The John Report: AEW Dynamite 12/31/25 Review (New Year’s Smash)
This week’s AEW Dynamite features words from MJF, Jon Moxley in action, Mercedes Mone facing Willow Nightingale, and more.
Happy New Year. I did not review Dynamite last week or the AEW Worlds End PPV last Saturday. I had planned time off and I haven’t even seen any of Worlds End yet. At this point I’m leaning towards not reviewing it at all. I was burned out to end the year and I needed some days off. When I came back from days off, I was helping out on TJRWrestling because others on the team were on a break. I don’t know if I’ll get around to watching it or if I’ll just move on without doing it. The world won’t end if I miss an AEW PPV for once. It’s okay.
This was AEW Dynamite episode #326 from the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha, Nebraska. 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 Tony Schiavone.
A video package aired showing highlights of the Worlds End PPV from last Saturday. MJF became a 2-time AEW World Champion at the show while Jon Moxley won the Continental Classic to win the Continental Title.
Let’s Hear from MJF
The AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman was shown leaving a car in the parking lot and he was wearing a heavy fur coat. The coat was taken off by a lovely lady as MJF entered the arena.
MJF made his entrance as the new AEW World Champion. MJF is now a 2-time AEW World Champion. In the ring, there was a table with a red cover on it. MJF mentioned Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe and “Hangman” Adam Page as the big three, but he’s MJF – the World Champion. MJF tossed the AEW World Title out of the ring. MJF unveiled the “Triple B” (Big Burberry Belt) AEW World Title that had the scarf design on it like the last time he was champion. MJF said that some people think that he’s outsmarted and annihilated their fan favorites. MJF told wrestlers in AEW to get out or get stepped on. MJF said he’s a stallion so he’s done trotting around, so he’s going to sprint and he’s going to go to the finish line to go down as the greatest of all time. MJF did his catchphrase to let us know he’s better than you, and you know it.
Analysis: It was the usual cocky MJF promo that he is very good at. Welcome back, Triple B.
Kenny Omega interrupted on the video screen, looking like he was at a house. Omega said that MJF made him feel a certain kind of way. Omega admitted he’s near the end of his career rather than the beginning, but he hates leaving a stone unturned. Omega wondered what if he could become champion again. Omega mentioned when MJF beat him to become the longest reigning AEW World Title. Omega said that this isn’t about the best bout machine, this is about winning. Omega said this isn’t about collecting belts, this is about winning one. Omega said that whether he gets a shot next week or whether he has to prove he is worthy of a challenger, you’re going to see more of him. Omega signed off with his catchphrase.
Analysis: There’s a potential tease of an MJF-Kenny Omega match. Perhaps they will build it for over two months and will do it at Revolution in March? It might happen. I know Omega hasn’t been doing singles matches as much of late, but a few meaningful wins and he’ll get a title shot.
MJF said that Omega wasn’t man enough to say any of that to Max’s face.
As MJF stood in the ring, “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland appeared in the crowd with steel chains. Before Swerve and Page got to ringside, several security guys (indy wrestlers) showed up at ringside to stop them. MJF said if they can earn a title shot, then he’ll face them, but until then, bye. MJF ran away. Page and Swerve beat up the indy wrestler security guys. They each hit Powerbombs at the same time. Page jumped over Swerve’s back with a Buckshot Lariat and Swerve hit a House Call kick.
Page said when he finds MJF, he’ll strangle him with that belt. Swerve said that he’s only shown MJF just a piece of what he’s capable of. Swerve said that the hunt is on and may the worst men win.
Samoa Joe was backstage with The Opps members Powerhouse Hobbs and Hook. Joe complained about how they thought they were the number one contender. Joe said that he is the rightful champion who was robbed. Joe said that there are obstacles in the way when he goes on the quest for what is his. Joe said that Page had the audacity to put his hands on Hook, so Joe said that Hook will choke him out on sight. Joe said that Powerhouse Hobbs will be coming for Swerve. Joe suggested they do this next week because he doesn’t want to stay in this broke town.
Page told Joe to send them Hobbs and Hook. Swerve suggested No Holds Barred, No Disqualification and said Lights Out. Joe seemed okay with that. Page and Swerve celebrated in the ring.
