The John Report: AEW Dynamite 05/14/25 Review (Beach Break)
This week’s AEW Dynamite featured Jon Moxley defending the AEW World Title against Samoa Joe in a Steel Cage Match.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #293 from the Now Arena in Chicago, Illinois. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It’s Wednesday night, and you know what that means. The commentary team was Excalibur, Ian Riccaboni, and Taz. Excalibur claimed it was one of the biggest nights of the year. Why? Because it’s called Beach Break? I think that’s a bit of a stretch. Nothing says “beach” like Chicago…sure.
The first five minutes were the introductions for the opening tag team match.
“Hangman” Adam Page & Will Ospreay vs. The Don Callis Family – Konosuke Takeshita & Josh Alexander (w/Don Callis)
Don Callis was on commentary. Will started with Takeshita as they avoided moves to show that they know eachother. Will hit a hurricanrana on Josh. When Will tried a move off the ropes, Josh hit a flapjack. Takeshita was back in with a jumping knee strike. Takeshita knocked Page off the apron. The referee kept Page from getting into the ring. An AEW referee is preventing a guy from going in the ring? These referees don’t do that 98% of the time and it’s why I have complained about it for over six years. It ruins the matches. Anyway, Takeshita hit a forearm to Will’s ribs. Will hit a headscissors and broke free to bring in Page. Page hit a springboard clothesline on Josh, a fallaway slam on Takeshita, a slingshot cross-body block on Josh, and a boot to Takeshita. Page hit a moonsault off the apron on Josh on the floor. Page gave Takeshita a Death Valley Driver for two. Page hit a clothesline. After exchanging Strikes Page kicked Takeshita in the arm and Page hit a Ligerbomb for two. Will got the tag as Page hit a sliding lariat and Will hit a SSP for two. The heels sent their opponents out of the ring and Takeshita hit a dive onto Will and Page on the floor. That led to a picture-in-picture break.
Josh was in control with a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Josh applied an Ankle Lock, Page broke free and Will was on fire with a forearm. Takeshita was in illegally so that Will could do his backflip spot to kick both guys. Will hit a standing Sky Twister Press for two. Will elbowed and kicked Josh. Takeshita was back in illegally again, so Page was back in with a boot on Takeshita. Will and Page hit top rope moves as Page hit a moonsault and Will hit a Sky Twister Press on Josh. Will hit a springboard forearm for two that wasn’t phenomenal enough to win. (Yes, you see what I did there.) Will tried a backflip off the ropes, but Josh caught him and hit a spinning slam to the mat. Will and Takeshita messed up a spot, but then Takeshita followed up with a Falcon Arrow slam for two because Page made the save. Josh was in illegally with a German Suplex that Page sold like a moonsault bump. Takeshita and Josh hit consecutive German Suplex and forearm smashes to Will’s face for two. Will hit a Poison Rana to counter Josh. Will hit an Oscutter off the turnbuckle and Will hit a springboard Oscutter on Josh for two. Page tagged in, told Will to do something and Will kicked Takeshita off the apron. Will pushed Page after Page nearly hit him and Will nearly hit Page after that. Takeshita pulled Page out of the ring and Page hit a forearm. Will was illegally in the ring, Page kicked Josh, Will hit a superkick on Josh and Page/Will hit a Buckshot Lariat/Hidden Blade combo on Josh for the pinfall win after 19 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: “Hangman” Adam Page & Will Ospreay
Analysis: ***3/4 An excellent match, as you would expect from great wrestlers like these four guys. With that said, I think if you book a more decisive win for Will and Page, it would make them look better going into their Double or Nothing match. It feels like Alexander has lost more than he’s won since joining AEW, but he has been facing top guys, at least, so that’s good. Takeshita is awesome and one of my favorites in AEW. I liked the Buckshot Lariat/Hidden Blade combo finisher. Well done.
