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AEW DYNAMITE REPORT
MARCH 12, 2025
FRESNO, CALIF. AT SAVE MART CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON TBS & MAX
Commentators: Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, Taz
Ring Announcer: Justin Roberts
Attendance: WrestleTix reports that 3,826 tickets had been distributed as of right before showtime, up from only 2,100 six days ago. The arena has a capacity of 18,000 spectators, but the wrestling stage cuts off some of that capacity.
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PWTorch editor Wade Keller and PWTorch’s Tej Narayanan to review AEW Dynamite LIVE tonight right after Dynamite. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Dynamite during the show.
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[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with a shot of the arena and the crowd of nearly 4,000 as Excalibur introduced the show.
-Kenny Omega made his entrance, announced by Justin Roberts as the new International Champion. Pyro blasted as Omega came out, wearing his title and smiling while slapping hands and signing an autograph. Excalibur said he is the Grand Slam Champion of AEW, having held the World Title, Trios Titles, Tag Titles, and now International Title. The announcers discussed his diverticulitis comeback.
When Omega entered the ring, fans chanted, “Kenny! Kenny!” He said this is all still wild to him because before 2025, he was just happy to say he was medically cleared. He said he is back with the support of someone he never thought he’d be able to call a friend, Will Ospreay. He said he’s not only back, but back with the International Title, stressing that it is a singles title rather than a tag title. He also thanked Konosuke Takeshita.
He said he liked Tony Khan’s idea to have a tournament so that whoever challenges him for the International Title is the best. He said he’ll be paying close attention to the tournament. He bid everyone adieu and left the ring.
-Excalibur reviewed the tournament brackets: Orange Cassidy vs. Hechicero, The Beast Mortos vs. a wildcard, Katsuyori Shibata vs. Ricochet (on Collision this Saturday), and Mark Briscoe vs. Mark Davis (also on Collision on Saturday). The winners of those matches will be part of a four-way (Cassidy vs. Ricochet vs. Briscoe vs. Mortos?) on Dynamite next Wednesday.
(Keller’s Analysis: How is that tournament going to decide the best challenger Omega could face? It seems almost inevitable that Ricochet wins, or the Wildcard coming up later. The rest are one or two levels below Omega’s status and easily big underdogs to beat him. Omega delivered a fine old-school babyface celebration promo.)
(1) THE OPPS (Samoa Joe & Hook & Shibata) vs. VINNY PACIFICO & ELI THESEUS & GABRIEL AEROS
Omega was still slapping hands with fans as The Opps walked out. They eyed Omega. The bell rang 9 minutes into the hour. Joe and Hook were in the match briefly before Shibata finished the match with a sleeper and a running PK.
WINNERS: The Opps in 2:00.
-A soundbite aired with Ricochet backstage speaking about facing Shibata on Collision. He said he didn’t want “that ugly-ass robe anyways.” He said the International Title belt would look even better on his waist. He said he knows everything about Shibata and what he’s capable of, so he’s giving him the option to forfeit before Saturday. He said it’s Ricochet’s time and then let out his high-pitched “uh-haaa!”
-A video recap aired of the Revolution PPV.
(Keller’s Analysis: This is so smart since only a slice of the Dynamite audience watches the PPVs, so they should be catching people up on what happened and also showing highlights that earn replay buys and a sense of regret for not ordering it live.)
-Excalibur said there will be a rematch next week between Jon Moxley and Adam Copeland, and then the winner will face Swerve Strickland at Dynasty on Apr. 6 in Philadelphia, Pa.