Analysis: They are telling the story that MJF is going to have several top stars coming after him, but those wrestlers also have issues with eachother. At the end, they set up Swerve & Page to team up to beat Hobbs & Hook next week, which the fans will like in a violent match.
The TNT Champion Mark Briscoe and The Conglomeration’s Orange Cassidy, and their friend Roderick Strong was interviewed by Renee Paquette. Mark talked about how busy The Conglomeration is. Mark did his usual ranting about choking on nuts. Toni Storm walked in to see “Citrus Boy” Orange Cassidy. Mina Shirakawa told Orange to take his hands out of his pockets. Storm said this isn’t sexual and he is not her type. Luther presented an orange, so Storm took a bite of that. Strong said he didn’t want any part of this.
Analysis: That was…bizarre. That’s all I got.
Mixed Trios Tornado Tag Team Match: Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Death Riders – Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir
Strong and Shafir are married and have a son together, but AEW doesn’t really mention that. No tags in this match since it’s a Tornado Match.
Storm and Shafir fought in the ring while the guys fought on the floor. Storm punched Shafir repeatedly, so Claudio sent Storm out of the ring. Strong dropkicked Claudio. Strong chopped Claudio. Garcia worked over Strong with punches. Orange punched Garcia. Shafir applied a full nelson on Shafir and Orange got a rollup on Shafir for two. Garcia hit a belly-to-back suplex on Orange. The Death Riders hit seven running strikes in a row on Orang and a double boot to the face. They went on the first picture-in-picture break 26 minutes into the show. That’s a long time until a commercial.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Strong making a babyface comeback with suplexes on Garcia and Claudio. Storm battled Shafir while Orange faced off with Garcia. Orange and Storm did some dance moves in the ring, leading to some comedy spots. Orange and Storm even hit a double hip toss on Claudio. Orange barely touched Claudio on a running kick. Garcia kicked Storm in the face to knock her down. Orange hit an Orange Punch on Garcia. Shafir applied Mother’s Milk on Orange and Strong hit a backbreaker on Shafir. Claudio hit a slam on Strong. Orange hit a Stundog Millionaire on Claudio. Storm hit a running hip attack on Claudio and Orange hit an impressive Tornado DDT on Claudio. Wheeler Yuta showed up to grab Orange’s hair while the referee was distracted by Claudio. After Orange left, Claudio hit an uppercut on Orange for the pinfall win. It went about 10 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Death Riders – Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir
Analysis: ***1/4 It was an entertaining match with some comedy spots, along with man-on-woman violence that you don’t see very often in AEW. What I found strange about the match is that it was a Tornado Tag where anything goes, but they didn’t use weapons at all. They also did a spot where Claudio had to distract the referee so that Wheeler Yuta could cheat in a match where there are no disqualifications. Anyway, the result surprised me a bit because I thought the faces would win, but instead it was a quality win for Claudio, which I certainly don’t mind. The hardcore AEW fans love this stuff. The non-AEW fans hate this stuff. As for me, as an unbiased writer, I think it’s fine, but I can’t say I love it either.
After the match, Mina Shirakawa went into the ring to check on Storm and Mina doesn’t seem to like Storm hanging out with Orange like that.
(Commercial)
A video package aired about Mercedes Mone bragging about how great she is as the TBS Champion. Her match with Willow Nightingale is the main event.
Bandido vs. The Beast Mortos
Bandido is the ROH World Champion and the Dynamite Diamond Ring holder. He’s going to challenge MJF for the AEW World Title in two weeks on Dynamite.
