Jeremy’s AEW Dynamite Review 3.25.26

Hello AEW fans! It’s Wednesday night and we know what that means! (That’s still a thing, right?) Either way, it’s time for AEW Dynamite! Jeremy Thomas here and I apologize for the fact that you’re dealing with me, but Ryan is busy tonight so you’re settling.

Anyway, tonight’s show is a big one as Swerve Strickland puts his #1 contendership on the line against Kenny Omega’s EVP status, while Thekla defends the Women’s World Championship against Mina Shirakawa. After all, Mina just got a win so we can’t let that keep going! We also have Darby Allin vs. RUSH, David Finlay & Clark Connors vs. Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong, and an appearance by MJF. Should be a fun show, eh?

As a reminder, the GoFundMe for Larry’s kids is still active and if you can make a donation, that would be awesome. Thank you so much to everyone who’s done so thus far.

* Well shit, we’re starting off with Swerve vs. Kenny. Fuck my fingers, I guess.

#1 Contendership vs. EVP
Swerve Strickland vs. Kenny Omega

We circle to start and the “KENNY” chants have already begun. Lockup and they jockey for position, Kenny in the ropes and he gets a break. But Swerve goes in and stomps Omega down as Nana distracts Kenny. Kenny into the ropes for a clothesline, gets Kenny on his shoulders for a snake eyes into the ropes and a boot to the jaw. Swerve stomps the hand and lays into Kenny’s shoulders, off the ropes but Kenny with a standing rana! Swerve to the outside, Kenny DIVES over the top onto Swerve.

Strickland up and Kenny stalks him, sending him head-first into the commentary table — and again. Now into the ringsteps. Kenny shushes the crowd and hits a big knife-edge chop, then backs him into the guardrail for another. He backs up and charges in — LEAPING KNEE to Strickland! Kenny goes for a snap suplex but Swerve blocks it and shoves Kenny into the guardrail, then teases a chop before rolling Kenny into the ring.

Swerve flattens Kenny, then pulls him up for a modified standing crossface. Omega powers out but Swerve with an elbow to the shoulder and double axehandle to the back. They trade chops, Swerve charges into an elbow and then a boot. Clothesline by Omega and a kick — leapfrog Rocker Dropper for two.

Kenny chops Swerve down, pulls him up for another chop. Swerve on Kenny’s shoulders for a somersault slam and moonsault for two. Kenny in control now, he takes aim and comes off the ropes — Swerve moves to avoid the V-trigger, lands on his feet from a German suplex. Suplex attempt blocked, they trade kicks and then Kenny with a spin kick to the back of the head. V-Trigger in the corner! He puts Swerve up top and climbs, Swerve on his shoulders — Avalanche Angel, but Swerve escapes. Omega up top, Swerve leaps up to the second rope and climbs — SUPER BACK SUPLEX as we go to a 90 second break.

We’re back and they’re trading shots in the middle of the ring. Kenny dodges one and hits a Snapdragon Suplex! And a second! Both men on the apron now, Kenny signals and goes in for the full nelson but Swerve fights free. Kenny with shots to the back of the head and a headbutt. He sets up but Swerve grabs Aubrey Edwards and low blow kicks Kenny! Kick to Kenny from the apron!

Swerve is on the guardrail now talking shit and he pulls Kenny onto the guardrail with him. Kenny struggles and they lose their balance, going into the crowd. Swerve gets Kenny back up — PILEDRIVER ONTO THE GUARDRAIL EDGE!

Swerve tells Aubrey to check on Kenny, but Kenny is crawling. Swerve rolls Omega into the ring and follows in, rolling into a vertical suplex powerbomb! One, two, thr-NO! Swerve grabs Kenny for Big Pressure but Kenny turns it into a roll-up for two. HOUSE CALL by Swerve! He goes up top for a Swerve Stomp, then climbs again — SWERVE STOMP AGAIN! One, two, thre–NO! Kenny kicks out again! Swerve is pissed!

Strickland takes aim as Kenny struggles toward his knees but collapses. Swerve moves in, grabs Kenny and pulls him up — Kenny backs Swerve into the corner! Back elbows repeatedly to Strickland! Omega is up now and feeds off the crowd chants. He lays in some punches, takes one back. BIG Sparta-like kick to Swerve! Swerve counters a powerbomb into a powerslam! Cover gets two-plus.