-An interviewer caught up with Swerve on Sunday night and asked him when he plans to challenge for the AEW World Title. He said Apr. 6. Copeland walked up to Strickland told him he didn’t lose earlier, so there’s a chance he’ll be facing him on Apr. 6. He said if he isn’t champion by then, and if Swerve beats Moxley, then he’ll be coming for him. Swerve said he understood. [c]
-A pre-recorded Moxley promo aired. He said it’s ironic that Copeland is saying he got lucky on Sunday since Copeland used to be known as “the world’s greatest opportunist or something like that.” He said he should’ve defeated Copeland before Christian Cage even had a chance to tie his boots. He said Copeland kept coming at him despite being hurt. He said he had glassy eyes, was sucking wind, couldn’t turn his head to the side, had twitchy fingers, but he kept coming forward. He said he can admire what Copeland is made of. He said he’ll face Copeland in whatever kind of match he wants so he has no excuses. “Whatever you think looks cool on a poster, Copeland,” he said. He said he underestimated the depth of Copeland’s toughness, resolve, and grit. He said there are many reasons he is the champion. He said one reason is he never makes the same mistake twice.
(Keller’s Analysis: Mox is back in his zone on the mic. His delivery has stayed great, but his content there was focused and built the match next week and also built up his opponent in a way that will serve the match itself and help Copeland after he loses to Mox next week.)
(2) HOLOGRAM (w/Harleycam) & POWERHOUSE HOBBS vs. DRALISTICO (w/The Beast Mortos) & “THE MACHINE” BRIAN CAGE
Schiavone commented on clips of the Dralistico vs. Hologram match on Collision with Mortos attacking Hologram afterward. The bell rang 24 minutes into the hour. Schiavone called it one of the best matches they’ve ever had on Collision. They hyped that “Timeless” Toni Storm would speak later on the show. At 2:00 Cage pressed Hologram, but Hologram escaped with a huracanrana which sent Cage out of the ring. Hologram dove at Cage, but Cage caught him mid-air at ringside and turned it into a vertical suplex. Cage then did bicep curls with Hologram before tossing him over his head back into the ring. They cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Hobbs overpowered Dralistico and then called for Cage to enter. They collided with multiple simultaneous clotheslines. Hobbs knocked Cage down first and then landed a powerslam for a two count at 8:00. Dralistico entered and hit Hobbs with some chops. Hobbs no-sold them (I’m really over no-selling moves in this era.) Cage powerbombed Hologram into Hobbs in the corner when some chaos broke out. Cage suplexed Hobbs off the middle rope into the ring. Dralistico dove toward Hobbs and entirely missed. He went for the cover anyway, but then stood at one and yelled at Hobbs. Hobbs powerslammed Dralitico after a botched set-up.
Cage entered and gave Hobbs a discus clothesline. Hologram kicked Cage on the ring apron. Hobbs slammed Cage on the ring apron. Hologram then leaped off the top rope and pushed off of Hobbs’s chest with is boots to flip onto Cage below. Back in the ring, Hobbs no-sold Dralistico’s chops again. He caught Dralistico mid-air and landed a spinebuster for the clean win.
WINNERS: Hobbs & Hologram in 11:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not the smoothest of matches, but it had some fun sequences too.)
-Mark Davis (in the least flattering hoodie ever) and Lance Archer walked out and joined Cage at ringside. They mouthed off to Hobbs.
-In a backstage interview after Revolution, Shelton Benjamin said he wants to know who’s ass is going to be next. MVP liked that they aren’t looking for a day off and are already looking forward to their next challenge. He said they are the baddest, but now they’re going to be the chillest. He told them to enjoy sun and have some fun and take the week off. Shelton said okay, except for skipped the gym. MVP said his guys want to fight more and hurt people.
(Keller’s Analysis: I like that follow-up on the tag title win. They didn’t specify who they beat or anything, as they were pivoting to just focusing on their future and their status as dominant tag champs.)
-A video package aired on the Toni Storm-Mariah May saga.
-Storm made her way onto the stage. She said: “With stitches in my lips, staples in my head, and glass in my ass, I stand before you to tell you that this tramp is still the champ.” Fans chanted, “Toni! Toni!” She said this past Sunday at Revolution, it was her Hollywood ending and a chunk of her heart will be done forever, but looking at the belt, it was all worth it. She said it’s time for a new beginning. She said it’s her honor to be their AEW Women’s Champion. She said it’s the most talented locker room in all of professional wrestling. “We have so many world champions,” she said. She talked about the men’s World Title being in a briefcase. She said there are other champions and belt collectors. She said when you fight with her, it’s like visiting the zoo. “Because I bleed like a pig, I look like a giraffe, and I will eat you like a lion,” she said.