Bandido elbowed a charging Mortos and then used a black cape as if it was a red cape for a bull. Morton charged like a dumbass, so Bandido pulled the cape away twice. Mortos finally stopped it so that he could headbutt Bandido. That was so stupid, but of course, Tony said it was entertaining. Mortos hit a twisting suicide dive onto Bandido on the floor. Back in the ring, Bandido and Mortos each hit hip tosses and got cradles. They did some more quick moves, got out of those moves and had a staredown. Mortos charged, Bandido moved and Mortos bumped to the floor. Bandido put the cape on and jumped off the top with a cross body block on Mortos on the floor.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Bandido getting a nearfall. Bandido hit a boot to the head. Bandido did an incredible headscissors, followed by a superkick. Bandido went up top and hit a Frog Splash for two. Mortos put Bandido on his shoulders and hit a backbreaker. Mortos hit a discus lariat for a two count. Mortos nailed Bandido with a discus lariat that Bandido sold with a flip bump. Mortos jumped off the top, Bandido moved out of the way and Mortos hit the mat. Bandido lifted Mortos up and hit a rising knee like a GTS. Bandido hit the 21 Plex off the ropes for the pinfall win. Mortos shoved Bandido off him right after the three count. It went about 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bandido
Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great match to put Bandido over since he’s going for the AEW World Title in two weeks, so of course, he was going to win this match. I don’t think The Beast Mortos wins very often on Dynamite because I have a tough time recalling a meaningful win. With that said, Mortos moves really well for a bigger guy and he has a lot of credibility as a power wrestler too, so his matches are enjoyable. I thought they built up the finish well. Bandido is absolutely one of my favorite wrestlers to watch in AEW. Dude is amazing.
Bandido celebrated the win while the announcers plugged his World Title match against MJF at Maximum Carnage in two weeks.
(Commercial)
Bandido and Brody King were interviewed by Renee Paquette backstage. Bandido spoke in Spanish about being the next AEW World Champion. King said that Bandido is the most wanted. King said that Bandido will walk out of Maximum Carnage as the AEW World Champion. King said he’s going to be first in line when Bandido is the champion.
Brody King vs. Lee Johnson
Lee hit a somersault dive over the top onto King on the floor before King could enter the ring. King got back up, hit a chop and tossed Lee into the barricade. King sent Lee into the ring to start the match. Lee hit two boots to the face. Lee hit a thrust kick, and King smashed Lee with a lariat. King hit a cannonball on Lee against the turnbuckle. King hit the Gonzo Bomb for the pinfall win in about 1 minute.
Winner by pinfall: Brody King
Analysis: * A squash to put over King. I don’t mind that. King is awesome and should be given a singles push.
Darby Allin was featured in a video talking about how he went to hell with Gabe Kidd at Worlds End. Allin said he’s not numb to the pain. Allin said he sees the arguments about how he lives his life, but it also gives him peace. Allin said he wants to finish this with the Death Riders and he’s beaten every one of them, except Pac. Allin said he needs this win so he can finish what he started.
Analysis: That makes sense from a long-term story point of view since Darby Allin has been feuding with the Death Riders for a long time. Allin wanting to beat Pac is a logical story.
Jon Moxley vs. Josh Alexander
Jon Moxley is the AEW Continental Champion, and this is an Eliminator Match, so if Alexander wins or survives for 20 minutes, then he gets a title match. Moxley is also more of a babyface now after Worlds End.
Josh attacked early on with strikes. Moxley was selling that he was hurting coming out of Worlds End, but then he fought back with strikes of his own. Moxley worked over Josh with strikes. Josh knocked Moxley down and wrenched on the left ankle. Josh stomped on the left leg. Mox sent Josh into the turnbuckle and worked over Josh with punches. Moxley smashed Alexander with a forearm to the head. Josh sent Moxley over the top to the floor. Moxley was grabbing his left leg around the knee after that. Josh suplexed Moxley on the ring apron. Josh set up Moxley against the turnbuckle and hit a running cross body block.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Josh in control with a stomp onto the left knee. Josh applied the Ankle Lock on the left ankle, but Mox got to the ropes to beak the hold. They battled on the apron where they tried power moves. Josh smacked Moxley in the back and they exchanged strikes again. This fight on the apron lasted for about a minute until Josh kicked Moxley in the left knee. Josh hit a front slam on the ring apron. Josh went up top with a moonsault attempt, Moxley moved and Josh hit the mat. They exchanged strikes a few times again, Josh kicked the knee and Moxley came back with a Cutter for two. Josh hit a belly-to-back suplex, no sold by Moxley and he hit a suplex of his own. Josh kicked Moxley into the turnbuckle. Moxley was back up with a lariat. The fans chanted, “Moxley” repeatedly. Moxley went for a move, but Josh went to the floor, and Moxley hit a suicide dive onto Josh on the floor. Josh wrapped Moxley’s left leg against the ring post. Josh applied the ringpost Figure Four Leglock against the ring post. Josh slowly went up top and hit a knee drop on the inside of the left leg. Josh wrenched on the left leg. Moxley got a hold of Josh and applied a sleeper hold, but Josh got out of it and Moxley elbowed Josh repeatedly. Moxley applied a sleeper and Josh tapped the mat to tap out. It went about 16 minutes.