Swerve lowers the kneepad and prepares to go for a V-Trigger, pointing at Kenny. Kenny is up! Swerve slaps Kenny, off the ropes — KNEE by Omega! Big shot, then Omega goes in — V-TRIGGER! One Winged Angel attempt, Swerve blocks the hand. He’s down, he picks Omega up for a Vertebreaker but Kenny gets out and hits the knee! One Winged Angel but Swerve gouges the eyes. VERTEBREAKER! Cover for thre–NO!!! That was 2.999999.

Swerve is pissed and talks shit to Kenny. He goes up top — Stomp but Omega ducks! Big knee by Omega! Omega goes in for a V-Trigger, One Winged Angel — HITS! That’s it!

Winner: Kenny Omega (20:33)
Rating: ****
Thoughts: That was stellar. I wouldn’t call it top-tier PPV-level great, but it was a top-tier TV main event, much less opening contest. Kudos to both men, you can’t really ask for much more for a weekly TV match.

* RUSH vs. Darby Allin will be the main event, and we get a vignette for Darby looking at his career highlights and many stunts.

* Will Ospreay says he has an issue with anyone who has an issue with him going after Jon Moxley. He said if anyone will remain loyal to Moxley, he’ll handle them personally and challenges PAC to meet him in Winnipeg.

He says Jon put him in time out and that’s the language he uses with his kid. He says he got to have bonding time with his son and is grateful, but that won’t replace the fear his son had to see. Mox may have his reasons for doing what he did in front of his family and countrymen, and for that fear he’s going to alter Moxley’s life like Moxley did his. He wants Mox at Dynasty, motherfucker!

Death Riders (Marina Shafir, Daniel Garcia & Jon Moxley) vs. Zayda Steel & Top Flight

The Death Riders attack before the bell. Moxley uses his shirt to choke out Dante as Shafir beats on Steel in the ring. Whip into the ropes and a big boot by Shafir. Steel into the ropes again, she holds on and kicks Shafir, then hits a rana. Steel leaps into the corner for a knee but Marina blocks it, but Zayda comes back with a leaping rana off the second rope.

Shafir kicks the shit out of Zayda, and Darius tags in as does Garcia. They go to the mat but come back up, Garcia with a chop to the windpipe. Into the corner, Darius up and over and takes Garcia down for one. Garcia tags in Mox, who throws Darius into the corner and Stone Cold Stomps him down for a four-count. Darius fights back, gets decked but hits a dropkick to Moxley coming off the ropes. Danta tags in, they double team Moxley and send him to the outside. Dante with a whisper in the wind dropkick to Garcia, Marina sent to the outside and Zayda & Top Flight dive onto them as we go to break!

Back from break and Garcia is in control of Dante. Dante elbows out and comes off the ropes but hits an elbow for two. Garcia tags in Mox, who hits a kick to Dante. Big chop from Mox and another, and a third. Back suplex but Dante lands on his feet and dropkicks Mox! But Mox tags in Garcia who knocks Darius off the apron. He stares at Zayda, Marina Shafir comes in and gets nailed accidentally by Dante! Zayda in now and hits a DDT on Marina off Garcia’s face, cover gets two.

Marina sent into the corner, Zayda with the leaping knee. Zayda with a crossbody but Marina rolls through — Zayda counters! Strikes by Steel, off the ropes but Yuta trips her up. Marina takes advantage of the distraction, Mox tags in — Doomsday Device attempt to Zayda but she slides down and shoves Marina into Mox’s crotch head-first!

Garcia tags in, grabs Zayda and gets elbowed. Danta tags in, Darius tags in, double charges in the corner. They take out Garcia, Yuta distracts the ref and CD is out here! Yuta takes out Daniels, and Zayda takes out Yuta! Rollup by Darius for two, but Mox gets involved and Garcia locks in the Lion Tamer. Mox and Marina take everyone out — STOMP by Moxley finishes it.

Winner: Death Riders (11:03)
Rating: ***
Thoughts: Good match, even if I’m still not on the Death Riders train. It’s light years better than Death Riders, but I just can’t buy in.

Mox gets the mic after and addresses Ospreay. He says it’s not nice to say mean things about people on TV. Mox knows Ospreay is very upset right now, but whatever issue Ospreay has with him, for them it isn’t personal. But of Ospreay wants a big fat grudge match at Dynasty, they’ve got it. Until then, don’t let your mouth get you in trouble.

* The Bucks get a vignette and say after a big loss, you go home and lick your wounds, then come back better and stronger. That’s what they did with Jack Perry last week, and 2026 will be the year they’re back whoever stands in their way.

