This weekend captured the full scope of what wrestling looks like in 2025. WWE delivered layered storytelling and big moments in Perth, TNA tapped into its history and emotion in Lowell, and AEW kept its focus sharp heading into WrestleDream. Each promotion showed what makes it stand out in today’s landscape.
At Crown Jewel, Seth Rollins outlasted Cody Rhodes in a physical, methodical main event to win the Men’s Crown Jewel Championship. The finish saw Rollins use the wristwatch Cody once gave him as a weapon before landing two Curb Stomps to close the show. Just 48 hours later on Raw, everything unraveled. The Vision turned on its leader — Bron Breakker dropped Rollins with a spear, Bronson Reed followed with a Tsunami, and Paul Heyman silently joined their side as Breakker raised the World Heavyweight Title. Rollins’ declaration that he didn’t need anyone came full circle in a single segment.
Bronson Reed’s weekend was career-defining. He pinned Roman Reigns in an Australian Street Fight after Jey Uso accidentally speared his cousin through a table. Afterward, Reigns told The Usos he loved them but didn’t want to see them until Christmas — a rare glimpse of distance inside The Bloodline. Stephanie Vaquer’s victory over Tiffany Stratton gave credibility to WWE’s new women’s title, Rhea Ripley’s homecoming drew an emotional response, and John Cena’s match with AJ Styles served as a fitting farewell to his international career.
In Lowell, TNA’s Bound for Glory focused on closure and renewal. Mike Santana defeated Trick Williams to capture the TNA World Championship in an emotional moment that felt earned. The Hardys and Team 3D shared the ring for what appeared to be their final meeting, giving the crowd one last look at a legendary rivalry. Leon Slater and Je’Von Evans delivered a standout X-Division match that showcased the next generation, even with interference affecting the outcome.
AEW stayed consistent in its build to WrestleDream. The St. Louis card is locked in: Hangman Page vs. Samoa Joe for the world title, Jon Moxley vs. Darby Allin in an I Quit Match, Toni Storm vs. Kris Statlander for the women’s championship, and Okada teaming with Konosuke Takeshita for tag gold. During an interview with Ariel Helwani, Allin said the locker room feels “as strong as it’s ever been,” crediting a more focused and cooperative atmosphere behind the scenes.
Meanwhile in Japan, Konosuke Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at King of Pro-Wrestling. The 31-minute match saw Sabre attack Takeshita’s neck before the new champion rallied with back-to-back Powerdrive Knees to close out Sabre’s 106-day reign. Takeshita becomes the first AEW-contracted wrestler to hold New Japan’s top title and will bring the championship into WrestleDream alongside Okada.
The weekend showed just how global and interconnected wrestling has become. WWE continues refining its presentation, TNA is rebuilding through passion and legacy, AEW is focused on consistency and collaboration, and NJPW’s partnership moments keep expanding what’s possible in the modern era.
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