AEW Dynamite live results: Jon Moxley vs. Jeff Hardy

Jon Moxley & Jeff Hardy go one-on-one for the first time on tonight’s AEW Dynamite. 

Moxley & Hardy will meet for the first time on a night where AEW CEO, GM, owner and head of creative Tony Khan has announced that the promotion’s rankings will make their return, with both looking to climb the ladder in the men’s division. 

A pair of Dealer’s Choice matches for the top contenders to Samoa Joe’s AEW World title are also set for tonight’s show. Hangman Page will take on Toa Liona of Mogul Embassy in a bout where Swerve Strickland chose Page’s opponent. Strickland will also be in action in a contest where Page chose his opponent, plus Joe will be on commentary for Swerve’s match. 

Chris Jericho’s issues with The Don Callis Family will continue on tonight’s episode as he faces Kyle Fletcher. 

Deonna Purrazzo will face Taya Valkyrie, with Women’s World Champion Toni Storm set for commentary on the match.

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone and Taz as Jon Moxley makes his entrance through the crowd. We see Mistico, Volador Jr, Mascara Dorada & Hechicero all sitting ringside with Excalibur informing us the CMLL stars will be in action on both Rampage & Collision this week.

Jon Moxley defeated Jeff Hardy

(The first half of the match was more of a brawl and the second was more of a fun back and forth battle. Hardy looked a lot better tonight than last week’s match with Swerve Strickland, as he got off a lot of offense and the post match continued to plant seeds for a potential Hardys turn. I really liked how the CMLL guys laid out Moxley post match and stood strong, not going to be pushed around, building some interest in their matches later this week. One of which we’re told would be Hechicero vs. Bryan Danielson on Collision.)

Moxley almost immediately wrenched at the hole in Hardy’s ear, but Hardy dumped Moxley to the floor and the brawl continued. Excalibur said he was told the rules in this opener would be relaxed, as Hardy was wiped out with a dive and clothesline off the guard rail. Back inside, Moxley tried a Gotch piledriver, but Hardy back dropped out. Moxley kept the attack going, slamming Hardy into the barricade before Hardy reversed the whip and sent Moxley right into the laps of the CMLL stars. Moxley jaw jacked with them, flipping off Hechicero before Hardy tried a launch off the steps, but Moxley caught him with a forearm in mid air to go to commercial.

Moxley during break grabbed Excalibur’s pen and stuck it through the piercing of Hardy’s ear and twisted it while sat up in the corner. Hardy managed to wiggle out and post Moxley to the floor before back inside a Manhattan Drop and low leg drop combo got a near fall. Moxley exploded to his feet and tried Anvil elbows before a stalling piledriver connected for two of his own. Moxley wanted a Gotch piledriver on the apron, but Hardy countered into a Twist of Fate.

Whisper in the Wind followed up by Hardy, who hit a corner dropkick, but took too long for a Swanton Bomb follow, as Moxley cut him off with a back rake and superplex. Hardy attempted a Twist of Fate, but Moxley spun out into a Cutter. Hardy countered a Paradigm Shift and hit his split leg pin attempt, which Moxley barely got out of. The Twist of Fate connected, but missed the Swanton, as Moxley sank in the Rear Naked Choke deep and Hardy went to sleep.

Post match, Moxley offered a handshake to Hardy, who contemplated it before flipping Moxley off. Moxley let it go before posing for the crowd and talking trash a little more to the CMLL talent ringside. Mistico finally hopped the railing, as did everyone else and Moxley tried fighting them all, but the numbers were too much and Moxley was beaten down.

Excalibur said the rest of the Blackpool Combat Club weren’t there, as referees and security were tossed from the ring. Finally, Matt Sydal, Christopher Daniels, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker all chased them off. I wouldn’t be surprised if those guys who made the save will be facing the CMLL crew to give them a win in AEW at some point.

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Hangman Adam Page defeated Toa Liona

(For this being Liona’s first singles match, I thought he knocked it out of the park and I hope we get more singles from him in the future. He pushed Page to the limit here, as we’re told the Rankings are coming out at the end of the show tonight, so Page being 4-0 on the year so far, has to be at the top of the list, along with Swerve Strickland.)

Page tried to use early haymakers and the speed game to offset Liona’s power. After an eye poke by Liona, he charged Page, who hit a low bridge and a frustrated Liona regrouped. Page met Liona with a springboard lariat on the apron, but as he tried a second, Liona caught Page by the head and launched him clear over the top to the floor, with Page taking a crazy bump. A running cross body off the apron flattened Page, as back inside Liona kept Page grounded before Page tried to mount a comeback, but was Pounced to the floor.

