AEW Dynamite 5/25 kicks off with a massive opener, Wardlow defeating Shawn Spears in a Steel Cage Match. Odds clearly stacked against the big man, as MJF reveals himself as the special guest ref. MJF conveniently leaves the handcuffs on, giving Spears the advantage. This isn’t a long match, and it doesn’t have to be. MJF and Spears constantly double-teaming and cheating riles up the crowd with uber-heat, up until Wardlow hulks up and breaks the cuffs. Spears and MJF regain advantage with a low blow, but Spears takes way too long to set up a chair shot, and everyone but MJF sees the chair coming a mile away, with Wardlow ducking and Spears DESTROYS The Salt of the Earth with a chair to the fricken Skull. Wardlow goes Powerbomb Symphony and Bryce Remsberg runs in, making the three count.
Yes, we know this was the predictable result. However, the intensity level for this feud is comparable to a Taz vs. Sabu level feud. This is going to be amazing come Sunday.
“Hangman” Adam Page and CM Punk have a face-to-face confrontation
Hangman and Punk share some intense words which culminate in a physical altercation. Punk played the heavy mind games, touting himself as the person who set the blueprint for AEW to be successful. I wouldn’t go as far to say its a heel promo, but Punk touting his own career and personal journey to set the stage for Hangman to counter saying Punk is fueling his own ego and vows to save AEW from him.
Jon Moxley & Eddie Kingston defeated Private Party
Great match. Private Party sold everything like a million bucks. Helps to be super flexible. Quen hit a beautiful Shooting Star. With Regal and Jericho providing some very entertaining commentary, Mox and Kingston brawled and suplexed their way to a big win. Post match saw a huge brawl. The Anarchy in the Arena is going to be bonkers.
ROH World Tag Team Championships go to a DQ Finish
Yep, because Jeff Cobb and Great O’Khan storm the ring and destroy both FTR and Roppongi Vice. Result aside, this was a superb outing. FTR is insanely over. It’s been fantastic watching how organically they’ve become babyfaces, simply by touting their passion for wrestling. What a fantastic match.
Thus, the build to Forbidden Door begins.
Backstage, Matt and Jeff Hardy cut a promo on the Young Bucks hyping up their dream match for Double or Nothing.
Swerve Strickland defeated Jungle Boy and Ricky Starks
Another great match with so many close calls. I thought they would give the win to Starks.
Post-match, the build for Double or Nothing escalated with all teams brawling, culminating with Keith Lee wiping everyone out.
Dr. Britt Baker DMD defeated Toni Storm
With an assist from Jamie Hayter. Good misdirect with Hayter coming out and Baker initially waving her off, audibly telling her she isn’t needed and to leave. Based on the past few months, it wouldn’t have been too far of a shock if Hayter bungled and caused Baker to lose, but instead the distraction was enough for Baker to capitalize and pin Storm.
During the bout Storm took a hard hit and may have a broken nose.
Main Event of AEW Dynamite 5/25: Samoa Joe defeated Kyle O’Reilly
Samoa Joe is a beast of a wrecking machine. Probably his best since his ROH days. The crowd chants are highly warranted. Like the other matches tonight, at no point did one person dominate for too long. O’Reilly worked over the bad arm as much as possible, in-between Joe wrecking the poor lad with brutal kicks. In the end, Joe’s submission causes Kyle O’Reilly to pass out.
Out comes his tournament final opponent, Adam Cole to taunt his challenger.
Folks, if tonight is any indication at all, Double or Nothing appears to be set up as one hell of a pay-per-view event. Bet on that.
AEW Dynamite 5/25 is now on demand and streaming on the TBS app.
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