Mike Bailey vs. Rocky Romero

Circle and lockup to start. Romero with an arm twist, reversed by Bailey but Romero hits knees to Bailey and kicks them in the chest. Romero goes for another kick but Bailey catches it and they both go into the ropes, with Bailey kicking Romero down. Rapid-fire kicks by Bailey send Romero to the floor, then Bailey with a springboard moonsault out of the ring onto Rocky.

Rocky rolled back in, Bailey takes aim and goes for a roundhouse but Rocky goes into the ropes, then knocks Bailey down and throws them over the top. Bailey skins the cat and Rocky showboats, turning around into a roundhouse. Another spinning kick in the corner, Bailey to the second rope — 450 finishes it.

Winner: Mike Bailey (2:43)
Rating: N/A
Thoughts: RIP Rocky Romero.

* We get a montage recap of MJF vs. Hangman Page at Revolution and the bloodfest that that was (edited for TNT of course). MJF returns up next.

* It’s SALT OF THE EARTH time! MJF makes his way down to the ring with his Triple B and looking something like Burberry Elvis. He calls for his music to cut and says he uses “ladies and gentlemen” loosely because they’re in Minnesota so it’s time to sit down and pay him respect. Not only is he World Champion, he’s the man who hanged the Hangman. Thanks to him, their anxious millennial cowboy can never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever be World Champion again. (Not sure if I got the right number of evers, honestly.)

MJF says Hangman didn’t put up much of a fight and it may have been the easiest match of his career. He says the facts of the matter are, he still holds the Championship that every single man on this planet can only hope to obtain, the title that means you’ve reached the absolute mountain top. No better prize, no higher honor, no one deserves it more than him. And he’ll tell them why: it’s because his name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman and he’s better than us, and he knows it. Matter of fact, he’s double dipping the catchphrases. Ain’t nobody on the level of the devil.

AND HERE COMES KENNY! Kenny Omega comes down to the ring and steps into the ring with Max, staring him down. Kenny mouths “bullshit” and then they let the crowd heat up a bit as they stare off. MJF asks if can help Kenny, and Kenny gets a mic.

Omega tells MJF that he’ll have to excuse how he’s dressed and smell because he just had a match; what’s MJF’s excuse? He says he’s been hearing Max talk time and time again acting all smug, acting like he beat the greatest AEW Champion with the greatest of ease. He even calls himself the Devil. Omega runs down his titles: The Cleaner, the Best Bout Machine. Omega says that even at his most evil, he never called himself a god. But if MJF is the Devil, maybe he should be the God of Professional Wrestling itself.

Omega says when he pushed his body to the limit and it told him to take time off, he didn’t listen because he felt responsibility to the people and that’s his fault. When they faced off, MJF beat a 60 – 80% Kenny Omega, but now he’s back. He didn’t beat Swerve the first time, but that taught him it’s not just about the ring. It’s about the back, the ringside, everywhere including the ring. He’s not falling for MJF’s hijinks, and this version of Kenny Omega is close to 100% and probably better than him. And it’s okay if the fans know it, because he knows they do. But the most important part — and what scares MJF the most — is that MJF knows it. So why don’t they make this official and see who the better man is at Dynasty.

MJF says okay. Dynasty, “The God” vs. “The Devil,” Kenny’s on. And as far as the handshake — obviously Max fakes him and walks off. He heads to the back and Kenny asks where his manners are. But they heard his catchphrase one too many times, so it’s his turn. Adieu, goodbye and good night, bang!

* Adam Copeland and Christian are with Renee and she asks if they have a message to FTR. Cage says life is about choices and FTR chose to dissolve their friendship with Adam, attack them, and attack Beth and then worse — spike piledrove him. Cage walks off, Adam calls Cage an asshole, but knows of two bigger ones so he’s talking to them.

Adam tells the camera to zoom in. He says they threw away their friendship, he met Cash in 2009 when he wanted to show him his stuff. And they threw it all away. He gets that, but when they put their hands on Beth, a woman whose cookie they’ve eaten, their children play together, they threw all that away. Copeland says they love the titles so they’re hurting them through that, but at some point he will find them and end their careers.

* FTR come out with Stokely. Stokely says we shouldn’t care about what Adam and Christian have to say, but should care about what FTR have to say. Cash gets the mic and says Copeland wants to talk about choices? They made a choice to dump the dead weight and not carry their carcasses over the finish lines of their career. They have the titles now and they’re not going to live in their shadows, they take a backseat to no one.

