Ontario, CA – All Elite Wrestling pulled out all the stops for a landmark night, celebrating its 300th episode of Dynamite live from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. The evening was a whirlwind of intense rivalries, championship clashes, and pivotal moments. These developments dramatically raised the stakes heading into AEW All In: Texas.
The monumental show featured a highly anticipated dream match between Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi. The jaw dropping return of Kenny Omega also occurred. A heated confrontation set a brutal stipulation for the AEW World Championship. Additionally, thrilling multi person and tag contests had the crowd on their feet.
If you missed it, here’s a breakdown of everything that went down on a truly unforgettable episode of AEW Dynamite:
Hangman Adam Page Issues Brutal Texas Death Match Challenge
Dynamite ignited with Hangman Adam Page stepping into the spotlight. He addressed his imminent AEW World Championship showdown against Jon Moxley at All In. With fire in his eyes, Page articulated the profound significance of the championship and AEW itself. He proclaimed, “I would ride through death itself for this.” He then boldly challenged Jon Moxley to escalate their brewing war to a Texas Death Match. This stipulation is known for its unforgiving brutality.
Moxley, flanked by Marina Shafir, emerged. He had a chillingly calm demeanor. He accepted Page’s audacious challenge. However, he ominously warned that Hangman was “not prepared for what awaited him.” He declared, “Texas Death is not something you would walk away from.”
The tension in the arena reached a boiling point when Hangman delivered a sharp slap to Moxley. This triggered an immediate physical response from the champion. Page managed to gain a momentary advantage, even producing a fork as the crowd roared. But Wheeler Yuta and Claudio Castagnoli stormed the ring. They launched a surprise ambush on Hangman. Marina Shafir added insult to injury with multiple slaps. These seemed to have little effect as Page defiantly advanced towards her. He was then tripped by Yuta. This allowed Castagnoli to strike from behind. Despite being attacked from all sides, Page remained incredibly resilient. He taunted Moxley, “Is that the best you’ve got? Sending little neutered Claudio after me because bitch, I’m still standing.”
This enraged Claudio. He attempted another attack. But he was blocked by Samoa Joe at ringside. Joe brought backup in the form of Katsuyori Shibata and Will Hobbs. Amidst the chaos, Shafir attempted to use the championship briefcase as a weapon. However, Page intercepted and seized it. Holding the case aloft, Hangman reiterated his challenge with unwavering confidence. “If you’re the champion you say you are, give me Texas Death!” An incensed and defiant Moxley accepted. This officially set the stage for a brutal encounter at All In. As a final, chilling demonstration of his resolve, Hangman delivered a devastating Buckshot Lariat to Marina Shafir. He left a lasting message for Jon Moxley ahead of their brutal showdown.
Mercedes Moné Battles Mina Shirakawa in TBS Title Defense
AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné faced a fierce challenge from Mina Shirakawa. Shirakawa wasted no time. She backed Moné into a corner with a barrage of rapid strikes. Moné attempted to regroup outside. But Shirakawa pursued. This led to a heated exchange including a Lou Thesz Press into mounted punches. Moné quickly retaliated with her own mounted punches before sending Shirakawa crashing to the floor. She took the opportunity to taunt Women’s World Champion Toni Storm at ringside.
Returning from a commercial break, Moné maintained control with an arm trap crossface. But Shirakawa expertly countered into a figure four leglock mid ring. In a display of impressive strength, Mina held the submission even as Mercedes rolled to the floor. This caused significant damage upon impact. The fierce battle spilled back to ringside. Shirakawa executed a spectacular Tornado DDT from the ring steps there. However, Mercedes regained momentum with a sharp kick followed by a crushing Meteora to the floor.
Back inside, the competitors traded vicious strikes. Excalibur noted, “Champion and challenger trading blows!” Mercedes appeared dominant with a series of corner knees and running attacks. But she could only secure near falls. Mina fought back by targeting Mercedes’ knee with multiple dragon screws. She locked in another punishing figure four leglock. Climbing to the top rope, Shirakawa landed a stunning Diving Sling Blade. But Moné somehow kicked out at the absolute last second.
With victory seemingly in hand, Shirakawa unleashed a sequence of powerful moves. These included rolling elbows, a buzzsaw roundhouse kick, and an explosive spinning backfist. The Glamorous Driver connected. This prompted Ian Riccaboni to exclaim, “We might have a new champion!” Yet Moné shockingly lifted her shoulder just before the three count. Shirakawa went for a second Glamorous Driver. But Moné countered. After blocking Moné’s attempt at the Money Maker, Mina rolled through with a la casadora into an inside cradle. However, Moné expertly shifted her weight to secure the pinfall victory and retain her TBS Championship.
Post match chaos erupted as Moné attacked Shirakawa. This drew Toni Storm to the ring. Mercedes briefly retreated, only to blindside Storm, laying her out with a vicious belt shot to the back of the head. To punctuate her dominance, Moné hurled champagne into Luther’s face. She left an indelible mark on the night.
