AEW Dynamite: Strickland, Ricochet deliver epic grudge match

Yahoo

06-02-2025

AEW gave us one big reason to be excited for "AEW Dynamite," and that was the main event match between Swerve Strickland and Ricochet.
If that wasn't enough, tag team action was on deck involving Brody King and Buddy Matthews vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. "Timeless" Toni Storm also had herself a match for the first time since revealing her "role of a lifetime."
The Death Riders were also on the show, but it's funny how the less screen time they had, the better the show was. We love ourselves a party here at Uncrowned. Especially when it's a...
AEW holding "AEW Collision" on Saturdays was never a great idea, and going head-to-head with WWE PLE's like the Royal Rumble last weekend was a prime example of why. A lot of great wrestling still unfolds on the program, and the segment between Strickland and Ricochet was an incredible appetizer to this week's big headliner match.
Even if you missed it and saw this match, it's well worth a watch.
Ricochet sits down with @ReneePaquette to discuss his deep history with @swerveconfident and why he came to AEW.But Swerve is not waiting until they get in the ring on Dynamite for a heated exchange!Watch #AEWCollision on @tntdrama & @SportsOnMax @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/Xrt3yGbteT
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 2, 2025
From the build to the match itself, everything about this feud has been awesome. I'd watch them go at it 10 times straight if I could.
You could tell that these two couldn't wait to get back in the ring together for a proper match — and Ricochet practically proved that by hitting Strickland with a chair mid-entrance. Everything about Ricochet's turn has been such a stiff reminder of how lost WWE was with him. Simply by embracing his inner-heel his promo work has improved significantly. The guy can't speak as a good guy, and that's OK. This is it, Rico. Let's keep this going for as long as we can.
This match itself was loaded with sickeningly awesome spots and sequences. As soon as the match officially started, Richochet wasted no time hitting a Vertigo to almost sneak a surprise quick win. That's always a nice touch, but I'm so glad it didn't happen.
Strickland's back was the focal point of Ricochet's attacks thanks to the chair assault early on. However, the spot of the night was undeniably when the duo were out on the LED barricade. Presumably seeking a hurricanrana, Ricochet was countered with a nasty powerbomb that hurt me just watching it. Shortly after, Strickland got launched with a ridiculous drop kick. I audibly reacted to many portions of this one — that's always a good sign.
OMG! This Swerve powerbomb counter on the barricade Ricochet's back 😮😮😮#AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/NgWH5I2ljN
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) February 6, 2025
These two are anticipating everything the other can throw at them!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax@SwerveConfident | @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/nDMj1K2Uho
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
I wasn't sure who would or should win going into this. Ultimately, it felt too soon after the turn to hand Ricochet a loss despite Strickland taking some lately. That was the case, as Ricochet countered the Swerve Stomp with a somewhat weird low blow followed by the Spirit Gun for the win. Outside of that and a saved apron botch, this was A+ work, and Ricochet stole the embassy jacket afterward, meaning we'll certainly see this program continue.
If the storyline between the "AEW Dynamite" main event competitors wasn't enough, Storm and Mariah May's brilliant rivalry continues.
Set for her first match after re-emerging as her "Timeless" self, Storm took on Queen Aminata. Well, I guess I should say Aminata vs. Mariah May because Storm decided to pull another fast one, and hilariously steal her rival's persona for the match while she was ringside. This is just incredible stuff.
Timeless Toni Storm is playing the role of "The Glamour" Mariah May tonight?!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax#TimelessToniStorm | @Amisylle | @MariahMayX pic.twitter.com/NmBFmQQrzP
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
May was visibly seething at the situation throughout the whole match, playing her own role very, very well. Storm was on point in every aspect, mocking the AEW Women's Champion, though. Aminata was a low-key gem as the B-Side in this whole thing, but Storm, of course, got the job done with May's Mayday finish.
For a moment, I thought it could have been a clever swerve for Storm to intentionally lose while she pretended to be May further digging under her skin. After the match, Storm got on the microphone to keep the mocking going, and May nearly attacked, but refrained. The layers are great with all of this because, as May mentioned in the commentary, she acted like Storm first when they were together.
May has been such a phenomenal heel champ that I'd hate to see her drop the title at Grand Slam. If it's to anyone, though, Storm is the perfect one to take her character to an even deeper level of ruthlessness. I'm torn, and that's a good thing.
The AEW Women's World Champion has had enough of this "performance" from Timeless Toni Storm!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax#TimelessToniStorm | @Amisylle | @MariahMayX pic.twitter.com/aa7hhocZbb
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
As I awaited MJF to appear in the ring and on my screen, I thought, "Man, I want to see this guy wrestle more." Thankfully, we're getting exactly that next week as he's leaving Jeff Jarrett in the dust so he can pursue the world title again.
It won't be so easy for Max, though. After AEW continued to tease the Hangman Adam Page program with MJF via a Max Caster chase bit, Dustin Rhodes came to the ring and spat some volcanic fire at the former champion. The 37-year veteran was the definition of fired up, telling MJF he's not the devil and to shut up with any personal insults to wrestlers.
