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AEW Dynamite Live 5/21/25 Preview: A Night of Explosive Action, Shocking Returns, and Championship Showdowns
By [Watch Wrestling]
All Elite Wrestling is back with another must-see episode of Dynamite, and this one promises to be an absolute barnburner. The road to AEW Double or Nothing 2025 is heating up, and with just days left before the blockbuster PPV, May 21st’s edition of Dynamite is stacked with high-stakes matches, potential surprises, and storylines that could change the landscape of AEW forever.
From championship implications to personal vendettas, this episode has it all. So, let’s dive deep into what’s in store for this explosive edition of AEW Dynamite!
Main Event Madness: World Title Eliminator Match Set
The biggest match announced for 5/21/25 is a AEW World Championship Eliminator Match pitting “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson against “The Bastard” PAC. The winner of this match will earn a future shot at Swerve Strickland’s AEW World Championship, possibly even at Double or Nothing if Tony Khan has a surprise in store.
- Bryan Danielson has been on a warpath since returning from injury, declaring that he has “unfinished business” with the AEW World Title. His technical mastery and relentless aggression make him a constant threat.
- PAC, freshly returned from a dominant run in Revolution Pro Wrestling, is more vicious than ever. His high-flying offense combined with his brutal, no-mercy style could spell disaster for Danielson.
Prediction: This will be a 5-star classic—both men leave it all in the ring, but Danielson secures the win with the LeBell Lock, setting up a potential dream match against Swerve Strickland.
Tag Team Turmoil: The Young Bucks vs. FTR – One Last Time?
The greatest tag team rivalry in AEW history continues as The Young Bucks (Matt & Nick Jackson) face FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) in a non-title grudge match. The animosity between these two teams has reached a boiling point, with FTR accusing The Bucks of ducking them for months.
- The Young Bucks have been playing mind games, claiming they’ve “evolved beyond” FTR’s old-school style.
- FTR, meanwhile, has vowed to “expose” The Bucks as overrated spot-monkeys.
With Double or Nothing looming, could this be the final chapter in their storied feud? Or will this match set up a Trios or Tornado Tag match at the PPV?
Prediction: FTR wins clean, proving they’re the better team, but The Bucks attack post-match, leading to a No DQ blowoff at Double or Nothing.
Women’s Division Showdown: Toni Storm vs. Thunder Rosa – A Clash of Generations
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will be in action against a returning Thunder Rosa in a non-title match. Storm has been on a dominant run, but Rosa’s surprise return last week has shaken up the division.
- Toni Storm’s “Timeless” gimmick has made her one of the most entertaining champions in AEW history, but Rosa represents her biggest threat yet.
- Thunder Rosa is back with a vengeance, looking to reclaim the title she never lost.
Could this be a preview of a Double or Nothing title match? Or will interference from Mariah May or Deonna Purrazzo play a factor?
Prediction: Rosa wins by DQ after Mariah May interferes, setting up a Triple Threat at Double or Nothing.
TNT Championship Open Challenge: Will Ospreay Answers the Call?
“The Aerial Assassin” Will Ospreay has been teasing a TNT Championship run, and with current champion Kyle O’Reilly issuing an open challenge, this could be the perfect opportunity.
- Ospreay has been unstoppable in AEW, but he’s yet to hold singles gold.
- O’Reilly has been a fighting champion, but Ospreay’s speed and agility could be his kryptonite.
If this match happens, expect absolute fireworks.
Prediction: Ospreay wins the title, setting up a dream match against Kenny Omega at Double or Nothing.
MJF’s Mystery Opponent – Who Will Step Up?
MJF has been running his mouth for weeks, claiming “nobody in AEW is on his level.” Tony Khan has promised him a mystery opponent for tonight—and the rumors are wild.
Possible surprise opponents:
- Adam Cole (returning from injury)
- CM Punk (shocking one-off appearance)
- Jay White (seeking revenge for past betrayals)
Prediction: Adam Cole makes his return, setting up an MJF vs. Cole III at Double or Nothing.
