AEW WrestleDream 2025: The Rise of Interference and a Shifting Landscape in Pro Wrestling

A staggering $500,000 hangs in the balance for Jurassic Express and The Young Bucks at WrestleDream, but the path to victory – and indeed, the integrity of fair competition – is increasingly clouded by outside interference. Recent events on AEW Dynamite, culminating in the card for both WrestleDream and its “Tailgate” pre-show, reveal a worrying trend: a deliberate erosion of one-on-one contests in favor of chaotic, faction-driven warfare. This isn’t simply about escalating storylines; it’s a potential reshaping of the pro wrestling product itself, and fans should brace for a more unpredictable, and potentially frustrating, viewing experience.

The Interference Epidemic: Beyond the Usual Chaos

The October 15th Dynamite showcased interference as a central narrative device. The match between The Hurt Syndicate and GOA wasn’t decided by wrestling prowess, but by a calculated distraction and subsequent cane shot from MVP. Similarly, the Death Riders vs. Orange Cassidy and Kyle O’Reilly bout saw a clear tap-out missed due to Marina Shafir’s antics, followed by a blatant run-in from Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and PAC. These weren’t isolated incidents; they were textbook examples of how factions are actively manipulating matches, blurring the lines between legitimate competition and orchestrated chaos.

This trend isn’t new to professional wrestling, but the frequency and brazenness are noteworthy. Historically, interference served as a plot device to advance rivalries. Now, it often is the rivalry. The focus shifts from in-ring skill to who can bring the most outside help, potentially diminishing the value of individual performers and the credibility of championship reigns. This echoes concerns raised in a 2023 study by Pro Sports Outlook regarding declining fan engagement with overly scripted and predictable outcomes.

WrestleDream: A Showcase of Established and Emerging Conflicts

The WrestleDream card itself reflects this escalating conflict. The “I Quit” match between Darby Allin and Jon Moxley is practically built on a foundation of brutality and disregard for rules. The AEW World Championship match between “Hangman” Adam Page and Samoa Joe, while promising a technical showcase, is likely to be impacted by the ongoing tensions within the Jericho Appreciation Society and the wider AEW landscape. Even the high-stakes tag team match for $500,000 between Jurassic Express and The Young Bucks feels vulnerable to outside interference, given the history between both teams and their respective allies.

Key Matchups and Potential Interference Points

Several matches stand out as particularly susceptible to external meddling:

• The Hurt Syndicate vs. The Demand: Ricochet’s involvement in the recent Dynamite events all but guarantees further chaos.
• Brodido (Bandido and Brody King) vs. The Don Callis Family: Konosuke Takeshita and Kazuchika Okada’s association with Don Callis suggests a willingness to employ any means necessary to secure victory.
• Jamie Hayter vs. Thekla: While less prominent, the women’s division is increasingly seeing faction involvement, making interference a possibility.

The “Tailgate” as a Testing Ground

The “Tailgate” pre-show card is arguably more telling than the main event. The eight-man tag match featuring Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly, Tomohiro Ishii, and Roderick Strong against Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, PAC, and Daniel Garcia is a powder keg waiting to explode. This isn’t just a match; it’s a clash of ideologies and a preview of potential future feuds. The inclusion of FTR vs. Jet Speed and the women’s tag team match suggest AEW is using the pre-show to experiment with different combinations and build momentum for longer-term storylines, potentially involving more interference.

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Controlled Chaos?

The increasing reliance on interference raises a critical question: is AEW intentionally shifting towards a more “sports entertainment” style, prioritizing drama and spectacle over traditional wrestling purity? While a degree of chaos is inherent in the business, the current trend feels less organic and more strategically implemented. This could be a calculated move to attract a wider audience, mirroring the success of other promotions that embrace a more theatrical approach. However, it risks alienating core fans who value in-ring competition and believable storylines.

The success of WrestleDream, and AEW’s future trajectory, will depend on how effectively they balance the excitement of unpredictable interference with the need for credible, compelling matches. The line between clever storytelling and frustrating manipulation is a thin one, and AEW is walking it with increasing frequency. What are your predictions for the level of interference at WrestleDream? Share your thoughts in the comments below!