Cash acknowledges that Cope took him in in 2009, but he doesn’t need that anymore. Dax and Stoke are his family, he doesn’t need Cope’s wife or kids, and certainly not Cope. His time has passed and they are living legends

Dax gets the mix and says Cage and Copeland are shells of their living selves and nostalgia acts. They know it, they boss knows it. He loves Beth but if they dropped her on her head, what does he think they’ll do to him? Top guys, out. —

But also here comes Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong for their match. A shoving match breaks out between FTR and the Conglomeration due, quickly broken up.

Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong vs. The Dogs

Bell rings, Orange and Finlay start. Orange ducks a choke but gets chopped anyway. Strong tagged in they jockey against the ropes and Strong takes over with punches. Into the mat, Finlay takes over and tags in Connors. But Strong fights back, Connors in the corner, Cassidy tags in and Strong with a backbreaker hold with an elbow from Orange.

The Dogs take back over on Orange, he’s sent to the apron in the corner, nails Finlay, ducks a shot by Clark and decks him. Crossbody caught by the Dogs, they toss him but Cassidy lands on his feet. He sends The Dogs to the floor and dives but Connors catches him and slams him down, Strong comes over and gets laid out as we go to break.

We’re back with Finlay in control of Cassidy. Connors tags in and knocks Strong off the apron, both Dogs charge at Cassidy and Connors sent to the outside, but Finley chops the throat. Connors nails Orange from the outside, Orange set up by Finlay but counters with Slumdog Millionaire. He dodges The Doggs and tags in Strong, who hits a backbreaker on Connors and a big leaping back kick. Back suplex into a slam from Strong who covers, Finlay makes the save.

Finlay knocks Cassidy to the floor and Connors takes advantage to slam Strong down. Strong is fighting back against both men, he tags in Orange and picks him up to throw him into Finlay, then throws him at Connors into a DDT for two.

Strong picks up Connors and orange up top, Connors knocks Strong into him and slams Strong down but Cassidy with the driving DDT. Connors with an uppercut to Strong, he goes for an uppercut but Orange dodges and gets pulled to the outside. Strong goes for a backbreaker but Finlay saves him, The Dogs with a double team takedown. Cassidy with a double dropkick! DDT to Finlay, Beach Break countered by Connors but BIG kick! Connors dodges the Orange Punch, Finlay chops blocks Cassidy and the Full Clip finishes it.

Winner: The Dogs (10:39)
Rating: ***
Thoughts: Finlay and Connors needed this win, and it was a perfectly solid match. Not much more to say than that.

* Megan Bayne and Lena Kross cut a promo saying that Willow Nightingale and Harley bit off more than they can chew and it cost them. They mock the Babes of Wrath and say there are no second chances: just another fatality.

* Kyle Fletcher cuts a promo about how he defended the TNT Title against his mentor Robbie Eagles last week and is on track to become the greatest TNT Champion. But he also points out he’s undefeated in 2026 which neither Omega nor MJF can say. He’s not happy with Don Callis’ arrangement with MJF as he thinks the title needs to come back to the DCF and he’s the man to do that.

He then looks at Takeshita and says he knows he’s not a fan of Okada but doesn’t want anything to come between them. Takeshita says nothing cam come between them and points out Protoshita came first. They hug. That will go well for Takeshita.

AEW Women’s World Championship Match
Thekla vs. Mina Shirakawa

A little shit talk and Mina attacks, hitting a spin kick. Thekla sent into the corner and then snapmared across the ring by Mina, and again. Kick to Thekla’s sit and a DDT by Mina. Thekla to the outside, Mina follows and beats on the champ. Suplex to the ringside floor, Mina tells the camera she hates Thekla and then goes for more strikes to Thekla! She tolls the champ in, tornado splash for two.

Mina beats on Thekla more, Thekla sent into the ropes but holds 9on. Mina charges, drop toe-hold by Thekla, running knee strike by the champ. She gets Mina on the apron but the challenger strikes back before getting dropped on the apron. She trips Thekla and DDTs her to the floor as we go to break!

We’re back and Thekla is in control as she applies a submission to Mina, bending her wrist back. Thekla goes for the jaw for a moment and when it breaks, she mocks Toni Storm by flopping on the ground. She picks up Mina, who fires back but gets nailed. Thekla goes for the spear but gets knocked down by Mina! Mina into the ropes and hits a Sling Blade.