She said they will never hear her meow, “because I assure you I am no pussy.” She added: “No one swings like Toni Storm, so ladies put your keys in the bowl and let’s get this orgy started. It will be messy and it will be sweaty, but it will always be timeless!” Her music played and she dropped the mic. Taz said she’s not just timeless, she’s also priceless. Megan Bayne then attacked Storm. “Talk about a killjoy,” said Taz. “Damn!” Schiavone noted Bayne is undefeated in AEW. [c]
(3) THE BEAST MORTOS vs. “SPEEDBALL” MIKE BAILEY – International Title Contender Tournament
Mortos came out first. When Bailey made his entrance, Excalibur said they shouldn’t let that babyface fool you because he’s a fourth degree black belt in taekwondo. The bell rang 50 minutes into the hour. Excalibur said he’s called dozens of Bayley matches and has a history with Takeshita in his international travels. He threw a barrage of rapid-fire kicks at Morton and knocked him to the floor then struck a pose mid-ring. Fans chanted, “Speedball!” He flipped off the ring apron at Mortos, but Mortos moved, then Mortos knocked Bailey down. Mortos struck a pose in the ring, then went back after Bailey at ringside. A minute later, Bailey landed a running flip dive onto Mortos at ringside and they cut to a double-box break. [c/db]
Mortos took over during the break. Bailey made a comeback and then flipped off the middle rope onto Mortos at ringside. Fans chanted, “Holy shit!” Back in the ring, Bailey stayed on offense and landed a Liger bomb out of the corner for a two count. Bailey leaped off the top rope and went for a shooting star press, but Mortos moved. Bailey landed on his feet. Mortos hit a pop-up Samoan Drop for a two count.
They met on the top rope in the corner. Mortos leaped and press slammed Bailey to the mat and scored a near fall at 9:00. Bayley countered a series of powermoves into a roll-up for a near fall. Bailey then landed a spinning wheel kick to the head of Mortos for the win.
WINNER: Bailey in 11:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Spirited and successful AEW debut for Bailey. He came across likeable, high-energy, earnest, athletic, resilient, and determined. The crowd was into him. Mortos was a good opponent, since he’s a power wrestler but also not tall and also fully able to keep up with Bailey’s spots.)
[HOUR TWO]
-Renee Paquette asked Christian Cage, who was with Nick Wayne, Kip Sabian, and Mother Wayne, why he chose to cash in when he did on Sunday. Christian refused to talk to her because she’s related to Jon Moxley. He told her to get the hell out of his sight. He turned and talked to the camera (showing Renee’s mic is just a prop) and said he intended for a one-on-one match against Moxley, not a three-way. He said he didn’t tap out or pass out. He said he was just relegating his breathing and getting ready to escape.
Nick Wayne told Christian he is making excuses and he is lying to himself. He said the original plan could have made him AEW Champion. He said he owes all of them an explanation and an apology. Christian shoved Wayne. Mother Wayne stepped in and said, “Hey!” Christian said he can send her back to the midnight shift at the Waffle House. Christian then got in Nick’s face and asked how many world titles he won or how many world titles his biological father won. He said he could have ended up a loser like his father who died in front of his mother if not for him. He said he told Nick he will become AEW Champion if it’s the last thing he does. He pressed his nose against Nick’s nose and said the next time they have this conversation will be the last time. Mother Wayne consoled Nick who stared at Christian as Christian turned and walked away.
-Lexi Nair said she was standing outside the MJF locker room for ten minutes and heard commotion. She went inside. He punched a mirror and then turned and yelled at her to get out. She fled.
