AEW Dynamite
Live from the Wolstein Center
Cleveland, Ohio
August 6, 2025
Wednesday night in Cleveland brought a raucous crowd and a loaded card as AEW Dynamite returned to the Wolstein Center. With tournament matches, surprise appearances, and a main event dripping with animosity, the show packed in drama from bell to bell.
Opening Bout — Jon Moxley vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
The night kicked off with hard-hitting intensity as Jon Moxley squared off against the lightning-fast Mike Bailey. Bailey’s striking combinations and aerial offense kept Moxley guessing, but ringside distractions from Marina Shafir and Wheeler Yuta shifted the tide. After withstanding Bailey’s flurries, Moxley landed the decisive Death Rider to claim the victory.
Mid-Show Chaos — Darby Allin Targets Wheeler Yuta
In one of the evening’s most talked-about moments, Darby Allin emerged from the crowd during a later segment and blindsided Wheeler Yuta. Stuffing Yuta into a heavy canvas bag, Allin dragged him out of the arena while a stunned audience looked on. Moxley and Shafir eventually found Yuta taped up with a note challenging Moxley for Forbidden Door. Allin, true to form, made his getaway in Moxley’s own vehicle.
TBS Championship Qualifier — Four-Way Showdown
Alex Windsor, Queen Aminata, Skye Blue, and Billie Starkz clashed in a frantic four-way bout with a shot at the TBS Title on the line. The action never slowed, with each competitor showing off signature offense and desperate pin attempts. Windsor seized the opening she needed, scoring the three-count and earning her place at Forbidden Door. The win drew extra attention with reigning champion Mercedes Moné watching from ringside.
Tag Team Eliminator Semifinal — The Young Bucks vs. Brodido
The Eliminator Tournament continued as The Young Bucks faced the unorthodox pairing of Bandido and Brody King — collectively dubbed “Brodido.” The Bucks brought their trademark speed and precision, but Brodido’s blend of raw power and lucha agility proved too much. A sudden momentum swing led to a decisive finish, sending Brodido to the finals and the Bucks packing.
Special Appearance — Mercedes Moné Returns
Moné’s ringside presence electrified the building and added extra stakes to the TBS title picture. While she didn’t step into the ring, her return served as a clear reminder that Forbidden Door looms large.
Main Event — MJF vs. Mark Briscoe
The grudge match between MJF and Mark Briscoe was personal from the opening bell. Briscoe’s resilience kept him in the fight despite MJF’s relentless targeting and cutting insults. In the end, MJF found his opening, delivering a Heatseeker piledriver and using the ropes for leverage to secure a tainted pinfall. The celebration didn’t last long — Hangman Adam Page charged to the ring to aid Briscoe, leaving tensions high as the broadcast faded out.
Final Thoughts
From start to finish, AEW Dynamite in Cleveland delivered a mix of high-caliber wrestling, unpredictable twists, and storyline developments that set the stage for Forbidden Door. Whether it was Darby Allin’s off-the-wall antics, Windsor’s breakout victory, or the raw animosity in the main event, the night gave fans in attendance plenty to cheer, boo, and remember.