MJF returned fire with digs at Rhodes' family members, father Dusty and brother Cody. This was exceptional. A brawl broke out, and MJF didn't shy away. They'll have a match next week, and this was overall a very pleasant surprise when you consider MJF's history with Cody — if the Owen Hart dig that Rhodes mentioned wasn't enough incentive.
SET MJF STRAIGHT, DUSTIN!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax@The_MJF | @DustinRhodes pic.twitter.com/afMOTAGgEh
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
Dustin Rhodes won't let MJF's comments go unchecked!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax@The_MJF | @DustinRhodes | @FACDaniels pic.twitter.com/lBiVAqNPKA
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
Harley Cameron is the best. Harley Cameron is the best. Harley Cameron is the best. Say it with me now!
We must congratulate the wrathful one for her first AEW win on Collision last Saturday against Taya Valkyrie. Cameron TV time is mandatory for a good show, and we got that once again, as she still wants that Marcedes Mone shot.
Coming fresh off her first AEW win, Harley Cameron believes she's ready to take on the Money Train and challenge Mercedes Moné!Mercedes has her own take on things...Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax@MercedesVarnado | @harleycameron_ | @ReneePaquette pic.twitter.com/sPcxK4upjw
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
Cameron's middle finger to Mone after her interference was gold — like all those belts Mone wears. The more I think about it, it's pretty funny seeing her wear those around casually. We have to get a match out of all this sooner or later.
Since Cameron is the forever-gem here at Uncrowned, we have to share the love with our tag team banger from this show.
I'm not sure how I feel about King and Matthews now being the Hounds of Hell with Malakai Black's departure. They're so great alone that I still want to see them shine in those aspects, and the upcoming Matthews vs. Kazuchika Okada match will be awesome. At the same time, they are still one of the best tag teams in all of wrestling.
Takeshita and Fletcher made for a wicked pairing, and I need to see a Takeshita-King series. They meshed incredibly when getting solo opportunities in the match. I was saddened — but not surprised — to see King take the pin in this one. It was mandatory with the timing, but that guy needs to get on a streak stat.
This is a FIGHT!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax@SNM_Buddy | @BrodyXKing | @takesoup | @KyleFletcherPro | @TheDonCallis pic.twitter.com/ZCH6KOlbYf
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
As teased last week, Colten and Austin Gunn are back, and they received an epic presentation with their entrance. It's one of the cooler entrances in AEW if I'm being totally honest.
The Gunns weren't here to play around, immediately getting back into the title scene by interrupting the Hurt Business with confidence dripping out their pours. They answered MVP's open challenge and the match is on for next week.
GUNNS UP! The Gunns are coming for the Hurt Syndicate!Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on @TBSNetwork & @SportsOnMax@FightBobby | @SheltyB803 | @The305MVP | @TheAustinGunn | @ColtenGunn pic.twitter.com/6VTTMM4I1Z
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
As confident as The Gunns are, there's no chance they're winning. I love their confidence, especially against Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. We'll get a good match out of it as this title reign gets going properly.
The most interesting thing about this whole segment was MVP putting all champions on notice. Hurt Business becoming a belt collector fashion would be badass and very fitting. Although, it might feel like somewhat of a Main Event Mafia rip-off, I'm here for it. Lashley felt out of place in the tag team scene when approached by former champions like The Gunns. Regardless, I've made up my mind about the S-tier booking possibility that can come from this.
1. Will Ospreay defeated Mark Davis (representing The Don Callis Family) in the show opener. Davis turning like this is completely random, but commentary teased an explanation possibly coming. I'm curious about that, but an Ospreay match is always good, so here we are.
2. Samoa Joe and Hook barged into Christian Cage's locker room and beat up Nick Wayne and Kip Sabian. Cage hilariously witnessed his boys getting abused before scurrying away. Let the man cash in his contract and get the title off Jon Moxley asap, please.
The shirts Samoa Joe wears to beat the shit out of people is iconic. #AEWDynamite pic.twitter.com/IuFVrPnBO6
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) February 6, 2025
3. The Big Bill, Powerhouse Hobbs and Bandito video package was awesome. Hobbs interrupted the New York Minute afterward, and the chaos continued. Please, AEW, let Bill and Hobbs fight each other for the rest of forever.
1. Jay White opened the show with Renee Paquette outside the arena. Can you guess what happened next? If you said he and Rated FTR brawled with the Death Riders, you would be correct.
Rinse and repeat. There's nothing more significant to say about this group. It needs to end.
The only positive was Marina Shafir picking up Paquette and carrying her out of the shot as the brawl ensued. That was brilliant.
Tensions have jumped off IMMEDIATELY on Dynamite as the Death Riders find Jay White backstage! @JayWhiteNZ | @RatedRCope | @DaxFTR | @CashWheelerFTR@JonMoxley | @ClaudioCSRO | @BASTARDPAC | @WheelerYuta | @MarinaShafir | @ReneePaquette pic.twitter.com/NIvS6cnW9Y
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 6, 2025
👑 The bad was outweighed heavily on this "AEW Dynamite." No Jarrett and minimal Death Riders? That's a recipe for success. I give this show a Crown score of: 8.5/10 👑