I've been wanting to write a review on the most recent All In PPV held by AEW. I've been taking my time jotting down notes to reflect on my thoughts concerning the show. On July 12th, they held their annual All In PPV in Globelife Field in Arlington, Texas. The main event was the anticipated bout between the reigning World Champion Jon Moxley and challenger Hangman Adam Page in their second Texas Death Match (they previously fought under these rules at Revolution 2023). Hangman received this opportunity by participating in the 2025 Men's Owen Hart Cup Tournament that saw him defeating Will Ospreay in the finals at Double or Nothing. There was a lot at stake here as Moxley and the Death Riders have held the World Title hostage, being trapped inside of a briefcase for 9 months. After plowing through some of the notable acts like Orange Cassidy, Adam Copeland/Edge, Samoa Joe, and Swerve Strickland, Moxley met his match when he crosses paths with the Millennial Cowboy once again.
All In 2025 marks the first time I've ordered an AEW PPV. Having been a loyal follower of the product since the first Dynamite in 2019, it was a long time coming. The company has gone through so much the past six years for good and for bad. After the CM Punk fiasco that resulted in his firing combined with the decline in quality creative wise, it took awhile for AEW to get back on the saddle, reminding themselves why they were the alternative to the juggernaut that is the WWE. Once it expanded into streaming services such as HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video, things slowly started to improve. CEO and head of creative Tony Khan oversaw the booking more heavily. By the time All In rolled around, they have been racking up seats up to nearly 30,000 people in attendance. When it's all said and done, did the PPV live up to expectations?
World Trios Championship Match - The Death Riders & Gabe Kidd vs. The Opps (c)
Consisting of Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs (subbing for original member Hook), the Opps defeated The Death Riders at the Spring Break Thru edition of Dynamite to win the Trios Tag Titles. Since then, the war had raged on throughout late spring and into summer with both teams involved in the Anarchy in the Arena Match. Meanwhile, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) alumni Gabe Kidd becomes an honorary member of the Death Riders subbing for Pac who had been sidelined due to injury. It all comes ahead going into this PPV.
For an opening match, it didn't quite hit the mark I had hoped. While the match wasn't terrible, it played out like a TV tag match you would see on an episode of Dynamite or Collision. It was not without its merits though. I really enjoyed the spot where Wheeler Yuta attempted a crossbody but Hobbs catches him in mid air with a Powerslam. Apart from that, there wasn't much to make note of about the opener. Not great but not the ideal match to start off the show.
Men's Casino Gauntlet Match
All In continues the tradition of their Casino Gauntlet Match in which the winner would receive a World Title opportunity at any given date. Unlike traditional Gauntlet matches where competitors must eliminate their opponents via pinfall or submission, it is one fall to a finish which means the competitor can be pinned or submitted even before all of the participants have entered. Notable acts include former World Champion MJF, Ricochet, Brody King, Mark Briscoe, CMLL alumni Mistico plus the return of Bang Bang Gang member Juice Robinson.
While the match has received mixed reviews, I will say this one I enjoyed a bit more than the opener. The conflict between Maxwell and Briscoe played into the early moments of the match as well as MJF's rivalry with lucha libre acts like Mistico who has started to do everything in his power to strip them of their dignity by removing their masks. I enjoyed the return of Juice Robinson as well as the return of the Gunns; Despite not being part of the match, they helped Juice take out Ricochet & The Gates of Agony. The ending came abrupt after Max Caster's entrance as MJF steals the pin for the win.
I'd give it ***1/4. Not the greatest Casino Gauntlet Match I've seen them do, but it kept me entertained at times. My notable gripe is that there were occasions where the participants were spending all of their time at ring side and there was no telling as to where they were while everyone in the ring was trying to make the cover on one another. The Mistico entrance, while a great theme, it didn't seem to garner the kind of reactions he and AEW hoped from Grand Slam Mexico. Regardless, I didn't mind the match as much.
