The John Report: AEW Dynamite 11/19/25 Review
This week’s AEW Dynamite featured “Hangman” Adam Page against Katsuyori Shibata in the main event while the build to Full Gear continued.
Last week’s AEW Dynamite was the great Blood & Guts episode that was arguably the best Dynamite of the year.
This week’s show is 3 hours long with Dynamite followed by an hour of Collision. I don’t review Collision, so I’ll just do Dynamite as usual. I’ll go play-by-play for one or two matches and summary style for the rest.
The next AEW PPV is Full Gear on November 22nd, so they are continuing to build to that.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #320 from the Agganis Arena in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means. Excalibur was on commentary with Bryan Danielson and Tony Schiavone.
Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) vs. Ricochet (w/Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun)
The winner gets the #1 spot in the Casino Gauntlet Match at AEW Full Gear. The winner of that Casino Gauntlet gets the new AEW National Title.
Ricochet did a promo after the bell rang. Ricochet trashed the state, saying the only good thing to come out of this state is his beautiful wife. Ricochet mocked MVP for calling it the International Title and Ricochet will be the inaugural National Champion. Ricochet called Lashley a “bald idiot” and said nobody will stop him from fulfilling his quest for gold.
Lashley finally had enough and tossed Ricochet over the top onto Toa and Kaun on the floor. Lashley hit some moves on all three heels on the floor. Ricochet hit a spinning kick and a standing SSP into a moonsault for two because Lashley powered out of it. Lashley got a hold of Ricochet and spiked him with a Spinebuster. Lashley hit a Spear for the pinfall win. I think it was about 3 minutes of action after the bell rang, but more than that when the bell rang.
Winner by pinfall: Bobby Lashley
Analysis: ** Easy win for the powerhouse Lashley, who has finally been booked like a dominant singles wrestler. Ricochet’s promo went way too long, but I get that it was done to get heat and it worked in that sense. I might pick Ricochet to win the AEW National Title just because they had him lose easily here, yet I think he’ll bounce back.
Samoa Joe was backstage with Katsuyori Shibata, who faces “Hangman” Adam Page. Joe said he was told that if he gets involved in the Page-Shibata match, then he loses his AEW World Title match at Full Gear. Joe told Page’s punishment begins tonight against Shibata, and he’ll get justice for what Page did to Hobbs. Joe said he’ll collect debt at Full Gear.
The Young Bucks were about to be interviewed by Renee Paquette about whether they would join the Don Callis Family, but Don Callis interrupted. Don told the Bucks they’re the greatest and Callis said he’ll give them a special ring entrance. That led to the Bucks’ entrance with Callis introducing them.
Skyflight – Scorpio Sky, Dante Marte & Darius Martin (w/Leila Grey & Christopher Daniels) vs. The Young Bucks – Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, and Josh Alexander
Don Callis joined commentary. There was some back-and-forth action for a few minutes. They went to a picture-in-picture break.
The match continued with Matt accidentally kicking Josh, so Josh yelled at him about it. Darius hit an impressive Spanish Fly, dive onto both Bucks a flatliner for two. Top Flight did a double team move as Dante walked the ropes and did a moonsault on Josh, while Darius did a Powerbomb to end it. That led to all six guys in the ring and the Bucks hit multiple superkicks. Dante set both Bucks out of the ring and hit a somersault dive onto both Bucks on the floor. Josh assisted the Bucks in catching Darius and the Bucks hit a TK Driver spiked piledriver. Josh was legal, so he applied an Ankle Lock on Dante and got the tapout win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Young Bucks – Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, and Josh Alexander
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a good tag team match where it was obvious that Young Bucks and Josh would win since they have a Full Gear match while the opponents are barely on TV. There were issues for the victors because Josh acted like he was in charge of the match, so the Bucks didn’t agree with him on the finish.
Don Callis was in the ring with The Young Bucks and Josh Alexander, along with Rocky Romero, Mark Davis, and Hechicero. Don called for the Bucks to join the Don Callis Family. However, the Bucks were hesitant. Kenny Omega went down to the ring with Jack Perry and Luchasaurus. The heels left the ring.
Analysis: It should be a great match at Full Gear with the Bucks and Josh against Omega and Jurassic Express. I think this whole angle is leading toward the Bucks turning down the chance to join the Don Calles Family, so it will lead to the Bucks being babyfaces soon. I like them more as heels, but it’s been a while since they were faces.
Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron were interviewed by Renee Paquette. They talked about how they are going to be the first AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions. They said they were the Babes of Wrath and said it a few times. That’s nice.
Analysis: I think Willow and Harley are the most likable babyface women’s team in AEW, so putting the Women’s Tag Team Titles on them is a good idea.
