Money in the Bank 2025: Recap of WWE x AAA Worlds Collide and Why It Matters

Wrestling fans, buckle up—Worlds Collide 2025 was the perfect blend of WWE spectacle and AAA passion. Held on June 7 at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California, this event marked WWE’s first crossover with its newly acquired partner, Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide.

Picture this: six compelling matches, high-flying lucha magic, surprise returns, and storytelling that felt as fresh as morning dew on the ring ropes. From El Hijo del Vikingo taking on Chad Gable in a main-event battle to Ethan Page surviving a chaotic fatal‑four, Worlds Collide delivered. And yes—it was the perfect appetizer before the Money in the Bank main course that followed. So, what went down? Let me walk you through it.

Main Event Showdown – El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable
A Rivalry Built on Respect and Grudge

This feud started at WrestleMania 41, when Chad Gable (using his El Grande Americano persona) poked fun at Vikingo ringside. Vikingo responded with a hard kick that went viral. From that point, the tension only escalated—vicious Money in the Bank qualifier disruptions, table spots, and even mask-related disrespect after Gable grabbed Penta’s mask on SmackDown.

Tonight, they squared off for the AAA Mega Championship. And believe me—this wasn’t your typical raw powerfest; it was a chess match with ladders.

Why This Was a Match of the Year Contender

Right from the start, the bout was a mat wrestling masterpiece. Technical armbars, ankle locks, counters—they treated us like fans watching Olympic-level grappling inside a WWE‑AAA supercard.

Then came the nuts and bolts of showmanship: Gable hit a sit‑out avalanche powerbomb, Vikingo hit a breathtaking 630 splash through the barricade, Gable crashed him through a table—hell, this match had everything. In the end, Vikingo hit another jaw‑dropping 630 splash inside the ring to retain his title—and likely cement his status as a star of both promotions .

Fans called it “possibly the best WWE match of the year so far”. And given the level of crowd reaction and vocal WWE announcers struggling to keep up, that’s no exaggeration.

Title Action & Spotlight Matches
Ethan Page’s Fatal‑Four Match for NXT North American Title

Page defended against Rey Fenix, Laredo Kid, and Je’Von Evans. The pace was relentless: moonsaults, corkscrew splashes, cutters, and momentum swings galore. Just when it looked like he’d been out, Page landed his signature Twisted Grin on Laredo—and held on for a gritty victory.

Tag Team Triumph – Legado del Fantasma

Santos Escobar, Ángel, and Berto finally got their moment, taking down AAA’s Dr. Wagner Jr., Pagano, and Psycho Clown in a high-stakes 6‑man tag. Their teamwork shone brightest when Escobar finished Wagner Jr. with a Phantom Driver, announcing to the world: “We’re not just background players.”

Quick Recap Table
Match Winner Highlight Moment
El Hijo del Vikingo vs. Chad Gable El Hijo del Vikingo (retains AAA Mega) Chain wrestling, table spot, and dual 630 splashes sealed the deal
Ethan Page vs. Rey Fenix, Laredo Kid, Evans Ethan Page (retains North American) Climactic Twisted Grin finisher after an aerial showcase
Legado del Fantasma vs. AAA trio Legado del Fantasma Team cohesion, spear spots, and Phantom Driver for the win
Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice vs. AAA Girls Vaquer & Vice Tune‑up tag with tension ahead of Money in the Bank
Octagón Jr & trio vs. WWE six‑man team Octagón Jr. & team Lucha‑style high‑spots and fan‑friendly action
Why Worlds Collide Matters
  1. AAA Integration Kickoff
    WWE’s acquisition of AAA and inclusion of their stars proves this isn’t a one‑off—it’s a new era. Lucha isn’t just a guest; it’s part of the roster now.

  2. Vikingo’s Star Elevation
    This match positions Vikingo as a major crossover talent. Does he have a minor tweak from that final 630 flair? Possibly—but the spotlight? Bright as ever .

  3. Gable’s Lucha Transformation
    Chad Gable’s dual persona, physicality, grappling skill, and lucha respect shows he can anchor big matches—no longer just a mid‑card wrestler.

  4. Raise the NXT Profile
    Ethan Page’s retention shows NXT’s talent can hold their own even on co‑branded mega‑events.

  5. Tag Scene Shaken
    Legado del Fantasma’s win moves them out of dark‑match status and into a spotlight—perhaps pointing to Tag‑Team Title contention.

Echoes from the Internet

Reddit’s r/SquaredCircle lit up:

“Incredible match. … this might’ve been the best WWE card of the year so far”

That fan‑driven praise reinforces what the crowd and ring action already hinted at—this show ruled.

What’s Next — Looking Ahead
  • AAA vs. WWE rivalries: Expect rematches—maybe tag team mixes, maybe grudge singles like Vikingo vs. Gable II or III.

  • Money in the Bank fallout: Didn’t qualify tonight? Gable may still cash in later. Vaquer & Vice move momentum forward ahead of the women’s MITB.

  • Tag team/title chases: Watch for Legado in title contention or mixed brand matches.

  • Cross‑promotion storytelling: NXT, Raw, SmackDown—someone will speak Spanish, someone will reel in Lucha lore.

Conclusion

Worlds Collide 2025 was more than a catchy event—it was a turning point. Lucha blended with WWE in a high-energy, storyline-rich environment that didn’t just feel new—it felt right. From Vikingo and Gable’s technical thriller to the sudden greatness of Ethan Page and Legado’s spotlight moments, this card left us wanting more.

This wasn’t a tweak. It was a glitch in the matrix—WWE meets AAA, and the outcome? A wrestling revolution in slow motion. Keep your eyes peeled—because this crossover is only just heating up.