Seven championship titles are on the line at AEW: Dynasty, this weekend’s big pro wrestling pay-per-view event. AEW doesn’t always fire on cylinders with its PPVs (I’m looking directly at you, Exploding Barbed Wire Match from Revolution 2021), but this year’s AEW: Dynasty card looks packed, stacked, and ready to do something that rhymes with “packed” and “stacked.” How about “whack?” Sure. Let’s go with that. Biff Bam Pop!’s resident AEW nerds, Jeffery X Martin and Sachin Hingoo, have ideas about how things are going to go down at AEW: Dynasty and have magnanimously decided to share them with the world!
AEW World Heavyweight Championship: Jon Moxley (c) v. Swerve Strickland
JXM: Who or what can stop Jon Moxley? Even after a cringeworthy bump onto a spiked club a couple of weeks ago that made many observers drop their jaws and clutch their pearls, Mox is still a real and present danger. If it takes crazy to stop crazy, Swerve Strickland may be the guy to do it. But Strickland and his arch nemesis “Hangman” Adam Page seem to be on the road to reconciliation, which could lead to a different storyline altogether. If Strickland wins the title at AEW: Dynasty, will Page feel non-anxious enough to challenge Swerve? If Mox retains, do Swerve and Page team up to destroy Mox and his Death Riders? I say, let it cook. This seems to be heading for a three-way dance for the title, and it’s too soon for that action. Moxley retains.
SH: For a while there, it seemed like the natural person to end Jon Moxley’s reign of terror would be Darby Allin. But that guy’s intent on climbing Mount Everest no matter how many times he gets hit by a bus while training and that climb is set to happen this month, so a pivot is probably necessary. And what better pivot than to Swerve Strickland, who hasn’t missed a beat since losing the title to Bryan Danielson last year and who has become so magnetic that even the guy whose home he invaded and burnt down one of Swerve’s many houses (I mean, he seems to have one in every city if the arena crowds are any indication) in retaliation has come calling. The time is right to put a fatal bullet in the head of the Death Riders, and Swerve is the exact guy to do it. Whose house? Swerve’s House.
AEW Women’s Championship: “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) v. Megan Bayne
JXM: Make no mistake: Megan Bayne is large. She’s one strong woman. Her gimmick as a goddess coming down from Mt. Olympus to wreak havoc is, well, silly, but Bayne is muscular and majestic enough to pull it off. I feel like Megasus was rushed into the title chase because of her size and presence. But as things stand as of this writing, AEW audiences have only heard her voice once during a pre-taped spot. Her character is her headdress and her biceps. Is that enough for her to take the title from The Timeless One? I hope not. The utter destruction of Mariah May wasn’t that long ago, so Storm hasn’t been champion for that long. Besides, Storm promised to leave AEW: Dynasty with Bayne’s “tits in my purse.” Who are we to doubt Toni Storm? Storm retains, darlings, and the world will be all the better for it.
SH: As Toni Storm winds her way through the Golden Age of Hollywood, it seems natural that her next stop would be a private in-ring screening of Nathan Hurtz’s Attack of the 50-Foot Woman. Megan Bayne might as well be 50 feet tall, and that enormous headpiece she sports to the ring certainly adds to her stature, but she’s at best a transitional opponent for Toni, who will probably come out of this as the conquering heroine again. There are lots of fresh opponents for Toni, the best character in wrestling today, to bring up to her level in this run as champion, and the Megasus is merely the first. Toni wins, and may her reign be Timeless.