Winner by submission: Jon Moxley
Analysis: ***1/2 A good technical wrestling match by two talented veterans. It told the story of Moxley finding a way to wear Alexander out even though Moxley was hurting throughout the match. It’s not like I expected Alexander to win, but at least it was competitive. The result was not a surprise. I think Moxley needs to cut back on the “stand and throw strikes” spots in his match. They did it multiple times in this match.
After the match, Jon Moxley celebrated the win. Shelton Benjamin and MVP of The Hurt Syndicate stared at Mox from a distance. That will set up a Mox-Benjamin match. Moxley was favoring his left leg as he left the ringside area.
The Triangle of Madness – Skyle Blue, Julia Hart and Thekla – did a promo in a stairwell. Thekla warned Kris Statlander as the AEW Women’s World Champion. Thekla said they could take her place and make it real toxic.
(Commercial)
AEW National Championship: Ricochet (w/Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun) vs. “Jungle” Jack Perry (w/Luchasaurus)
Luchasaurus had his left shoulder bandaged up. Perry applied an armbar and Ricochet managed to get out of it by sending Perry to the floor. Ricochet hit a shoulder tackle. Perry hit his own shoulder tackle. Perry grabbed Ricochet’s beard after Ricochet grabbed Perry’s hair earlier. That’s creative. Perry hit a suicide dive on Ricochet on the floor. Kaun grabbed Perry’s foot, so Luchasaurus got a hold of Kaun and Liona threw Luchasaurus into the ring post. Ricochet knocked Perry off the apron and Ricochet hit a suicide dive on Perry on the floor.
(Commercial)
Perry got some momentum going with a flying forearm. Perry jumped over Ricochet and hit a German Suplex. Ricochet hit an impressive suplex and then a brainbuster. Ricochet hit a running Shooting Star Press for two. Perry rolled up Ricochet for two, and Perry followed up with a clothesline for two. Perry sent Ricochet out of the ring and Perry hit a bulldog on the floor. Perry went up top after knocking Kaun down and Perry hit a diving DDT for two. Kaun grabbed Perry’s foot, which wasn’t seen by the referee, and Ricochet hit the Spirit Gun lariat for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ricochet
Analysis: *** It was a solid TV match, but never really got going to the point where I would call it a great match. Ricochet won the title about a month ago, so it’s not like he was going to lose it here. I think Perry is better as a face than he was as a heel, but he needs to play to the fans more than he does. The National Title doesn’t feel like a big deal at all, but that’s AEW – the land of too many titles. I understand it more in WWE with separate brands, but in AEW, it’s just too much.
After the match, Toa Liona had Luchasaurus in his arms. Liona put Luchasaurus down, they put a guard rail on Luchasaurus’ left arm/shoulder and Kaun smashed a chair into the guard rail that was on the arm. Ricochet hit Perry with another Spirit Gun in the ring. Three loser security guys showed up to try to stop the attack, but Ricochet, Kaun and Liona beat them up.
Analysis: Poor Luchasaurus. He has a legit injury and will likely be out for several months.
The Death Riders group of Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir were backstage. Moxley said he’s easy to find while mentioning Shelton Benjamin. The others in the group spoke up as well, with Wheeler Yuta saying if you want to go through Pac, you have to get through Yuta. Garcia said that in 2026, it is Death Riders against the world.
Analysis: It’s a group that continues to be featured and I assume Jon Moxley will remain as leader. There’s a weird dynamic now with Moxley as a babyface, while the others are heels, so maybe they’ll kick Moxley out soon.
Willow Nightingale, who is the AEW Women’s Tag Team Champion with Harley Cameron, did a quick promo backstage, with Willow saying she’s going to regain the TBS Title.
(Commercial)
The AEW World Champion MJF was interviewed by Renee Paquette backstage. Renee mentioned all the people coming after MJF’s title. MJF said he’s about to make his last title reign short and sweet because he’s a generational talent. Brody King and Bandido walked in. King said that Bandido’s going to win the Triple B – Bandido’s Big Belt, in two weeks at Maximum Carnage. MJF was not impressed.