Mina rocks Thekla with a shot and charges him for a back elbow, then goes up top — missile front dropkick! Cover gets two!. Mina transitions into a single-leg crab, Thekla struggles and gets her hand on the rope for the break. Mina grabs Thekla and swings but the champ ducks the backfist. Another shot connects but Thekla comes off the ropes with a spear!

Thekla has the belt off but the ref takes it away. Thekla pulls knucks from her bra and takes aim — Mina ducks! Backfist by Mina! She goes for the back suplex, Thekla hits her with the knucks and covers.

Winner: Thekla (10:43)
Rating: ** 3/4
Thoughts: Perfectly fine match. It was a little start-stop but otherwise no complaints. Obviously Thekla was going to win this, but they made Mina look strong so not a huge negative for her.

* Renee is with Kenny and asks him about his win tonight and challenge to MJF. Next week is the contract signing, but any physicality will result int he match being off. Kenny says leave it to MJF, but we all know how he operates. He says it’s deja vu and now is the time for him. He says he still thinks people calling him the God of Professional Wrestling but if the Devil needs a God to take the title off him, he’ll do it.

Mike Bailey comes up and compliments Kenny, says they hope he wins the title and will want a shot but just wants to shake his hand first.

* Ricochet is with The Demand and wants to apologize because he lost his cool. He says it’s because he was unjustifiably screwed by being forced to compete in the Casino Battle Royal and lost his title without being pinned. He says Kenny Omega is getting a title with just one win when he beat Omega when they fought. He says he’ll beat Kenny’s ass and anyone else that gets in his way. Because when you have their power, you don’t get demands; you make demands.

No Countout Match
RUSH vs. Darby Allin

They go right into it and RUSH ends up in control as he kicks and stomps Allin on the outside. Allin sent into the guardrail, then thrown into a chair and manhandled by RUSH. Darby sent over the ringsteps and RUSH moves the steps, but Darby battles back and goes to whip RUSH into the steps. RUSH blocks it and tosses Allin into the barricade, then flips him over the steps INTO the barricade back of knees-first! Yeesh.

RUSH grabs Darby and knocks him headfirst into the apron, he climbs up but Darby pulls him down and traps him in the apron. RUSH gets free and Allin dives through the ropes, but RUSH moves and Allin wipes out on the floor. The ref tells RUSH to take it to the ring in a no countout match and the “Fuck ICE” chants have begun. Darby and RUSH battle on the apron, but RUSH hits a belly to belly onto the floor as we go to break.

We’re back as Darby is busted open and RUSH stomps on him. He backs up, charges in and stops up short before kicking Allin in the face and then posing — and Darby dives in for punches! RUSH with a big headbutt on a charging Allin. he gets on the apron and goes to suplex Alin, Allin blocks it rakes the back, and goes up for a Coffin Drop into RUSH onto the apron! Into the ring and he dives onto RUSH to the floor!

Darby sets up a chair and puts RUSH in it, punching away and then biting RUSH in the forehead. He goes up top, takes aim, and hits a dropkick to RUSH into down low through the chair! Allin has a piece of the chair but he drops it and rolls RUSH in, covering but RUSH kicks out quick.

RUSH and Allin trade shots, Allin strikes away to no effect, RUSH then goes in hard. Allin first back — and hits a Code Red for two! Allin is bleeding hard now and he charges, but RUSH belly to bellies him into the corner! RUSH goes apeshit on Darby — and Darby wants more, so he obliges1 RUSH backs up, charges in — Darby moves! He takes RUSH down, jackknife pin gets three!

Winner: Darby Allin (11:28)
Rating: ***
Thoughts: Not my favorite Darby match by any stretch. Darby’s big problem is that he doesn’t make a great case for challenging for the world title when he just survives and gets roll-ups in matches like this. But it was fun.

Mark Davis immediately attacks Darby after and the DCF stands over him. Davis rolls Darby into the ring as Andrade argues with Callis. Archer chokeslams Darby in the center of the ring.

And with that, we’re done for the night!

7.0

The final score: review Good

The 411

This was a fine show that was more or less carried by Swerve Strickland vs. Kenny Omega. That's not to say the rest was bad; far from it. It was just kind of there, treading water as it made matches for Dynasty because they have to get that card situated quick. Not the worst episode of Dynamite I've seen and a pretty good time all in all, but you would also be forgiven for just watching the opening match and the MJF & Omega promo.