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AEW DYNAMITE REPORT
“SPRING BREAK THRU”
APRIL 16, 2025
BOSTON, MASS. AT MGM MUSIC HALL AT FENWAY
AIRED LIVE ON TBS & MAX
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Attendance: WrestleTix reported this week that 3,147 tickets had been distributed; arena is set up for 3,192. The arena has a capacity of 5,009 spectators when configured for concerts.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch’s Chris Lansdell to review AEW Dynamite LIVE tonight right after Dynamite. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Dynamite. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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[HOUR ONE]
-Excalibur introduced the show as the camera panned the crowd in the packed intimate, industrial-looking arena. Excalibur said the Death Riders attacked Hook earlier, but Samoa Joe vowed to battle for the Trios Titles anyway. Tony Schiavone joined in to hype scheduled matches including the Owen Hart Cup Tournament semi-finals.
(1) MERCEDES MONE vs. ATHENA – Owen Hart Cup Tournament semi-final
As Mercedes came out, Excalibur said Taz was not with them as he was at the hospital alongside his son, Hook. Schiavone called what the Death Riders did “revolting.” Athena made her entrance next. Schiavone said the winner of this match would go on to the finals at Double or Nothing. He said this could be considered a dream match. Excalibur added, “These are women who have shared locker rooms, shared the ring together, but have never faced off one-on-one.” Schiavone noted Athena is 64-0 since winning the ROH Title with a 858 day reign. He said Mercedes was 19-0 since winning the TBS Title last year at Double or Nothing. The bell 4 minutes into the hour.
Excalibur noted Collision will air on Thursday night this week (to avoid going up against WrestleMania, not to mention the first round of the NBA and NHL playoffs). They tumbled out of the ring and battled to the stage a minute in. Schiavone noted Aubry Edwards is refereeing her 2,000th match. Mercedes applied a crossface mid-ring at 5:00. Mercedes held the grip as Athena rolled out of the ring to the floor. Athena gave Mercedes a stunner off the ring apron to ringside. They cut to a double-box break at 7:00. [c/db]
Back from the break, they were exchanging strikes mid-ring. Athena landed a double-knee gutbuster. Both were down and slow to get up. Mercedes landed the three unreleased consecutive vertical suplexes. Athena blocked a fourth and landed two powerbombs. She then set up another, but Mercedes slipped free and landed a back stabber. A minute later, Mercedes drove knees into Athena’s head and knocked her to the floor.
Mercedes tried to back suplex Athena off the ring apron, but Athena held onto the middle rope. She went for a sunset flip off the ring apron next. Athena held on and stomped on Mercedes’ chest over and over again. Athena powerslammed Mercedes on the ring apron while leaning on the middle rope and then scored at two count in the ring. Athena switched to a crossface. Mercedes floated over and transitioned into a sleeper. Athena rolled her shoulders back and scored a two count at 18:00.
Athena set up a powerbomb, but Mercedes slipped free. Athena dropped Mercedes and upkicked her. Mercedes rolled to the floor before Athena could go for a cover. Athena charged at ringside, but Mercedes sidestepped her and threw her into the ringside barricade. Athena dropkicked Mercedes into the barricade and the LED lights went haywire. Athena leaped off the top rope at Mercedes back in the ring with an O-Face attempt, but Mercedes blocked it and rolled up Athena with a jackknife pin for a three count.
WINNER: Mercedes in 21:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Very good first singles match for those two. It was paced nicely as the intensity and pacing increased as the match progressed. The announcers did a good job setting the stage for this match. If ROH was higher profile, this certainly would have received a bigger build. The Boston setting led to a more pro-Mercedes crowd reaction than they’d have gotten elsewhere.)
-As Mercedes celebrated, Toni Storm’s music played. Storm appeared in the middle deck with Luther. Excalibur talked about Storm defending her title at All In Texas in July if she holds the title until then. Mercedes looked on.
