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AEW Dynasty 2025 was a rollercoaster of emotions, with incredible in-ring action, shocking returns, and some questionable booking decisions. Held on April 6, 2025, at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this second annual Dynasty event delivered a packed card of 12 matches, including two on the "Zero Hour" pre-show. With an attendance of 7,921 fans, the show featured title changes, a major return, and the progression of key storylines. While the show had its highs and lows, it certainly lived up to its name as a night of twists, turns, and championship changes. Let’s dive into the details.
Zero Hour: Nick Wayne and CRU vs. AR Fox and Top Flight
This pre-show opener was a high-flying spectacle, perfect for getting the crowd hyped. Nick Wayne, Action Andretti, and Lio Rush took on AR Fox and Top Flight (Dante Martin and Darius Martin) in an 11-minute trios match. The bout was fast-paced, showcasing the athleticism of all six men with plenty of aerial maneuvers. Mama Wayne’s interference, pushing Fox off the ropes, allowed Nick Wayne to secure the pinfall victory. Post-match tension between Rush, Andretti, and Nick hinted at future conflicts within their group, adding intrigue. This was a great way to kick off the night. Grade: B+
Zero Hour: Anthony Bowens vs. Max Caster
In a surprising 40-second squash match, Anthony Bowens made a triumphant return to defeat his former partner Max Caster. Bowens’ new entrance and gear, coupled with a spinning haymaker finish, sent the crowd into a frenzy. While brief, the match served its purpose of popping the audience early and reintroducing Bowens as a solo star. Grade: Incomplete (due to its brevity, but effective for its purpose)
Will Ospreay vs. Kevin Knight
This Owen Hart Cup Tournament quarterfinal was a breakout performance for Kevin Knight, who stepped in for the injured Jay White. Knight showed incredible chemistry with Will Ospreay, nearly stealing the show with his high-energy offense, including a sliding shoulder tackle and a DDT counter to Ospreay’s Styles Clash. Ospreay ultimately advanced with his Hidden Blade after 13:50, but Knight’s performance proved he’s a star in the making. The crowd erupted for Ospreay’s entrance, and the match was a masterclass in athleticism and storytelling. Grade: A-
The Hurt Syndicate vs. The Learning Tree
A solid tag team match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship saw The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) retain against The Learning Tree (Big Bill and Bryan Keith) in 11 minutes. MJF’s interference, aiding Lashley and Benjamin, led to a German suplex and Spear combo for the win. The match was entertaining, with highlights like Benjamin’s step-up knee to Big Bill, but the interference detracted from a clean finish. Lashley and Benjamin’s teamwork was a highlight, showcasing their dominance. Grade: B
Mercedes Moné vs. Julia Hart
Mercedes Moné advanced in the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament with a 13-minute victory over Julia Hart. The match was competitive, with Hart, at just 23, showing why she’s a rising star. Moné’s ornate ring jacket and unique combination finish were highlights, though a rope slip caused an awkward moment. The crowd was firmly behind Hart, and her cheerleading background was cleverly referenced. While not flawless, this match highlighted Hart’s potential and Moné’s star power. Grade: B-
Death Riders vs. Rated FTR
This 14:45 trios match for the AEW World Trios Championship started unevenly but gained momentum. Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Pac, and Wheeler Yuta) defeated Rated FTR (Cope, Cash Wheeler, and Dax Harwood), with Yuta securing the win via a Busaiku Knee. A three-way submission spot and a Harwood-Castagnoli slap fight were standout moments. The real story came post-match, as FTR turned heel on Cope, delivering a piledriver and Con-chair-to, leaving him stretchered out. This shocking angle revived FTR’s characters and set up new feuds. Grade: B
"Timeless" Toni Storm vs. Megan Bayne
Toni Storm retained her AEW Women’s World Championship against the powerhouse Megan Bayne in a 15:25 David vs. Goliath matchup. Bayne’s strength shone through with moves like a suicide dive on Luther, while Storm’s cunning led to an inside cradle victory. Luther’s interference and Penelope Ford’s involvement added comedy, but Bayne’s performance established her as a legitimate threat in the women’s division. Storm’s Rocky-inspired entrance was a fun touch. Grade: B
