The August 13, 2025, edition of AEW Dynamite delivered a potent mix of high-stakes drama, inter-promotional star power, and intense in-ring action from the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. With less than two weeks until AEW Forbidden Door 2025 in London, this stacked episode set the stage for several key storylines, including groundbreaking appearances by New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) talent, a heated face-to-face between AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page and MJF, and the gritty battles of AEW’s top competitors.

1. NJPW Talent Takes Center Stage Ahead of Forbidden Door

One of the night’s major highlights was NJPW star Hiromu Takahashi showcasing his elite talent in an eight-man tag match, aligning with Brody King, Tomohiro Ishii, and Hologram against The Young Bucks, Kyle Fletcher, and Josh Alexander. Wrestling insiders and fans alike praised AEW owner Tony Khan for giving Takahashi the decisive pinfall victory over Josh Alexander, a much-needed nod to NJPW’s prowess on a card that predominantly features AEW stars [3].

This booking decision is considered a refreshing balance amid criticism that AEW has overly favored its own wrestlers over NJPW talent leading up to Forbidden Door. Takahashi’s dynamic Superkick and Death Valley Driver combo leading to his pinfall win sent a clear message: AEW is committed to showcasing a true cross-promotional partnership without undermining either side’s credibility. Sources close to the production revealed that Khan is intent on maintaining this competitive equilibrium to elevate both brands ahead of the London event [2][3].

2. Hangman Adam Page & MJF Tensions Escalate: World Title Match Looms

The intense feud between AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page and challenger MJF continued to build, culminating in a fiery face-to-face confrontation. MJF, fresh from reclaiming the World Light Heavyweight Championship, entered the arena to a chorus of boos and wasted no time attacking Page’s character, calling him a “weak-minded, depressed, alcoholic little boy,” while declaring himself the authentic “devil” the fans should fear [1][4].

Page responded stoically, challenging MJF to fight for the world title rather than hide behind contracts or taunts. According to a WWE insider following AEW developments, the build-up is designed to heighten tension for their upcoming championship bout, with both wrestlers expected to bring their best in London [1]. The exchange provided a gripping psychological edge to the rivalry, with Page’s resilience contrasting MJF’s cocky nihilism — a classic hero-villain dynamic playing out in real time.

3. Jon Moxley Continues Dominance & Sets Clash With Will Ospreay

Veteran competitor Jon Moxley secured a hard-fought submission victory with a D’Arce choke over “The Jet” Kevin Knight, reinforcing his status as one of AEW’s toughest fighters [4][5]. After the match, Moxley’s faction, The Death Riders, launched a brutal assault on their foes until chaos erupted in the ring when Darby Allin intervened with a skateboarding attack on Yuta.

The spotlight then shifted to a dramatic confrontation between Moxley, The Death Riders, and NJPW’s Will Ospreay, who interrupted the melee and issued a chilling challenge: a Lights Out Steel Cage Match at Forbidden Door in London. Industry podcasts have buzzed about this cross-promotional grudge match for weeks, and Ospreay’s confrontation tonight further intensifies anticipation for a violent showdown between these two hardcore icons [4].

4. Women’s Division Dynamics: Toni Storm vs. Athena Preview

On the women’s front, a compelling six-woman tag match featured Alex Windsor, Queen Aminata, and Willow Nightingale defeating Mercedes Moné, Thekla, and Skye Blue, with Toni Storm and Athena actively involved in the storyline. Storm, set to challenge Athena for the AEW Women’s World Championship at Forbidden Door, delivered a confident in-ring and verbal performance hinting at her readiness to dethrone Athena [2][3].

Wrestling analysts on Fightful praised the build for making the upcoming match feel personal and unpredictable, highlighting Storm’s recent momentum as a key factor in shaking up the women’s division [2].

5. Mixed Tag & Specialty Matches Keep the Momentum Alive

Other notable in-ring action included a star-studded eight-man tag, pitting talents like Brody King and Tomohiro Ishii alongside Hologram and Takahashi, versus The Young Bucks and allies. The match delivered high-energy moments, including Hologram’s breathtaking dive to the outside and intense near-falls. While the action was praised, some critics on industry interviews pointed out that the match suffered slightly from overbooking with too many finishers, potentially diluting overall impact [3].

Behind the Scenes: AEW’s Strategic Moves

According to sources close to AEW management, this episode was intentionally curated to address fan concerns about AEW’s handling of NJPW talent and to build momentum for Forbidden Door. Tony Khan reportedly pushed for Takahashi’s victory to demonstrate respect for NJPW’s influence and ensure that cross-promotional cooperation remains strong.

Additionally, backstage interviews indicated tension among some AEW stars over the storyline spotlight given to MJF and Hangman Page, who are being groomed as the company’s marquee feud moving into late 2025 and early 2026 [1][2].

Final Thoughts: AEW Dynamite on August 13, 2025 – A Mix of Triumph and Turmoil

While the episode drew praise for its booking of NJPW talent and the palpable intensity between Hangman Adam Page and MJF, some fans expressed frustration over certain creative choices, including overbooked matches and occasional pacing issues. However, the overarching narrative clearly laid the foundation for AEW Forbidden Door 2025, especially with the upcoming title matches and the explosive Moxley vs. Ospreay grudge.

As WWE.com and other wrestling news outlets speculate on AEW’s next moves, one thing is certain: the August 13 Dynamite succeeded in keeping fans on the edge of their seats, with cross-promotional star power, escalating rivalries, and big promises for the highly anticipated cross-brand event in London.

This AEW Dynamite coverage was compiled using reports and results from Wrestleview, Wrestling Inc., All Elite Wrestling official releases, and insider commentary from Fightful and industry podcasts as of August 14, 2025.