AEW Dynamite results (5/14): Barnett’s live review of Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe in a cage match for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay and Hangman Page vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander

By Jake Barnett, ProWrestling.net Co-Senior Staffer (@jakebarnett)

AEW Dynamite “Beach Break” (Episode 293)
May 14, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois at NOW Arena
Simulcast live on TBS and Max

Excalibur, Ian Ricabboni, and Tax joined the show and welcomed the TV audience to Chicago. Will Ospreay’s music then hit and he headed to the ring for the opening match. He was followed by his partner Hangman Adam Page. They were followed by Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander, who were accompanied by Don Callis.

1. Will Ospreay and Hangman Page vs. Josh Alexander and Konosuke Takeshita: Ospreay and Takeshita began the match in the ring. They traded some strikes and a couple of fast pinning attempts early on that resulted in a stalemate. Josh Alexander tagged in, and Ospreay stayed in the match after sharing a look with Hangman. Alexander took control with some mat wrestling, and then made a tag out to Takeshita. He entered the ring and hit a huge knee strike on Ospreay, and then tussled with Hangman on the apron. Takeshita then returned to Ospreay and landed a strike and then raked at his eyes.

Ospreay replied with a tijeras and made a tag to Page. He landed a lariat on Takeshita and then a flying lariat on the apron to Alexander. He then delivered a moonsault to Alexander on the floor, and delivered a Death Valley Driver to Takeshita for a two count. Page attempted a sliding lariat, but Takeshita was able to move. Both men then traded strikes for a moment, and then traded reversals on a tombstone attempt. Hangman regained control with a sit out Powerbomb for a near fall.

Hangman tagged out to Ospreay, who entered to land a standing shooting star press for a near fall. He then sent Takeshita into the corner and delivered a chop. Page tagged back in and they took turns throwing punches at Takeshita. They struggled to get on the same page with the timing and glared at one another. The struggle created an opening for Josh Alexander to help Takeshita dump Ospreay to the floor. They then did the same to Hangman, and Takeshita dove on both of them on the floor…[c]

Alexander landed a Northern Lights Suplex on Page for a two count. After a trade of strikes, he applied an ankle lock after a drop toe hold. Hangman managed to shove Alexander back towards his corner, and made a quick tag to Ospreay. He took out both Takeshita and Alexander with an aerial strike. Both Page and Ospreay got the same idea and took to the turnbuckle to land a moonsault and a twisting splash onto Takeshita and Alexander on the floor.

Ospreay went toe to toe with Alexander in the ring and got caught attempting a backflip into a spin out powerbomb for a near fall. Takeshita tagged in and landed a big elbow. He then followed up with a Blue Thunder Bomb and a brainbuster. Page had to break up the pinfall. Alexander entered and landed a release German Suplex on Page. Takeshita and Alexander landed stereo ripcord elbows onto Ospreay, and Alexander covered for a 2.9 count.

After a quick recovery, Ospreay returned fire with a Oscutter to both Takeshita and Alexander. Page tagged himself in to Ospreay’s dismay. After a series of miscommunications, Ospreay and Page nearly hit each other with their signature moves. They regrouped and landed a Buckshot Lariat and Hidden Blade combination on Alexander and got the win.

Hangman Page and Will Ospreay defeated Konosuke Takeshita and Josh Alexander at 18:33

After the match, Konosuke Takeshita and Alexander went on the attack after Ospreay and Page had a staredown. In the confusion, Ospreay landed an elbow to Page, who got fired up, Ospreay put up his hands and backed off while Page was seething. We then got a video package to hype up the main event between Samoa Joe and Jon Moxley in a Steel Cage Match. Backstage, Top Flight promised that MJF was going to get what was coming to him. They also reiterated that they still wanted The Hurt Business and a shot at the AEW Tag Team Titles. Dustin Rhodes then showed up and told them to use the doubters as fuel to prove them wrong and win the Tag Titles.

In the arena, Ricochet made his ring entrance while footage showed him stealing Zach Gowen’s prosthetic leg last week on Collision. Zach Gowen then made his way to the ring on crutches.

