All Elite Wrestling (AEW) returns to the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a live episode of Dynamite tonight, spotlighting several intense matchups and significant returns. The Mercedes Moné AEW Dynamite match forms a key part of the action, as ongoing storylines build momentum heading into a pivotal weekend.
The episode marks a special homecoming for Jon Moxley, leader of the Death Riders, who is set to face Kevin Knight for the first time, just one week after overcoming Knight’s tag partner Mike Bailey. Additionally, Samoa Joe’s return has been confirmed, adding extra anticipation to the tag team clash featuring World Trios Champions The Opps against La Facción Ingobernable.
Jon Moxley’s Homecoming and Samoa Joe’s Comeback Stir Excitement
Tonight’s Dynamite also honors Jon Moxley’s return to his Cincinnati roots, as he battles Kevin Knight in their debut singles encounter. Moxley’s leadership of the Death Riders remains central to AEW’s storylines, elevating tonight’s match significance. Following Dynamite, Moxley will continue his comeback with a Collision appearance on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Samoa Joe is set to rejoin the fray alongside Powerhouse Hobbs and Katsuyori Shibata as part of the World Trios Champions The Opps. They will face Rush, The Beast Mortos, and Dralistico representing La Facción Ingobernable. This match arises after LFI attacked Shibata twice recently, sparking further friction between these factions.
World Trios Champions The Opps vs LFI @SamoaJoe will return TONIGHT! After LFI attacked @K_Shibata2022 on Saturday for the second time, Joe will team with@TrueWillieHobbs + Shibata vs @RUSHToroBlanco @Dralistico_LFI + @BeastMortos TONIGHT!” Tony Khan wrote on X/Twitter.
Don Callis and Champions Challenge NJPW in Anticipation of Forbidden Door
In a cross-promotional turn, Don Callis and TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher have extended a challenge to New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), urging them to send their top competitors for a Forbidden Door title match. This rivalry fuels the build-up to an All-Star 8-Man match scheduled for tonight’s Dynamite, featuring Fletcher, Josh Alexander, and The Young Bucks versus Brody King, Hologram, Tomohiro Ishii, and a mystery NJPW partner.
Mercedes Moné Headlines a Key Multilateral Tag Match
AEW is placing significant emphasis on TBS Champion Mercedes Moné, who will compete alongside Thekla and Skye Blue against Alex Windsor, Queen Aminata, and Willow Nightingale. This match is framed as a collision of escalating rivalries, promising a dramatic and competitive encounter.
Rivalries collide on Dynamite TONIGHT! Triangle of Madness’s Thekla/Skye team with Mercedes vs Windsor, Aminata + Willow TONIGHT!” Tony Khan announced on X/Twitter.
Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite 8pm ET/7pm CT TONIGHT!TBS Champion @MercedesVarnado/@Toxic_Thekla/@SkyeByee vs@HailWindsor/@Amisylle/@WillowWrestlesRivalries collide on Dynamite TONIGHT! Triangle of Madness’s Thekla/Skye team with Mercedes vs Windsor, Aminata + Willow TONIGHT! pic.twitter.com/OhfTucJ9wc— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) August 13, 2025
Additional Storylines Building Toward Forbidden Door
Tonight’s card also features Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, competing in his first match since April’s Dynasty event. Copeland will face Stokely Hathaway in their first one-on-one match since March 2023, with added tension stemming from a restraining order that Copeland must consider breaking to help Big Stoke, maintaining intrigue around this storyline.
AEW will continue the weekend’s activity with Collision later this week at the same arena, highlighted by a Technical Spectacle four-way match. Daniel Garcia, Nigel McGuinness, Hechicero, and ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty will compete for a chance to challenge Zack Sabre Jr. for his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Forbidden Door.
Implications and What to Expect Next
Tonight’s AEW Dynamite offers crucial developments for multiple rivalries, with the Mercedes Moné AEW Dynamite match playing a significant role in boosting momentum for the champion and her allies. The return of iconic figures like Jon Moxley and Samoa Joe enhances viewer anticipation, while cross-promotional interactions with NJPW add an extra layer of excitement heading into Forbidden Door.
With high-profile matches and evolving storylines, fans can expect tonight’s episode to set the stage for major confrontations and championship pursuits that will shape AEW’s immediate future.
