Need to know when and where to watch an upcoming PPV? Need to know who’s fighting who? Need to know why you should care? Then, you’ve come to the right place!
“A Handy Guide” is a series on Dirt Sheet Radio where I run down an upcoming pay-per-view, and discuss the competitors and stories going into each match. For now, the focus is going to be on WWE and AEW, but if there’s interest, we may expand to companies like TNA, NJPW, and more. Additionally, I also give my picks for the SLEEPER HIT, the match that I think will over-deliver or be under-appreciated, and my MATCH OF THE NIGHT (self-explanatory).
Today’s edition is all about AEW WrestleDream 2026 taking place on Saturday, October 17th, at the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida. This event is an homage to the legendary Antonio Inoki, founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling, and someone that AEW owner Tony Khan called “wrestling’s greatest dreamer”. This will be the fourth annual production of WrestleDream and the third time AEW has held a PPV at this venue, the last time was Worlds End in 2024.
The PPV will air at 4pm PT/7pm ET on major cable and satellite providers in the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. U.S. and Canadian viewers can stream the event on YouTube, Prime Video, and DAZN. Additionally, U.S. fans can also stream it on HBO Max or catch it at select Dave & Buster locations nationwide. International viewers can view the event on PPV.com or MyAEW.com.
This article does not cover any of the Buy-In (pre-show) matches, and as always the card is subject to change. But for now, these are the matches, and these are the stories:
Thekla vs. Mercedes Moné—
Women’s World Championship Match
When Thekla returned to AEW at All In, she made it her mission to snatch the Women’s World Championship away from whoever held it. As fate would have it, Mercedes would be the one holding it high at the end of that night. The two went back-and-forth on the mic over the next couple of weeks, their egos clashing and their arrogance manifesting a potential match for All Out. However, Moné sustained a broken nose during her bout against Willow Nightingale, and instead we were treated to a number one contender’s match at All Out between Willow and Thekla. During that match, Thekla took advantage of Willow’s broken hand and picked up the victory, and afterwards, Mercedes appeared on the ramp to taunt the new number one contender.
So far, it’s been a torrent of taunts war of words between The Toxic Spider and Big D Moné (I’m on board with this nickname, don’t @ me). Each verbal spar was more heated than the last, and they finally collided at Grand Slam France after Mercedes successfully defended her championship against Queen Aminata. Thekla interrupted Mercedes’s victory much like the champ did at Chicago, hit her with an emphatic spear, and swung Mercedes’s championship between her legs with more, uh, emphasis.
I am thoroughly entertained by both these wrestlers. Thekla’s “drunk aunt at the family reunion” vibe that she brings to the function is a fun heat against Mercedes’s cocky superstar persona. Plus, their technical wrestling abilities are bound to mesh well with each other. I want Mercedes to have a dominant run with the championship, but Thekla is also such a fantastic foil for her challengers when she has the belt. No matter who wins, I hope this is the start of a star-making feud for the both of them.
The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson/Nick Jackson) vs. The Don Callis Family (Kevin Knight/Kyle Fletcher)— Men’s Tag Team Championship Match
This is a match unfortunately born out of some controversy. At All In, Kevin Knight and Kyle Fletcher were involved in a grudge match between Darby Allin and the newly-debuted Steven Borden. The son of Sting was working his ass off to prove he belonged in the ring, and he took a big risk by intercepting Knight off the top rope with a coast-to-coast dropkick. Borden landed awkwardly, hitting his head on the canvas, and the match was immediately stopped. It was later reported that Borden had concussion symptoms, but he was otherwise feeling good and didn’t have any lingering headaches. However, their match was to crown a new number one contender for the tag titles, and with one team now out of commission, that left Don Callis’s golden boys with a golden opportunity.
On that same night, The Young Bucks won a wild three-way ladder match to become the AEW Tag Team Champions for a record fourth time. With two of their key challengers dealt with (for now), The Young Bucks could set their focus on Knight and Fletcher. Despite not being as time-tested as the literal brothers, Knight and Fletcher do hold a victory over the new champs. They’re also great wrestlers in their own right, with The Jet holding the record for the most successful TNT Championship defenses in a single reign, and The Protostar being a former Trios, TNT, and International Champion.