2. Zach Gowen vs. Ricochet: Gowen used his crouching wrestling style to baffle Ricochet, who got frightened by it and escaped to the floor. Gowen performed a springboard splash to the floor. He then grabbed a headlock and delivered some strikes, but Ricochet broke free and shoved him into the barricade right in front of his son…[c]

My Take: A good opening tag match. The “will they or won’t they get along” aspect of the match felt a bit contrived at times, but it accomplished what it set out to do. Alexander continues to take losses, which was something I was afraid of when he lost on night one in the company.

Ricochet gained control during the break and landed a big 450 as the show returned. Surprisingly, Gowen kicked out at 2.9. He then landed a Shooting Star Press, and got the same result. He then delivered his Vertigo finisher, and one again got a close near fall. Ricochet showed frustration and pulled his golden scissors out from the turnbuckle pad. Rick Knox disposed of them, but the opening allowed Gowen to smash Ricochet with his prosthetic limb for a near fall of his own.

Gowen then went up top for a big moonsault, but Ricochet was able to get out of the way. He then followed up with the Spirit Gun elbow for the win.

Ricochet defeated Zach Gowen at 8:19

After the match, Ricochet continued the attack and landed another Spirit Gun. He then landed another running kick. Mark Briscoe then ran down to the ring and ran off Ricochet, who bailed immediately. Backstage, MJF was interviewed by Renee Paquette. She asked about getting a yes from the Hurt Syndicate. He said they would become a four headed dragon and it would be inevitable that he becomes the AEW World Champion one more time. Renee asked him if he had given any thought to what they would do to him if they said no, and MJF was speechless.

MVP and the Hurt Syndicate walked up and told Max that it was imperative for him to meet them in the ring after their match. The Hurt Syndicate then made their ring entrance for the next match. Top Flight then made their entrance.

3. The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) vs. Top Flight (Darius and Dante Martin) for the AEW Tag Team Championships: Top Flight got an early advantage using their speed. Darius landed a Tornado DDT on Shelton and then Dante landed a big dive onto Lashley on the floor. They pushed their luck, though, and Dante was caught by Lashley on a second dive and thrown into the ring post. Benjamin tossed Darius to the floor, where Lashley tossed him around into the barricades and then slammed him into the apron.

Benjamin landed two release German Suplexes on Darius for a near fall. Dante then got speared out of his shoes by Lashley, and then cinched in the Hurt Lock. Benjamin delivered a superkick to Darius, and Dante was forced to pass out in the Hurt Lock.

The Hurt Syndicate defeated Top Flight at 5:12

Afterwards, Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara walked out to the ring. Dustin told Lashley he looked like an asshole and to let go of the Hurt Lock. MVP demanded to know what they wanted, and Dustin said he thought it was obvious. Lio Rush and Action Andretti then walked out. They told Dustin and Guevara to clear out before they rearranged their faces. He then asked Lashley for a title shot out of respect for their past together. MVP cut them both off and said they could have a match on Collision, and the winner would get a title shot at Double or Nothing.

MVP then said that they had 30 seconds until a commercial break, and to stay tuned becaused MJF would get what he deserved after the break…[c]

My Take: The Hurt Syndicate is a lot of fun as a team, but they so vastly outclass all of their Tag Team competition that it makes their matches a bit boring. I wish that wasn’t the case, but it’s basically The Hurt Syndicate and a bunch of teams that get very little reaction from live crowds.

MVP asked MJF down to the ring. MJF didn’t immediately emerge, and MVP sent Shelton to the back to go find him. He was hiding behind the production table where Tony Khan sits, and Shelton dragged him down to the ring. MVP gave his thumbs up for a vote, and Shelton followed with his. Bobby then placed his arm around MJF’s shoulder and his thumb wavered up and down a bit before giving a thumbs up. MJF jumped into Lashley’s arms, who immediately shoved him to the floor.

Max climbed the corners and started chanting “We hurt people” while smiling like an idiot. MVP then announced that MJF would have his official contract signing with The Hurt Syndicate next week…[c]

My Take: Well, there’s still one more opportunity for someone else to emerge and take the contract from MJF. This story really needs to hit a high note next week, as it feels like it starting to stall a bit.