-MJF’s ring entrance took place. He said he has a headache, his hand hurts, and his body hurts. He said what hurts the most is the fact that he had that match won on Sunday, but Hangman Page decided to cheapshot him and get a fluke victory. He said he’s not upset anymore, though. He said he is ten times smarter than Hangman “and all his stupid, ignorant fans ever will be.” He said he’s always ten steps ahead of all of them. He said this thing between them isn’t over by a longshot. MVP’s music then played and he walked out. Taz said he’s not sure why he’s walking out there.
MJF looked quizzically at MVP as he entered the ring. They met mid-ring. “MVP,” said MJF. “MJF,” said MVP. They hugged and laughed. MJF asked what he was doing out there. MVP said he had some things to tell him. He said he’s proud of him. He said he’s not the same kid he met when he was 18. He said MJF once volunteered to drive him for the low price of being able to sit next to him and ask questions about the professional wrestling business. He said what impressed him were the questions he asked. He said he knew he would see him around. He said they met again at an indy show in South Florida and he recognized he had a huge aura.
He said MJF told him back then that one day he’d be a world champion main eventer. He said he has done everything he said he’d do, so he’s proud of him. He said what he’s not proud of and what he knows MJF cannot be proud of is what happened to him on Sunday. He asked why he was whining rather than smashing things and punching people in the face. “Max, why aren’t you hurting people?” he said. He said the wrestlers in the back don’t respect or fear him anymore because he’s lost his edge. He said they fear the Hurt Syndicate. He said he was able to help him a long time ago and perhaps he could help him again.
MVP pulled out his business card. He said where Hurt Syndicate go, so do championships. He said the card is a golden ticket to change his career. He said it might be time for them to talk some business. MJF pushed MVP’s hand down. MJF said it’s a short list of people he respects, but he’s not the same bright-eyed bushy-tailed kid he was years ago. He said he doesn’t need his help or advice. “I’m MJF!” he said. “And I was the World Champion for 406 consecutive days.” MVP said, “Focus on the word ‘was.'” He handed MJF his card. MJF took it this time. He patted him in friendly way with his cane. Excalibur said it’s not often you see MVP make his offer twice. MJF looked like he was mulling over his words.
(Keller’s Analysis: Fans seemed intrigued, but of course they’ve been cheering for MVP lately and booing MJF, so they weren’t sure how to react when MJF turned down MVP. I’m not sure what they were going for or where this is headed.) [c]
-Max Caster was in the ring and said he has the most popular chant in all of AEW. He told Fresno to give it a shot, “Let’s Go Max You’re The Best Wrestler Alive.”
(4) MAX CASTER vs. KONOSUKE TAKESHITA
Takeshita answered Caster’s open challenge. Fans chanted, “You f—ed up!” The bell rang. Caster said there’s no way Takeshita is out there to wrestle him because he’d kill him. He said he must be there to invite him into the Don Callis Family. He said if he joined, maybe he could headline the Tokyo Dome or get a recording contract. He said he maybe could do what Takeshita wasn’t able to do and beat Omega. Takeshita nailed him with his elbow and made a cover. Takeshita picked him up at two and then gave Caster his Raging Fire finisher for the win.
WINNER: Takeshita in 2:00.
-A video package recapped Chris Jericho’s attack on and unmasking of Gravity on Sunday night.
-Jericho held up Gravity’s mask and said he humiliated him in front of his family. He said he made his mother cry. He asked how he can come back from that given the disappointment she feels. He said his life has changed forever.
(5) WILLOW NIGHTINGALE vs. PENELOPE FORD
Willow made her entrance first. Excalibur called her the perfect palate-cleanser after seeing Jericho. The bell rang 27 minutes into the hour. They cut to a double-box break at 2:00. [c/db]
Willow eventually won after a Pounce.
WINNER: Nightingale in 9:00.
-Ford attacked Willow afterward as she was celebrating her win. Ford’s jab with the chair was solid, but her wind-up took forever before her Hulk Hogan-like swing onto Willow’s back and Willow awkwardly bent over waiting to be hit. Kris Statlander ran out for the save. Willow stood up and wasn’t sure Statlander was on her side. Bayne then entered and clotheslined both of them. She stood over Statlander’s body as her music played. Excalibur said Bayne was putting everyone on notice.