Vacant TNT Championship 4 Way Match - Kyle Fletcher vs. Daniel Garcia vs. Sammy Guevara vs. "The Natural" Dustin Rhodes
This was originally scheduled to be Adam Cole defending the belt against Kyle Fletcher. However, two hours before the main show, it was announced during Zero Hour that due to a head concussion, Cole would be out of action for the foreseeable future thus forcing to vacate the TNT Title. The Sons of Texas who worked earlier during the pre show ended up doing double duty as they would be inserted into the title match. Prior to the 4 Way, Adam Cole came out and delivered a heartfelt speech on the situation, leaving the door open as to whether he will make it back in the ring.
The 4 Way Match itself was serviceable. All competitors did the best they could to deliver the action in the ring. A notable spot saw Garcia, Guevara, and Rhodes perform the Shattered Dreams on Kyle Fletcher. In the end, The Natural managed to pick up the victory as he would be crowned the new TNT Champion.
This was a great moment for Dustin Rhodes. I did not realize this until Brian Zane mentioned it in his All In review but this TNT title reign is his first singles championship in 23 years, his last being the Hardcore Championship in WWF/E. It had been a long drought considering he had been an enhancement talent for the remainder of his run over there. Given it was in his hometown, to celebrate it in front of a jam packed crowd is breathtaking. Just awesome all around. I can imagine Kyle Fletcher gunning for the TNT Title and possibly winning it from him. Based on this past week's Dynamite, that could be a possibility.
The Young Bucks vs. Will O'Spreay & Swerve Strickland
At Dynasty in April, The Bucks made their return to AEW programming since Halloween 2024, costing Swerve the opportunity to become AEW World Champion. Tensions boiled between him and the EVPs throughout all of May and June. Along the way, Will O'Spreay volunteers to team with Swerve when the Young Bucks attacked the two after their match ended in a time limit draw. They offered a stipulation to which if Ospreay & Swerve won, the Bucks would be stripped of their EVP duties; If the Bucks won, Ospreay & Swerve would be unable to challenge for the World Title for up to one year.
Given the stakes, this tag team match is exactly what you expect between the two teams. Each of them gave it everything they had with an emphasis on agility and acrobatics. Speaking of acrobatics, my favorite moment had to be the Bucks along with Swerve/Ospreay countering each others' moves, such as the Bucks performing a Sunset Flip on their opponents simultaneously but then Swerve & Ospreay fought back with a House Call + Hidden Blade forearm combo. There was also a spot I recalled when the Bucks delivered a TK Tombstone Piledriver on Swerve from the apron to ring side. Going into it, I thought for sure Matt & Nick would retain their EVP positions given their real life job titles, like how would you be stripped of that position in that situation? Surprisingly, Swerve & Ospreay picked up the victory to put an end to the Elite Takeover that had started since early last year.
Women's Casino Gauntlet Match
Much like with the Men's, the Casino Gauntlet comprise of competitors in the Women's division competing to earn a title shot at the AEW Women's World Championship. Notable competitors in the Gauntlet include Willow Nightingale, Megan Bayne, Julia Hart, Teckla, Kris Statlander, Queen Aminata, and Athena.
I enjoyed this more than the Gauntlet Match from earlier. It showcased a majority of their best talent within the division. Willow received an amazing ovation when her entrance music played. Despite not vying for any of the TBS or Women's Title belts, she had been spotlighted in a high profile angle with the Death Riders mainly their bodyguard Marina Shafir. Although she did not participate in the actual match, Harley Cameron's return was unexpected as she and Anna Jay came out to support the recently returning Tay Melo. It is very surreal to see Athena on an AEW PPV for the first time in a few years. She had been competing in Ring of Honor since they acquired the promotion, re-establishing her role as their dominant force as ROH Women's Champion. She would end up prevailing in the match, becoming the number one contender for the AEW Women's Title. I guess my only gripe with the Gauntlet is I do wish some of the folks that were there at ring side were participants in the Gauntlet Match (i.e. Skye Blue, Anna Jay, Penelope Ford). Overall, I enjoyed it.
