AEW WrestleDream Delivers Surprises Despite Streaming Issues and Absent Stars

Technical Troubles Cloud WrestleDream’s Broadcast

AEW’s WrestleDream 2025 was meant to be a celebration—a showcase of wrestling’s dramatic highs and emotional storytelling. But for many fans watching from home, the night started with frustration. Throughout the pay-per-view, especially during the main event, Amazon Prime Video’s stream repeatedly faltered, leaving viewers scrambling to find alternatives or missing key moments. The issue, as AEW President Tony Khan explained in the post-show press conference, was a technical failure on Amazon’s end, not something AEW could fix mid-broadcast.

“It was a technical problem with the Amazon delivery,” Khan stated, emphasizing that the company had no direct control over the outage. He drew comparisons to earlier streaming mishaps, noting, “It does remind me to some extent of what happened earlier this summer with Death Before Dishonor… I thought the show was perfect… and there was just this technical thing completely out of our control with a streaming provider.”

Subscribers were reassured that a replay would be made available, but the disruption left a mark on the night’s experience, highlighting the growing pains of wrestling’s digital distribution. Other platforms like HBO Max streamed the event without issue, underscoring the uneven reliability of modern pay-per-view.

Sting’s Electrifying Return Steals the Show

While technical issues dominated online chatter, it was the return of a legend that ultimately defined the night. Sting, retired since AEW Revolution last March, stunned the crowd by appearing during the chaotic “I Quit” match between Jon Moxley and Darby Allin. The lights dimmed, suspense thickened—and Sting emerged, wielding his iconic bat. The arena erupted.

His intervention wasn’t just a cameo. Sting broke up Moxley’s assault on Allin, dispatched the other Death Riders, and handed his bat to Allin, who used it to turn the tide. The match ended with Allin applying Sting’s signature Scorpion Deathlock, a poetic passing of the torch that brought the audience to its feet.

Reflecting on the moment, Tony Khan shared in the media scrum that Sting’s return had been in the works since last month’s Philadelphia tapings. “Sting is still a huge part of AEW and the family,” Khan said. “He was always open to returning to AEW, especially if Darby ever needed anything. It is a really close bond; those two are very close.”

Sting’s surprise appearance was more than nostalgia—it was a reminder of wrestling’s ability to deliver genuine emotion, especially when legends step back into the spotlight to support new stars. Even after retirement, Sting remains woven into AEW’s narrative fabric, mentoring and elevating talent like Allin.

Danielson’s Absence: Family Comes First

Another notable absence was Bryan Danielson, who was expected at the commentary desk but wasn’t present during the main event. Speculation quickly spread, but Khan clarified the reasons: Danielson had a family commitment, and the nature of the match itself made his presence complicated.

“It would have been really, really hard for Bryan to restrain himself while watching Darby Allin in that position against Jon Moxley,” Khan explained, hinting that Danielson’s passion for the business could have tempted him to intervene. Khan told him, “If you have a family thing, tonight’s probably the night to go… because I don’t want to put you in a position where you might be risking your job if you get up from the desk and interfere in this match.”

This candid reasoning underscored AEW’s human approach to storytelling and personnel. Danielson’s absence was a blend of real-life priorities and storyline logic, balancing the demands of wrestling with the realities of life outside the ring.

AEW and NJPW: A Partnership Shifts

WrestleDream wasn’t just about in-ring drama—it was a reflection of AEW’s evolving relationship with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Konosuke Takeshita’s win of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was a major talking point, with Khan quick to note that Takeshita is “an AEW wrestler, he’s an AEW guy, and we’re all really, really proud of him.”

From his debut on AEW Dark: Elevation to holding a world title, Takeshita’s journey is a testament to AEW’s willingness to invest in international talent. Khan also highlighted the tension between Takeshita and his tag team partner Kazuchika Okada during their match, a storyline that could have ripple effects in both promotions.

Despite speculation, Khan ruled out another joint show like last year’s Wrestle Dynasty, explaining that NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom this year will focus on Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement, making a collaborative event less likely. This shift signals a new phase in the partnership—less about spectacle, more about individual achievements and cross-promotional respect.

St. Louis: The Heart of Wrestling

Amid the headlines, Khan made a point to praise St. Louis, calling it a “worldwide mecca of pro wrestling.” The presence of Charlie Thesz, wife of the legendary Lou Thesz, added a layer of tradition and gravitas to the evening. “She said she was blown away, she was so impressed, and it was really, really high praise,” Khan shared, underscoring the city’s enduring importance in wrestling history.

Mixed Reactions: Uneven Card, Memorable Moments

Not every match at WrestleDream hit the mark. As New York Post noted, some bouts felt more suited for AEW’s weekly shows, and the event’s four-and-a-half-hour runtime tested the patience of even die-hard fans. Yet, the show’s back half—featuring Sting’s arrival, a standout tag match, and major developments in the women’s division—redeemed the uneven pacing.

Fans and critics alike agreed: while technical glitches and a few lackluster matches threatened to undermine the night, AEW’s ability to deliver surprise and emotion at key moments kept WrestleDream from being a disappointment.

WrestleDream 2025 was a microcosm of AEW’s strengths and growing pains—technical setbacks tested patience, but the night’s emotional peaks, surprise returns, and evolving partnerships proved why AEW remains at the forefront of wrestling innovation. The company’s willingness to embrace real-life complexity, honor tradition, and spotlight new talent suggests a brand that, despite the occasional stumble, knows how to keep its audience invested and guessing.