The Young Bucks have a long, tumultuous history with Don Callis and his boys. It must be a little cathartic to have their first title defense be against two of the biggest egos in the DCF (which is saying something). Though, they underestimate the singles stars at their own peril.
Mark Davis vs. Jon Moxley—
Continental Championship Match
It's been a hard few weeks for the Death Riders. PAC’s untimely passing left the group shell-shocked, and though the grieving certainly isn’t over, time goes on. Wrestling goes on. A beautiful tribute episode of Dynamite was held in PAC’s honor on September 30th, and the Death Riders were center-stage for most of the night. On this night, we saw Marina Shafir defeat former women’s champion Britt Baker with The Brutalizer, Moxley defend his Continental Championship against PAC’s long-time rival, Orange Cassidy, and Bryan Danielson bury the hatchet with the faction and join them in the ten-man tag main event.
The Death Rider’s opponents in that main event were the beefiest members of Don Callis’s never-ending family: Jake Doyle, Josh Alexander, Lance Archer, a returning Wardlow, and Mark Davis. It was cathartic seeing The Death Riders pick up the win, but their business wasn’t finished with the DCF. A week later, Moxley teamed with Gabe Kidd to take on Davis and Doyle, and surprisingly, the big bruisers were able to get the win. Now, riding the momentum from his victory, Mark Davis has called out the Continental Champion for WrestleDream.
It wasn’t too long ago that Mark Davis held singles gold, becoming just the third man to hold the National Championship before dropping it to Andrade at All In. He poses a credible threat to anyone, but Moxley isn’t just anyone. He’s a four-time AEW World Champion, the All Elite Ace (in my humble opinion), and arguably the most dominant Continental Champion so far. Davis has his work cut out for him in Orlando, though he does boast two victories over the Death Riders (including a pinfall victory on the champ!), so maybe it’s Mox that needs to watch his back. This is my pick for the night’s SLEEPER HIT. I think it’ll be a cathartic “reset” for Moxley and the Death Riders, and I think Mark Davis will bring his best against the Continental Champion.
Andrade El Ídolo vs. Tommaso Ciampa— National Championship Match
Tommaso Ciampa won the TNT Championship on his very first night in AEW, and that set him on a specific trajectory involving championship gold at any cost. Though, if you followed him during his NXT days when he clutched the NXT Championship and called it “Goldie”, you’d know this is a consistent character trait of his.
Ciampa made it clear that his quest for gold was not stopping, and was in fact continuing against the National Champion. In Paris, Ciampa planted a kiss on Andrade’s cheek, and then planted the champ onto his own title with a DDT. At this week’s Dynamite, Ciampa actually secured a victory against Andrade in a tag match and then planted the National Championship on the champ’s chest. Andrade has yet to get a proper leg up on the Psycho Killer, but you underestimate the National Champion at your own peril. Past the selfies with beautiful ladies and the tantalizing mid-match pants removals, Andrade remains a successful fighting champion. Over the past three months, he’s defended it six times, most recently against former RevPro Heavyweight Champion, Michael Oku. At WrestleDream, Ciampa looks to render Andrade unconscious, Andrade looks to make Ciampa lucky number seven, and we get to see who comes out on top.
Swerve Strickland and The New Level (Kofi/Austin Creed) vs. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly (Hangman Page/Brody King/Bandido) —
Two out of Three Falls Match for the Trios Championship
It’s been three weeks since Swerve Strickland and The New Level successfully defended their Trios Championships against Hangman and Brodido. The animosity between these two teams— and specifically Hangman and Swerve— has not gotten any better. Ever since Swerve returned and immediately got into his old rival’s business, it has threatened to bring Hangman back to a darker, more unfocused place. That’s why they lost the Trios championships in the first place, and that’s why they lost the rematch for them at All Out. Though, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention they may have won if Swerve hadn’t gotten Creed in the way of a Buckshot Lariat.
