The first AEW Dynamite of 2025 was packed with highs and lows, leaving fans with plenty to talk about. From chaotic main events to squash matches, here’s a breakdown of the things we loved and hated from the show.
What We Loved
- Main Event Madness: Rated FTR vs. Jon Moxley & The Death Riders The main event of AEW Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen was pure chaos — and that’s exactly what made it so enjoyable. Rated FTR’s debut match against Jon Moxley and The Death Riders featured an all-out brawl that spilled out of the ring and through the crowd. Referee Paul Turner’s chaotic chase of the combatants added to the wild energy. Jay White’s timely interference, taking out Wheeler Yuta, worked perfectly in the escalating madness. Ultimately, Copeland secured the win, and it feels like this feud has legs with Rated FTR gunning for a Trios Championship run. The chaotic energy here was delightful, and it looks like this storyline has great potential moving forward.
- Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland: Blood and Brutality While not everyone’s cup of tea, the violent, bloody feud between Ricochet and Swerve Strickland got its well-earned push this week. Ricochet ambushed Strickland with golden scissors, drawing blood, and the post-match angle of Ricochet in a “psycho” mode with blood all over him added a chilling touch to the segment. This rivalry, which was getting a little silly at Worlds End with the toilet paper stunt, has now taken on a much darker and more serious tone, and fans are finally seeing it get the attention it deserves. The intensity of the feud, punctuated by the violence, was a perfect way to kick off the new year.
- Jeff Jarrett’s Retirement Promo Jeff Jarrett delivered a heartfelt promo that set the stage for his final AEW run. Talking about his family’s history and the high-risk, high-reward mindset that propelled him into TNA’s founding, Jarrett teased his “last ride” in AEW. His desire to win the AEW World Championship, despite his veteran status, gives him an intriguing arc, and his no-nonsense approach to this storyline feels authentic. Whether or not he’ll win the title, Jarrett’s final run feels important, and it’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds over the coming months.
What We Hated
- Powerhouse Hobbs’ Squash Match The match between Powerhouse Hobbs and two local talents, Jon Cruz and Rob Killjoy, was a wasted opportunity. Yes, Hobbs dominated, but the entire segment felt utterly pointless. Squash matches are a weak character-building technique. Hobbs, despite his immense potential, didn’t gain anything from this match. AEW could have used this time to book him in a more meaningful contest against a credible opponent, which would have done more to build his stature. After this quick and forgettable match, it’s hard to get excited about Hobbs as a legitimate threat.
- Mercedes Mone’s Underwhelming Segment After her incredible match at Worlds End, fans were eager to see Mercedes Mone in action again. However, her segment on this week’s Dynamite was a huge letdown. After boasting about her accomplishments, Mercedes failed to set up any new storylines or interactions with potential challengers. It felt like a missed opportunity. Instead of making an impact or teasing her next challenge, the segment was flat. She didn’t leave the fans with any excitement for her upcoming match at Wrestle Dynasty, and the lack of any follow-up from other women on the roster was disappointing. Mercedes’ appearance felt like it could have been more impactful, especially considering AEW’s opportunity to establish new rivalries.
- MJF and Adam Cole’s Ongoing Storyline The never-ending saga between MJF and Adam Cole has overstayed its welcome. What started as a compelling storyline in 2023 has now become an increasingly tiresome angle. Even though the two had a bloody match at Worlds End, their ruined friendship continues to drag on, and it feels like it will never end. The soap opera elements of this story have long since lost their appeal, and the audience seems to be growing increasingly bored. There’s potential for something fresh here, but AEW has yet to deliver the closure that fans are desperately craving.