-Renee interviewed Mercedes Moné backstage and congratulated her on her win. She said she is 15-0 in TBS Title defenses. Renee said she asked Billie Starkz to join them. Starkz walked in. She said she learned not to get kicked in the throat. She said she was just trying to lighten the mood. She said she has accomplished a lot around there including winning the ROH Women’s Title at age 19. She told Mercedes that if money changes everything, she’s been looking for a change. She said she wants to become champion. Mercedes laughed, and then coughed. She said Starkz is out of her league, and she will prove to her next week that there is a price to pay when you mess with Mercedes Moné.
-Tony Schiavone stood mid-ring and introduced Will Ospreay. Fans popped as he made his entrance. Schiavone said with what he went through on Sunday, he’s surprised he can stand there. Ospreay said he is too. “I made it out alive,” he said, smiling. He said he had trouble keeping up with Fletcher and one day he will be a world champion.
He said he is in trouble with his wife. He said he lied to her because he vowed he wouldn’t do anything crazy in the cage. He said he realized it was bad when he stood on top of the cage and saw everyone with their camera phones out and another guy telling him not to die. He said he had 15 missed calls from his wife. He called her and said she was very nice to him at first, but then she yelled at him. He said he is charming man, fortunately. Schiavone asked what is next. Ospreay said he wants to be the guy, and that means something should be around his waist. He said he wants a World Title match, “so when do I call my shot?” Some fans chanted “All In!” He said he asked himself when it matters most.
He said he wants to be in the main event at All In, and the only way he can get there is to enter the Owen Hart Tournament. He said he would love to face Copeland for the first time ever, or Swerve in a rematch, or Moxley. He called himself an assassin who is coming for the throne. He said closed by saying he is on another level.
-Renee interviewed Jay White backstage. He congratulated Ospreay and said he is calling his shots just a few days later. He said for Ospreay to win, they’ll have to keep protecting Ospreay from him. Renee asked what happened with the briefcase. White said everyone wants to know if he hit Copeland on purpose. He asked Renee what she thinks. She didn’t answer. He asked the fans. They shouted no. He said the answer is no. He said he’d have his back and he did. He said he had the title won at World’s End and he won’t let anyone derail his path to the world title. Renee winced as White yelled at the end of that. [c]
-Renee was about to interview MJF when Hangman interrupted. He said he didn’t believe MJF was going to set him on fire. He said MJF cares what the fans think about him. MJF smiled and said he’s glad he thinks he’s bluffing. He said he’ll call his bluff and said he doesn’t realize what happens next in his story. He said he’s going to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer while Hangman will scratch and claw to get to the top of the mountain, but he’ll tumble into his own self-pity before he gets there. He said he notices his biggest insecurity is he doesn’t think he deserves the fans’ love. He said one day the people will get tired of waiting for him to win the big one and make them proud. He said he’ll win the world title over and over again and he’ll laugh at Hangman the entire way up that mountain. Hangman said, “We’ll see.” MJF turned and left after a few seconds. Excalibur said those two will be intertwined for years to come.
(6) ORANGE CASSIDY vs. HECHICERO – International Title Contender Tournament
Jim Ross joined in on commentary. They cut to a double-box break a few minutes in. [c/db]
[OVERRUN]
At 10:00 Cassidy went for a kip up, but his leg gave out. Cassidy went for a top rope elbowdrop, but Hechicero blocked it and applied an arm breaker. Cassidy fought it, but Hechicero locked on an armbar. Cassidy draped his leg over the bottom rope. Cassidy eventually scored a leverage three count for the win after spinning around Hechicero’s body.
WINNER: Cassidy in 12:00 to advance.
-Afterward, Bailey walked out and struck a pose and looked at Cassidy and bowed to end the show.
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 Tej Narayanan 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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