreay had an opportunity to punctuate the affair with the Tiger Driver ‘91, but refrained from using the move—due to its volatile nature.
Ospreay’s mercy proved to be his downfall.
In this contest, Ospreay was faced with a similar dilemma. Having exhausted his arsenal, Ospreay had one .44 magnum bullet left in his cylinder. However, Ospreay hesitated, and Strickland countered with a vicious Vertebreaker.
Ospreay used what little wherewithal he had to roll towards the apron, preventing Strickland from pinning him. Luck happened to be on “The Aerial Assassin’s” side, as the 30-minute time limit expired before Strickland could finish the affair.
The fact that this match was broadcast on “free” television is absurd.
This was an incredible pro-wrestling match.
Rating: ****¼
HIT: Post-match angle
Strickland wasn’t satisfied with the time-limit draw, urging Ospreay to accept his terms for a sudden death overtime. Before Ospreay could answer, The Death Riders’ theme interrupted them—beckoning Jon Moxley and his emissaries of destruction.
The Death Riders were joined by The Young Bucks, who took the fight to Strickland—rocking him with a series of superkicks. Matt & Nick Jackson handcuffed Strickland to the ring ropes and continued their assault, smothering him with a barrage of superkicks to the chin.
The Bucks donned Strickland’s signature Reebok shoes, fitted with spikes—like Strickland used during the “Anarchy in the Arena” match at “Double or Nothing.” Before The Young Bucks could land a pair of spike-clad superkicks to Strickland, Ospreay heroically intervened—throwing himself on Strickland and taking the superkicks directly to the face.
The Death Riders and Young Bucks retreated shortly thereafter, allowing officials to release Strickland and provide medical attention to Ospreay.
This was a really effective angle, demonstrating the bond that Ospreay and Strickland share.
HIT: Don Callis confronts Okada
Renee Paquette is backstage with Kazuchika Okada, to discuss the significance of his rivalry with Kenny Omega. Before Okada could respond, he was interrupted by Don Callis—who wants to know why Kyle Fletcher or Konosuke Takeshita weren’t given shots at the AEW Continental Championship or AEW International Championship.
Okada tried retaliating with violence, but quickly found himself surrounded by Takeshita, Fletcher, and Lance Archer. Is Okada teasing a potential face turn?
Well …
HIT: Mistico vs. Blake Christian
For weeks now, AEW has used video packages to build anticipation for CMLL’s legendary luchador, Mistico.
This week, Mistico finally returned to AEW—having been challenged last week by MJF.
His opponent was Blake Christian, who has won his last nine matches in AEW.
This was a surprisingly competitive affair. Then again, Christian did have a fairly competitive affair against Kenny Omega less than two months ago—so maybe I shouldn’t be surprised.
In any event, it’s always nice to see Mistico on American television. It’s just unfortunate that the crowd wasn’t very interested in this contest.
Rating: N/A
HIT: MJF face-to-face with Mistico
After Mistico’s match, CMLL’s brightest star was met by The Hurt Syndicate and his challenger, next week at “Grand Slam: Mexico,” MJF.
MJF is ready to dust off his red, white, and blue ensemble for next week’s match in Arena Mexico, to once again prove his superiority over CMLL’s faithful.
More importantly, he’s ready to unmask Mistico, who he insultingly calls Sin Cara (Mistico’s name in WWE).
Mistico had enough, taking the fight to MJF. Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin helped tip the odds in MJF’s favor. Before MJF could unmask Mistico, though, the trio of Jet Speed & Mascara Dorada intervened.
HIT: The Hurt Syndicate vs. Jet Speed & Mascara Dorada
Earlier in the evening, The Hurt Syndicate attacked Komander and unmasked him—forcing Mascara Dorada to take his place in this contest.
This was a fun contest. Particularly thanks to Jet Speed’s contributions. It’s amazing how well “Speedball” Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight work together. Their level of cooperation belies their relative inexperience.
In the end, MVP used his cane to incapacitate Bailey—giving MJF an opportunity to finish the match with a Hammerlock DDT.
After the match, MJF shockingly removed Mascara Dorada’s mask—prompting Mistico to intervene.
Next week, our American Champion will return to Arena Mexico to face Mistico in what appears to be the featured attraction of “Grand Slam: Mexico.”
On a side note, I pray to god that MJF’s ring attire was a one off. It looked hideous.
Rating: ***
HIT: The Death Riders restrain “Hangman” Adam Page
This segment was billed as a live appearance from “Hangman” Adam Page. Instead, The Death Riders dragged Page out to the ring, bound and gagged with duct tape.
