Hangman Page & Kenny Omega Reunites!
AEW Dynamite returned to the legendary 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, delivering an action-packed, emotionally charged show that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From high-stakes matches to shocking returns and intense promos, the night provided a perfect blend of storytelling, athleticism, and drama. Each segment flowed seamlessly into the next, building momentum toward All Out and future storylines.
Copeland & Christian Cage Challenge FTR – All Out Tag Match Set
The show kicked off with FTR—Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler—storming the ring, furious over their loss at Forbidden Door. Manager Stokely Hathaway joined them, demanding justice and questioning referee Paul Turner’s officiating. Tensions escalated as Harwood accused Turner of favoritism, prompting Turner to stand firm on his call. Suddenly, Adam Copeland appeared, only to be joined by Christian Cage, who immediately attacked Hathaway with a devastating Killswitch. The brawl spilled into the crowd, and the AEW broadcast confirmed that Copeland & Christian Cage would face FTR in a high-stakes tag match at All Out. This opening segment set the tone for the night, blending drama with anticipation.
Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia – Veteran Instinct vs. Rising Grit
The first in-ring contest featured Jon Moxley taking on Daniel Garcia, a match brimming with intensity. Garcia opened with targeted strikes to Moxley’s legs, trying to neutralize the veteran’s mobility. Moxley countered with a punishing DDT onto the apron, eliciting a loud reaction from the Philadelphia crowd. Garcia responded with a series of suplexes and a Dragon Suplex attempt, forcing Moxley to dig deep.
As the match progressed, both men exchanged near-falls in rapid succession. Garcia attempted a crossface, but Moxley reversed into a DDT, bringing the audience to their feet. Midway through, Moxley performed a thunderous death valley driver, but Garcia kicked out at two-and-a-half. The match’s psychology shined when Garcia showed desperation, targeting Moxley’s injured ribs, while Moxley relied on cunning and veteran instincts.
The climax saw Garcia hit a bridging German suplex, yet Moxley countered with a small package roll-up, securing the victory. Fans erupted at the unexpected finish, highlighting both wrestlers’ storytelling and resilience.
Winner – Jon Moxley
Immediately after, Wheeler Yuta grabbed the microphone, calling out Darby Allin and stating that Moxley had no intentions of facing him. The segment built tension for future matchups while maintaining heat for Moxley’s character.
MJF Promo – “I Deserve Better”
Following Moxley’s match, MJF took the microphone to air his grievances. He criticized the new Casino Gauntlet contract rules requiring a week’s notice for challenges and vowed to settle unfinished business with Mark Briscoe before reclaiming a shot at Hangman Page’s AEW World Championship. His promo was a masterclass in heel psychology—smug, self-assured, and clearly setting the stage for future rivalries.
HOOK’s Return – Silent Resurgence
In a shocking turn, the arena lights dimmed, and the HOOK signal flashed across the screens. The crowd erupted as HOOK made his highly anticipated return, silently but forcefully delivering Redrum to Wheeler Yuta. The impact of his return was amplified by the silence before the strike, emphasizing HOOK’s ominous presence and promising a new chapter in AEW storylines.
Statlander & Cameron vs. Bayne & Ford – Tension in the Women’s Division
The women’s tag team division heated up as Kris Statlander & Harley Cameron faced Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford. The match began with high-energy exchanges, including Statlander performing a devastating running boot, while Cameron showcased tactical teamwork with double-team maneuvers. Bayne and Ford fought back with strikes and power moves, but Statlander’s precision ultimately won the day.
Post-match drama unfolded when Bayne attacked Statlander, forcing Willow Nightingale to rush in for a save. Their interaction, while protective, also hinted at potential friction among allies, subtly advancing the women’s division storylines.
Winner – Kris Statlander & Harley Cameron
Mercedes Moné – Nine Titles, Ten Intentions
Mercedes Moné then graced the ring, flaunting her nine championship belts in a dazzling display. She declared her ambition to surpass Ultimo Dragon’s ten-title record, warning Alex Windsor to avoid making a misstep that could cost her dearly. Moné’s segment reinforced her dominance and the magnitude of her character’s presence in AEW.
Mark Briscoe – Proud Father, Aggressive Challenger
Next, Mark Briscoe proudly introduced his newborn child, emphasizing the personal stakes behind his pursuit of TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher. Briscoe’s heartfelt promo highlighted both his family pride and his relentless competitive spirit, solidifying the audience’s emotional investment.
Don Callis Family vs. BroDido & JetSpeed – Frictions Surface
The Don Callis Family continued their dominance in AEW, defeating JetSpeed and AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido in a chaotic 8-Man Tag Match. Before the bell, Don Callis introduced his powerhouse stable—Takeshita, Okada, Hechicero, Lance Archer, Josh Alexander, and Wardlow—firing up the Philadelphia crowd and signaling the high-stakes nature of the bout.