It was all Liona during picture in picture, who had Page trapped in the Tree of Woe and delivered a series of headbutts. Liona missed a running senton on the apron, as Page tried a slingshot dive, but Liona just shrugged him off. Page ramped it up and hit a Tope before back inside a big time cross body knocked Liona down for two. Multiple roaring elbows from Page, who tried a Dead Eye, but the size of Liona caused a collapse. A thrust kick landed flush by Liona, who wanted a ripcord, but Page threw a lariat of his own and ducked a Liona cross body before swinging for the fences with another lariat. Dead Eye connected, but Liona popped right up and crumbled Page with a headbutt.

A ripcord discus lariat hit for Liona, but Page kicked out for a close two. Page tried to escape another senton on the apron, but Liona had it scouted, put on the brakes and properly hit the move before trying a moonsault off the apron and missing. Page answered with his moonsault off the top, wanted a Buckshot, but Liona ducked, tried a pop up Samoan Drop, but Page countered into a crucifix for the flash pin.

– We see footage earlier today of Matthew & Nicholas Jackson arriving to the arena, thankfully sporting goatees and not the ridiculous mustaches any longer. They’re approached with a format for the show and were called Matt & Nick, which infuriated them and they fined the person who gave it to them $500. Matt said his brother could be a hot head, but make sure that fine is paid by the end of the day.

Wardlow (w/The Undisputed Kingdom) defeated Komander (w/Alex Abrahantes)

(I hope Wardlow is ok after this one, he suffered not only a Phoenix Splash to the throat, but his leg gave out towards the end. The last thing the Undisputed Kingdom needs is another number getting hurt, let alone their muscle, so I’m hoping for the best. This was similar to the Trent Beretta match last week where he had some offense and chances, but ultimately fell to the power of Wardlow.)

Adam Cole was rolled over to commentary by The Kingdom and said to get ready for the ass kicking of the century. With ease, Wardlow rag dolled Komander around the ring to start before Komander used his speed to try and take out the leg of Wardlow, who answered with a pop up powerslam. A massive beal followed, as Wardlow launched Komander with a huge F-10. Wardlow posed at the big screen, as Komander rolled outside and countered a powerbomb into a hurricanrana into the steps.

After an awkward baseball slide, Wardlow sprung to the apron, but Komander kicked the ropes for a low blow. Komander hit a rope walk dropkick and Phoenix Splash, as Komander landed knee first right on the throat. Komander tried another rope walk, but Wardlow caught him into a spinning powerslam. Wardlow connected on the hanging knee lift out of the corner before delivering a power bomb for the win. Wardlow’s leg gave out during the finish. I got a kick out of Tony Schiavone telling Adam Cole to tell his girlfriend he hopes she’s doing well.

Post match, Roderick Strong got on the microphone and told Mike Bennett to throw Komander back in the ring. Strong yelled that Komander should’ve taken his deal last Friday and will now pay the price. Orange Cassidy & Best Friends came to the ring and had a stare down, as Strong thanked them for coming out, but they’ll see them later.

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– Tony Schiavone is backstage sitting down with Ricky Starks, Big Bill, Darby Allin & Sting before the AEW Tag Team Title match next week. Schiavone reminds everyone of the no physicality, as Starks spoke first and it’s been quite a journey for Sting in AEW, a journey that started with Starks, who reminded Sting his first win in AEW came against him.

Allin said Starks is full of sh*t and this isn’t about respecting Sting, it’s about a stepping stone, which Sting is anything but. Starks said next week, two things will happen, he & Bill will retain the Tag Titles and Starks will get his win back on Sting. Starks will make sure Sting doesn’t make it to his retirement, while he doesn’t respect Allin one bit.

Bill said Allin & Sting run their mouths about how Sting will retire at a Tag Team Champion, but just like everyone else, they’ve overlooked Bill & Starks and they’ll take their frustrations out next week. Sting said he admired Starks back in the day since he’s the only one who had balls enough to talk smack, but respect is earned.

Sting told Bill the only difference between he & the other giants he’s faced in the past was they were killers, he’s not sure yet about Bill. Allin said he respects Starks, but every time he points the finger at everyone else, the only one to blame is himself. Starks tried to get Allin to hit him, but Sting held Allin back and said Allin will hit Starks, in Phoenix, as he will too. This was a good final head to head for next week’s big match.

Chris Jericho defeated ROH TV Champion Kyle Fletcher (w/Don Callis & Powerhouse Hobbs)

(This match had some good moments, but both were off at times as well. I’m not sure what the end game is for this Callis & Jericho feud, as it feels like it’s been going on for a long time and I don’t think we’re any further now than we were months ago.)