After the match, Will and Page stared at eachother, so Takeshita hit a knee smash to knock them both down. Will hit a Hidden Blade on Josh, and Will hit Takeshita. Page put his hand on Will’s shoulder, so Will hit Page with an elbow. Will apologized for it. Page got in Will’s face, but the referee, Bryce Remsburg, stopped them from fighting.
Analysis: It was a way to tease tension between the babyfaces, Page and Ospreay. It’s nice to see the referee do something after the match since they rarely do anything during matches.
A video package aired about the Jon Moxley-Samoa Joe main event.
Top Flight and Leyla Grey were interviewed by Alicia Atout. Dante Martin shouted about MJF attacking them last week. Darius Martin said that it takes three seconds to walk out as new Tag Team Champions. Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara showed up, with Dustin saying that it was impressive and that they would be watching.
Ricochet made his entrance with a prosthetic leg belonging to his opponent tonight, Zach Gowen. Ricochet attacked Gowen on Collision last week and took his title. Gowen made his entrance on crutches and he greeted his kids at ringside. The announcers put him over as a 23-year veteran.
Analysis: Most fans know Gowen from over 20 years ago in WWE, but he has been in other places as well.
Ricochet vs. Zach Gowen
Gowen was wrestling on his right leg because his left leg was amputated when he was 8 years old. Gowen got an armdrag takedown. Gowen tried to take down Ricochet, who was frustrated, so Ricochet bailed to the floor. Gowen kicked Ricochet on the floor. Gowen slapped Ricochet on his bald head, but Ricochet came back by sending him into the barricade. They went to a PIP break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Gowen kicking Ricochet down. Gowen tried a DDT, but Ricochet tackled him into the turnbuckle. Ricochet kicked Gowen in the head. Ricochet hit a springboard 450 Splash for two. Ricochet went up top and hit a Shooting Star Press for two. Ricochet hit the Vertigo sitout slam for two. Ricochet grabbed his dreaded scissors, the referee took them away and Gowen hit Ricochet with his prosthetic leg for a two count. Good nearfall. The referee didn’t see Gowen use the weapon. Gowen went up top and went for a moonsault, but Ricochet moved out of the way. Ricochet hit a Sprit Gun lariat for the pinfall win after about 8 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ricochet
Analysis: *** It was an entertaining match to put over Ricochet. Gowen is very impressive and has been doing this for over 20 years, so he knows what he’s doing out there. It’s still incredible to watch because it’s not easy to be a pro wrestler with one leg. It’s the second match in a row to end with a lariat. Ricochet winning was the obvious result here.
After the match, Ricochet hit a Sprit Gun lariat to the back of the head. Ricochet hit a running Punt kick on Gowen. Mark Briscoe ran out to the ring for the save, so Ricochet bailed like the cowardly heel that he is. The announcers mentioned Mark knows Gowen from their ROH days.
Analysis: That sets up Ricochet for a match with Mark Briscoe, which is cool because Mark is a popular face.
MJF was interviewed by Renee Paquette. MJF talked about how he wants to be AEW World Champion again. MJF said that their roster is stacked to bottom and he admitted he doesn’t like to work hard. MJF said that if he wrestles, he wants to win. MJF said if he gets to be part of The Hurt Syndicate, then becoming a two-time World Champion is an inevitability. Renee asked what might happen if The Hurt Syndicate said no to him. MVP and The Hurt Syndicate showed up. MVP told Max that after their match tonight, it’s imperative that Max meets them in the ring. Lashley said, “This is going to be fun,” and he smiled. MJF looked worried.