-Renee Paquette interviewed “Hangman” Adam Page backstage. The Young Bucks and Kazuchika Okada interrupted. Matt Jackson said the last time they crossed paths was at Blood & Guts last year. He said Hangman walked out on them and cost them the match. Matt said they accept his apology and said, “It’s all good.” (It’s never all good when people say that.) Matt said they can patch things up and perhaps get the Death Riders to join them even though they’re crazy. Nick said he knows Hangman is happy because they helped cost Swerve the AEW World Title. Matt suggested Hangman win the Owen Tournament and then bring the AEW World Title back to The Elite. The Jacksons left. Okada asked, “Hangman, why are you always angry. Smile. Like this.” Hangman acted like he might practice a smile, but then shook his head and left. Okada called him, “Bitch.” Fans popped. Hangman ran back and got in his face. When Hangman left, Okada’s smile turned sinister
-They showed Tuukka Rask with the Stanley Cup on the stage. Some fans booed the Boston Bruin. Excalibur hyped the NHL playoffs. [c]
(2) “HANGMAN” ADAM PAGE vs. “THE WALKING WEAPON” JOSH ALEXANDER – Owen Hart Cup Tournament match
Hangman came out first. Then Alexander. Excalibur said there were a lot of rumors about him exploring free agency. He said he’s one of the most intense, toughest blue collar athletes Canada has ever produced. He said he has apparently landed in AEW. Excalibur said they shared a locker room early in their careers in ROH, but have never met one-on-one. The bell rang 35 minutes into the hour.
After back and forth action, Hangman clotheslined Alexander to the floor. At ringside, Alexander dropped Hangman face-first on the ring apron. Hangman side-stepped a running boot and left him straddling the ringside barricade. Hangman then leaped off the stage with a flying clothesline. They cut to a double-box break at 3:00. [c/db]
They exchanged mid-ring strikes. Hangman nailed Alexander with a tornado lariat that took Alexander down hard. Both were down and slow to get up. Hangman backdropped Alexander onto the ring apron. Hangman leaped off the top rope with a moonsault at ringside. Back in the ring he landed a Ligerbomb for a two count at 9:00.
Alexander applied a standing anklelock a minute later. Hangman reached the ropes to force a break. He then landed an enzuigiri. Hangman landed a tombstone piledriver for a near fall. They battled back at ringside and then back into the ring. Alexander ducked another enzuigiri and went for a standing anklelock. Hangman countered into a roll-up for a three count.
WINNER: Hangman in 13:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Another very good match That match largely followed the same basic outline and structure and progression start to finish as the Mercedes-Athena match all the way to the leverage pin by the more established AEW wrestler after countering a key move from the newcomer.
-Afterward, Don Callis and Kyle Fletcher walked out onto the stage. Excalibur said they aren’t there to congratulate Hangman. They applauded and walked to the ring. Hangman and Fletcher brawled on the ramp. Fletcher backdropped Hangman into the ring, but Hangman caught him with a lariat. Callis whispered something to Alexander. He hit Hangman from behind and then powerbombed him. Callis smiled and applauded, then entered the ring. Fletcher then gave Hangman a brainbuster suplex. [c]
-Nick Wayne stood backstage with Mother Wayne and Kip Sabian. Nick said The Patriarchy is a hierarchy, and the father is at the top, so when the father disappears, it can collapse on itself. The camera panned over to Christian. He walked up to Wayne and said, “Daddy’s home, Nick.” He said he has been watching from afar and it’s been quite a month for him. He said Nick wanted to say something to his face. “So say it,” he said. Nick said he thinks Christian didn’t execute the plan because he didn’t think he could live with himself of Copeland became champion before him.
Christian said that’s not a fact, it’s an assumption. He said he liked the fire he’s seen in him. He said he gave him a month to let him grow his confidence and he was impressed. He said he procured him a spot in the New Japan Super Juniors Tournament. He said he’ll keep him busy until then, starting with a match tomorrow night against Kommander for the ROH TV Title. “And you’re going to win the match by yourself,” he said. He said he’ll bring it back to the Patriarchy because he’d never let his father down. He gave him a light slap and then called for Mother Wayne and Sabian to follow him. Nick checked for blood.
-They went to Excalibur and Schiavone at ringside. They threw to clips of the angle on Collision with FTR that led to a harrowing moment for Schiavone. They showed FTR beating up Danny Garcia. Back at ringside live, Schiavone said, “Look what they’ve become.” He said they have become so selfish and have been suspended and fined one week’s pay. He said he wasn’t sure if that would stop them.
(3) BOBBY LASHLEY & SHELTON BENJAMIN vs. GATES OF AGONY (Bishop Kaun & Tao Liona) – AEW World Tag Team Title match
As Gates of Agony made their entrance, Excalibur talked about the June 18 Grand Slam Mexico event announcement made earlier in the day for Mexico City, Mexico at Arena Mexico. As Hurt Business came out, they showed Kristaps Porzingis in the front row.