World Tag Team Championship 3 Way Match - The Hurt Syndicate (c) vs. The Patriarchy vs. Jet-Speed
Since winning the titles in January, the team of Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin have ran roughshod at the competition. Accompanied by their wise man MVP, the group have carried the tag team division for a good portion of 2025. However, they would soon meet their match with a recently debuting duo of Speedball Mike Bailey & Kevin Knight known as Jet Speed. The latter carry a never say die attitude, frustrating the Tag Team Champions. However, Christian Cage and ROH TV Champion Nick Wayne vow to go after the belts as the Patriarchy look to collect more gold.
This was a fine performance from all 3 teams. It started off as an outside brawl between all the competitors involved. Since there was so many high spots, it is difficult to keep track of every detailed moment. But not to spoil the entire match, I recalled a spot where Shelton Benjamin performed a German Suplex on Speedball over the apron, but then he used that advantage to perform a Moonsault on everyone at ring side. Nick Wayne of the Patriarchy did a neat Handspring Stunner to one of his opponents (sadly I forget who). Jet-Speed stole the show in the match when Shelton attempted to counter Speedball's top rope Hurricanrana, but then Kevin Knight ran in to aide his partner by performing a Hurricanrana of his own. Towards the end of the match, Lashley shoved Christian towards FTR which led to them getting involved in the scuffle. Christian went for a Killswitch but Lashley countered, knocking Dax & Cash off the apron. Christian turned around only to be eaten by a Spear for The Almighty to score the pin fall in retaining the AEW Tag Titles.
After the match, a shocking twist occurred when Nick Wayne turned on his partner aka father figure Christian by laying him out with the Killswitch. Along with Kip Sabian, the Patriarchy continue to assault him when an old ally in Adam Copeland arrived to take them out. He grabbed the microphone and reminded his estranged friend in Christian to "find himself."
The 3 Way Tag Match played out like a TV style match on Dynamite and/or Collision. It was nothing remotely earth shattering but nothing terrible either. I really enjoy the chemistry with Speedball & Kevin Knight. They are easily some of the best signings that AEW has made this year. Given the build to this feud, I felt it would've been more effective if it had been Jet-Speed vs. Hurt Syndicate. Going into the build, the Patriarchy served as the third wheel in the fight. The more I realized that the purpose of their involvement was to:
a.) Allow Jet-Speed to look strong in the loss despite not taking the pin
b.) To set up the shocking betrayal of Nick Wayne turning on Christian Cage
Speaking of the betrayal, the way Nick attacked his partner reminds me of how Christian turned on Jack Perry when Jurassic Express lost the tag titles in 2022. A few months ago, I would've believed that Nick would be the babyface standing up to the ever toxic father figure of AEW. That would not be the case. Could we see a mentor versus student feud between the two down the road? It is something to think about.
For my prediction on the state of the Tag Team Championships, I can see the Hurt Syndicate carrying the tag titles into the autumn and potentially dropping them to FTR. While they did not compete on the main card this year, they provided guest commentary for the match, teasing a sign they are vying for the belts again. The tag team division has seen better days compared to what it was early in the decade. I'm positive that someday it will experience a resurgence of some sort.
Women's World Championship Match - Toni Storm (c) vs. AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone
Since making her debut during the spring of 2024, Mercedes had been on an undefeated streak of sorts. In her first AEW match, she defeated Willow Nightingale to become the new TBS Champion. For over 200+ days she has plowed through the competition going over the likes of Kris Statlander, Anna Jay, Hikaru Shida, Harley Cameron among countless competitors. Along the way, she captured more gold throughout the wrestling world such as from Stardom, New Japan, and CMLL. By the time the summer of 2025 rolled around, she has held six championship belts hence the announcers coining the nickname Six Belts Mone. On the one year anniversary of her AEW in-ring debut, Mercedes defeated Jamie Hayter in the Women's Owen Hart Tournament finals to earn her a title opportunity against the reigning champion Toni Storm.
