Results
- Jon Moxley def. Shane Taylor (AEW Continental Championship) (13:11)
- Mark Briscoe def. PAC (12:12)
- Andrade El Idolo def. Orange Cassidy (15:17)
- Maya World def. Skye Blue (Women’s Owen Hart Tournament Quarter-Final) (11:21)
- Swerve Strickland def. Brody King (Men’s Owen Hart Tournament Semi-Final) (15:00) (Recommended)
Chris Jericho confronts Tommaso Ciampa
This week’s epsiode of AEW Dynamite, a special Summer Blockbuster edition of the show, took place live from the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. Before any of the matchups of the night got started, Tony Schiavone welcomed Tommaso Ciampa to the ring for an interview. Ciampa has been calling out Chris Jericho for weeks, mentioning how he wants to make a statement by taking him out.
Ciampa was quick to grab the mic once he got in the ring, once again demanding Schiavone to say that he’s better than Jericho. The AEW announcer was hesitant to give in to the demand, but did so after Ciampa put his hands on him.
Just after this happened, Jericho’s music hit. After weeks of getting called out by Ciampa, Jericho finally answered his call. An irate Ciampa demanded that the production crew cut off Jericho’s “Judas” theme during his entrance.
“It’s about damn time Jericho showed up in the flesh,” Ciampa said. “So Jericho, what do you have to say for yourself?”
“Honestly, I need to find out who I need to talk to around here to fight somebody who actually has hair,” Jericho said, causing “Bald” chants to break out.
Trying to belittle Ciampa, Jericho pretended he wasn’t aware of who he was and called him “Tommy.” He asked Ciampa why he actually hates him (I’ve been wondering this too, honestly).
Jericho got more intense, suddenly, and warned Ciampa to take “the stick out your ass before I shove it even further.” A brawl broke out between these two, causing a dozen or so security guards to quickly charge the ring and separate the wrestlers, ending the segment. I’m not sure I would’ve opened with this segment, especially since it had a somewhat flat ending, but whatever.
Backstage, Andrade El Idolo said that since Kevin Knight is the newest addition to the Don Callis Family, he needs to “get to the back of the line” in terms of trying to get a world title shot. Knight didn’t respond kindly to this request. Don Callis was trying to calm things down, as both men are part of his faction.
Jon Moxley defends against Shane Taylor, but faction warfare kicks off after win
The first matchup saw two of Ohio’s own face off, as AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley put his belt on the line against Shane Taylor. The Death Riders and Shane Taylor Promotions have been a fun feud for a few weeks on Collision, causing this bout to get booked.
Taylor brought his massive personnel with him, but they were kindly shooed away by the referee, who reminded them that everybody is banned from ringside in Continental title matchups.
The fight went to the timekeeper’s area early on, where Taylor put Moxley through a table with a Uranage. The challenger had an advantage as the show went into a break. Taylor continued to dominate as the show returned, scoring a leg drop on the ring apron.
Moxley showed some life at the eight-minute mark, flinging out a forearm then flipping off Taylor. He started to gain some steam with a series of strikes. Taylor tried to stop Moxley in his tracks with a hard forearm, but Moxley responded with a thudding lariat which dropped him.
The fight went to the top rope, where Moxley was knocked to the mat with a headbutt, then Taylor came out of the corner with a frogsplash for a near fall. After a back-and-forth striking exchange, Moxley dropped Taylor with a sudden cutter, giving him a two-count.
Moxley quickly transitioned into an armbar after the kickout from Taylor. The challenger escaped the submission with a few punches. Moxley slipped in an ankle lock, but Taylor was able to work his way out of that as well. Moxley caught Taylor with a Curbstomp, then immediately locked in a Bulldog Choke for the submission victory in 13 minutes. One of the shorter Continental title matches, but still a fun showdown between these two.
Sore loser Taylor attacked Moxley after the bell. He grabbed a belt from STP teammate Carlie Bravo, using it to whip Moxley’s back. Numerous other Death Riders and STP members appeared at ringside, brawling amongst eachother. In the ring, Taylor choked out Moxley then gave him a frogsplash before hightailing out of the ring. Seems like the feud between Death Riders and STP isn’t done.
Darby Allin returns, jumps Kevin Knight
The next segment saw Don Callis Family’s newest signing, Kevin Knight, on the mic. The TNT Champion was quick to call out world champ MJF, teasing that he has something to say to him. Instead of getting MJF, Knight got Darby Allin, appearing on AEW programming for the first time since losing his title at Double or Nothing.
Allin emerged from the crowd, swinging his skateboard into the back of Knight to drop him. The former champ got on the mic and, as he was setting up for a Coffin Drop, referenced Knight’s attack against him at Double or Nothing.