Timeless Toni Storm made her ring entrance while footage was shown winning her Fatal Four Way eliminator match on last week’s Dynamite. AZM then made her ring entrance, followed by Mina Shirakawa and Skye Blue.

4. Toni Storm vs. AZM vs. Mina Shirakawa vs. Sky Blue: Mina and AZM traded pinfall attempts while Skye Blue and Toni Storm brawled on the floor. Mina landed a tornado DDT on AZM on the floor, while Storm and Blue brawled their way back into the ring. Blue landed a flying head scissors and a tornado DDT of her own. AZM entered the match and shoved Storm out of the ring. She brawled with Blue, and things reset as all four women were back in the ring.

Mina and Toni hit stereo Lou Thesz Presses and then confronted one another. They traded strikes, and AZM entered the fray and landed a big kick on Shirakawa. Mina replied with a DDT and then applied a figure four on Toni Storm. She reached the ropes, and then rolled to the outside. Mina dove to the floor and took out Toni again, but AZM was quick to capitalize and took her out with a dive of her own. Sky Blue then climbed to the top turnbuckle and dove on all three women on the floor…[c]

Toni and AZM landed German Suplexes on Blue and Shirakawa. Storm then delivered hip attacks to Blue and Shirakawa. AZM avoided one and both she and Storm were sent to the floor by Blue. Shirakawa recovered and landed a kick on Blue. Storm returned and landed a shotgun dropkick on Mina and a Sky High on Blue. Shirakawa delivered hook kicks to both Storm and Blue. AZM returned and delivered a roundhouse to Blue and then a Destroyer. Toni Storm had to break up the pin.

Storm delivered Storm Zero to AZM, and Mina broke up the pinfall. Mina and Storm traded small packages, and Mina got the upset victory.

Mina Shirakawa defeated Toni Storm, Skye Blue, and AZM at 12:24

After the match, Toni and Mina went face to face, and Toni vs. Mina was confirmed for Double or Nothing for the AEW Women’s Championship. AZM was being helped to the back, and was attacked by Mercedes Mone. She applied a Statement Maker, but Jamie Hayter ran down and delivered a counter attack. She applied a crossface momentarily, but was interrupted by security before landing a Hayterade Lariat. We then got a tribute for Sabu. Taz then offered his words of love and support…[c]

My Take: AZM stood out in a positive way in that match. Mina getting a title shot at Double or Nothing will result in a good match, but I think everyone is waiting on the eventual Mercedes vs. Toni encounter at All In Texas. Taz offered a fine tribute to Sabu. RIP.

MVP and MJF were interviewed backstage. MJF said he felt like he won the lottery, and said he would have his lawyer Mark Sterling go over the contract. MVP objected and asked what the whole lawyer thing was about. MJF asked him if he’d do business without his lawyer looking it over, and he said no. They left in agreement but MVP looked concerned.

In the arena, Nigel McGuinness was with Tony Schiavone. Nigel said he had an apology to make to Daniel Garcia, and invited him down to the ring. Garcia made his entrance while video played from Collision where Nigel got involved in Garcia’s match.

Nigel gave a straightforward apology and said he recognized his place was at the announce table, and not in the ring. Garcia replied that he can hold his apology, because he did exactly what was expected of him when he was disrespected. Garcia said he was going to fight FTR with or without him, and he wanted him by his side to fight with him. Stokely Hathaway appeared and said he was disgusted. He said what happened on Collision was egregious, and he nearly broke Dax’s jaw. Stokely asked Nigel what the hell his problem was. Nigel replied and called him “Strokely”.

He then said he was “so very sorry” for defending himself. Stokely said his apology wasn’t good enough, because FTR wanted retribution in the ring, in a match where they can’t be fined or suspended for kicking his ass. Nigel said that’s what worries him, they are ten time champions and he and Garcia have barely had conversion. Garcia said he’s watched Nigel overcome the odds his entire career, and he wants him to do it again in the match with him against FTR.