The match began with Bandido and Hechicero trading technical holds before momentum shifted to Takeshita and Alexander double-teaming Bandido. Brody King entered with a massive senton, while JetSpeed hit dual hip tosses, a double Gourdbuster, and stereo dropkicks. Okada and Alexander’s interference led to all eight men brawling across the ring and ringside, with cannonballs, triple dives, and high-impact strikes keeping the crowd on edge.
After the break, chaos intensified. Hechicero choked Kevin Knight until Brody King tagged in, delivering a Bossman Slam on Okada. The action included Josh Alexander’s German Suplex on King, Bailey’s superkick, Takeshita’s tope con giro, mid-air collisions between Hechicero and King, and Bandido wiping out Hechicero. Bailey finished with a sunset flip double knees, highlighting the match’s relentless, high-octane energy and cementing the Don Callis Family’s dominance.
Winner – Don Callis Family
Kenny Omega Saves Hangman Page – Elite Reunited
Following the eight-man tag, Hangman Page addressed the audience, reaffirming his AEW World Championship ambitions. Don Callis interrupted, attacking Page with his faction, but the chaos was quickly halted when Kenny Omega returned to save him. Omega’s intervention not only protected Page but also teased the potential reformation of The Elite, energizing fans with nostalgia and anticipation.
The Opps vs. Ricochet & GOA – Trios Title Retained via MVP’s Intervention
The AEW World Trios Championship match pitted The Opps (Samoa Joe, Hobbs, Shibata) against Ricochet and Gates of Agony (Kaun & Liona). Ricochet started aggressively, trying to chop down Hobbs, but Hobbs barely flinched and countered with a right hook. Kaun tagged in, briefly catching Hobbs off guard with a shoulder block, leading to a series of explosive exchanges.
Shibata entered next, trading chops with Kaun in a crowd-pleasing war. He gained the upper hand with a hesitation dropkick, but Ricochet interfered illegally, isolating Shibata. Ricochet hit a snapmare and standing senton, Liona used power moves and headbutts, and Kaun followed with a leg sweep into an arm-trapped STO. Despite the challengers’ dominance, Shibata tagged Hobbs, who responded with corner offense, a flying lariat, and a brutal exchange of forearms and lariats with Liona.
Samoa Joe entered and hit Ricochet with a powerslam and senton for a near fall. As Ricochet climbed the ropes for an aerial attack, MVP appeared at ringside and struck him with a cane. Joe immediately locked in the Coquina Clutch, forcing Ricochet to submit. The match ended, but chaos erupted as the Hurt Syndicate—Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin—stormed the ring, sparking an all-out brawl with Kaun and Liona. Security rushed in as the melee continued into the final commercial break.
Winner – The Opps
Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli – Falls Count Anywhere Carnage & Finale
Before the bell, Claudio ambushed Darby backstage with a shopping cart of weapons, smashing him through a TV and dragging him toward the entrance. He then delivered a giant swing into the barricade, rattling Allin’s head against steel. Darby fought back with a coffin drop off a support beam, but his body was already battered from the early onslaught.
Once in the ring, Claudio continued his assault, military pressing Allin and tossing him over the top rope onto the announce table, shattering it. After the break, tables and chairs littered the canvas as the action escalated. Darby dodged one charge, sending Claudio crashing through a table, but Castagnoli responded with an avalanche Karelin lift onto chairs and a running powerbomb through another table. Despite the punishment, Allin managed to stay in the fight, showing resilience and determination.
Darby mounted a comeback, hitting a Code Red that shifted momentum. He then followed with two vicious Coffin Drops, finally pinning Claudio for the victory. The match showcased high-risk moves, brutal spots, and near-falls that kept the audience on their feet throughout, emphasizing Darby’s toughness and Claudio’s relentless strength.
Winner – Darby Allin
Post-match chaos erupted as Gabe Kidd appeared and German suplexed Darby. Jon Moxley and the Death Riders rushed in, but Darby fought back briefly. Overpowered again, he slipped free and fled into the crowd, with Kidd in hot pursuit. Dynamite ended with a bloodied but victorious Darby Allin escaping into the shadows, proving he was far from safe.
Final Take: Momentum, Emotion, and Mayhem
The August 27, 2025 episode of AEW Dynamite was an outstanding example of storytelling through pacing, sequencing, and in-ring psychology. Matches were not only athletic showcases but also integral parts of ongoing narratives. Each segment flowed naturally into the next, keeping fans engaged from start to finish.
Highlights:
- HOOK’s return provided a shocking and emotionally charged moment.
- Omega and Page’s reunion teased future Elite storylines with nostalgia and excitement.
- Darby Allin’s main event delivered a masterclass in resilience, danger, and creative in-ring storytelling.
Minor notes:
- MVP’s interference was effective but should be sparing to maintain surprise impact.
- Internal tension in Don Callis Family promises intriguing future developments.
Final Grade: B+
AEW Dynamite continues to excel at blending drama, action, and character development. The August 27, 2025 show was a powerful, high-energy episode that laid strong foundations for upcoming All Out storylines while delivering memorable matches and moments for fans.
