AEW Collision Beach Break Delivers Intense Matches and Tributes

CHICAGO, IL — AEW Collision aired its special Beach Break episode on Saturday night, May 17, 2025, featuring high-stakes matches and tributes to wrestling legends. The event took place at NOW Arena and highlighted several intense matchups leading up to the upcoming Anarchy in the Arena event.

The evening kicked off with an explosive opening match where Megan Bayne defeated Anna Jay. Despite Jay’s resilience, she succumbed to Bayne’s powerful F5, marking a strong start for Bayne.

Later in the evening, Kyle Fletcher overcame AR Fox in a fast-paced bout, winning with a stunning brainbuster. A six-man tag team match followed, with Bandido, Brody King, and Tomohiro Ishii defeating Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, and Lance Archer. The match showcased a hard-hitting style, with King delivering a cannonball move for the victory.

In a notable moment, Ric Flair paid tribute to wrestling legend Steve McMichael, expressing gratitude for McMichael’s contributions to football and wrestling. Flair emphasized that McMichael was a fighter who battled ALS for six years. The tribute was well-received by the audience, who chanted for McMichael.

Mike Bailey also shone in the competition, defeating Blake Christian and issuing a challenge to Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Continental Championship. This intense match showcased Bailey’s agility as he executed an avalanche rana followed by a cyclone kick.

Big Bill and Bryan Keith triumphed in a Chicago street fight against Gates of Agony, delivering a chokeslam to secure the win. The evening also featured a major matchup for the Women’s Championship eliminator, where Mina Shirakawa defeated Toni Storm, Skye Blue, and AZM, earning her opportunity at the title at AEW Double or Nothing.

The night culminated in a bloody steel cage match for the AEW World Championship. Jon Moxley defended his title against Samoa Joe, leading to chaotic interference and an unexpected assist from Gabe Kidd, who helped Moxley secure the win. Following the match, Swerve Strickland made a surprise appearance, setting the stage for future confrontations.

With drama and action packed throughout, AEW Collision’s Beach Break left fans eager for the forthcoming Anarchy in the Arena event.