by The AEW Dynamite 21 May 2025 Recap brings fans an electrifying night of wrestling from the Rio Rancho Events Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This episode of AEW Dynamite delivered high-stakes matches, intense promos, and shocking moments that set the stage for Double or Nothing.
From a heartfelt face-off between Will Ospreay and “Hangman” Adam Page to a chaotic six-man tag team match and the official induction of a new Hurt Syndicate member, this show had it all. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the night’s results, highlights, and what’s next for AEW’s biggest stars.
Match Results
1. Jon Moxley & Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) vs. Shane “Swerve” Strickland & The Opps (Samoa Joe & “Powerhouse” Will Hobbs)
Winner: Shane Strickland & The Opps by pinfall with a victory roll from Strickland on Matthew Jackson.
Match Highlights: This six-man tag match was a chaotic brawl from the start, with Joe and Moxley trading hard strikes, Hobbs dominating with a World’s Strongest Slam, and Swerve’s high-flying offense keeping the pace relentless. The Bucks’ signature Superkick Party and Moxley’s Paradigm Shift kept the heels in control, but Swerve’s resilience and a timely Coquina Clutch from Joe secured the victory. Post-match, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler YUTA, and Willow Nightingale escalated the chaos, with Kenny Omega’s surprise appearance and Dragon suplexes stealing the show.
2. Anthony Bowens vs. Ricochet
Winner: Ricochet by pinfall with Spear Gun.
Match Highlights: Bowens controlled early, using the barricade to his advantage with Billy Gunn’s support, but Ricochet’s cunning distraction involving referee Paul Turner shifted momentum. A brutal back-and-forth saw Bowens land the Fameasser and Arrival, but Ricochet’s sneaky scissor stab and Spear Gun sealed the win. Post-match, Mark Briscoe attacked Ricochet with a stretcher, adding fuel to their rivalry.
3. Julia Hart vs. Mina Shirakawa
Winner: Mina Shirakawa by pinfall with a seatbelt pin.
Match Highlights: With Toni Storm on commentary, this match showcased technical prowess and intensity. Hart’s arm wringer and Old School contrasted Shirakawa’s flashy knee drops and dragon screw. A knee injury slowed Hart, allowing Shirakawa to capitalize with a spinning toehold and seatbelt pin. Post-match, Shirakawa taunted Storm, but Hart’s blindside attack led to a chaotic brawl. Storm and Shirakawa briefly teamed up, but Mina’s ringpost figure four on Storm sent a bold message.
Segment Highlights
1. Will Ospreay and “Hangman” Adam Page Face-Off
Recap: The show opened with a gripping promo between Ospreay and Page, setting the tone for their Owen Hart Cup finals match at Double or Nothing. Ospreay’s heartfelt plea to main-event the PPV, driven by his desire to bring the AEW World Championship home to London, clashed with Page’s raw, personal need to reclaim his pride and legacy. The beer toast and Ospreay’s Triple H-style spit added flair, while their mutual respect culminated in a tense photo-op with the Owen Hart Cup. Jon Moxley’s tron appearance hinted at his looming presence.
2. Hurt Syndicate Induction Ceremony
Recap: The official induction of Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) as the fourth member of the Hurt Syndicate was a spectacle. MJF’s gaudy suit and sharp-tongued promo mocked the crowd and his rivals, while Montel Vontavious Porter and Bobby Lashley solidified the group’s dominance. The Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara) interrupted, challenging the Syndicate’s legitimacy and hyping their ROH World Tag Team Championship match at Double or Nothing. Rhodes’ fiery words and Guevara’s defiance set up a heated showdown.
3. Kazuchika Okada’s Response to “Speedball” Mike Bailey
Recap: In a brief but impactful backstage segment, Okada asserted his dominance as AEW Continental Champion, dismissing Bailey’s challenge while acknowledging his undefeated streak. Okada’s confident “there’s a first time for everything” line teased an explosive future confrontation.
4. Jamie Hayter vs. Mercedes Mone Face-to-Face
Recap: Hayter’s underdog passion shone as she vowed to prove herself against Mone, who dismissed her as a “glass doll” and boasted her TBS Championship reign. The segment turned physical when Mone’s cheap shot backfired, with Hayter landing Hayterade. Mone’s jab about losing the NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship added personal stakes to their Double or Nothing clash.
5. Post-Main Event Chaos
Recap: The night ended with a wild brawl involving the Young Bucks, Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, Shane Strickland, Kenny Omega, and the Death Riders. Omega’s V-Trigger/House Call combo and Joe’s Coquina Clutch were countered by Gabe Kidd’s interference and the Bucks’ table spots, leaving the heels standing tall and amplifying the anarchy heading into Double or Nothing.
What’s Next?
The May 21, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite has set the stage for an explosive Double or Nothing PPV. Key storylines to watch include:
- Will Ospreay vs. “Hangman” Adam Page: Their Owen Hart Cup finals match will determine who challenges for the AEW World Championship at All In Texas. The personal vs. professional stakes promise a brutal encounter.
- Hurt Syndicate vs. Sons of Texas: MJF’s induction into the Hurt Syndicate has made them a formidable force, but Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara’s defiance suggests a gritty tag title defense.
- Mercedes Mone vs. Jamie Hayter: Hayter’s quest to avoid being “forgotten” clashes with Mone’s legacy-driven arrogance, with the TBS Championship on the line.
- Mina Shirakawa vs. Toni Storm: Shirakawa’s post-match attack on Storm signals a brewing feud for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
- Anarchy in the Arena Fallout: The chaotic brawl involving Moxley, the Bucks, Swerve, Joe, Omega, and others hints at more violence, with potential table spots and interferences looming.
AEW’s next shows will likely build on these rivalries, with FTR’s contract signing against Daniel Garcia and Nigel McGuinness adding another layer of intrigue.
FAQs
Q: Where did the AEW Dynamite 21 May 2025 episode take place?
A: The episode was held at the Rio Rancho Events Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Q: Who won the main event on AEW Dynamite 21 May 2025?
A: Shane “Swerve” Strickland and The Opps (Samoa Joe and Powerhouse Will Hobbs) defeated Jon Moxley and the Young Bucks via a victory roll pinfall by Strickland on Matthew Jackson.
Q: What was the significance of the Will Ospreay and “Hangman” Adam Page segment?
A: The segment highlighted their personal and professional motivations for the Owen Hart Cup finals at Double or Nothing, with the winner earning an AEW World Championship shot at All In Texas.
Q: Who was inducted into the Hurt Syndicate on this episode?
A: Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) was officially inducted as the fourth member of the Hurt Syndicate.
Q: What happened during the post-match chaos in the Julia Hart vs. Mina Shirakawa match?
A: After Shirakawa’s victory, she taunted Toni Storm, leading to a brawl where Hart attacked Mina. Storm intervened, but Shirakawa applied a ringpost figure four on Storm, escalating their rivalry.
Q: What’s the next major event after this Dynamite episode?
A: The next major event is Double or Nothing, featuring key matches like Ospreay vs. Page and Mone vs. Hayter.