Young Bucks Revisit Roots in Rancho Cucamonga
In a nostalgic segment, The Young Bucks, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, returned to their roots in Rancho Cucamonga, California. This was in celebration of Dynamite’s 300th episode. The segment began with Matthew surprising Nicholas with a custom limousine. It was lavishly decorated with Young Bucks graphics. “I went on a shopping spree with a company card,” Matthew boasted. He quickly added humorously, “Actually, I’ll correct you there. I didn’t buy us anything. Tony Khan did.” Inside the limo awaited another surprise: an assortment of Young Bucks sneakers. Nicholas, clearly impressed, remarked, “The power we have, Matthew, it’s incredible.” As they drove through Rancho Cucamonga, the brothers reminisced fondly about their younger days, recalling humorous memories. Matthew quipped, “There’s nothing like hopping in a stretch limousine and driving around your old poor community and just flaunting your wealth.” The tour continued past their childhood home. This prompted Nicholas to jokingly recall, “We had ghosts there.”
Four Way Chaos for Casino Gauntlet Spot
A chaotic Four Way Match for the #2 spot in the Men’s Casino Gauntlet at All In featured MJF, AR Fox, Brody King, and Anthony Bowens. MJF attempted to bribe Brody King early on. King firmly rejected the offer. This led Friedman to strategically retreat to ringside. Brody King dominated early. He drove Bowens into the barricade and leveled Fox with a massive chop. Excalibur captured King’s raw strength, exclaiming, “Bowens just bounced off the barricades, so powerful.” Momentum shifted when Brody executed a breathtaking suicide dive onto Bowens and Fox. Only for MJF to capitalize opportunistically. He attacked King from behind with a steel chair. “MJF trying to steal the number two spot,” noted Excalibur. Friedman’s advantage was short lived, however. The match devolved into relentless exchanges of high impact moves.
Brody King showcased his dominance again with a double lariat. He dismantled both Fox and Bowens simultaneously. AR Fox fought back valiantly. He landed a corkscrew brainbuster on MJF. Though only managing a near fall. In a frantic sequence, Bowens connected with a rolling elbow. MJF executed a vicious hammerlock DDT. And Brody King responded with a brutal Ganso Bomb on Bowens. AR Fox desperately broke the pin. But MJF quickly seized his opportunity. He locked Fox into the devastating Salt of the Earth submission. This forced an immediate tap out.
Following MJF’s victory, Mark Briscoe made a spirited appearance. He was provocatively clad in a shirt mocking MJF. He directly declared to Friedman, “You have insured yourself an uninterrupted ass whooping.” He referenced their imminent clash at AEW All In: Texas. Briscoe challenged Friedman to meet him face to face, unaccompanied by his Hurt Syndicate allies, for a “talkie talk” next week on Dynamite. He boldly taunted, “If you have a set of nuts next to your tiny, little pickle, I’ll see you next week.” The segment dramatically escalated when JetSpeed (Kevin Knight and “Speedball” Mike Bailey) stormed the stage. They initiated a fiery confrontation with the Hurt Syndicate. Despite JetSpeed’s resilience, Lashley and Benjamin brutally targeted their existing injuries. This culminated in a Dominator to Bailey and a powerbomb to Knight. “This is unconscionable violence,” Ian Riccaboni declared. Nevertheless, the defiant Knight challenged Shelton Benjamin to a singles match at Collision. He remained undeterred and resolute despite his compromised condition.
Trios Warfare Leads to Huge All In Tag Team Match
A Heroes vs. Villains Trios Match exploded into action immediately. It featured The Young Bucks & Konosuke Takeshita against ROH World Champion Bandido & Paragon’s Roderick Strong and Kyle O’Reilly. Takeshita showed dominance early against Bandido. This led to quick tags and high paced exchanges. Bandido and the Bucks displayed incredible agility. This was highlighted by Bandido’s corkscrew tope and Takeshita’s breathtaking Tope Con Giro. As Excalibur enthused, “Lot of high flying insanity just went down in about 35 seconds!”
Following a commercial break, momentum swung wildly. Bandido delivered a devastating pop up Ace Crusher on Nicholas Jackson. Strong entered with intensity. He landed a massive Olympic Slam on Takeshita and a brutal capture backbreaker. This showcased his immense strength. Nicholas Jackson rallied with a dynamic series of strikes. These included a bulldog lariat combo. He briefly reclaimed control. However, Kyle O’Reilly halted this surge with a fierce bodyscissors guillotine choke. He nearly secured a submission victory. Matthew countered impressively with locomotion Northern Lights suplexes.
The climax intensified. Bandido executed a jaw dropping moonsault fallaway slam on Takeshita. He nearly secured the win. The Bucks responded swiftly with a slingshot X Factor and apron moonsault combination. They displayed their tag team ingenuity. The match’s dramatic apex saw Takeshita and the Bucks hit an extraordinary Wheelbarrow Indietaker. It was punctuated by a signature Superkick Party. Takeshita sealed the victory emphatically with the Raging Fire. He pinned Kyle O’Reilly.