[HOUR TWO]
The bell rang 1 minute into the hour. MVP joined in on commentary. They cut to a break a few minutes in. [c/db]
Lashley caught Liona with a spear at ringside at 9:00. Fans chanted, “We hurt people!” Back in the ring, Lashley speared Kaun for a three count.
WINNERS: Hurt Business in 9:00.
-MJF came out afterward with a mic in hand. Fans chanted, “MJF! MJF!” He thanked them for acknowledging how great he is, but asked them to give it up for The Hurt Syndicate. He told the fans they’re “too white” and aren’t on the same page with their attempt to chant. MJF said Shelton looked great. He said Lashley is a slow-learner. MVP had to hold Lashley back. MJF said, “I didn’t say a name! I didn’t say a name!” He said he has talent himself, but also some talent in the back. MVP told him he loves him, but get to it since he’s already pissed off Lashley. A parade of seven women walked to the ring. MJF held the ropes open for them with a big smile on his face. Some of the women wiped sweat off of Shelton and Bobby.
MJF said they can have a night out with the ladies, and all he requests in return is three thumbs up. The women also gave Lashley a towel rubdown. MVP called for a vote and told them he knows how they feel. He had trouble getting Shelton’s attention as he was staring at a woman. Shelton told MJF he appreciates it, but he needs a little more time. MJF asked what he means since they’ve been doing this for a few weeks. Shelton explained he wanted “more time” as he pointed at his wrist. MJF asked if he wanted his watch. Shelton said yes. MJF said he knows he likes him. MJF said give him a thumbs up and he can have his watch. Shelton teased a thumbs up, but then tilted it down. Lashley was pleased. Fans booed.
MJF said he respects democracy and voting and the power of the people. “Maybe not these people,” he said about the fans. They booed. He said he thinks he’s growing on Shelton, so as a token of appreciation, he can have his watch. He handed it to him. He said he can have the ladies tonight, too. He said when he joins Hurt Syndicate, there will be plenty more watches and women. He then told “Bob” that he’s known as the All Mighty, but he’s known for getting what he wants. Fans chanted, “He’s our scumbag!” Lashley encouraged it. MJF said, “It’s because my name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman and I’m better than you and you know it.” He dropped the mic and he left to his music as MVP and Lashley discussed the situation.
-A clip aired from AEW Revolution in 2024 of Ospreay vs. Takeshita and then WrestleDream. [c]
-Backstage, Lexi Nair interviewed The Hurt Syndicate backstage. She congratulated them on their win, but brought up MJF’s persistence. Lashley told MVP, “I don’t trust this kid.” MVP said he’s having a personal reaction to him, but think about business. MVP conceded MJF is annoying. MVP said they can “use MJF to get what we want.” He told him to ease up, but the moment he gets out of line, at which point Lashley said, “We hurt him.” Lashley smiled. MVP said they’d deal with that later. The women joined them again.
(4) WILL OSPREAY vs. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA (w/Don Callis)
Ospreay came out first. Then Takeshita with Callis. The bell rang 28 minutes into the hour. Callis talked about his familiarity with the wrestlers. Schiavone asked what he said to Alexander earlier. Callis said he spoke Canadian so he wouldn’t understand. Takeshita landed a flip dive onto Ospreay at 3:00 and then they cut to a double-box break as fans chanted, “AEW!” [c/db]
Takeshita was on offense after the break. Ospreay made a comeback and landed a cutter on the ramp. Back in the ring, Ospreay landed a springboard dropkick followed by a top rope Sky Twister for a two count at 11:00. He followed with an OsCutter for a two count. They cut to a shot of fans standing. A “Fight Forever!” chant broke out. Takeshita back bridged Ospreay’s shoulders down a very near fall at 12:00. Both were down and slow to get up. Callis said it was a three count in his opinion. Excalibur wondered if Takeshita was wearing himself out with too busy of a wrestling schedule lately.
They stood and exchanged strikes mid-ring. The ref pulled Takeshita out of the corner. Ospreay kicked Takeshita in the head twice. Takeshita caught a third attempt and knocked Ospreay down with a forearm to the chin. The ref checked on Ospreay. Takeshita pulled Ospreay to his feet and set up Raging Fire. Ospreay escaped and hook kicked Takeshita. After two more kicks, Ospreay went for Hidden Blade. Takeshita collapsed and avoided it. Seconds later, Takeshita caught Ospreay with a Blue Thunder bomb for a near fall.
