The “AEW Winter Is Coming 2025” event kicked off with a special edition of “Dynamite,” which featured the first-ever AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions being crowned and Samoa Joe defending her World Championship against Eddie Kingston. The night also highlighted the Gold League as part of the Continental Classic tournament action. While the event offered many thrilling moments like the intense women’s tag title match and the high-stakes Continental Classic encounters, it also had its downsides, including a lack of build-up for the upcoming World’s End pay-per-view and concerns about Eddie Kingston’s recent performances.
Among the highlights was the exceptional match between Kyle Fletcher and “Speedball” Mike Bailey, which stood out as a tournament favorite due to its exhilarating pace and dramatic finish. Fletcher’s pursuit of a perfect score in the Continental Classic and Bailey’s fearless, high-impact style made this an unforgettable bout.
However, Eddie Kingston’s current form was disappointing. Despite his physical presence, his energy and charisma seemed diminished following a long injury hiatus, resulting in lackluster promos and an uninspired in-ring performance, which worried fans about his future in AEW.
On a brighter note, Kingston’s world title match against Samoa Joe delivered a gritty, physical showdown reminiscent of Joe’s earlier, more ruthless persona. The encounter was praised for its hard-hitting action and Kingston’s resilient spirit, making it one of the most memorable main events of the year, with Joe ultimately retaining his title.
The newly crowned Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander, in contrast, barely made an impact during the show. There was no significant storyline development for her or credible challengers, which left the women’s division feeling underutilized and lacking momentum heading toward the next major pay-per-view.
A standout moment was the Babes of Wrath, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron, making AEW history as the inaugural Women’s World Tag Team Champions. Their victory over Timeless Love Bombs was a feel-good underdog story that injected fresh energy into the division, with both champions showcasing their hard work and potential for future success.
On the downside, the looming World’s End pay-per-view lacked proper promotion and hype. With only two weeks left and little announced beyond the Continental Classic finals, fans felt the event was being overshadowed by other TV shows, risking underwhelming attendance and engagement.
Fan Take: This event showcased AEW’s ability to create compelling and historic moments, especially with new champions crowned and thrilling matches delivered. However, the promotion needs to focus on building strong storylines and effectively promoting major pay-per-views like World’s End to maintain momentum and keep fans fully invested in the sport’s evolving narrative.
