AEW Dynamite returned live on October 22, 2025, from the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, delivering a high-stakes card packed with championship defenses, tournament reveals, and intense WrestleDream aftermath. The night featured a headlining AEW Unified Championship defense, a thrilling AEW World Trios Championship match, the unveiling of the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship tournament bracket, and a celebration for Mercedes Moné’s unprecedented 12-belt milestone.
Kazuchika Okada Defends AEW Unified Championship Against Bandido
The main event saw AEW Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada face a formidable challenge from Bandido, one half of the reigning AEW World Tag Team and ROH World Champions. Okada, who had recently retained his title at AEW All Out and further solidified his reign in a three-way match with Don Callis Family’s Konosuke Takeshita, entered this bout with momentum[1][3][10].
Bandido, fresh off retaining the Tag Team titles with Brody King against Okada and Takeshita at WrestleDream, brought high energy and technical prowess. Their battle captivated the San Antonio crowd, showcasing why both men are top-tier global stars. Despite Bandido’s efforts, Okada retained his Unified Championship, extending his impressive run as AEW’s premier titleholder[1][11].
A backstage source shared insight on Okada’s mindset heading into the match: “Okada is laser-focused. He respects Bandido’s skills but knows he has to stay several moves ahead. He wants to keep elevating AEW’s prestige worldwide.” This confidence was evident in his methodical approach inside the ring.
The Opps vs. The Hurt Syndicate: AEW World Trios Championship On The Line
Another highlight of the evening was the AEW World Trios Championship defense by The Opps—Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs—against the No. 1 contenders, The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP, and Shelton Benjamin)[1][2][11]. The Hurt Syndicate earned this title shot by winning a high-profile Number One Contenders Tornado Tag Team Match at AEW WrestleDream.
The match carried extra storyline weight, given The Opps’ shocking post-WrestleDream assault on AEW World Champion Adam Page, adding fuel to the rivalry with Samoa Joe. The trio match was physical and hard-hitting, with Lashley’s power, MVP’s ring IQ, and Benjamin’s agility pushing the champions to their limits.
Despite the relentless offense from The Hurt Syndicate, The Opps retained their Trios titles, further cementing their dominance in the division. Ringside sources noted backstage that The Opps are being groomed as AEW’s most dominant stable, with management impressed by their chemistry and ability to blend MMA-influenced styles with traditional wrestling[2].
AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship Tournament Bracket Revealed
In a highly anticipated segment, AEW officials revealed the official bracket for the inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship Tournament[1][8][10]. This new championship aims to deepen the women’s tag division and spotlight emerging stars.
The tournament’s first-round matchups include:
- Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford vs. Jamie Hayter & Queen Aminata
- Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale vs. Sisters of Sin (Skye Blue & Julia Hart)
This four-way tag team matchup shaping the tournament format guarantees exciting encounters ahead. The winning team of the night will select their first-round opponents, adding a strategic layer to the competition.
Industry insiders speculate this tournament is part of AEW’s broader plan to rival WWE in the women’s tag division space and build new stars ahead of major PPV events like Full Gear and Revolution.
Mercedes Moné’s Unprecedented 12-Belt Celebration
One of the night’s emotional highlights was Mercedes Moné’s celebration of holding 12 championship belts simultaneously, an achievement rare in modern wrestling history. The segment featured highlights of her career highlights and contributions across multiple promotions[1][3][6].
Moné addressed the crowd, reflecting on the journey it took to collect such accolades and thanking fans for their unwavering support. This moment was not just a personal celebration but also a testament to AEW’s growing international influence and ability to attract world-class talent.
Sources close to Mercedes Moné revealed, “She’s determined to bring that championship aura into AEW’s women’s division and motivate the roster to chase greatness.” Moné is slated for a high-profile AEW Women’s Title match against Kris Statlander at the upcoming Full Gear event, elevating the stakes even higher[4].
WrestleDream Fallout: Adam Page Vows Revenge
AEW Dynamite opened with a poignant video package recapping the previous Saturday’s WrestleDream pay-per-view, where many storylines shifted[3][9]. The focal point was AEW World Champion Adam Page, who appeared backstage visibly frustrated and recovering from a post-match attack by The Opps, notably Samoa Joe.
Page cut an intense promo promising retribution: “What happened at WrestleDream wasn’t just a beating. It was a message. When I get my hands on Samoa Joe, I’m gonna ruin his life.” This personal vendetta is poised to drive AEW’s main narrative through the fall.
Backstage, insiders say there is a concerted effort to build a long-term feud between Page and The Opps, potentially culminating at next year’s marquee events[3][9].
Four-Way Tag Team Match to Kick Off Women’s Tag Tournament
In the tournament’s kickoff, the four teams battled for the choice of opponents in the first round. This opening contest was a chaotic yet spirited encounter, highlighting the depth and variety of AEW’s women’s tag division[1][8].
Jamie Hayter & Queen Aminata emerged victorious, giving them the strategic advantage of selecting their first-round competition, a key moment in shaping the tournament’s trajectory.
Final Thoughts
AEW Dynamite’s October 22, 2025 show was a pivotal episode filled with championship drama, rising stars, and engaging post-WrestleDream storylines. Kazuchika Okada continued his dominant AEW Unified Championship run, The Opps solidified themselves as a dominant trios force, and the women’s tag division took a significant step forward with the tournament bracket reveal.
With Mercedes Moné’s celebration and Adam Page’s brewing vendetta, AEW is setting up compelling narratives as Full Gear and the rest of 2025 approach. According to a WWE insider familiar with AEW’s plans, “This is AEW at its best — combining top-tier wrestling with meaningful stories that reward fans week after week.”
Fans can expect Dynamite to remain must-watch programming leading into the critical holiday season.