Post match, tensions boiled over. Will Ospreay and Shane “Swerve” Strickland ambushed the victorious Bucks. They demanded a definitive answer regarding their proposed match at AEW All In: Texas. Strickland clarified they had no interest in becoming EVPs. He asserted, “There’s only one person that runs this company and that is the chairman and CEO, Tony Khan.” Will Ospreay aggressively challenged, “Are these guys Young Bucks or Young Cucks?” Matthew Jackson promptly dismissed the stipulation. He declared, “We’re EVPs. You aren’t. You want an answer? Hell no!” However, Ospreay revealed a tantalizing counter offer. If the Bucks accepted and won, he and Swerve would not challenge for the world title for one full year. Despite initial hesitation from Swerve, Matthew Jackson confidently affirmed, “You got a deal, but you gotta get Swerve on the same page.” After tense consideration and counsel from Prince Nana, Strickland firmly responded, “You got a deal.” This officially set the stage for a high stakes showdown at AEW All In: Texas.
Strickland & Ospreay Form Uneasy Alliance in Tag Action
In another Heroes vs. Villains Tag Match, Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay teamed up against LFI’s Dralístico and The Beast Mortos. Off the opening bell, Mortos and Dralístico attacked Strickland and Ospreay. They were still hashing out previous tensions. Despite the early ambush, Swerve and Ospreay regrouped. They showcased remarkable synergy with tandem high flying attacks. “Swerve Strickland taking flight, as is Ospreay, opposite sides of the ring!” called Excalibur, setting the high octane tone.
Throughout the contest, LFI displayed formidable teamwork. This was highlighted by Mortos landing a stunning tornillo dive. Post commercial break, Ospreay rallied fiercely. He lit up Mortos with a series of impactful forearms. He executed a breathtaking Space Flying Tiger Drop to the outside. Dralístico and Mortos nearly sealed the deal following a sharp spear from Mortos. But Strickland intervened to preserve his team’s chances. The match reached its apex with a visually spectacular finish. Ospreay hoisted Mortos for a Storm Breaker. It was flawlessly assisted by a devastating Swerve Stomp from Strickland.
In rapid succession, Dralístico suffered a punishing Styles Clash. It was followed immediately by Strickland’s precise House Call kick. This prompted Excalibur to emphatically confirm, “House Call! 1, 2, 3!” sealing the victory for Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay. Following their victory, Ospreay extended his hand towards Strickland as a gesture of unity. After a brief, tense hesitation, Strickland accepted. This indicated burgeoning trust between the uneasy allies ahead of their critical match at AEW All In: Texas.
Okada and Ibushi Collide in Epic Main Event, The Golden Lovers Reunite
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite main event delivered an unforgettable first time ever in AEW matchup. It was between Kota Ibushi and AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada. It reignited their legendary rivalry. The bout began cautiously. Both competitors tested each other. This was highlighted by Okada’s calculated, yet disrespectful, “little paintbrush” slap, as noted by Excalibur. The action escalated rapidly. It spilled outside where Ibushi executed a daring plancha. This ignited the crowd’s enthusiasm.
Throughout the contest, Okada methodically targeted Ibushi’s neck. He exploited his history of neck injuries with precision moves. These included a devastating DDT on the floor. Ibushi fought back resiliently. He showcased his agility with a standing moonsault and a powerful running knee. He nearly secured victory. Okada regained control. He displayed dominance with a diving elbow drop. He taunted Omega by replicating the manner in which he previously targeted Kenny. Ibushi valiantly retaliated with a series of sharp strikes. These included a thunderous roundhouse kick that left Okada dazed.
The climax saw Ibushi execute a jaw dropping Imploding Avalanche Tiger Driver from the top rope. This left fans and announcers alike astounded. “Oh my God, you’ve gotta be thinking, that’s it, and they kicked out,” exclaimed Taz. He emphasized the incredible resilience displayed by Okada. However, it was Okada’s legendary Rainmaker lariat that ultimately secured the victory. He decisively pinned Ibushi to conclude an epic encounter.
Following the match, the Don Callis Family stormed the ring. This included Lance Archer, Rocky Romero, and Don Callis himself. They further assaulted Ibushi. In a shocking turn, Kenny Omega made an explosive return. He brandished a steel chair to clear the ring and make the save. Trent Beretta attempted a sneak attack. But he was thwarted by Omega and Ibushi. This culminated in a stunning German suplex and powerbomb combination. Omega and Ibushi shared an emotional embrace in the ring. This signaled the reunion of the iconic Golden Lovers. It also sent a strong message to Okada and the Don Callis Family ahead of AEW All In: Texas. Omega and Okada will clash there in a winner take all championship match.