The Hurt Syndicate – Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin (w/MVP) vs. Top Flight – Darius & Dante Martin (w/Leyla Grey)
This is an AEW Tag Team Title Eliminator match. If Top Flight wins then they get a tile match. Darius hit a DDT on Shelton and Dante hit a dropkick. Dante dove onto Lashley on the floor, Lashley caught him and Darius kicked him down. Darius slammed Shelton and Dante jumped off the top with a Frog Splash for two on Shelton. Lashley sent Dante into the ring post. Shelton hit an overhead suplex. Lashley tagged in and slammed Darius into the barricade twice. Lashley picked up Darius and slammed him on the apron. Lashley hit a running shoulder tackle and a neckbreaker on Darius. Shelton gave Darius three release German Suplexes in a row for two. Darius hit a jumping kick to the head. Dante got the tag, he jumped off the top and Shelton hit a knee to knock Dante down. Shelton hit a running knee on Dante. Lashley tagged in and hit a Spear on Dante. Lashley applied the Hurt Lock on Dante, Shelton superkicked Darius and Dante quit or passed out to end it. It went about 5 minutes.
Winners by submission: The Hurt Syndicate – Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin
Analysis: ** It was basically an extended squash match. There was some offense from Top Flight, but it wasn’t much, and they were not a threat to win. The Hurt Syndicate looked dominant in this match.
Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara, the ROH Tag Team Champions, interrupted. Rhodes dared them to pick on somebody their own size. MVP said that they got back a long way while also saying he liked his father a lot. MVP wondered what they wanted. Dustin said he thinks it’s obvious what they want.
The Cru team of Lio Rush & Action Andretti interrupted to no reaction. Action trashed old man Dustin and his little buddy trying to be heroes. Action told “gramps” to get to stepping. The fans were chanting, “Shut the f**k up,” so they did react a bit. Rush said that they had old business in the ring. Rush said that they’ve been scouting the tag team division. Rush said how about the respect of his past with Lashley, they should get a title shot. Dustin got in Cru’s face telling them to show some respect for their elders like Dustin.
MVP said that he’s a businessman who has other business to attend to. MVP told the two teams to face off at Collision, and the winner gets a Tag Team Title shot at Double or Nothing. MVP said that they have 30 seconds until a commercial break, and MJF will join them after the break, so MJF will get what he deserves up next.
Analysis: A simple way to set up a tag team match for Collision that will lead to a title shot at Collision. I don’t watch Collision or ROH, so I haven’t seen much of Dustin and Sammy together. Remember when Sammy was one of the “four pillars” of AEW and getting shots at the AEW World Title? He’s not even close to that now.
(Commercial)
The Hurt Syndicate Reveals MJF’s Fate
MVP and The Hurt Syndicate were in the ring where they called out Maxwell Jacob Friedman to join them. MJF was hesitant, so Shelton Benjamin ran to the back to get him. Tony Khan was there saying MJF was hiding behind them. Shelton grabbed MJF and brought MJF to the ring where Bobby Lashley and MVP were.
MVP said that this is MJF’s moment of reckoning and he asked for this. MVP said once again it’s a thumbs up from him and Benjamin also gave MJF a thumbs up. Lashley put his left arm around MJF’s shoulder, Lashley teased a thumbs down, but then Lashley went up and Lashley gave MJF a thumbs up! That means MJF is part of The Hurt Syndicate. MJF jumped into Lashley’s arms. MJF led the fans in “We Hurt People” chants. MVP said next week on AEW Dynamite, it’s the official MJF contract signing into The Hurt Syndicate. Excalibur said that this was a shocker and Taz said he didn’t expect it. MJF and The Hurt Syndicate left together, with Max happy about the good news.
Analysis: Congratulations to MJF. I am just glad that the storyline about whether MJF will be in the group is done for now because it dragged on for a long time. There was a tease that MJF would get rejected and get his ass kicked, but instead, it was Lashley accepting MJF into the group, so Max is happy about that. Anyway, it should be entertaining to see MJF constantly sucking up to these guys and trying to impress them.
(Commercial)
“Timeless Toni Storm (w/Luther) vs. AZM vs. Mina Shirakawa vs. Skye Blue
It’s the second week in a row where Toni Storm is in an AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator match. If Storm loses then the winner gets a title shot. Blue is back in action after missing 10 months due to serious broken fibula leg injury. Blue is from Chicago, so she was cheered by the hometown crowd.
