The August 6, 2025 edition of AEW Dynamite from the Wolstein Center in Cleveland delivered a mix of intense rivalries, standout performances, and shocking results that set the stage for the upcoming Forbidden Door event. Fans witnessed brutal grudge matches, fierce championship qualifiers, and significant returns, making this episode a defining moment for All Elite Wrestling’s summer run.

MJF Dominates in a Vicious Main Event Against Mark Briscoe

Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) firmly stamped his authority in the main event against Mark Briscoe with a calculated, ruthless performance. The match was fueled by bitter animosity, rooted in MJF’s demand to prove himself worthy of an AEW Men’s World Championship shot to Hangman Adam Page. Backstage segments showed MJF, clutching his guaranteed contract and CMLL Championship, taunting Briscoe with brutal words, calling him “white trash” and a “blue collar bitch,” promising to send him to hell[2][3].

The match lived up to the hype, with physical and gritty exchanges. MJF secured victory via piledriver pinfall, assisted by the referee missing Briscoe’s foot on the ropes during a critical near-fall. After the win, MJF angrily continued to assault Briscoe, reinforcing his villainous persona and heightened intensity ahead of future title opportunities[3][2]. According to sources close to AEW, this feud is expected to escalate further, potentially becoming a headline angle leading into Forbidden Door.

Mercedes Moné’s Surprising and Impactful Return

One of the night’s high points was the much-anticipated return of Mercedes Moné to AEW television. Her presence was felt immediately as she attentively observed the AEW TBS Championship four-way qualifier match. This qualifier featured Alex Windsor, Billie Starkz, Queen Aminata, and Skye Blue battling to earn a spot in Moné’s upcoming title defense at Forbidden Door.

Alex Windsor clinched the qualifying victory through a sneaky roll-up pin against Billie Starkz, Queen Aminata, and Skye Blue in a fast-paced, competitive contest that showcased the growing depth of AEW’s women’s division[2][3]. Wrestling insiders speculate Moné’s return signals renewed focus on the TBS Championship scene, hinting at a stacked match for Forbidden Door that will likely steal the spotlight.

Tag Team Turmoil as Brodido Upsets The Young Bucks

AEW’s tag team landscape saw a major shakeup when Brodido — the unique pairing of Brody King and Bandido — surprised many by defeating fan-favorites The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) in the semifinals of the AEW World Tag Team Championship Eliminator Tournament. The match was an exciting blend of high-flying and power moves culminating in a Money Flip 450 Splash to put away The Young Bucks[1][2].

This upset changes the trajectory of the tournament, positioning Brodido as serious contenders for the tag titles. According to backstage whispers, AEW creative has high hopes for this pairing to bring fresh energy and unpredictability to the division, which could culminate in a much-anticipated title shot nearing Forbidden Door.

Jon Moxley Returns to Form with a Brutal Win

Jon Moxley returned with his usual ferocity, defeating “Speedball” Mike Bailey decisively via his signature Paradigm Shift finisher. Moxley’s match served as a perfect outlet for releasing aggression and reminded fans why he remains one of AEW’s top singles stars[1][3]. His brutal style and relentless pace kept the crowd engaged, setting up potential future high-stakes rivalries.

What Worked and What Didn’t on August 6

AEW Dynamite earned praise for several key aspects:

• The main event intensity: MJF and Mark Briscoe delivered a compelling grudge match with layered storytelling and solid in-ring chemistry.

• Mercedes Moné’s impactful return: Her presence immediately added star power and anticipation for upcoming title matches.

• Tag team story progression: The upset victory of Brodido over The Young Bucks injected unpredictability into the title eliminator bracket.

On the flip side, some aspects drew criticism:

• The referee’s missed call: Fans expressed frustration that Mark Briscoe’s foot on the ropes went unnoticed during a pivotal moment, casting doubts on finish legitimacy.

• Pacing in some midcard matches: Certain segments were seen as slow or lacking clear stakes, diluting the overall momentum of the show.

• Underutilization of new talent: While Alex Windsor’s qualifier win was a bright spot, some felt other promising young stars were overshadowed or underdeveloped.

Insider Perspective and What’s Next for AEW

According to a WWE insider closely following AEW, “This edition of Dynamite was a crucial pivot point. MJF’s win vaults him into championship conversation, while Mercedes Moné’s return hints at a deeper women’s division focus. The Brodido upset shakes up tag team storytelling, making Forbidden Door’s card more exciting than ever.”

Fightful’s wrestling podcast also highlighted the “intense emotional storytelling” embedded within MJF vs. Briscoe, noting that AEW is clearly investing in character-driven rivalries that can deliver pay-per-view quality drama.

With Forbidden Door just weeks away, the fallout from August 6 will ripple across AEW’s storylines. Fans can expect rematches, new alliances, and escalating battles for supremacy. Mercedes Moné defending the TBS title against a fresh challenger, Brodido’s quest for tag team gold, and MJF’s climb toward AEW World Championship glory will be central narratives going forward.

Final Thoughts

The August 6 episode of AEW Dynamite was a testament to All Elite Wrestling’s ability to blend intense in-ring action with compelling narratives. While it had its flaws, the show effectively set the stage for one of the most anticipated events of the summer—Forbidden Door 2025. With MJF continuing his reign of dominance, Mercedes Moné’s star power re-energizing the women’s division, and unexpected twists in the tag team tournament, AEW is delivering the unpredictable excitement wrestling fans crave.

As WWE.com and other major outlets keep eyes on AEW’s rising momentum, the upcoming weeks promise thrilling developments that will captivate audiences across the wrestling world.