Kyle Fletcher vs. Mark Briscoe
A hard-fought 16:15 Owen Hart Cup quarterfinal saw Kyle Fletcher even the score with Mark Briscoe at 2-2 in their series. The match was intense, with highlights like Fletcher’s apron powerbomb and Briscoe balancing a fan’s head for a barricade move. Fletcher’s turnbuckle brainbuster secured the win, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. This bout had great storytelling and action, making it one of the night’s standouts. Grade: B+
Chris Jericho vs. Bandido
Bandido won the ROH World Championship from Chris Jericho in an 18:15 Title vs. Mask match full of drama. Jericho’s use of a bat led to a match restart, but Bandido triumphed, keeping his mask and claiming the title. Bandido’s 60-count vertical suplex and Jericho’s hurricanrana were highlights, with Bandido’s family adding emotional depth. Interference from Keith and Gravity added chaos, but the finish was satisfying for Bandido’s character. Grade: B
Adam Cole vs. Daniel Garcia
Adam Cole captured the AEW TNT Championship from Daniel Garcia in a 15:35 cerebral, hard-hitting match. Cole sold an ankle injury, adding realism, and won with a Panama Sunrise. Highlights included Garcia’s middle rope piledriver attempt and Cole’s neckbreaker on the steps. The post-match handshake showed mutual respect, but Cole’s victory marked his first AEW championship, a major moment. Garcia continues to impress, but Cole’s star power shone. Grade: B
Kenny Omega vs. Ricochet vs. "Speedball" Mike Bailey
This 31-minute three-way match for the AEW International Championship was nothing short of outstanding. Omega, Ricochet, and Bailey delivered a clinic, with Bailey standing out in his first big PPV performance. Highlights included Bailey’s crane kick on Ricochet, double pin spots, and a painful missed moonsault by Bailey. Omega retained with his One-Winged Angel, but the post-match confrontation with Kazuchika Okada teased another chapter in their legendary rivalry. This was easily one of the best matches of the night. Grade: A
Jon Moxley vs. Swerve Strickland
The 31:35 main event for the AEW World Championship was an intense, hard-hitting affair. Jon Moxley retained against Swerve Strickland, but the match was marred by multiple interferences from Marina Shafir, Prince Nana, Hangman Adam Page, The Death Riders, Samoa Joe, and Katsuyori Shibata. The biggest shock was The Young Bucks’ return, hitting Swerve with a BTE Trigger while the referee was distracted, costing him the match. Swerve’s double stomp through a Spanish announce table was a highlight, but the controversial finish left some fans frustrated. Still, the action was top-notch. Grade: B+
Key Segments and Promos
The return of The Young Bucks was the talk of the night, as their interference in the main event helped Moxley retain his title, setting up potential feuds with Swerve and others. Additionally, Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada’s post-match interaction teased another chapter in their storied rivalry, with fans buzzing about a potential title vs. title match. These moments added significant intrigue to AEW’s ongoing storylines.
Storylines and Feuds
Several major storylines progressed during AEW Dynasty 2025:
- Jon Moxley’s Reign: Moxley continues his dominant run as AEW World Champion, but The Young Bucks’ return signals new challenges.
- Adam Cole’s Rise: Winning the TNT Championship marks a new era for Cole in AEW.
- Bandido’s Triumph: His victory over Jericho solidifies his status as ROH World Champion.
- FTR’s Heel Turn: Turning on Cope opens new storylines for the tag team division.
- Owen Hart Cup: Ospreay, Moné, and Fletcher advanced, setting up exciting tournament matches.
- Omega-Okada Tease: Their confrontation hints at a blockbuster rematch, possibly involving titles.
Overall Thoughts
AEW Dynasty 2025 was a mixed bag, delivering fantastic in-ring action but stumbling with some booking decisions. The Omega-Ricochet-Bailey triple-threat was a show-stealer, and title changes for Cole and Bandido were feel-good moments. However, the main event’s heavy interference, particularly The Young Bucks’ return, felt like it robbed Swerve Strickland of a fair shot, leaving a bitter taste for some fans. The return of The Young Bucks was exciting, but the execution could have been cleaner. FTR’s heel turn and the Omega-Okada tease were major highlights, setting up intriguing storylines. Overall, a solid show with memorable moments, but not without flaws. Personal Rating: 8/10