Both men slapped and slugged it out right at the opening bell before Fletcher hit a surprise Michinoku Driver for a close two. Jericho low bridged Fletcher and hit the springboard dropkick to the floor, as outside, Jericho chased Callis around the ring, but Fletcher cut him off. Back inside, Fletcher controlled the action until Jericho cut him off in the ropes with ten punches into a hurricanrana. Hobbs ran distraction, as Callis tripped up Jericho and Fletcher regained control into break.

Fletcher connected on a snap half and half suplex and follow up brainbuster for two. Jericho mounted a comeback with a double sledge off the top and follow bulldog. Jericho slowly went for a Lionsault, but Callis took the ref and Hobbs decked Jericho. Fletcher tried putting Jericho away, but a counter led to the Walls of Jericho sank in deep. Fletcher finally made the ropes and caught Jericho with a nice thrust kick. Both men slowly got up at the same time and Jericho struck first with a Code Breaker.

Both slugged it out until Fletcher hit an enziguri to cut off Jericho in the ropes. Fletcher tried a brainbuster on the top rope, but didn’t clip the buckle and both men just dropped to the mat. Fletcher wanted a power bomb, but Jericho back dropped out into a pin for two. Fletcher up with another thrust kick, as Jericho tried to answer with a Judas Effect, but Fletcher dodged, as did Callis. Fletcher tried a dive to the floor, but Jericho hit a Judas Effect in mid air. Hobbs was shoved down, as back inside, Jericho hit a spinning Judas Effect off the top for the win.

Post match, Konosuke Takeshita’s music hit and he walked to the stage signaling one on one next week on Dynamite.

– A video package of Deonna Purrazzo is shown, going over the meaning of her tattoos. The duck on her ankle is something she got with Toni Storm while in Japan. It not only means who she was, but who she has become and questions what the tattoo means to Storm herself?

The Bang Bang Scissor Gang address the fans

Switchblade Jay White took the mic and said while he likes the scissoring thing The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass do, the Bullet Club Gold have their thing too and told the fans to put Guns up. Max Caster said they’ve been the most dominant trio for years and told Bowens to get Card Blade. Bowens went under the ring and brought it out, but was reminded by Colten that they got rid of him a while ago and instead get Juice Board.

Austin was going to do the go home line, but Daddy Ass cut him off and said he’s literally standing right here. Austin said this is kind of his thing and Daddy Ass reminded his son it was his thing before Austin was even born. The two words Daddy Ass had was Guns Up. We got a 6 way scissoring to end this segment. I know they just formed, but I don’t think the Bang Bang Scissor Gang has a long shelf life and the BC Gold boys will be turning sooner than later.

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Timeless Toni Storm makes her entrance along with Luther & Mariah May, as she’ll be joining commentary for the upcoming match.

Deonna Purrazzo defeated Taya Valkyrie (w/Johnny TV)

(This was a pretty even match, with Valkyrie getting in a good amount of offense before being folded up by Purrazzo for the cool finish. Now, Timeless Toni Storm on commentary was next level tonight and had some hilarious one liners, more so than usual. She also broke the news of who is under Excalibur’s mask, so credit to her for that scoop.)

Purrazzo worked the arm and grounded Valkyrie, who managed to pick the leg and wrap up Purrazzo in a submission. Purrazzo got the ropes and took down Valkyrie with a tilt a whirl head scissors to the floor right in front of Storm, who said how do you do to Valkyrie. On the opposite side of the ring, Johnny TV trash talked and distracted Purrazzo, who was met with a Spear on the stage by Valkyrie, who made out with her husband taking us to picture in picture. I should point out Storm questioned why Excalibur is wearing a mask when everyone knows he’s Sean Mooney, anyways. That line broke everyone, including myself, Toni Storm is great.

Purrazzo managed a leg sweep into the edge of the ring, as back from break, Purrazzo was in control and hit another leg sweep into a Venus De Milo, but Valkyrie escaped. Storm said neither of these women compare to Wendi Richter and said she’s happy to be in New Orleans, as she was given a lovely pair of beads when she arrived, but not for her neck. This was another line that absolutely floored commentary.

Both ladies trade leg submissions before Valkyrie hits a sliding lariat for two. Purrazzo sent Valkyrie to the floor with a baseball slide and had a face-off with Storm before launching Valkyrie into the AEW Women’s Champion. Storm complained that someone pissed in her seat, as back inside, Purrazzo wrapped Valkyrie up like a pretzel and gets the gnarly submission.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Darby Allin and asked about his admiration for the Young Bucks. Allin was confused, but Paquette just nodded along until The Bucks walk in with headsets on and told Allin to answer the question. Matthew said they come in peace and they love Allin, as he’s a young, hot star, just like they are. They’re confused why he’s allowing a 65 year old to leach off him, but suggest The Bucks & Allin join up as a new hot, emo trio. Nicholas finally cuts the jokes and said he’s been ducking them, but Allin said all that’s on his mind is the Tag Team Championship. Allin leaves and Matthew said they guess they’ll just have to get his attention another way before telling Paquette she’s been doing a great job.

