All Elite Wrestling (AEW) kicked off the 2025 year with its marquee event, Revolution, held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on March 9. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as fans packed the arena to witness high-octane wrestling action, featuring multiple championship matches and gripping rivalries. This edition of Revolution proved significant, marked by thrilling clashes, unexpected turns, and unforgettable moments.
The night was headlined by AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defending his title against the formidable Cope, who sought to dethrone Moxley and end the Death Riders' reign of terror. This main event stood as the culmination of heated exchanges from previous episodes of AEW programming. The match kept viewers on the edge of their seats as both competitors went toe-to-toe with relentless fervor.
From the outset, Moxley and Cope exchanged brutal strikes, relying on their signature styles. The match escalated with near falls and intense action outside the ring, drawing cheers from the crowd. Moxley utilized aggressive tactics, aiming to maintain his champion status, but Cope displayed resilience, countering with powerful maneuvers.
Despite their best efforts, the match witnessed interference from Christian Cage, who, under the guise of cashing in his guaranteed title match contract, threw yet another wrench directly at Cope. Cage’s participation shifted the tide dramatically as he sought to capitalize on the disarray and add his name to the championship mix.
The emotional depths of the rivalry culminated as Moxley, through grit and determination, secured the victory after applying his finisher, retaining the AEW World Championship. The undercurrent of authority and struggles between champions and challenges became evident, serving as fertile ground for future storylines.
Not to be overshadowed, the AEW Women's World Championship bout featuring “Timeless” Toni Storm against Mariah May delivered perhaps the most theatrical and violent encounter of the evening. Dubbed the “Hollywood Ending,” the match promised chaos and violence—and it certainly delivered. Both competitors left no stone unturned, utilizing steel chairs, tables, and even breaking glass as they feverishly fought to establish dominance.
Storm emerged victorious, driving May through the debris-strewn ramp with her signature move, the Storm Zero, after showcasing raw grit and tenacity throughout the brawl. The ferocity of their spectacle, coupled with the heavy emotional stakes of their storyline, made this match one of the highlights of the evening. After the match, as the words “The End” illuminated the screens, fans could feel the weight of their year-long story culminate.
Kenny Omega made his long-awaited return to pay-per-view, competing for the AEW International Championship against Konosuke Takeshita. Their match was rife with back-and-forth action, showcasing high-flying maneuvers and punishing offense from both athletes. Omega, overcoming adversity with previous injuries to his stomach, displayed resilience, culminating with the victory to reclaim his championship. This match exemplified the heart of professional wrestling, blending storytelling and athleticism to connect deeply with the audience.
On the TBS Championship front, reigning champion Mercedes Moné squared off against Japan's Momo Watanabe. The contest unfolded with solid exchanges and breathtaking reversals but began as somewhat slower-paced than hoped. Yet as the match progressed, fans found their investment leading to dramatic near falls. Moné fought fiercely to retain her title, managing to tap Watanabe out with her signature Bank Statement move, solidifying her time as champion.
Throughout Revolution, various other bouts heightened the evening’s intensity. The Hurt Syndicate, consisting of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin, defended their AEW World Tag Team Championships against The Outrunners, delivering non-stop action marred by surprisingly disjointed moments. Other thrilling contests filled out the preliminary card, embodying the embodiment of AEW’s highly regarded approach to wrestling.
Each match carried its thread, weaving together individual and collective narratives formed over months and years of wrestling. Swerve Strickland faced Ricochet, with Strickland gaining the upper hand to win and position himself for the AEW World title down the line. Matches like these displayed why Revolution is revered as one of the significant events on the wrestling calendar.
The steel cage match between Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher also captivated, marked by visceral violence and stakes. Their rivalry, stemming from relationships formed and strained, addressed the lengths to which wrestlers would go to vindicate themselves. The match closed with Ospreay scored the victory, reaffirming the bonds and challenges they faced as fighters.
The night ended with Moxley’s triumph over Cope encapsulating the spirit of AEW Revolution, signifying both continuity of storyline and charting new paths forward. Los Angeles’s wrestling fans departed warmly illuminated by the drama, athleticism, and storytelling woven throughout the matches. Each wrestler proved why they deserved to shine on one of the biggest stages of all, and the hard-hitting nature and emotional narratives will surely leave their imprint leading up to the next events on AEW’s calendar.