It was main event time with Women’s Tag Team Champion Willow Nightingale out first and the fans loved her. The TBS Champion Mercedes Mone was up next while some shirtless dudes held her many other titles. Mone has been the champion for 584 days since beating Willow Nightingale for it at Double or Nothing 2024.
TBS Championship: Mercedes Mone vs. Willow Nightingale
The graphic let us know Mone is 14-0 in singles matches on Dynamite. Mone hit a dropkick early on and kicked Willow out of the ring. Mone sent Willow crashing into the barricade. Melo went for a knee attack, Willow moved and Willow hit a Pounce that sent Mone into the barricade. Back in the ring, Willow got a two count. Mone was able to come back with a pin attempt for two and Willow hit a backslide for two. Willow hit a lariat for two. Mone sent Willow into the turnbuckle. Willow came back with a dropkick off the middle turnbuckle. Willow hit a running cannonball smash against the turnbuckle and that got a two count. Mone left the ring, so Willow hit another cannonball from the apron to the floor. Mone kicked Willow off the apron so that Willow went crashing into the steel steps. Mone hit the running knees into Willow’s head into the steps.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Willow getting some offense going with two clotheslines and a running splash. Mone came back with a knee. Willow bounced off the ropes and hit a Pounce to knock Mone down. Willow hit a Death Valley Driver for two. Willow hit a sitout Powerbomb for two because Mone leaned forward and put her left foot on the bottom rope. Willow went for a moonsault, Mone moved and Willow hit the mat. Mone went up top, jumped off with a Frog Splash and Willow got her knees up to block. Willow gave Mone a Death Valley Driver slam off the shoulders onto the ring apron. Willow went for a cannonball from the apron to the floor, but Mone moved and Willow hit the floor hard. Mone suplexed Willow twice on the floor. Willow shoved Mone back-first into the ring apron. Willow cleared off the commentary table. Tony said they could see a countout, but it’s not like the referee was counting or that there is any threat of that in AEW. Willow tried a move on the table, but Mone countered with a suplex on the table. The table did not break. Now the referee starts counting so the wrestlers can crawl back in to break the count? They were on the floor for about two minutes. It’s ridiculous. Anyway, Willow and Mone each got two counts. Mone hit some gentle elbow strikes to the head and the Statement Maker submission, but Willow fought out of it. Mone went for a move, but Willow pushed her into the turnbuckle. Mone tripped up Willow into a two count. Mone went for a jackknife pin and it got two. Willow hit a gutwrench Powerbomb for the pinfall win after 15 minutes. The fans popped big for the title change.
Winner by pinfall AND NEW TBS Champion: Willow Nightingale
Analysis: ***3/4 Great match. They worked hard, the fans were into it and it was treated like a big deal to have Willow take the title from Mone. Willow took a beating in the match, yet she kept on coming and found a way to get the clean win. Mone had the title for a long time and it felt like the right time for her to lose the title. The referee’s countout spot was dumb as usual in AEW with the lack of realistic countouts, but that’s something we see regularly in this company. Willow is one of the most likable wrestlers in all of AEW, so I was happy with her getting the win.
After the match, Willow Nightingale celebrated with tag team partner Harley Cameron and members of The Conglomeration group. AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander also showed up. Willow had a slow reaction and then Kris hugged her in the middle of the ring. The fans cheered. That means Kris and Willow are buddies again after having issues in the past. Willow continued to celebrate. End show.
Analysis: I also think it’s a smart move to end the year on a happy note by having a beloved babyface like Willow Nightingale winning a championship in the last AEW match of the year.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Willow Nightingale
- Jon Moxley
- Mercedes Mone and Bandido
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The Scoreboard
This Week: 7.5 out of 10
Last Week: No review
2025 Average: 7.42
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Final Thoughts on AEW Dynamite
The show was full of good matches, as usual, from AEW. I enjoyed it overall. Fun way to end the show with Willow Nightingale ending the night as the TBS Champion by taking the title from Mercedes Mone, who held the title for about a year and a half.
There wasn’t a lot of talking, but MJF clearly has many wrestlers coming after him, so they did a good job of establishing that on this show.
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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