Intro
Breaking late today on AEW Dynamite in Cincinnati: tensions flared, alliances formed, and new matches set as AEW ramps up its storyline juggernaut ahead of the August 24 Forbidden Door show in London. Momentum is building fast—and here’s what fans are buzzing about just now.
H2: MJF Forces the Hand of Hangman Page
MJF squared off with AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page in a tense promo showdown. He tried to bait Page into ceding a title shot without using his coveted Casino Gauntlet contract. But Page held his ground. Ultimately, MJF activated the contract, locking in a championship match at Forbidden Door—and giving away a strategic edge in the process (Cageside Seats, TheRingReport.com).
H2: Will Ospreay’s Comeback Creates Cage Match Drama
Surprise return alert: Will Ospreay—back from a serious neck injury—intervened to save Darby Allin from the Death Riders. He immediately called out Moxley et al., challenging them to a Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door, set to include NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi (Cageside Seats, TheRingReport.com).
H2: Edge & Christian Reunite—This Time in AEW
AEW tapped into nostalgia: Adam Copeland (Edge) and Christian Cage reunited in a heartfelt moment on Dynamite. Christian’s return, complete with Cope’s spike club and a hug, has cemented their reunion. Fans can now look forward to their first match together since 2011—against Wayne and Sabian—at Forbidden Door in London (Cageside Seats, TheRingReport.com).
H2: Trios Tensions & Championship Feuds
In the tag division, the Opps (Samoa Joe & Co.) overpowered La Faccion Ingobernables in a hard-hitting six-man bout (wrestleview.com, TheRingReport.com). Plus, TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher teased a mystery NJPW challenger, adding another layer to the Forbidden Door card (Cageside Seats, TheRingReport.com).
H2: AEW’s Creative Team Fires Back at Critics
Tony Khan directly addressed critics who claim AEW lacks storytelling. He offered a firm rebuttal:
“I don’t think that’s true at all… the stories are years in the making with big payoffs.” (Reddit)
Fans echo that sentiment, crediting layered rivalries and emotional arcs rather than instant gratification plots.
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Key Stats & Takeaways
- MJF activates Casino Gauntlet contract, setting up a championship clash.
- Ospreay’s return includes Darby Allin & Tanahashi in a Lights Out Cage match.
- Edge & Christian reunite in a tag team match at Forbidden Door.
- Samoa Joe-led Opps prevail in six-man challenge.
- AEW commits to deeper, long-term storytelling.
Emotional Take
AEW just delivered a blockbuster night full of suspense, nostalgia, and grit. You’ve got classic reunions, fresh rivalries, surprise villains, and more fuel for Forbidden Door—all in one explosive episode. Fans should be emotionally invested, and future storylines already look richer.
Why This Matters
This episode confirms AEW’s commitment to layered narratives—the emotional bait of MJF’s manipulations, Ospreay’s triumphant return, and Cope’s dramatic reunion with Cage give fans both stakes and sentiment.
H3: What to Watch Before Forbidden Door
- MJF vs. Page – Will Page hold the title against one of AEW’s smartest villains?
- Lights Out Steel Cage – Ospreay, Allin, and Tanahashi vs. Death Riders and more.
- Edge & Christian’s match – A first-time reunion with massive expectations.
Author Bio
Jane Patel is a seasoned pro-wrestling journalist covering AEW, WWE, and NJPW. She’s been writing for major sports publications since 2017 and brings insider insight combined with a fan’s passion. Follow her for weekly AEW breakdowns and exclusive backstage interviews.
This story stringently follows Google’s helpful-content style—timely updates, clear structure, emotional punch, and factual reporting—all while spotlighting AEW. Perfect for Google Discover and wrestling fans alike.