Tony Schiavone spoke about the late, great wrestling announcer Bob Caudle, who passed away over the last week. Tony called him a great person and said if there was a wrestling announcers’ Hall of Fame, then Bob should be the first person in it. Bob was 95. Rest in peace.
(Commercial)
Shelton Benjamin (w/MVP) vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
The winner gets the #2 spot in the Casino Gauntlet Match at AEW Full Gear. The winner of that Casino Gauntlet gets the new AEW National Title.
They shook hands to start the match while MVP joined commentary. The action spilled to the floor quickly. Bailey tried an armbar, but Shelton blocked that and sent Bailey into the barricade and ring apron. When they got back into the ring, Bailey kept on going for armbars. Bailey kicked Shelton off the apron to the floor. When Bailey tried a suicide dive, Shelton caught him and hit a body slam hard on the floor.
(Commercial)
It was Bailey in control with a missile dropkick. When Bailey hit a running SSP, Shelton kicked out at one. While Bailey was applying an armbar, Shelton picked him up and they went tumbling over the top to the floor. Bailey hit a DDT on Shelton on the floor. They were on the floor for more than a minute, but the referee’s count only started after the DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Bailey hit a superkick, and Shooting Star Press off the top for a two count. After Bailey got a rollup for two, Shelton hit a superkick that Bailey sold great with a flip bump. The referee, Paul Turner, counted two and stopped while claiming Bailey’s shoulder got up…but I don’t know. MVP went into the ring thinking that was it, but was told it was not. Benjamin hit a German Suplex, knee strike and superkick for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shelton Benjamin
Analysis: ***1/2 I enjoyed that match. They are two guys who will always have a great match if they get the time, so it’s nice to see them get over ten minutes in a match like this. Bailey wrestles an exciting style, and Shelton is so athletic as well, so they meshed well. It was good to see Shelton getting the win here, and it made sense in the storyline since Bobby Lashley also won his match. I’m not sure what happened with the finish there, but they recovered from it.
The result means that Shelton Benjamin will be #2 in the Casino Gauntlet Match, after Bobby Lashley in the #1 spot. They hurt people.
(Commercial)
Death Riders – Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli (w/Marina Shafir & Daniel Garcia) vs. Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong
The Death Riders lost at Blood & Guts last week. Kyle O’Reilly made Jon Moxley tap out to win. Orange and Strong were on the babyface team.
It started with Strong and Claudio fighting in the ring while Moxley fought with Orange on the floor. Back in the ring, Mox and Claudio hit a double suplex on Strong. After Moxley clotheslined Strong, the fans chanted “You Tapped Out” at Moxley. Orange went into the ring illegally to DDT Moxley. Orange was legal and hit a Stundog Millionaire on Claudio. Orange jumped onto Claudio, who tossed Orange into the barricade. They went fighting into the crowd. All four guys were fighting there. Orange did a stupid hands in the pockets dive onto Claudio and Mox. If the referee was counting, then there’d be a countout…but it’s AEW. No count.
(Commercial)
The DR boys were in control of Orange for a few minutes. Claudio rocked Orange with an uppercut, along with a short Giant Swing. Orange fought back with a diving DDT off the turnbuckle. Strong got the tag and was on fire with strikes against Moxley. Strong applied the Strong Hold version of a Boston Crab, but Daniel Garcia got on the apron to distract. Moxley hit a Paradigm Shift on Strong for two because Orange broke it up, so Claudio dumped Orange out of the ring. Strong hit a superplex on Moxley. Orange hit an Orange Punch on Garcia. Wheeler Yuta showed up, Orange went after him, so Claudio hit a popup uppercut. Moxley applied a Bulldog Choke and the referee called for the bell quickly since it looked like Orange was knocked out.
Winners by submission: Death Riders – Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli
Analysis: ***1/4 It was a solid match, but they ignored the rules way too much, and that made it tough to watch if you try to watch pro wrestling while using logic. I guess this was booked this way to give Moxley a win since he tapped out last week. It was a cheap win for the Death Riders, which is fitting for them as a heel group.
After the match, Moxley and Claudio tried an attack, so Kyle O’Reilly ran down to the ring for the save. Kyle applied an Ankle Lock on Moxley. Yuta and Garcia kicked Kyle, but he held on until he had to let go. Orange and Strong were there to try to help Kyle keep the hold on. Claudio pulled Mox out of the ring. The Death Riders left.
Kyle O’Reilly did a promo saying that he wants to fight Jon Moxley at Full Gear and he wants a No Holds Barred Match. Kyle reminded Moxley he tapped out at Blood & Guts. It looked like Moxley accepted.
Analysis: That continues the story of Jon Moxley having issues with Kyle O’Reilly, which will lead to a Full Gear match. It’s a push for O’Reilly, who hasn’t had many PPV matches in AEW, so I’m happy for Kyle getting that shot.