Hangman and Brodido have one final shot at the Trios Championships, and maybe that’s for the best. Hangman and Swerve always bring out the worst in each other, and Brodido and The New Level have other teams they need to prove themselves against. Their final confrontation is a two out of three falls match, ensuring a definitive victor in this rivalry. Neither team will make it out of the ring until they can keep the other down for a count of six (cause that’s how math works). There’s levels to this rivalry (all puns intended), and most of them are personal. But above all else, both teams are looking to prove that they are the greatest trio in AEW, and at WrestleDream we find out who really deserves that accolade.
Dani Luna vs. Hyan vs. Queen Aminata vs. Persephone—
TBS Championship Match
A match built off a champion’s hubris. Ever since Persephone won the TBS Championship at All In, she has made a total of one ally and a great number of enemies. Hyan is the best friend and tag partner of the former champion, Maya World, who suffered an injury during her match with Persephone. Hyan came close to defeating Persephone for the TBS Championship, but Persephone used the ropes to help her retain. Dani Luna made her AEW debut at All Out by answering Persephone’s open challenge, and she too may have won the TBS Championship if it wasn’t for Britt Baker’s interference. Queen Aminata just plain doesn’t like Persephone and placed herself in contendership by coming to Luna and Hyan’s aid after their tag match against Persephone and Britt Baker.
With three possible contenders with bones to pick against the champs— and Britt Baker continuing to be a factor in Persephone’s matches— the decision was made to give them all a championship match at WrestleDream. The odds are thoroughly stacked for Perse Dos Straps in Florida.
(Chris) Jericho vs. Nick Wayne
It was only a matter of time until this feud reached a pay-per-view. Chris Jericho and Nick Wayne had their first encounter at the Casino Battle Royale at All In. Nick Wayne’s cockiness amused Jericho, but he was much less amused when Wayne cost Jericho a future world championship shot by getting pinned by Andrade. Next week, on Dynamite, Jericho told Wayne that he still had a lot to learn and would gladly teach him a thing or two. And he could start by getting rid of the puka shell necklace. Wayne took offense to those words because it discredited everything he’d already accomplished before and during his AEW tenure. He’s a second-generation wrestler, a former ROH Television Champion, and a successful participant of NJPW’s Battle of the Super Juniors tournament. Plus, puka shell necklaces are cool (they’re not, especially on white guys sorry not sorry).
The two faced off in September, and when Wayne’s necklace broke, Jericho rolled him up for a pinfall victory. Then, at Grand Slam France, Nick used a low blow to defeat Jericho and held a pompous victory celebration a week later. Now, Jericho just kind of wants to beat up Wayne, get his win back, and teach him a lesson or two. Wayne agreed to the rubber match on the condition that Jericho must apologize for disrespecting him if he loses. Whether that happens remains to be seen.
Clockwork Carnage Match for the Men’s World Championship
Violence, chaos, and a wonderful excuse to showcase a talent of riches; Clockwork Carnage is tailor made for AEW’s brand of wrestling. It’s also why this is my easy pick for MATCH OF THE NIGHT. The brainchild of Will Ospreay himself, Clockwork Carnage was first used in Pro Wrestling Eve and is now all elite.
The concept is a twisted love child of a gauntlet and iron man, and the rules for it are as follows:
Ospreay is putting his world championship on the line in this match, and he can lose it without getting pinned. The eight men that qualified for this match are a who’s who of AEW, all with legit claims to the throne. Let’s look at the contenders and how they made their way into Clockwork Carnage.
Samoa Joe
After spending some time away in Hollywood, the leader of The Opps returned at All Out, responding to Jack Perry’s goading with a headbutt. Then, he defeated Jack Perry to become the very first man to enter this match. This has given him a chance to rest up and watch the other competitors claw their way onto the mountain. Joe is one of the most dangerous men in this match. He’s a two-time AEW World Champion and only needs to catch you lacking for a second to lock in the Coquina Clutch and choke you out. If Joe has his way, he can choke everyone out before the match even reaches the second stage.