Mina and AZM battled in the ring while Storm fought with Blue on the floor. AZM and Mina went fighting on the floor, so Mina gave AZM a DDT on the floor. Blue hit a headscissors on Storm and a Tornado DDT, but Storm rolled out of the ring. Blue hit AZM with a forearm. Storm and Mina each hit Thesz Press attacks, along with punches. Storm and Mina exchanged forearms. AZM kicked Mina to knock her down, but Mina came back with a DDT on AZM. Mina applied a Figure Four Leglock on Storm, who got to the rope to break it. Mina jumped off the top onto Storm on the floor. AZM kicked Mina and hit a cross body block on Storm on the floor. Blue kicked AZM off the apron to the floor. Blue jumped off the top with a cross body block on her three opponents on the floor.
(Commercial)
The four women did the “stand and throw strikes” spots that AEW wrestlers do in nearly every match. Storm and AZM hit German Suplex and Storm hit a German Suplex on AZM. Storm hit the running hip attack on two opponents, AZM hit a knee on Storm, Blue with a kick and Mina with a kick to knock Storm out of the ring. Blue sent AZM out of the ring. Mina kicked Blue knock her down, Storm was back in with a dropkick and a back suplex. Storm hit a Sky High on Blue with no pin attempt. Mina kicked Storm off the apron to the floor. Blue hit a superkick on Mina and Blue got a rollup. AZM jumped off the top, Blue kicked her and AZM came back with a kick of her own. AZM hit a Destroyer for a two count on Blue because Storm broke up the pin. Storm kicked AZM hand hit Storm Zero for two because Mina broke it up. Mina hit a rolling elbow, Storm did the Big Package pin attempt and Mina countered it into her own inside cradle for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Storm was 12-0 in Eliminator Matches, so it was treated like an upset. The win by Mina means she’ll get an AEW Women’s World Title match.
Winner by pinfall: Mina Shirakawa
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match, but it didn’t feel that fresh since we saw a women’s four-way last week. I was happy for Blue being back in action after a long absence. I figured Storm would win, so having Mina get the inside cradle for the win was a nice surprise and something AEW doesn’t do enough in terms of finishes. They book a lot of predictable finishes and I think that hurts their product, so doing something different like this is welcome by me.
A graphic was shown on screen saying that Toni Storm will defend the AEW Women’s World Title against Mina Shirakawa at Double or Nothing on May 25th.
Analysis: It makes sense to do the match at Double or Nothing. I pick Storm to win.
Mercedes Mone attacked AZM in the aisle and applied the Statement Maker since AZM won the NJPW Strong Women’s Title. Jamie Hayter attacked Mone and applied a Statement Maker of her own. The useless security guys showed up to break it up.
Analysis: There’s not much of a story with Mone-Hayter, but they have had numerous fighting segments, so there was another one. It was more of the same from them. I’ll take Mone over Hayter at Double or Nothing.
Images of Sabu were shown while the announcers talked about him. Taz spoke about Sabu, saying Taz was a machine, his work ethic was off the charts, and his presence was amazing. Taz said Sabu brought the best out of him. Taz said Sabu was loved by his peers worldwide. Taz said he’ll miss him, and he loves Sabu. Taz and the fans pointed up to the sky.
Analysis: A nice tribute by Taz, who knew Sabu very well. Rest in Peace, Sabu.
(Commercial)
MJF and MVP were interviewed by Renee Paquette. MJF said he wanted his lower Mark Sterling to go over the contract. Sterling walked in, so MVP used his cane and pushed Sterling away. MJF explained he just wanted to make sure everything was okay with it. MVP understood, shook hands with MJF and they left.
Nigel McGuinness Talks To Daniel Garcia
Tony Schiavone and Nigel McGuinness were in the ring for a promo. There was a replay of Collision last week when Daniel Garcia was facing Dax Harwood and Nigel McGuinness got involved because FTR pissed him off. Nigel called out Garcia to the ring. Nigel apologized to Garcia for costing him his match last week. Garcia told Nigel to keep the apology for himself. Garcia said that Nigel stood up for himself. Garcia said that FTR tried to end Garcia and Adam Copeland’s career and they might try to end Nigel’s career. Garcia said that he’s going to fight FTR with or without Nigel. Garcia said it would be an honor to fight side by side with Garcia.