Stokely asked him if he really thinks he can beat FTR, since he barely beat hepatitis. FTR then appeared and attacked Nigel and Danny from behind, before they were saved by Daddy Magic Matt Menard who came to the ring with a crowbar. A Tribute to Steve “Mongo” McMichael was announced for Collision on Saturday, as well as Anna Jay vs. Megan Bayne and Blake Christian vs. Speedball Mike Bailey. Jox Moxley vs. Samoa Joe is up next…[c]

My Take: This wasn’t a bad segment, but the crowd did not react particularly strongly to much of it. I think a lot of damage has been done to FTR and Garcia and it’s going take a while to pull out of the dive, so to speak.

Samoa Joe made his entrance for the Main Event cage match. He was followed by Jon Moxley.

5. Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe in a Steel Cage for the AEW World Championship: Joe got fired up early on.and landed a biggest elbow strike. He then sent Moxley into the cage and delivered a big shoulder tackle up against the cage. Moxley got back into things with a couple of chop blocks and then drove his knee into the side of Joe’s knee brace.

Mox applied a Figure Four in the center of the ring, and then landed a running Big Boot after Joe struggled to his feet…[c]

Samoa Joe made his entrance for the Main Event cage match. He was followed by Jon Moxley.

5. Jon Moxley vs. Samoa Joe in a Steel Cage for the AEW World Championship: Joe got fired up early on.and landed a biggest elbow strike. He then sent Moxley into the cage and delivered a big shoulder tackle up against the cage. Moxley got back into things with a couple of chop blocks and then drove his knee into the side of Joe’s knee brace.

Mox applied a Figure Four in the center of the ring, and then landed a running Big Boot after Joe struggled to his feet…[c]

Willow Nightingale and Powerhouse Hobbs were at ringside, along with Marina Shafir and Wheeler Yuta. Jon Moxley bled heavily as he and Joe traded heavy strikes. Moxley tried to escape, but Joe brought him back into the ring with a suplex. He then landed a Manhattan Drop and a running senton for a two count. Joe then applied an STF, followed by a Crossface. Moxley reached the ropes, which forced a break in this match format.

Joe setup for a Muscle Buster, but Moxley raked his eyes and bit his face to break free. Moxley then jumped over Joe and landed several lariats. He followed up with a cutter and covered for a close near fall. Moxley then attempted a cross armbreaker, but gave up on it and applied a Bulldog Choke. Joe started to go out, but got the arm up on the third drop. He battled to his feet, but Moxley put him back down with a Paradigm Shift for a 2.9 fall.

Joe managed to turn things around and apply a Coquina Clutch, and bedlam broke out at ringside. Powerhouse Hobbs put Wheeler Yuta through a table, and Willow managed to pull Claudio off the cage. Gabe Kidd then appeared and handed Moxley his briefcase, which he used to clobber Samoa Joe and get the pinfall victory.

Jon Moxley defeated Samoa Joe to retain the AEW World Championship at 15:21

After the match, The Death Riders and Kidd took out Willow and Hobbs. The Young Bucks then walked out to the ring. Nick offered a handshake to Moxley, but before he could reply, Kenny Omega made his way out and took out Yuta and Claudio. Okada snuck up behind him and delivered a huge body shot to Omega. The Bucks then brought the cage back down, and Omega and Joe were trapped in the cage with The Young Bucks, Kidd, and the Death Riders.

The beatdown commenced, and Swerve Strickland ran down to the ring. Swerve quickly ascended the cage and dove on everyone in the ring. Matt Jackson quickly signaled for the cage to be lifted, and quickly got the hell out of there. Swerve got on the mic and said he shouldn’t want to be in a cage again after he got his brains beat in with a chair, but he has no fear. He laid out a challenge for an Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing as the show went off the air.

My Take: I’m still trying to figure out why there was a rope break in a no DQ cage match, but otherwise this was the overbooked mess I imagined it would be to setup Anarchy in the Arena. The addition of Gabe Kidd makes me wonder how the 5 on 5 match will end up being assembled, as it sounds like Willow and Marina will end up being involved as well. I think opinions on this show will vary pretty widely, but I find myself calling it a slightly above average edition of Dynamite. There were a couple of segments that dragged, but it was an entertaining show on the whole.