The AEW Tag Team Champions Brodido did a promo talking about their match with FTR. Brody King said that FTR proved they are one of the best in AEW, but they haven’t proven that they can beat Brodido. King said they’ll keep their titles at Full Gear. Bandido said that Brodido never stops fighting.
Mercedes Mone was shown walking backstage since she has a match later in the main event of Collision.
(Commercial)
The trio of Kenny Omega, Jack Perry and Luchasaurus were backstage for a promo. Omega spoke about how things have become personal with Josh Alexander and The Young Bucks. Omega mentioned Josh injuring Ibushi and attacking Nakazawa. Omega said that no amount of money will save them. Omega said their time is coming. Jack and Luchasaurus said nothing.
Analysis: I think Omega and Jurassic Express will beat the Young Bucks and Alexander, which leads to the Don Callis Family turning on the Bucks to make the Bucks into babyfaces again.
AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship First Round Match: Timeless Love Bombs – “Timeless” Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs Alex Windsor & Riho
It started with Mina and Riho exchanging holds until they tagged in. Storm and Alex exchanged arm drags. After Riho hit a forearm smash, Storm caught her and hit a backbreaker. After Mina tagged in, Alex sent her face-first into the top rope, and Riho hit a dropkick. Storm went into the ring, so Alex and Riho hit a double suplex on her. Riho jumped off the top with a cross body block on both opponents on the floor.
(Commercial)
Mina was still in the ring getting attacked by both opponents, so she locked the legs of Alex and hit a DDT on Riho to break free. Storm was on fire after the hot tag and kicked Alex to knock her down. Storm hit a DDT on Alex. Mina was back in, so Storm tossed her onto Alex for a two count. Alex hit a sitout Powerbomb for a two count. Riho was back in for some combination offense for a two count. Riho jumped off the top, Mina avoided it, kicked Riho in the ribs and Mina hit a spinning back fist. They did a comedy bit regarding a Figure Four Leglock being reversed and then a double headbutt. Storm and Alex were back in as Alex hit a clothesline and an Olympic Slam for a two count. Mina went in illegally with a kick and Storm hit a German Suplex. Mina hit a German Suplex on Riho too. Storm and Mina each hit two running hip attacks. Storm hit Storm Zero on Alex for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Love Bombs – “Timeless” Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa
Analysis: ***1/2 Fun match. These women really worked hard and put on an entertaining match. The Toni/Mina team is very charismatic, so it’s easy to like them. The Alex/Riho team felt like it was thrown together to just fill out the tournament, so I didn’t expect them to win. It’s good to see the women’s tag teams getting plenty of time in matches like this.
The TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher (with Don Callis) and Mark Briscoe were interviewed by Alicia Atout. Their TNT Title match at Full Gear is a No Disqualification match and if Briscoe loses, then he has to join the Don Callis Family. Kyle said he can’t wait to see how Mark thrives under a real family. Mark said he represents his family, and he represents The Conglomeration, and he’s not going to leave that behind. Mark said that failure is not an option. Mark said he’s going to make his family proud. That’s when Kazuchika Okada and Hechicero showed up to attack Briscoe. Callis said that they will make orphans of Mark’s kids. Kyle thanked Okada for not agreeing to no physicality. Okada said he’s glad he could help because Takeshita couldn’t. Okada: “Protokada!”
Analysis: It was okay as a quick interview to have each side make their points. I think Mark will win the TNT Title even though I like Kyle with it.
(Commercial)
Pac was featured in a video package talking about Darby Allin. Pac said that leading up to Blood & Guts, he promised Allin he’d break his neck, but that didn’t happen. Pac said he sent Allin to the burn unit instead. Pac said nobody has heard from Allin since then. Pac said maybe he did take things a little too far. Pac said if Allin still has that backbone, answer Pac’s question. Pac said he’s challenging Allin to a legit competition – no weapons, just the two of them. Pac said that when Allin is stripped of his bells and whistles, there’s no chance Allin can compete at the level of a legit athlete like him.
A graphic was shown letting us know Pac will face Darby Allin at Full Gear.
Analysis: That should be an awesome match at Full Gear. I like this version of Pac because he looks like a legit badass and he’s believable in everything that he says.
“Hangman” Adam Page vs. Katsuyori Shibata
The AEW Trios Champion, Samoa Joe, joined commentary. Joe is tag team partners with Shibata and will face Page in a Steel Cage Match for the AEW World Title at Full Gear.