Jon Moxley used this opportunity to address Page, who he has no shortage of history with.
Moxley’s message was simple: Page only has four more weeks to find whatever he’s been looking for, for the past three years. Otherwise, he’ll have wasted his only opportunity.
In an act of defiance, Page headbutted Moxley—prompting The Death Riders to wrap a chair around Page’s neck. However, The OPPs intervened, saving Page before he could be crippled.
With a microphone in his hand, Page promised the fans that he would ride through death to recapture the AEW World Championship. Then, he promised The Death Riders that if he found any of them, he would have their head.
HIT: TayJay vs. Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford
Last week, Tay Melo returned after two years to save her friend and former tag team partner, Anna Jay.
Last night, TayJay reunited to face Jay’s assailants: Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford.
This was a really fun tag team match, thanks in large part to Bayne and Ford. Naturally, Melo has accumulated quite a bit of ring rust in her absence, but her background in Judo helped alleviate some of those woes.
While this was a solid match, I sincerely hope this feud continues to escalate. TayJay’s iconic street fight against The Bunny & Penelope Ford was a highlight of Friday Night “Rampage.” It would be fun to see them recapture that magic, with the “Megasus” improving upon The Bunny’s contributions.
Rating: ***
HIT: Kenny Omega and Kazuchika retrospective
Before Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada’s contract signing, AEW aired a video package to revisit their four matches in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. This was a tremendous encapsulation of their four bouts, lending credence to the claim that their rivalry is among the best in pro-wrestling history.
MISS: Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada “All In” contract signing
This contract signing was mediated by Tony Schiavone, who unveiled the new prize that the victor will receive, in the “winner takes all” bout: the AEW Unified Championship.
The proceedings were interrupted by Don Callis, who reiterated his aforementioned grievances over Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita.
Omega expressed his immense displeasure in Callis, once again rearing his bald head in his business. While Okada seemed equally as disgusted with Callis, it all proved to be a ruse.
Okada revealed that he’s struck an alliance with Callis, using a retractable baton to deal a critical blow to Omega’s abdomen. After medical officials put Omega on a spine board, Okada delivered a vicious elbow drop—further injuring his abdomen.
Then, once they had finally begun wheeling Omega out of the arena, Okada delivered another elbow drop from the top rope—forcing Omega to cough up a ridiculous amount of blood.
Afterwards, Okada and Callis hastily left the arena, for fear of a riot?
This was okay. It’s hard to judge an angle when it’s only just begun, but I admittedly didn’t enjoy this. The coagulated blood that Omega coughed up looked ridiculous and Callis’ fear of a riot breaking out was silly. Callis has become as pervasive as Bobby Heenan, without any of the charm, humor, or charisma.
HIT: Kyle Fletcher vs. Anthony Bowens
This was the first match of the “Collision” portion of the show. The TNT Champion, Adam Cole, was on commentary for this match. Ostensibly, the winner will Cole down the line, for his TNT Championship.
Unsurprisingly, Kyle Fletcher came out on top in this affair—in part due to Billy Gunn’s poor performance as Anthony Bowens’ second.
Fletcher continues to impress me with each performance. His mannerisms, psychology, and selling are reminiscent of the great heels of old—who weren’t afraid to stooge or be vulnerable.
In this contest, the crowd’s support for Bowens reached a fever pitch. Much of that can be attributed to Fletcher, who, unlike The Hurt Syndicate, can actually accentuate the talents of the babyface he’s working with.
Rating: ***
HIT: Carlos Cabrera introduces Atlantis
Carlos Cabrera is a legendary Spanish play-by-play announcer, for his near-30-year career with WWE. Last August, Cabrera joined AEW—becoming the Spanish announce team’s lead play-by-play analyst.
Last night, Cabrera took center stage to introduce one of CMLL’s living legends, Atlantis.
The 62-year-old was accompanied by his son, Atlantis Jr., who recently held the ROH World Television Championship.
However, Atlantis and Atlantis Jr. were interrupted by the self-proclaimed “Living Legend Killers,” FTR, accompanied by Stokely Hathaway. FTR tried to cripple Atlantis with a Spike Piledriver, but their transgressions set a chaotic chain of events in motion, garnering the attention of several other wrestlers: including Adam Cole, Kyle Fletcher, Konosuke Takeshita, Hechicero, Templario, Bandido, and Brody King.
To remedy the situation, a 12-man tag team match will be held next week at “Grand Slam Mexico.” Atlantis Jr. will join forces with Cole, Templario, Bandido, King, and Daniel Garcia to face FTR, The Don Callis Family, and Hechicero.