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AEW World Champion Samoa Joe joined commentary for our main event.

Swerve Strickland defeated Rob Van Dam

(I know he’s only had a handful of matches for them, but this was the best RVD has looked in AEW. I thought this was a fun main event and the stip allowed RVD to use the chair like he’s so used to doing, while Strickland was able to get in his signature offense as well. Strickland putting RVD away with the Stomp, mocking the RVD pose was a nice finish to continue making Strickland look strong. Next week it’s official, Page/Strickland 3, but this time, I won’t be surprised if there’s no definitive winner and a Triple Threat is on the horizon for Revolution.)

Joe was thrilled that RVD was the opponent for Strickland, saying only the top talent show up to try and get a shot at the AEW World Title. Hangman Adam Page appeared on the big screen and said not only does the Dealer’s Choice mean opponent choice, but also match type, so this is a Hardcore Match. The bell sounded and RVD leveled Strickland with a chair immediately, taking the fight to the floor. RVD continuously whipped Strickland into the railing, into the front row. After a slingshot leg drop on the apron, RVD draped Strickland on the railing and hit the signature spinning leg drop off the apron. Joe nodded in delight as things went to picture in picture.

Back from break, Strickland was in control, sending RVD into the corner head first into a set up chair. Strickland tried another whip into the chair, but RVD turned the tide and sent Strickland crashing in before delivering a Rolling Thunder. A running dropkick into the corner with a chair crushed Strickland for two. RVD wanted a monkey flip, but Strickland countered into a power bomb onto the chair for two of his own. Both men trade counters until Strickland was crotched on the top rope and was about to deliver a dive, but Brian Cage appeared and shoved RVD off the top. HOOK sprinted to the ring with a chair and cracked Cage in the back, as both men brawled to the back.

RVD got a quick roll up for two and popped Strickland with a kick flush. RVD wanted another Rolling Thunder, but this time, Strickland countered into a rolling Flatliner. Strickland booted RVD into a seated position on a chair ringside and hit the Swerve Stomp off the apron. Joe demanded doctors come check on RVD, as back inside; RVD chucked a chair at Strickland on the top, causing Strickland to fall through a table ringside.

RVD brought Strickland back inside, placed a chair on him, missing a Five Star Frog Splash, allowing Strickland to hit a House Call with the chair for two. Despite being cut off the first time, Strickland sent RVD crashing to the mat, mocked the RVD pose and hit the Swerve Stomp for the win.

Post-match, Hangman Adam Page walked to the ring with a microphone in hand. Page congratulated Strickland, the evil bastard and said he can only assume they are both at the top of the rankings that will be released tonight. Page said he’ll never let Strickland get a shot at Samoa Joe and the AEW World Title. Page is the next World Champion, not Strickland, who laughed in Page’s face. Strickland said he’s beaten Page twice and has nothing left to prove to him, as Page can’t beat Strickland.

Page said the two times Strickland won, he needed help from Mogul Embassy, but if it was one on one, Strickland couldn’t lace his boots. Strickland said he’ll give Page what he wants, one final match and after he wins again, Strickland will go on to become World Champion. We’re then informed Tony Khan made it official for next week, Strickland vs. Page with the winner facing Joe at Revolution.

AEW Rampage this Friday:

• Mistico, Hechicero, Volador Jr & Mascara Dorada vs. Matt Sydal, Christopher Daniels, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker
• Private Party vs. Top Flight
• AEW Tag Team Champions Ricky Starks & Big Bill vs. Alex Reynolds & John Silver in a title eliminator
• Willow Nightingale vs. Queen Aminata
• We hear from Orange Cassidy & Best Friends

AEW Collision this Saturday:

• Bryan Danielson vs. Hechicero
• Eddie Kingston vs. Bryan Keith

AEW Dynamite next Wednesday:

• Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page with the winner facing Samoa Joe for the AEW World Title at Revolution
• Ricky Starks & Big Bill defend the AEW Tag Team Titles against Sting & Darby Allin
• Chris Jericho vs. Konosuke Takeshita (w/ Don Callis)
• Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson & Claudio Castagnoli vs. Mistico, Volador Jr & Hechicero
• Tony Khan has a big announcement