“I hope New York was worth it, b****!” he said. Just as Allin was about to do the Coffin Drop, numerous Callis Family members hit the ring for the save. Allin fled the scene to end the segment. Allin vs. Knight? Sounds like a good time.
Mark Briscoe picks up win, lays out Forbidden Door challenge
The next segment saw Mark Briscoe, who has been on the hunt for a shot at AEW World Champion MJF, go head-to-head with PAC of the Death Riders. Before the match, we briefly saw Briscoe chatting backstage with Tony Khan, who seemed to be agreeing to the idea that Briscoe was proposing to him (more on this in a minute).
Briscoe scored an elbow drop off the ring apron and to the floor early on. PAC responded with a nasty spot of his own just before a break, putting Briscoe through a set-up chair with a brainbuster at ringside.
Briscoe started to regain some steam as the show returned, scoring a series of strikes then an exploder suplex. He peeled PAC out of the corner for a slam, but it only earned him a two-count.
Briscoe climbed to the top rope for a Froggy-Bow elbow drop, but PAC was able to roll out of the way before he took flight for the move. A few minutes later, a suplex attempt from Briscoe sent both men over the top rope and falling to the floor at ringside. Briscoe was the first to get up and came running off the ring apron with a Blockbuster to the floor.
Briscoe climbed to the top and tried for a Froggy-Bow Elbow drop once again, but PAC put up his knees to block the move. PAC then climbed to the top, but had a high-risk move dodged by Briscoe.
Briscoe charged at PAC, but was given an exploder suplex into a set of turnbuckles. PAC tried for a Shooting Star Press, but Briscoe put up his knees to counter the move. Briscoe got back up to his feet then connected with a Jay Driller for the win in 12 minutes.
Briscoe got on the microphone and said he has a “direct path” to a shot at MJF’s title, and called the champ out to hear what that was. MJF, wanting to hear what Briscoe was talking about, appeared from the crowd.
“You are not a great listener,” MJF said to Briscoe. “I am the final word here in AEW. I am the law here in AEW … And my final word to you in regards to getting a title shot is no.”
MJF’s promo wrapped around to the phrase that “money talks.” Right after he said this, the “Lethal Swirl” trio of Jay Lethal, Blake Christian and Lee Johnson hit the ring to try and attack Briscoe. Members of The Conglomeration came in for the save, causing the heels to retreat.
Briscoe got on the mic and mentioned the plan he worked out with Tony Khan earlier in the night. At Forbidden Door, a six-on-six steel cage match will happen, with team Brisoce facing team MJF. If Briscoe’s team wins, he gets a title shot! Sounds like fun, and I’m curious to see what kind of Forbidden Door-themed talents can be thrown into that 12-man bout.
Andrade takes down OC
Third in the lineup tonight was a singles match between Andrade El Idolo and Orange Cassidy.
Andrade tore off his long pants early in this match to reveal the shorts he wears under. Cassidy tore away his long blue jeans to reveal… Another pair of long jeans. He got a huge pop from the Cincinnati crowd for that.
Cassidy went for a tope suicida to the outside, but Andrade caught him and reversed it into a suplex to the floor. After scoring that fun move, Andrade rewarded himself by taking a selfie with a lady at ringside. This distraction allowed Cassidy to hit the tope upon second attempt.
Lio Rush appeared at ringside, took the woman’s phone, then got a selfie of his own with Cassidy. This distracted Cassidy, allowing Andrade to attack him. Andrade got into a shouting match with Rush, shouting, “How you know?” at him. We got a third distraction spot in a row, as Cassidy gave Andrade a DDT on the floor before the match returned to the ring.
Andrade connected with a meteora in the ring, giving him a two-count. A powerbomb from Andrade was countered into a roll-up attempt from Cassidy, then he dropped Andrade with a right hand to the head.
Cassidy dumped Andrade onto the ramp, then connected with a springboard diving DDT. They returned to the ring, where Cassidy came off the top rope with a second diving DDT for a two-count.
Cassidy started to set up for an Orange Punch, but instead he was hit with a spinning back elbow from Andrade. The Don Callis Family member followed up with his DM finisher for the pinfall victory in 15 minutes. This match was alright. The amount of comedy spots & general posturing in this one felt a little overboard, although it seemed like others really liked it.
With the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, which he will be defending in Japan this weekend, around his shoulder, Andrade got on the mic and asked the Ohio crowd “How you know?” to end the segment.
The broadcast aired an awesome video package showing Thekla’s feud with STARDOM President Taro Okada, and the backstory as to why she hates the promotion so deeply.
Short-notice Hart Cup fill-in Maya World scores win
Backstage, Death Riders called for a five-on-five street fight against Shane Taylor promotions on this weekend’s episode of Collision.