Other Must-See Moments:
- Hangman Page vs. Konosuke Takeshita – A hard-hitting battle between two powerhouses.
- Julia Hart vs. Skye Blue – A dark vs. light showdown in the women’s division.
- The House of Black’s next target – Malakai Black has been teasing a major betrayal.
Final Thoughts: Why You CAN’T Miss AEW Dynamite 5/21/25
This episode has everything:
✅ World Title implications
✅ Dream matches
✅ Shocking returns
✅ Double or Nothing setups
AEW is firing on all cylinders, and this Dynamite could be one of the best of the year. Tune in live at 8 PM EST on TBS—you won’t regret it!
What are YOUR predictions? Let us know in the comments!
Very good show
I think his Ic run being so long hurt him as a credible world champion. It’s like he fought all the same guys and crushed them for a mid card belt now we are supposed to believe they are an actual challenge to him as a world champion? Lol when they took the intercontinental title off of him they should have moved him to SmackDown and put a new list of challengers in front of him. And moved Cody and the WWE championship to raw
Very good episode,
imagine being deluded enough to think a multi billion dollar company with guys who literally have wrestling in their blood hot shoted a heel turn storyline because they booked themselves into a corner. are you serious dude? that is the most ridiculous thing i have read in a minute lol. good luck bro.
Great episode.
Punk/Cody was there for the taking and Cena could’ve gone up against Gunther.
They knee jerked a heel turn because they booked themselves into a nepotism corner
Very good show
honestly don’t get the hate. like sure, there’s no major story here YET. But Punk/Rollins/Reigns has a lot of potential to be a high quality match. I’m legit looking forward to it and love that these three have wound up in a match together.
Great episode.
The triple threat match between them at Wrestlemania is gonna be awesome. Super stoked for this match
Great show
Let’s mention the women’s match in every live/hate challenge. Easiest task for this group of “journalists” ever. Each one of these love/hates are more embarrassing than the last. We get it, women’s wrestling is amazing and should main event every show and if a women’s match is bad it’s because where it is on the card or the booking it’s never the talent, all the women are top tier wrestlers.
Very good show
You wanna find out who the real simps and shills are? Mark down anybody who defends that main event match! Even the diehard AEW fans are crapping on that main event. It was terrible.
This Moxley stuff is stinking out the entire show and the dude seems to think he is Brock Lesnar.
The sad part is that this wasn’t a terrible show overall and with all things taken into an account. But at the end of the day, a bad ending can ruin a whole show for a lot of people. “Game of Thrones season 8” style.
Great show
So the crux of it all is that the PLE started strong…then ended with a sour belch.
The fans most remember how you left them and the fans are going to remember this show with a resounding “bleh”!
And any casual fan who watched with their buddies who are more diehard fans, may have left the viewing saying aloud, “That guy was pretty good. He should go to WWE”.
Great show.
I’ve said before but I think one of the issues here is that Tony is a massive fan of NJPW and often looks to emulate their PPV card structure. NJPW cards typically build to a climax with the big matches back to back and tend not to feature cool down matches or spots. Problem is western audiences haven’t been conditioned for that over the last 40 years, so often results in burnout. Personally I would have laid out the card like below giving breathing spaces, opening with the Steel Cage match and building to the Hollywood Ending as the main event.
Storm vs. May
Mox vs. Cope
Hangman vs. MJF
Hurt Syndicate vs. Outrunners
Takeshita vs. Omega
Swerve vs. Ricochet
Okada vs. King
Mone vs. Watanabe
Ospreay vs. Fletcher
Great episode.
Very good show, but the ending is what people remember. WWE ended Elimination Chamber with a huge heel turn. AEW ended Revolution with that abominable ending.
it doesn’t totally undo a great show, but it might have done more harm than good.
Very good show
I can already see Trips the mark statues, Trips the mark with a 20 minutes speech, the camera focusing onTrips the mark every 30 seconds when he is on the crowd.
