Phoenix Hosts Dramatic AEW Dynamite with Heavyweight Clash

PHOENIX, Ariz. — AEW Dynamite roared to life on February 19, 2025, at the Arizona Financial Theater, featuring a highly anticipated matchup between Roderick Strong and Orange Cassidy as part of the Revolution International Championship Series. This match marked their first meeting in the ring since a dramatic eight-man tag match last August.

The stakes were high for Strong and Cassidy: the winner would secure a title opportunity against Konosuke Takeshita for the AEW International Championship next week. This pivotal moment comes before the eventual champion faces Kenny Omega at AEW Revolution on March 9.

In other action, Big Bill squared off against Powerhouse Hobbs in a Street Fight, following weeks of escalating tensions involving Chris Jericho, Bryan Keith, and others. The showdown promised to be brutal, as both competitors have a history of explosive encounters.

A trios match featured Samoa Joe, Katsuyori Shibata, and HOOK — collectively known as The Opps — against Christian Cage‘s faction, The Patriarchy, which includes Nick Wayne and Kip Sabian. The two teams have been involved in a series of clashes for weeks, igniting a feud that has captivated fans.

Additionally, Hangman Page and MJF were scheduled for a face-to-face confrontation after a volatile brawl erupted between them last week, setting the stage for an emotional encounter in front of the Phoenix crowd.

This week’s Dynamite opened with MJF addressing his long-standing rivalry with Page, recalling their beginnings during the inaugural AEW Double or Nothing in 2018. The heated exchange escalated as MJF claimed he is the superior wrestler and challenged Page to prove otherwise.

“I had everything handed to me, while I’ve fought and clawed my way back to the top,” MJF proclaimed, building the tension further. Page countered, asserting his authenticity and work ethic, creating a palpable atmosphere as the two former champions clashed verbally.

“I would rip out my spine to give it to Christopher Daniels, a true legend of this business,” said Page, referring to the adversity faced by wrestling veterans.

As MJF spat in Page’s face, a potential brawl was narrowly averted when security intervened, signaling the intensity of their rivalry.

In the ring, The Opps and The Patriarchy delivered a dynamic contest filled with high-stakes action. The match featured quick tags and powerful strikes as Joe and Shibata took control, ultimately sealing their victory when Nick Wayne tapped to HOOK’s Redrum finisher.

Next, the Street Fight between Hobbs and Big Bill unfolded with chaos, as weapons were used and the fight spilled into the audience. Hobbs secured a definitive victory after executing a brutal spot through tables.

The evening concluded with Kris Statlander facing off against Megan Bayne. Despite Statlander’s impressive offense, Bayne emerged victorious, with interference from Penelope Ford tipping the scales in a dramatic finale.

Fans left the Arizona Financial Theater buzzing about the night’s intense confrontations, setting the stage for the upcoming matches and continuing storylines that keep AEW at the forefront of professional wrestling.