AEW WrestleDream Delivers Solid Performances, Sets Stage for Future Storylines
The pay-per-view event showcased strong in-ring action and advanced several key narratives, including Adam Copeland's championship pursuit.
AEW WrestleDream provided a solid, if not spectacular, pay-per-view event, characterized by quality wrestling and incremental story progression. The show successfully laid the foundation for future developments, particularly concerning the championship landscape and emerging rivalries.
Will Ospreay retained his championship in the main event, "Clockwork Carnage," a match type that proved effective in its debut and may become a signature for AEW. However, the predictability of the champion's win was noted, suggesting a need for variation in future iterations of this match format to maintain suspense.
The event also featured the anticipated debut of Ilja Dragunov, which proceeded as expected. The trios championship match offered the card's primary surprise. Beyond these moments, the show delivered the consistent wrestling quality associated with Tony Khan's promotion, advancing storylines and setting up future contests.
A notable narrative thread involved Adam Copeland's championship chase, which generated interest. The event also hinted at a potential split involving Swerve Strickland, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing narratives within AEW.
Overall, AEW WrestleDream was deemed a success in its execution, meeting expectations for in-ring performance and effectively moving key storylines forward during a busy period for the company. The event concluded with a handshake between Adam Copeland and Will Ospreay, acknowledging the veteran's significant presence and potential path toward retirement in 2027.