Ospreay went for a springboard move, but Takeshita elbowed him out of mid-air. Ospreay kicked out at one and landed a rapid-fire Hidden Blade. Takeshita kicked out at one. They hit each other with clotheslines. Ospreay dropped to his knees. Takeshita smiled. Ospreay caught Takeshita with a spike piledriver and then a German suplex. Takeshita gave Ospreay a Hidden Blade. Both were down and again slow to get up. Fans applauded. The ref counted both down and got to the count of nine before both stood.
Takeshita then landed a running boot. He followed by climbing to the top rope. Ospreay slipped when trying to climb the ropes. Takeshita punched Ospreay, but Ospreay head-butted him. Ospreay then climbed to the top rope. Takeshita countered with a clothesline. Ospreay landed on his feet and then hit Takeshita with a Hidden Blade for a two count. The crowd counted along and roared with the kickout. Ospreay signaled for another Hidden Blade, but Takeshita countered him with a knee strike. Ospreay countered a Raging Fire. Ospreay then landed a Styles Clash for a near fall at 20:00.
Ospreay went for another Hidden Blade. Takeshita countered with a backslide for a two count. Ospreay then finished Takeshita with a Storm Breaker. Schiavone seemed to be signing off and thanking fans when Excalibur interrupted and said they still had a lot more to come.
WINNER: Ospreay in 21:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: That met the highest of expectations for what these two would deliver. They went hard into the rapid-fire spamming of finishers and counters and near falls, but you can’t argue with the crowd eating it up and getting more and more invested with every stage of the match.) [c]
(5) DEATH RIDERS (Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta & Claudio Castagnoli w/Marina Shafir) vs. THE OPPS (Samoa Joe & Shibata) & POWERHOUSE HOBBS – Trios Title match
They cut outside the venue where Moxley made his way into the venue and then met the rest of his crew and they headed to the ring. Schiavone touted this being being the longest running prime time pro wrestling series ever on TBS/TNT. Hobbs was revealed as the replacement for Hook with The Opps. The bell rang 58 minutes into the hour. They cut to a double-box break at 4:00 with the Death Riders in control of Shibata. [c/db]
Back from the break, Shafir clipped Hobbs’s leg from behind at ringside. Back in the ring, Shibata chopped Claudio. Claudio fired back. They plugged Collision: Julia Hart & Kris Statlander vs. Harley Cameron & Mercedes, Nick Wayne vs. Kommander, and Adam Cole’s TNT Title Open Challenge.
Joe and Wheeler tagged in. Joe landed a snap powerslam. Mox broke up the cover with a stomp to Joe’s head. Mox pulled a chair out from under the ring. The ref warned him. Willow Nightingale ran out and yanked the chair from Mox. Yuta dropkicked Joe off the top rope. Claudio gave Yuta a lift-and-drop uppercut. Hobbs gave Claudio a spinebuster. Mox knocked Hobbs out of the ring. Joe gave Mox a lariat. Joe and Mox were both down mid-ring. Matthew & Nicholas Jackson walked out.
From the front row, Swerve yanked a chair out of the hands of Matt at ringside and then landed a leaping Swerve Stomp on both Jacksons. Fans chanted, “Swerve’s House!” Swerve tossed the Jacksons over the ringside barricade. Meanwhile, Mox and Claudio beat up Joe. Shibata put Claudio in a sleeper on the ramp. He landed a PK to Claudio’s chest and then applied a sleeper. Meanwhile, Joe set up a Muscle Buster. Yuta broke it up. Hobbs slammed Yuta onto the announce desk. Shafir bashed Hobbs with a chair. Willow tackled Shafir. Mox then set up a Death Rider on Joe, but Joe countered into a sleeper and the ref quickly called for the bell.
As Joe, Hobbs, and Shibata celebrated, Schiavone said the Bucks got their comeuppance. Will Ospreay then came out to celebrate with them. The locker room emptied. Excalibur said everyone was happy to see the Death Riders lose the titles. Excalibur hyped Dynamite next week and said there is no stopping us.
WINNERS: Joe & Shibata & Hobbs in 14:00 to win the Trios Titles.
(Keller’s Analysis: That was mad chaos and ultimately created rationale for Joe to get a match against Mox for the AEW Title. It also showed the various alliances taking shape. AEW is really pushing the fact that they outlasted Nitro as a series on TBS/TNT. They’re stopping just short of obviously gloating and it does feel more like touting a proud achievement.)
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO OUR POST-SHOW PODCAST
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch’s Chris Lansdell to review AEW Dynamite LIVE tonight right after Dynamite. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Dynamite. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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