AEW International Championship: Kenny Omega (c) v. “Speedball” Mike Bailey v. Ricochet
JXM: I love Kenny Omega. I mean, I’m not a monster. Most wrestling fans respect Omega, even if they don’t like him. After all, he’s AEW’s first Grand Slam champion, and nothing can take that away from him. This three-way match puts him against Ricochet, a quick mover who has gleefully embraced his heel side while feuding with Swerve Strickland. Completing the triangle is Speedball Mike Bailey, a guy who entranced the independent circuit for years. Bailey hits the ring like a combination of Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Liu Kang, and an enraged raccoon. Omega needed the International Championship to get that Grand Slam championship, but does he need to keep it? He’s Kenny By God Omega, and his place in history is assured. Bailey earned his way into the match, but I don’t think he’s over enough with the audience to get that win. I’m looking at Ricochet, that suave son of a bitch, to be the new AEW International Champion.
SH: It’s interesting to watch Kenny Omega, one of my favourites in AEW and of all time, evolve into (to borrow a term) the Final Boss of the company. But his competition at AEW: Dynasty is a newly-invigorated Ricochet, who has been on a scissor-wielding tear with his new heel persona lately, and the affable kick machine, “Speedball” Mike Bailey. Bailey is on something like his third week with AEW so I’d agree with X that he doesn’t need to win this one just yet. We’re talking about Kenny Omega, though, and he can’t go out with one defence of his title. If you ask me, there’s a big match at All In to get through before The Cleaner is scrubbed of championship gold. Giving this one to Kenny “Bah Gawd” Omega in what has every chance of being the match of the night.
AEW World Tag Team Championship: The Hurt Syndicate (c) (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin) v. Big Bill and Bryan Keith
JXM: Here’s your BMMSM (Big Meaty Men Slapping Meat) match of the card. Lashley and Benjamin are intimidating figures, thick bois who don’t mind slamming someone through the arena floor. They have had a great championship run. Bryan Keith is scrappy, and Big Bill is seven feet tall (which I’ve heard is an unteachable trait), but could they be a match for The Hurt Syndicate? Nah. Not really. Lashley and Benjamin are there to hurt people, regardless of their height or attitude. Don’t be surprised if Maxwell Jacob Friedman brings an interrupting factor to the match. Lashley has beef with MJF, and interference is on the table. I don’t think it will cost The Hurt Syndicate the match, though, and I look for them to retain.
SH: This one has a bit of a foregone conclusion, but it’s always nice to see people the size of Big Bill and Bobby Lashley throw each other around. Shelton Benjamin and Bryan Keith are no slouches, either. I’m intrigued as to where the MJF angle might be going with The Hurt Syndicate, too, so let’s see if he’s involved here and how. But look for the Hurt Syndicate to pick up the win.
AEW World Trios Championship: Death Riders (c) (PAC, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta) v. Rated FTR (Cope, Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler)
JXM: Think of the Death Riders as an elite hit squad, like something out of an old Sam Peckinpah movie. They don’t show much emotion while they tear apart their opponents. They have held on to the Trios titles with brutal efficiency. Rated FTR wear their hearts on their sleeves. Dax and Cash have been tag partners for years, and they work together smoothly. Combine them with Adam Copeland, who is crazy in the ring, and you’ve got a formidable team. How this match turns out depends on the actions of Dax Harwood. He’s been showing signs of discontent with his place in the team. Wheeler has taken the brunt of Harwood’s actions, which include bailing in the middle of a match and “accidentally” hitting Wheeler. Something’s going on in that bald head of Harwood’s. Look for the Death Riders to retain the titles and be ready to blame that heel victory on Dax.
SH: There’s definitely something cooking here with Rated FTR and the increasing dissension in their ranks. Dax and Cash are certainly not on the same page, and Adam Copeland is still reeling from two failed shots at the AEW championship against Mox. That’s not a winning formula, especially against a gang of bloodthirsty maniacs like the Death Riders. Look for Yuta, PAC, and Claudio to come out on top, with some Rated FTR drama to follow.
TNT Championship Title: Daniel Garcia (c) v. Adam Cole
JXM: Stipulations all around between Danny Garcia and Adam Cole! No time limit! No outside interference! No stop sign! Speed limit! Keeping Cole’s faction, the Undisputed Kingdom, and Garcia’s best buddy, Daddy Magic Matt Menard, away from the ring means we’ll get a tight, focused match. In fact, this could be the most technical bout of the night. I’m expecting a sweaty endurance contest between Cole and Garcia, but I think Cole’s cockiness will betray him and allow Garcia to come up with the win.