What is there more to say? To say this match was incredible would be an understatement. Two of AEW's top women faced off in front of nearly 30,000 people in Globe Life Field. Early on, Mercedes attacked Toni's bodyguard in Luther. After being escorted to the back, it was here that the match started to get rolling. Both women locked up in a series of chains and rest holds as they slowly got into second gear. There were moments where Mercedes attempted to apply the Statement Maker but Toni would find a way to escape the submission. Toni fought back even going as far as using her rear end running attack on Mercedes on numerous occasions. Mercedes seem to have Toni beat with the Mone Maker but Toni kicks out. The Women's Champion laid out the CEO with 3 Storm Zeros but Mercedes would not surrender. The final blow came when Toni lifted Mercedes up on the turnbuckle for an Avalanche Storm Zero to get the pin and the win.
This match blew me away. That Storm Zero from the top rope was sickening that could've gone wrong had it been botched. Cool move to pull off as a viewer but at the same time, it is pretty brutal to take a bump to. Match wise it was an effective demonstration of grandiose and athleticism. Going into it, most folks believed Mercedes would defeat Toni Storm and add another championship belt to her collection. That was not the case. Through sheer resilience, Toni fought to the very end and displayed enough grit to put an end to Mercedes's undefeated streak in AEW and retained her Women's Championship.
Winner-Take-All Match to Determine a New AEW Unified Champion - International Champion Kenny Omega vs. Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada
The anticipated match that harkens back to their series of encounters in New Japan. Their most infamous match was on January 20, 2017 in which both competitors went the distance in a hard fought contest that was heralded by notable purists such as Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. When All Elite Wrestling was launched, Kenny Omega departed from New Japan to broaden his star power over to North America. After five years of both men competing apart from one another, that changed when AEW signed Kazuchika Okada in the spring of 2024. As Omega remained sidelined during that time, Okada underwent a winning streak eventually capturing the Continental Championship from then champion Eddie Kingston. For the next year and a half, the Rainmaker plowed through the division, demonstrating his dominance and star power. After returning from injury to start off 2025, Omega captured the International Championship from Konosuke Takeshita of the Don Callis Family. Speaking of Don Callis, the Young Bucks sold Okada's contract to the group, continuing to enhance their credibility. On Dynamite, Okada and Omega had a confrontation that led to an ambush which saw the Rainmaker land a diving elbow onto Omega, damaging a part of his torso that resulted in him coughing off blood. The contract would be signed for AEW's biggest PPV event in Texas in which the two competitors will put up their belts to determine a Unified Champion.
A very entertaining contest between Omega and Okada. While not up to the level of their match(es) in NJPW, it was very serviceable given the wear and tear at their age. Okada dominated a good portion of the match working on the injured rib of Omega. Don Callis accompanied the Rainmaker at ring side while providing special guest commentary. Eventually, Omega used his resilience to give Okada a run for his money. I recalled a notable moment when Kenny went up the turnbuckle to deliver his opponent a release Dragon Suplex. At some point, members of Don Callis's Family ran in to aid the Continental Champion but Omega did his best to fight them off. Despite his efforts, Okada regained advantage when, after numerous failed attempts, hits Omega with the Rainmaker Clothesline to unify the International and Continental Titles.
It will be interesting what they plan to do with the belt. Personally, I am not a big fan of the name. Why not rechristen it to be the AEW Global Title? At the same time, I think AEW plans to keep the Continental Classic around in case Okada loses the belt and potentially de-unifying the belts. After watching Dynamite this past week, it appears they are teasing a program between him and Swerve Strickland. With Kenny Omega taking time off, it will be awhile before we see him back in action.
AEW World Championship Texas Death Match - Jon Moxley (c) vs. Hangman Adam Page
For three years, Hangman Adam Page has gone through an emotional rollercoaster. From losing the World Title to having his family endangered due to a home invasion, the Millennial Cowboy had gone off the deep end. His lowest point came when he got into an altercation with his Elite stablemate and AEW Commissioner Christopher Daniels, culminating in a Texas Death Match that resulted in his in ring retirement. It was that instant in which Hangman had to turn things around, and reclaim the moral support he once had. As spring rolled around, he would venture out into a program with MJF, putting him in his place as well as going on to compete in the Men's Owen Hart Cup, defeating Will Ospreay in the finals to not only win the tournament, but to go on to face the World Champion at All In.