HIT: “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Julia Hart
Mercedes Mone was on commentary for this match.
Before the bout could commence, Skye Blue and Julia Hart attacked “Timeless” Toni Storm during her entrance. While Blue was barred from the ringside area, it gave Hart a decisive advantage. Unfortunately, it didn’t amount to much.
Storm made quick work of Hart, leaving room for the AEW Women’s World Championship to have a face-to-face confrontation with Mone.
Mone wasted no time in attacking the champion, prompting Mina Shirakawa to come to Storm’s rescue. While Shirakawa was consoling Storm, Mone climbed back into the ring and attacked Shirakawa. Afterwards, she raised the AEW Women’s Championship and told Storm to kiss her title goodbye.
Rating: **¾
HIT: Mark Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii, & Willow Nightingale vs. MxM Collection & Taya Valkyrie
Normally, I’d say that a match like this was superfluous or unnecessary. The fact of the matter is that I love Mark Briscoe and Willow Nightingale. I also really enjoy MxM Collection. So, this wasn’t a total waste of time.
Kris Statlander watched the match from a distance. Afterwards, a backstage clip from last week aired, revealing that Wheeler Yuta tried to befriend Statlander last week. Will the former TBS Women’s Champion turn heel once again or are Nightingale and Statlander destined to reunite in the near future?
Only time will tell.
Rating: **½
HIT: Bandido vs. The Beast Mortos
This was a solid lucha libre match, between two of the medium’s best: Bandido and The Beast Mortos.
The Beast Mortos has proven himself as one of the best hand’s in professional wrestling today. It’s always enjoyable to watch him lose. On the other hand, Bandido is one of pro-wrestling’s most electrifying faces—whose blend of dexterity, speed, guile, and power is simply unreal.
While Bandido is the current ROH World Champion, I’d love to see him return to AEW proper full time once his title reign ends.
Rating: ***¼
HIT: Mercedes Mone backstage
Wednesday afternoon, Mone tweeted that she wants to win her fifth belt before “All In.” So, the “CEO” challenged CMLL World Women’s Champion, Zeuxis.
Last night, Mone was backstage with Renee Paquette to discuss her challenge, when Zeuxis arrived. The luchadora coldcocked Mone, before accepting her challenge. Next week, both women will square off in Arena Mexico, at “Grand Slam: Mexico.”
This isn’t Zeuxis’ first encounter with Mone. Last year, the two squared off on “Dynamite,” in preparation for Mone’s match against Stephanie Vaquer at “Forbidden Door.”
HIT: “Hangman” Adam Page & The Young Bucks backstage
“Hangman” Adam Page is backstage trying to visit Will Ospreay, when he’s approached by The Young Bucks.
Page vehemently disagreed with The Young Bucks actions and warned them to stop meddling in his business. Otherwise, he’ll trap them in the next house he burns down.
Prince Nana listened to the entire conversation from Strickland’s locker room.
Was this the inflection point in Strickland and Page’s relationship? Can the two finally agree to a truce, in service of a common goal?
HIT: Thekla vs. Queen Aminata
This was the “Toxic Spider’s” second match in AEW. However, it left a great deal to be desired.
Not only was Thekla on the losing end of things for the majority of the contest, but Queen Aminata genuinely outshined her.
While Thekla ultimately won this contest, this wasn’t the defining performance that the “Toxic Spider” needed.
HIT: The Main Event
The main event of “Summer Blockbuster” saw The Paragon & Daniel Garcia face Konosuke Takeshita, Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, & Hechicero in an all-star eight-man tag team match.
This match continued well beyond midnight, netting a near 5-minute long overrun. How does a four-hour long show have an overrun?
In any event, The Don Callis Family and Hechicero were able to net another huge victory—ahead of their 12-man tag team match next week at “Grand Slam Mexico.”
Once again, I’m admittedly not very interested in the Paragon’s war against the Don Callis Family.
The Don Callis Family is undoubtedly rife with top talent, but their lack of direction has largely left me uninterested. Fletcher and Takeshita would be great candidates for the AEW World Tag Team Championship, but The Hurt Syndicate are already monstrous heel champions. And, if the “Rainmaker” has really joined the faction—then he’s yet another mouth that has to be fed.
Rating: **¾
Final Verdict
The first half of “Summer Blockbuster” was one of the best episodes of “Dynamite” of 2025. The opening contest was superb, “Hangman” Adam Page’s segment was electrifying, and I always enjoy MJF’s segments. This was a massive four-hour show, though, so I’d much rather review it as one event—as opposed to two individual episodes of television.
Rating: ***¼
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