Stokely aka Big Stoke walked out speaking on behalf of FTR, who he claimed was not there. Stoke asked Nigel what is his problem. Nigel said that if somebody puts their hand on him then Nigel fights back. Stoke said that apology does nothing for them. Stoke said that there will be repercussions. Stoke said that Nigel’s punishment will be getting in the ring with FTR in an official match. Nigel said that FTR at 10-time Tag Team Champions. Nigel said that if he’s honest, FTR would kill them. Garcia said that FTR might kill them, but he’s watched Nigel overcome the odds and Garcia claimed he’s been doing that too. Garcia said let’s give these people Nigel & Garcia against FTR. Stoke told Nigel he didn’t have to wrestle and could just re-live his glory days. Stoke said that you can’t beat FTR since you barely beat hepatitis. FTR did the cheap attack on Garcia and Garcia. They hit a Shatter Machine on Garcia. Matt Menard aka Daddy Magic ran into the ring with a crowbar to save Nigel from a piledriver. FTR and Stoke retreated.
Analysis: That sets up a tag team match. The crowd was dead for some of it probably since most of them don’t watch Collision like me and had no idea about the story. There was a lie by Stoke saying that FTR wasn’t there. Heels lie, pal.
There was a rundown of the Collision lineup this Saturday. It was taped after Dynamite.
The Jon Moxley-Samoa Joe main event was next.
(Commercial)
It was main event time. Samoa Joe was up first for the Steel Cage Match main event. The AEW World Champion Jon Moxley was next and he was joined by Marina Shafir. The referee Paul Turner locked the cage door.
AEW World Championship Steel Cage Match: Jon Moxley (w/Marina Shafir) vs. Samoa Joe
The only way to win is by pinfall or submission. It’s the first AEW World Title match inside a Steel Cage.
Joe and Moxley exchanged punches. Joe sent Moxley face first into the steel. Joe sent Moxley hard into the cage. Joe worked over Moxley with chops while Moxley tried to fight back. Joe hit a running kick to Oxley’s face. Joe chopped and kicked Moxley. Joe hit an elbow drop for two. Moxley got a boot up to block a charging attempt and Moxley kicked the left leg. Moxley did a chop block to the back of the left knee. Moxley was in control with a Figure Four Leglock until Joe broke free. They went to a break with a few minutes to go until the top of the hour.
(Commercial)
Moxley’s friends Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta went to ringside during the match, so Joe’s friends Powerhouse Hobbs and Willow Nightingale went to ringside. Moxley was busted open, so he had blood all over his head and upper body. Moxley and Joe did the “stand and throw strikes” spot. Joe headbutted his hand that was on Moxley’s head. Moxley did an eye poke. Joe gave Moxley two atomic drops, a boot to the face and a senton splash. Joe gave Moxley a very safe Powerbomb, followed by Joe applying an STF and then he turned it into a Crossface. Moxley grabbed the ropes and Joe let go. There are no DQs in a match like this, so Joe didn’t have to let go, but he did. Joe teased a Muscle Buster attempt, but Mox didn’t want that and Moxley bit Joe in the head. Moxley hit two clotheslines, slaps and forearms, but Joe hit a boot to the jaw. Moxley hit a Cutter for two. Moxley went for an armbar, then he let go and Moxley applied a Bulldog Choke submission. Joe was fading, but he managed to hold on. Joe tried a move, Moxley slipped over and Moxley hit a Paradigm Shift (double arm DDT) for a two count because Joe got his shoulder up. Joe applied a Coquina Clutch submission and Moxley was making hand motions for his friends to do something. Claudio and Yuta tried climbing into the cage, but Willow and Hobbs stopped that. Hobbs gave Yuta spinebuster through a table. Claudio was neutralized by a woman. Gabe Kidd (from NJPW) showed up at ringside and handed Moxley the briefcase that had the AEW World Title in it. Joe turned around, Moxley hit Joe in the head with it and Moxley covered Joe for the pinfall win. The announcers realized it was Gabe Kidd who passed Moxley the briefcase. It went about 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Jon Moxley
Analysis: ***1/4 This was a good cage match, but there was nothing special about it. It’s not a surprise that Jon Moxley bled in a Steel Cage Match. I thought it would happen earlier in the match. I don’t know if Gabe Kidd’s involvement means he is in The Death Riders now, but he fits in well with his personality as a crazy heel. I knew Joe had no shot to win here, so during his moments of offense, I didn’t think it was going to end. A cheap ending for Moxley is fine since he’s a heel champion.