SH: Another contender for match of the night; I think both Cole and Garcia are going out there to prove they can hang with the Kennys, Ospreays, and the rest. Without the threat of random shenanigans, I’m looking for this to be a pure athletic contest between two of AEW’s top in-ring performers. Hard to say which way this goes, but I’m with X on Danny Garcia retaining here.
Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Quarterfinal Match: Will Ospreay v. Kevin Knight
JXM: Do not, I repeat, do not sleep on this match. Kevin Knight may not be too familiar with AEW audiences yet, but this guy can work. Along with KUSHIDA, Knight was a two-time tag team champion in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Knight can fly off the ropes and maneuver his way out of a pinning predicament with the best of them. Ospreay has a similar high-flying style, although he has more charisma than Knight. If Ospreay doesn’t win this match, the crowd very well may riot. I’m betting (not literally) on Ospreay to win, but it’s going to be a hell of a journey with more false finishes than The Return of the King.
SH: This was rumoured to have been Ospreay vs Switchblade until Jay White went down with a hand injury this week. But the newly-signed Kevin Knight in his place isn’t a downgrade. Out to prove that Top Flight aren’t the only ones with an aviaton-themed gimmick, “The Jet” has a pretty awesome canvas to work on (so to speak) against Will Ospreay in a big match setting. It’s yet another match that could steal the show, and I think Owen (RIP) would be proud to have his name on this one. Ospreay takes it, but I’ll be chanting, “Both these guys.”
Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Men’s Quarterfinal: Kyle Fletcher v. Mark Briscoe
JXM: Why does Mark Briscoe have all of his teeth in that graphic? It doesn’t matter. It’s fine. Every time Fletcher and Briscoe get in the ring together, it’s as close to appointment television as pro wrestling gets. As part of the Don Callis Family, Fletcher has become one of the better heels in AEW. He’s fun to watch in the ring as he mocks his opponents before dismantling them. Briscoe is a beloved veteran who fights like he’s trapped in a bar with vampires. Their match at AEW: Dynasty will be their fourth bout. It’s almost like Briscoe and Fletcher were born to wrestle each other, natural opponents like sharks and Roy Scheider. No matter how much the fans love Briscoe, it makes sense for Fletcher, the rising star, to stay in the tournament. Like it or don’t, Kyle Fletcher takes this match.
SH: Fletchlights, rise up! Mark Briscoe may not have the best record in tournament matches, but he’s still solid and always takes his opponents to the limit. Fletcher doesn’t disappoint in a big match, and like in the Danny/Cole match, he’s got something to prove as one of the most promising young stars in the company. Fletcher for the win, to the delight of the thousands in attendance and the millions (and millions!) of Fletchlights around the world.
Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament Quarterfinal Match: TBS Champion Mercedes Mone v. Julia Hart
JXM: Julia Hart is one of the most interesting women on the AEW roster. After the departure of Malakai Black, she has become the focal point of the repackaged House of Black faction known as the Hounds of Hell. She’s the opposite of a ’90s teen comedy. Instead of the weird girl conforming and joining the cheerleading squad, she’s the cheerleader who went super dark. Hart is the blonde goth that can lay you out with an elbow drop, singing to herself the whole time. Since returning from injury, Hart has shown more ferocity with each match. She’s become more comfortable with her moveset. In a few years, Hart could easily be one of the best in the business with a tremendous combination of skill and character. Mercedes wins.
SH: Kinda curious about how they treat Mercedes’ run in this tournament because, on the one hand, it would make a lot of sense (and a gigantic match) if she turned her Belt Collecting gaze towards Toni Storm’s World title. But before that happens, I need my personal favourite Athena to take the TBS title off her. Either way, Mercedes picks this one up, and Julia should have a good showing as well.