Great show.
I’m glad they are bringing it back to a nice venue. The idea of hosting it immediately after Smackdown is insane. Why not put a highlight show or broadcast the Hall of Fame instead of airing Smackdown that week.
best of the best
Very good show tonight
clickbait
clickbait
It’s good
Yes
Loving it
Fantastic Article
Raw vs SD
The only switches from Raw vs SD were Breakker, and Jax?
Super excited about Kiana James to Raw.
Super excited about Kiana James to Raw. She’s been great on NXT so hopefully they don’t ruin her momentum.
I dunno what the Final
I dunno what the Final Testament want, but at this point I am afraid to ask.
Save yourself time and money a
Save yourself time and money and just say everyone on smackdown will stay on smackdown, everyone on raw will stay on raw. What clown wrote this episode?!
Willow should NOT lose
Willow should NOT lose to Moñe at Double or Nothing.
I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni,
I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni, but Ngl I would also love her just gal-palling around with Mina for a spell
I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW.
I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW. I’m kinda down for joshi invasion of all promotions honestly
Danielson is also a 21st century
That line makes me laugh like Danielson is also a 21st century wrestler
I’ve never heard of.
Uhg, some other random wrestler from a promotion I’ve never heard of.
This is going to be a squash match right?
Wait, Anna Jay isn’t in Dark Order?
not even the security guard
not even the security guard with the hogan beard is dragging me out of daily’s rn
Kurt V Bret V Perfect
Three other Ospreay dream matches
V Kurt V Bret V Perfect
I have never seen mina before.
I have never seen mina before…. But from the entrance alone i am a fan
I’ve ever seen. Good lord
Anna Jay one of the finest women I’ve ever seen. Good lord
May gets all the ladies.
May gets all the ladies.
Daily’s Place just feels right
Anna Jay match in Daily’s Place just feels right
Is Mina’s theme
Is Mina’s theme a rip of Danza Kaduro? 🕺🏻
I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring,
I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring, and her character work. I just wish she didn’t scream so much- every single move.
Was late tuning in tonight,
Was late tuning in tonight, went and watched the women’s title match, Tatum showed up and showed tf out. Sad she didn’t win but the sky’s the limit
Jensen getting back together
first step to Briggs and Jensen getting back together
I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up,
I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up, she’s not really in any important angles in NXT.
John Cena style
Jasmyn has that chiseled chin. John Cena style
“Thank you, Trish Jacey”
Jacey Jayne wants Thea to say “Thank you, Trish Jacey”
What a woman
Her weave fallen off and her not skipping a beat. What a woman. I’m all in on jaida parker
Jaida to get her feet
This OTM side quest was good for Jaida to get her feet wet but her ceiling is sooo much higher than Lucien, Bronco & SCRYPTS
Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship.
Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship. Besides being an awkward mouthful, it’s too derivative of Men’s midcard title.
Gratitude is not an option
“Gratitude is not an option but a debt that you will repay to me” lmao damn Jacy sounds so badass and ominous 😭
She’s got a really bright future.
Jaida’s only been doing this for a year and a half. She’s got a really bright future.
I love the implied narrative that
I love the implied narrative that it’s Nattie who is singlehandedly selling out a WWE tour of Europe
All these talks about call-ups,
All these talks about call-ups, I feel Jacy Jayne is more overdue than most. One of the best character workers around.
I feel like Jaida has been winning every week
I feel like Jaida has been winning every week for a while now but it hasn’t really gotten her anywhere lol
Booker’s about to faint during
Booker’s about to faint during the sexiest contract signing of all time.
SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING
SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING PART IN THE NXT SHOP COMMERCIAL AND MAKE IT A MEME
So.. Natalya had a ton of work done
So.. Natalya had a ton of work done on her face right? She had some weird angles to it when the camera followed her walking
Any recognise the photographer
Any recognise the photographer in the Baron/Lexis segment?