Meanwhile, Jon Moxley and the Death Riders have run rampant on AEW programming since last fall. The former Blackpool Combat Club members turned on their co-founding father in Bryan Danielson as Moxley became the ruler of the new and improved faction. Moxley feels that the talent have gotten complacent, forgetting as to why All Elite Wrestling's purpose was to be a safe haven for wrestlers who breathe professional wrestling. Moxley feels that the feeling has been lost and vows to take matters into their own hands by disciplining the talent in the locker room. Since he captured the World Title from their ex-teammate, the belt has been locked inside of a briefcase. For nine months, he has fought the likes of Orange Cassidy, Jay White, Powerhouse Hobbs, Adam Copeland, Swerve Strickland, and Samoa Joe. As the scorching heat segues way into All In, Hangman has seen what the Death Riders have done and now looks to put an end to their tyranny by taking back the big gold belt. To add another element, the main event would be more than just a traditional one-on-one match. Given the location of the PPV, Hangman proposed a Texas Death Match to which Moxley (reluctantly) agreed after declining the offer the first time.
This match stipulation is exactly what viewers can expect. Two fierce competitors unhinged as they destroy each other by any means - no disqualifications, pin falls, and count outs. The main objective is to incapacitate your opponent via submission or by knock out at the count of ten to be declared the victor. During the beginning moments of the match, Hangman busted Moxley's forehead open using a fork which got the fans' at the edge of their seats. Some noteworthy spots I can recall involved the shard glass spots where Moxley dragged Hangman all throughout the ring. It's pretty sickening when I watched it as a viewer. Hangman laid out Moxley using the Dead Eye finisher through a barbed wire table. At some point, the Death Riders of Wheeler Yuta, Claudio Castagnoli, and Marina Shafir did their part to aid their leader. Despite the odds stacked against him, Hangman wasn't alone. Some video footage plays on the tron of Darby Allin at a cliff area of Mount Everest. It turns out to be a tease when Darby descended from the rafters, making his presence known in the stadium. In addition, Bryan Danielson made his return under the disguise of Blue Panther. He would take out Claudio and Wheeler along with Darby, two wrestlers who fell victim at the hands of the Death Riders. Hangman fought back for a bit until Marina assisted Moxley up following the table spot as mentioned. Then, the Young Bucks arrived from behind as they laid out Hangman with their Super Kicks. Just when all hope seemed lost, Swerve Strickland arrived with a chain in hand, using it to take out Matt and Nick Jackson. Swerve slid the chain to Hangman, wrapping it around Moxley's neck by the ropes, forcing him to tap out and become the NEW AEW World Champion.
This was a hellacious match but one that was filled with suspense and sick bumps on the tables, chairs, and a nail board. The sequel definitely lived up to the hype. While there were a number of run ins, it was not in the extent of which the interferences undermined the main event. After nine months, Jon Moxley's World title run has come to an end. Hangman Adam Page, after years of overcoming obstacles, is now a two time AEW World Champion. During post match, the Millennial Cowboy opened the briefcase to unveil the big gold belt for the first time since October 2024. The show concludes with Hangman standing tall as he celebrates as the new champion.
Overall Thoughts
AEW has had a track record for giving viewers some of the best quality action there is when it comes to mainstream pro wrestling. All In was no exception. As my first AEW PPV I've ordered, it was certainly a treat to see some of the marquee matches I have been looking forward to. Toni versus Mercedes delivered as did the tag match between the Young Bucks and the Mogul Assassins of Swerve & Ospreay. While the Okada versus Omega match wasn't anywhere near the quality to their encounters in Japan, it was still a very enjoyable bout. The show opener and the Men's Gauntlet Match were my least favorite of the nine matches but they were average at best. However, on the bright side, the Texas Death Match will be forever etched in my brain especially the ending of the main event. With Hangman as the new World Champion, what potential feuds lie ahead of him? Is this the slow nail in the coffin for the Death Riders? Only time will tell.
JimmytheTVFanatic