Up next, we had an Owen Hart Tournament quarter-final match in the women’s bracket. While this was originally scheduled to be Skye Blue facing off against Japanese freelancer Sareee, a last-minute change was made today after Sareee didn’t pass AEW medicals. Slotted in her place was Maya World.
This was an emotional spot for World, who was getting into the ring for the first time since the tragic passing of her brother. She said before the match on social media that she was “fighting for something(someone) bigger than even myself.” Renee Paquette had a great report on the broadcast about how World’s brother was the person who got her into wrestling.
Blue got a near fall late in this one with an awesome-looking Liger Bomb. She tried to follow up with a knee strike, but World caught it and instead scored a bridging suplex for a two-count.
World got another near fall with a Shining Wizard. After they traded roll-up pin attempts, Blue scored a pair of thrust kicks then a cutter for another close pin attempt.
A Code Blue was countered into a roll-up pin from World, which earned her a sudden victory at 11 minutes! I like this decision. World is an underrated wrestler and pushing her into the semi-finals gives her a neat spotlight. She’ll be facing Athena next. A fun match between these two. Credit to World for putting together a solid performance despite being in such a tough position.
NJPW’s Zack Sabre Jr. called for a Forbidden Door match against Kenny Omega in a video package. Moments later, it was confirmed that the match is signed for the pay-per-view.
MJF starts scouting for his Forbidden Door team
Backstage, MJF approached Don Callis Family, trying to recruit members for his team in the upcoming six-on-six Forbidden Door steel cage match. Callis was against the idea until MJF presented him with a briefcase full of cash.
Kevin Knight said he wants to join the team, but only if he gets a title shot at MJF’s belt afterwards. MJF said he can give him the shot, but after he loses, that’ll be the last chance he gets at the title. As for the rest of the team, MJF said he will think over his roster for the next week then decide.
Andrade pulled Callis aside and asked him when he would get his title shot. Callis assured him that a shot at the world title will eventually emerge. Andrade didn’t seem to buy him.
Swerve Strickland advances to Owen Hart Tournment finals
The main event of the night saw Brody King and Swerve Strickland face off in an Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semi-Final bout. This was a rematch from Revolution back in March, when Strickland won in 14 minutes.
The fight went to ringside early, where a slight distraction from Prince Nana allowed Strickland to deliver a drop toehold onto a set-up steel chair at ringside. Strickland followed up with a brutal looking Swerve Stomp off the ring apron and to the floor, knocking King off the steel chair he was positioned on.
King inadvertently ripped off a top turnbuckle pad while resisting a powerbomb out of the corner from Strickland. King dodged a House Call, but had a move reversed into a Swerve Stomp moments later. The fight went to ringside, where King countered a move from Strickland, slamming him onto an announce desk.
Back in the ring, Strickland rammed King into a set of turnbuckles to escape a sleeper hold. King charged at Strickland but the former AEW World Champion dodged him, sending King into the turnbuckle that was exposed earlier in the match. King started to bleed heavily from the head by this point.
Strickland connected with a House Call, but the tough King worked back up to his feet after taking the signature move! A wobbled King was dropped after Strickland came off the top with another House Call. Strickland went for the pin, but King kicked out!
King reversed a Vertebreaker into a back body drop, then hit a nasty Death Valley Driver into a set of turnbuckles. He followed up with a cannonball in the corner, then a piledriver. However, that wasn’t enough to put away Strickland with a pin attempt.
King tried for a Gonzo Bomb, but Strickland escaped. Strickland sent King out of the ring, allowing Prince Nana to hit him in the head with a weapon while referee Aubrey Edwards wasn’t looking. Strickland then hit a Vertebreaker for the pinfall win in 15 minutes.
Strickland has advanced to the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, facing Will Ospreay at Forbidden Door. This was an enjoyable main event!
Final thoughts
Overall, this week’s Summer Blockbuster edition of AEW Dynamite was good. The two Owen Hart tournament bouts were enjoyable, Jon Moxley’s title matchup was fun, and the numerous progressions around MJF and his title, whether it be involving Mark Briscoe, Kevin Knight, or Andrade El Idolo, I enjoyed. A solid two hours of graps in Cincinnati tonight.
Here’s everything that was announced for the next week of TV:
AEW Collision – 6/13/26
- Kenny Omega vs. Bad Dude Tito
- Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Daniel Garcia & Marina Shafir vs. Shane Taylor, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Trish Adora (Cincinnati Street Fight)
- Death Riders vs. Shane Taylor Promotions Street Fight
- Young Bucks vs. The Dogs
- Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Clark Connors & David Finlay
- Julia Hart vs. Persephone (TBS Championship Survival of the Fittest Match Qualifier)
AEW Dynamite – 6/17/26
- Hazuki vs. Mercedes Mone (Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semi-Final)
