On August 13, 2025, AEW Dynamite delivered a night full of drama and action live from the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The episode was headlined by a tense face-to-face confrontation between reigning AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page and his longtime rival MJF, alongside a high-stakes singles match featuring Jon Moxley taking on Kevin Knight. The show also featured key undercard matches and set the stage for upcoming pay-per-view confrontations, reinforcing AEW’s blend of intense storytelling and high-quality wrestling.

Adam Page and MJF Renew Rivalry in Fiery Face-to-Face

The spotlight tonight was undoubtedly on AEW World Champion Adam Page and the de facto number one contender, MJF. These two have a long and complicated history, punctuated by recent clashes where MJF retained a lucrative Casino Gauntlet contract granting him a future world title shot at any time and place. Last week’s Dynamite saw MJF attack Mark Briscoe with the Dynamite Diamond Ring, forcing Page to intervene and escalate the animosity between them.

The backstage buzz, as sources close to WWE.com and Fightful confirm, suggested this confrontation was the build-up to a possible title match in the near future. With Page refusing to simply hand over a shot and insisting that MJF either earn it or use his contract properly, their verbal exchange tonight was intense, setting a combustible tone for AEW’s upcoming key events. According to a WWE insider, both men are committed to escalating their storyline through more physical clashes in the weeks ahead, creating anticipation for AEW fans anxious to see when the next title defense unfolds[1][3][4].

Jon Moxley vs. Kevin Knight: A Hard-Hitting Showdown

Jon Moxley, having defeated Kevin Knight’s tag partner “Speedball” Mike Bailey last week, was back to continue his momentum against Kevin Knight. This bout intensified Moxley’s ongoing storyline driven by conflict over the upcoming AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event slated for August 24.

In a build-up, Darby Allin sent a chilling message to Moxley, attacking his stablemate Wheeler Yuta and calling him out for the cross-promotional pay-per-view match, adding tension to Moxley’s ongoing arc. Moxley’s hard-hitting style against Knight tonight kept fans on the edge of their seats, reaffirming his status as one of AEW’s most relentless fighters.

Fightful reported that backstage plans involve leveraging Moxley’s gritty persona to keep him in the spotlight leading into Forbidden Door, further solidifying the importance of his victories on Dynamite[1][3][5].

Other Notable Matches and Segments

• Adam Copeland vs. Stokely Hathaway: This match featured Copeland, a notable returnee to AEW, pitted against Hathaway, who has been involved in a recent storyline with FTR and protected by legal restraining orders against a rival named Cope. The match showcased both men’s strengths and hinted at further narrative development involving FTR and their associates, as reported by Wrestling Inc.[1][3].

• Women’s Trios Match: Teams included Mercedes Moné, Thekla, and Skye Blue facing off against Alex Windsor, Queen Aminata, and Willow Nightingale, highlighting AEW’s growing commitment to its women’s division. The match provided exciting in-ring action and reinforced the depth of AEW’s roster[2].

• FTR and Stokely Hathaway Storyline: Continuing the mockery of Cope and the tension resulting from restraining orders in place, FTR alongside Hathaway aims to assert dominance in AEW’s tag division, building additional layers to AEW’s storyline complexity[1].

Backstage and Fan Reactions

According to multiple sources including podcasts and insider reports, the Adam Page-MJF face-to-face was highly praised for its emotional intensity, with fans noting significant chemistry and storytelling from both stars. Wrestling Inc. insiders stated that AEW creative is positioning this rivalry as the central focus through the remainder of the summer, promising a payoff at a major pay-per-view.

Meanwhile, Jon Moxley’s hard-nosed performance against Kevin Knight was described by Fightful analysts as a reaffirmation of AEW’s appeal to fans craving the gritty, brutal style prominent in Moxley’s matches. The buildup to Forbidden Door with Darby Allin’s involvement further elevates the stakes for AEW’s next pay-per-view and hints at potential surprises in cross-company collaborations[1][5].

What to Watch Next

• AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door (August 24): The ongoing feud between Moxley and his rivals, including Darby Allin and Wheeler Yuta, is setting the stage for must-see matchups.

• Adam Page vs. MJF Build-Up: Watch for escalating confrontations and potential title matches as MJF looks to cash in his contract.

• Tag Team and Women’s Divisions: FTR’s angle involving Hathaway and continued women’s trios matches promise compelling storylines and fresh matchups.

AEW Dynamite made a significant statement on August 13, 2025, combining storytelling, in-ring action, and star power. Both Page and MJF exemplified top-tier promos and tension-building, while wrestlers like Jon Moxley continued their push as AEW fan favorites. As AEW prepares for the Forbidden Door event and future major shows, this week’s Dynamite deepened rivalries and set up promising narratives.

Fans and analysts alike are encouraged to follow AEW closely over the coming weeks, as tension reaches a boiling point with world titles, cross-promotional events, and rising stars all vying for attention and glory. WWE.com and Fightful will continue providing updates on AEW’s evolving storylines and results.