Ricochet and Mike Bailey Set for Championship Showdown at AEW Dynasty

OMAHA, Nebraska — The Liberty First Credit Union Arena hosted an action-packed edition of AEW Dynamite on March 19, featuring thrilling matches and title implications leading to the upcoming Dynasty pay-per-view event.

The night opened with the Dynasty 2025 International Championship Eliminator Tournament, where “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Ricochet, and Mark Davis battled for the chance to challenge AEW International Champion Kenny Omega.

Bailey dominated the early stages, delivering rapid kicks and agility showcased through a hurricanrana, while Cassidy adeptly executed a dropkick that temporarily halted Bailey’s momentum. The match turned into a chaotic brawl, with Davis showing off his strength through powerful chops and a standing senton that flattened Bailey.

“How close was that?!” exclaimed Tony Schiavone after Cassidy delivered a near-fall with the Orange Punch against Davis.

In a stunning finish, Ricochet and Bailey piled on the pressure. Bailey narrowly escaped a pin, but Ricochet capitalized when he performed a sneak cover on Davis, resulting in both men being declared winners—a double pin earning them a shot at the title.

“Ricochet is a vulture,” Taz remarked on the sneaky tactics employed during the match, hinting at the controversy.

The TBS Championship match followed, featuring champion Mercedes Mone defending her title against challenger Billie Starkz. The bout showcased both women’s skill, with Starkz surprising Mone with high-flying maneuvers. However, Mone ultimately retained her title, locking Starkz in a submission hold known as the Statement Maker for a tap-out victory.

Post-match, Mone expressed her disdain for Starkz’s training and noted, “It takes more than heart to beat me,” showcasing her confidence as champion.

In the main event, Jon Moxley defended his AEW World Championship in a brutal street fight against Cope. The match spilled out of the arena and involved a range of weaponry, including chairs and kendo sticks. Moxley ultimately prevailed with a bulldog choke, despite severe punishment throughout the fight and a spot where Cope slammed a weapon into Moxley’s back.

“Two big dudes coming off the top like that, that was a tough landing for both guys,” noted Taz during commentary, highlighting the physicality of the encounter.

Among other prominent matches, Will Ospreay scored a victory against AR Fox, and Kris Statlander faced off against Megan Bayne in a women’s division showcase. Statlander put up a fierce fight but was ultimately overcome by Bayne, adding to Bayne’s growing momentum.

In backstage interviews, Maxwell Jacob Friedman teased his title aspirations while Bandido expressed intentions of confronting Chris Jericho, making it clear that rivalries are heating up ahead of the Dynasty event.

AEW will continue to build excitement leading into the Dynasty event on April 6, promising a night of high-stakes wrestling.