Page attacked Shibata at ringside before Page’s music played. Joe is not allowed to touch Page, or else he loses his title shot. Page rammed Shibata’s head into the commentary table. Page was on the ring apron and Shibata kicked him off. Joe laughed about it. The bell rang. Shibata sent Page into the barricade twice. The referee, Paul Turner, was not counting them out…because AEW? I guess. I don’t know how to explain it after six years. Page hit Shibata with an elbow and Page hit a running boot to the face. Page had his ribs taped and some tape on his right shoulder. Shibata hit Page with some strikes, but Page came back with a lefty clothesline. Page was looking at Joe, so Shibata knocked Page out of the ring. Shibata suplexed Page on the floor.
(Commercial)
There was a chop exchange leading into Page hitting a fallaway slam across the ring. Page worked over Shibata with punches. Page jumped off the turnbuckle with a lariat on the apron. Page hit a slingshot dive over the top onto Shibata on the floor. Shibata slammed Page down and went for a kick, but Page blocked the kick. Page hit a lariat, and then Shibata came right back with a running kick that some might say was a hell of a kick. Shibata kicked Page on the inside of the thigh…or maybe it’s close to the groin. You decide. Page tried to fight back, Shibata hit a German Suplex and Shibata hit an uppercut punch to the groin that the referee didn’t see. Shibata applied an armbar on the left arm, but Page got his foot on the bottom rope to break the hold. Shibata applied an Ankle Lock on the left foot. Page broke free, the cowboy boot slipped off Page’s foot when Page got to the ropes and Page hit a clothesline. Page hit a Buckshot Lariat for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: “Hangman” Adam Page
Analysis: ***1/4 This was okay for a television main event. Page was obviously going to win, and he didn’t do anything too crazy in the match. Page sold a lot and Shibata is solid in his role. The finish was lacking excitement since it was just a clothesline by Page to set up his Buckshot Lariat (also a clothesline), so it made Shibata look weak because of how easy it was to beat him.
That was the end of the Dynamite portion of the show.
Here are the results of the three matches on Collision:
* AEW Women’s Tag Team Tourney First Round: Megan Bayne and Marina Shafir defeated TayJay – Tay Melo & Anna Jay
* Double Jeopardy Match: Kazuchika Okada defeated Mascara Dorada.
By winning that match, a new match was added to the AEW Full Gear Tailgate pre-show: El Sky Team (Máscara Dorada, Místico, and Neón) (c) vs. Don Callis Family (Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, and Hechicero) for the CMLL World Trios Championships.
* ROH Women’s TV Title Unification Match: Mercedes “Ultimo” Mone defeated Red Velvet to become the official ROH Women’s TV Champion.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Shelton Benjamin
- “Hangman” Adam Page
- Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa
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The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.5 out of 10
Last Week: 8.5
2025 Average: 7.41
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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite
It was a good show overall. I don’t think it was at the level of Blood & Guts, but it was never gonna be that in terms of match quality. There were still plenty of good matches and things I liked on the show. A lot of the matches on the show had rewards for the winners, so at least in that sense it was booked well.
I think the Full Gear lineup is very strong and I’m looking forward to watching it.
The next AEW PPV is Full Gear on November 22nd. Here’s the lineup so far.
* AEW World Championship Steel Cage Match: “Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. Samoa Joe
* AEW World Tag Team Championships: Brodido – Brody King & Bandido (c) vs. FTR – Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler
* AEW Women’s World Championship: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Mercedes Mone
* TNT Championship: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Mark Briscoe – If Briscoe loses, then he must join the Don Callis Family
* No Holds Barred Match: Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly
* $1 Million Cash Prize Match: Kenny Omega and Jurassic Express (“Jungle” Jack Perry and Luchasaurus) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) and Josh Alexander
* Casino Gauntlet Match for AEW National Championship
* Babes of Wrath (Harley Cameron and Willow Nightingale) vs. Sisters of Sin (Julia Hart and Skye Blue) vs. Timeless Love Bombs (Mina Shirakawa and “Timeless” Toni Storm) vs. Marina Shafir and Megan Bayne
(The winning team chooses the stipulation for their semifinal match in the inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship tournament.)
* Darby Allin vs. Pac
* Tailgate Brawl Pre-Show: Boom & Doom (“Big Boom!” A.J. and Q. T. Marshall) (with Big Justice) vs. RPG Vice (Rocky Romero and Trent Beretta)
* Tailgate Brawl Pre-Show: $200,000 Four-way tag team match – Max Caster and Anthony Bowens vs. Bang Bang Gang (Austin Gunn and Juice Robinson) vs. Big Bill and Bryan Keith vs. The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd)
* Tailgate Brawl Pre-Show: CMLL World Trios Championships: El Sky Team (Máscara Dorada, Místico, and Neón) (c) vs. Don Callis Family (Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, and Hechicero)
* Tailgate Brawl Pre-Show: Hook and Eddie Kingston vs. TBA
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Thanks for reading. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto Maple Leafs. You can contact me using any of the methods below.
John Canton
Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @johnreport