Title v. Mask Match: Chris Jericho (Ring of Honor Champion) v. Bandido
JXM: For a guy who likes to show his face on television, Jericho has recently shown his obsession with luchador masks. He removed the mask of Gravity, Bandido’s brother, on a recent episode of Dynamite in front of Gravity’s family. That’s all Bandido could stand and he can’t stand no more. If Jericho gets the win over Bandido, he gets Bandido’s mask. If Bandido wins, he becomes the Ring of Honor World Championship. Listen: like Chris Jericho or not, he’s not afraid to put younger guys over. It will be on his terms, of course, and involve lots of chest chopping, but Bandido will come out on top. I only wish it were a mask vs. hair match.
SH: Isn’t Bandido just the coolest? A mask that makes him look like a spooky Orville Peck, a sweet hat, and two high-calibre guns that won’t fit into any holster because they’re attached to his shoulders. I don’t think he’s losing that mask in a million years, so it’s time to turn El Nueve into El Cero (not that one). Bandido wins this one in what should be a fun showdown.
Zero Hour Pre-Show: Nick Wayne and The CRU (Action Andretti and Lio Rush) vs AR Fox and Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin)
JXM: Foxy and Top Flight may be in for a bad night with young Nick Wayne and the CRU facing them in the ring. Action Andretti, still famous in my head for beating the living mucus out of Chris Jericho in his first AEW match, has somehow become underrated. Look: they may dress like COVID-19 in a lifejacket, but Andretti and Rush have a peaceful easy feeling. Adding young Nick Wayne, whose presence in the company should be enough to garner AEW a Clearasil sponsorship, is a fantastic idea. Look for Nick and The CRU to snag a win, but also look for Samoa Joe and The Opps to choke the little bastards out backstage.
SH: After splitting from Top Flight proper, Action Andretti and Lio Rush have been carving their own path through the tag team division in AEW. That includes forming an alliance with Patriarchy member Nick Wayne who, himself, has some long-standing beef with AR Fox. Not a ton of stakes here, but between these teams, Samoa Joe’s Opps, Shane Taylor Promotions, and both teams in the Trios championship match on this card, there seems to be some decent stories in the trios division after some time. I’m going with Nick Wayne and the CRU for this.
Zero Hour Pre-Show: Max Castor Open Challenge
JXM: I ask myself who Max could beat in his repeatedly silly and wonderful open challenge, and I’ve come up with four options.
1. A bearded dragon.
2. Yoshihiko.
3. The ghost of Betty White.
4. Very small rocks.
With the exception of Yoshihiko, the odds of any of those options coming down the ramp to assault Max is exceedingly small. I don’t think it’s time for Max to start winning yet, so I believe that whoever comes out will win. But you must believe me when I say I am rooting for Yoshihiko.
SH: Stopping just short of chanting Max Castor’s infectious, eloquent, and easy-to-remember catchphrase “LET’S-GO-MAX-YOU’RE-THE-BEST-WRESTLER-A-LIVE,” I have found myself enjoying the antics of the former Acclaimed member over the past few weeks. He’s just so confident before getting roundly smashed in these open challenges that it loops back around to compelling and hilarious TV for me. This might be the spot for former partner Anthony Bowens or Billy Gunn to return, but no matter who it is, it’s unlikely that this will break Max’s completely defeated streak. Whoever answers the Challenge will be picking up the victory here.
AEW: Dynasty will be held on April 6, 2025, at The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. Zero Hour, the pre-show begins at 6:30 PM EST and can be seen on YouTube. The main card kicks off at 8:00 PM. You can purchase AEW: Dynasty through Prime Video, Triller TV, PPV.com, YouTube, and traditional cable and satellite providers. If you feel like leaving the house, AEW: Dynasty will be showing at many Dave & Buster’s locations.