Will Ospreay
Despite being the champion, he was actually the second man to qualify for the match he created, because he needed to get past Kazuchika Okada first. Ospreay created and petitioned for this match, which is either very brave or very stupid. He’s going to have to be on alert the entirety of both phases if he wants to escape Florida with his championship. Though, if anyone can do it, it’s the Aerial Assassin.
“Speedball” Mike Bailey
At France, Bailey defeated Lee Moriarty to become the third man to qualify for Clockwork Carnage despite being a part of Ospreay’s United Empire. Ospreay wanted the best for this match and he wanted the best for his faction, so Bailey’s placement in both makes sense. He has the stamina to go the distance in this match, and his devastating kicks make him a threat at all times. Ospreay and everyone else best watch their backs, and fronts, and heads.
Adam Copeland
Earlier this week on Dynamite, Adam Copeland defeated Josh Alexander to become the fourth man to qualify for Clockwork Carnage. Right after the match, he announced that 2027 would be his final year in professional wrestling. He wants to start his retirement tour on top, securing another world championship in his already full trophy room. The Ultimate Opportunist is a former Money in the Bank, Championship Scramble, and Royal Rumble winner. If there’s anyone that’s equipped to survive multi-man madness, it’s him.
Konosuke Takeshita
After coming to Copeland’s aid against the Don Callis Family, Takeshita found himself already in the ring with his opponent for his qualifying match: Brian Cage. Takeshita overcame the brick shithouse of the DCF and became the fourth man to qualify for Clockwork Carnage. The former International Champion looks to finally become the World Champion, and he will knee anyone in the head in order to get there.
Kazuchika Okada
The Rainmaker received a second chance to qualify for this match against Myron Reed, and he made the most of that opportunity. His victory over Reed meant he not only defended his International Championship, but it ensured he could get revenge against Ospreay for defeating him in Paris. Okada is the only hope for the DCF to secure the World Championship in this match, and he’s going to have to go through some old rivals to get it.
Ricochet
The first man of The Demand punched his ticket to this match by defeating Ace Austin. Ricochet is a wild card in this match, his high-flying ability and opportunistic nature means he can play spoiler to anyone. Especially the champion. Look for him to sneak some pins and smack people in the head with his forearm when they aren’t expecting it.
Darby Allin
The final man to qualify for Clockwork Carnage is the current TNT Champion. Just like Okada, Darby put his own championship on the line against Hechicero in order to punch his ticket to WrestleDream. Now, Darby looks to not only become a double champion, but to also win back the World Championship he lost this summer.
Other Important Things
- A match for the Women’s World Tag Team Championship was scheduled for WrestleDream between Wrathlander (Kris Statlander/Harley Cameron) and the Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter/Alex Windsor). However, Jamie Hayter is not medically cleared for the event due to a lingering issue from their street fight at All Out. Therefore, the championship match is postponed.
- At this week’s Collision, a mysterious vignette was played that included a conductor, classical music, and some dude in a nice suit. People have speculated this could be a debut video for Ilja Dragunov. I, too, think this is a debut video for Ilja Dragunov because I am very smart. But what do you think, reader?
- On Dynamite, FTR claimed they should be the number one contenders because they’re 3-2 in their series against the Young Bucks. The Motor City Machine Guns interrupted them, stating that it’s time for them to become the contenders for the tag team championship. So, a challenge was set for a Best of Five series between both teams. The first match in that series happens before WrestleDream at the Tailgate Brawl (the pre-show).
- The Continental Classic starts next month, which is AEW’s annual round-robin tournament for the Continental Championship. Be on the lookout for an announcement about that during the PPV, and be prepared for a month or so of the best wrestling you’ve seen all year.
Jhuvin P. is a writer for CBC/DSR. He has previous experience as a ghostwriter, has published several short stories, and is perpetually working on a novel. In addition to writing, he is also a comedian based out of Colorado Springs. He posts clips of his stand-up along with his other goofy antics on TikTok and Instagram.