All Elite Wrestling (AEW) returned to pay-per-view with the highly anticipated AEW Dynasty, which took place on April 6, 2025, at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia. This year's event featured a stacked card, headlined by the AEW World Championship match between Jon Moxley and Swerve Strickland, alongside several title defenses and tournament matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The night kicked off with a Zero Hour pre-show at 6:30 p.m. ET, featuring two exciting matches that set the tone for the evening. In the first match, Nick Wayne teamed up with CRU, consisting of Action Andretti and Lio Rush, to take on AR Fox and Top Flight. The match ended with Wayne hitting his signature move, Wayne's World, to secure the victory for his team.
Following that, Anthony Bowens faced Max Caster in an open challenge, which Bowens won decisively in under a minute with a rolling elbow, showcasing his impressive skills and quickness.
As the main card began at 8 p.m. ET, the excitement in the arena was palpable. The first match of the main event featured Will Ospreay taking on Kevin Knight in the Men's Owen Hart Cup Tournament Quarterfinals. Ospreay, known for his high-flying style, managed to defeat Knight after an intense back-and-forth battle, highlighted by Ospreay's signature moves, including the Styles Clash and Hidden Blade.
Next up was the AEW World Tag Team Championship match, where the Hurt Syndicate, consisting of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, defended their titles against the Learning Tree, represented by Big Bill and Bryan Keith. The match saw interference from MJF, who helped the Hurt Syndicate retain their titles after a brutal finish that left the Learning Tree reeling.
The Women's Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Quarterfinals featured Mercedes Mone against Julia Hart, and Mone emerged victorious after a hard-fought contest, setting her sights on the semifinals. The crowd was treated to a showcase of talent as both women pushed each other to their limits.
In the AEW World Trios Championship match, the Death Riders—Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Wheeler Yuta—successfully defended their titles against Rated FTR, which included Cope, Dax Harwood, and Cash Wheeler. The match was chaotic, with high spots and near falls, but ultimately ended with the Death Riders retaining their titles. However, the post-match antics took a dark turn as FTR turned on Cope, delivering a brutal con-chair-to that left him incapacitated and led to his removal from the ring on a stretcher.
As the night progressed, the AEW Women’s World Championship match featured the reigning champion, Toni Storm, defending against the formidable Megan Bayne. In a thrilling encounter, Storm managed to retain her title after a close call, utilizing her experience and agility to outmaneuver Bayne, who had been on a dominant streak leading up to the match.
The highly anticipated three-way match for the AEW International Championship followed, pitting Kenny Omega against Ricochet and Mike Bailey. This match was a showcase of athleticism, with all three competitors delivering high-octane action. Omega, the reigning champion, showcased his resilience and skill to fend off both challengers and retain his title, solidifying his status as one of AEW's top stars.
In the main event, Jon Moxley defended the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland. The match was a brutal affair, with both men exchanging heavy strikes and high-impact moves. Moxley, known for his tenacity and grit, faced a formidable opponent in Strickland, who had earned his title shot after defeating Ricochet in a previous event. The tension in the arena was electric as fans rallied behind both competitors, eager to see who would emerge victorious.
As the dust settled, AEW Dynasty 2025 proved to be a night filled with unforgettable moments and shocking developments. The event not only showcased the incredible talent within AEW but also set the stage for future storylines and rivalries.
With the fallout from Dynasty, fans can look forward to what’s next for their favorite wrestlers as AEW continues to build momentum heading into its upcoming events. The stakes are higher than ever, and the landscape of professional wrestling is evolving rapidly.