The post-match action continued as Claudio hit Hobbs in the back with a steel chair. Gabe Kidd hit a low blow on Hobbs. Claudio hit Hobbs in the back with the steel chair again. Claudio sent Hobbs face first into the side of the ring apron.
The Young Bucks went down to the ring to join Jon Moxley, who was bleeding heavily. Nicholas Jackson wanted to shake Moxley’s hand, but Kenny Omega’s music hit. Omega hit a running knee on Yuta and sent Claudio into the barricade. Kazuchika Okada showed up to punch Omega in the abdomen. Matt Jackson pressed a button, so the Steel Cage was lowered around the ring. Samoa Joe and Kenny Omega were isolated by the heels in the ring. Mike Bailey fought with Kazuchika Okada to the back. The Bucks hit the EVP Trigger on Joe. Moxley hit a Paradigm Shift on Omega.
Swerve Strickland went down to ringside and Swerve went to the top of the cage. Swerve jumped off the top of the cage and knocked down about five people at the same. Matt Jackson pushed the button on the device and the cage lifted up.
Swerve spoke about how the last time he was in the ring in this city and in this cage, he got his brains beat in by a steel chair and dropped on a cinderblock. Swerve said you’d think he wouldn’t want to be in this city again, but here he is. Swerve realized he is the fear – the most dangerous man in AEW. Swerve said that with everybody involved here, he thinks they should create some anarchy. Swerve: “Double or Nothing…Phoenix, Arizona…Anarchy in the Arena.” Swerve’s music played. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: I mentioned for weeks that they were building to Anarchy in the Arena at Double or Nothing, so there’s the official confirmation on it. I think it’s going to be Swerve, Joe, Hobbs, Omega and Willow against Moxley, Claudio, both Young Bucks and Shafir, so we’ll see the women in the match. Perhaps it’s 5 guys against 5 guys, but I think the women will be part of it. Those Anarchy in the Arena matches are always exciting and chaotic. It should be great.
The show ended at 10:13 p.m. ET this week.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Will Ospreay & “Hangman” Adam Page
- MJF
- Ricochet/Zach Gowen
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The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.5 out of 10
Last Week: 7.5
2025 Average: 7.39
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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite
I thought it was a good episode of Dynamite this week that had entertaining matches and progressed some stories. The opening tag with Ospreay & Hangman getting the win was very well done. Ricochet did a nice job of working with Zach Gowen. I’m happy for MJF finally joining The Hurt Syndicate. I hope it works out for MJF, but I also think there could be problems down the road.
The Jon Moxley-Samoa Joe match was very average for a Steel Cage Match. I didn’t expect Gabe Kidd to show up to help Mox, though, so good job by AEW going with somebody talented like Kidd in that spot. Post match set up Anarchy in the Arena that was building for several weeks, so I’m glad it’s official.
Did this show feel like “one of the biggest nights of the year” like Excalibur said at the start of the show? Absolutely not.
The next AEW PPV is Double or Nothing on May 25th in Phoenix:
* Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Finals: Will Ospreay vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
* Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Finals: Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter
* AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa
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Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport