AEW Mayhem
2 Weeks Until Final Stand
AEW Mayhem opened with a thunderous ovation as AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland made his way to the ring. Moments later, challenger Jon Moxley entered through the crowd to stand face-to-face with the champion ahead of their AEW World Championship clash in just two weeks.
Swerve said he’s beaten every challenge put in front of him, but Moxley is different because he’ll gladly destroy himself just to try and take the title. Moxley smirked and told Swerve that’s exactly why he’s walking into the pay-per-view as champion and walking out as the new face of AEW. The tension escalated until Moxley proposed something different for tonight: they would each choose the other’s opponent. Swerve accepted without hesitation, promising whoever Moxley picked wouldn’t be enough to stop him. Moxley responded that Swerve’s opponent would be Claudio Castagnoli, while Swerve revealed Moxley would have to fight Shane Taylor later tonight.
Jon Moxley def. Shane Taylor
Taylor controlled much of the match with his raw power, forcing Moxley into a brutal fight.
Moxley absorbed everything Taylor threw at him before countering a charging attack into a Bulldog Choke.
Taylor refused to tap but eventually passed out, giving Moxley the submission victory.
After the match, Moxley locked eyes with Swerve, who watched from the stage while holding the AEW World Championship high above his head.
Shane Taylor Confronts Eddie Kingston Backstage
Following his loss, cameras caught Shane Taylor backstage when Eddie Kingston interrupted him.
Kingston reminded Taylor that he’d changed since the old days, accusing him of caring more about proving himself than fighting with honor.
Taylor fired back, saying Eddie has spent years living off his reputation while accomplishing nothing lately.
Officials stepped in before punches were thrown, but neither man looked ready to let things go.
Kenny Omega Sends A Message
A vignette aired featuring Kenny Omega.
Omega admitted that while he and Cope haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, he’s earned Kenny’s respect.
With the Hurt Syndicate continuing to dominate AEW, Omega said he needs someone he can trust.
Looking directly into the camera, Omega challenged Cope to stand beside him next week.
Kenny Omega & Cope vs. Hurt Syndicate vs Brodido
Bobby Lashley def. Mistico – #1 Contender World Championship Tournament
Mistico dazzled with his speed, but Lashley caught him attempting a springboard and planted him with a devastating Spear before finishing him moments later with another Spear for the win.
Lashley advances.
Brody King def. Orange Cassidy – #1 Contender World Championship Tournament
Cassidy frustrated Brody with his trademark mind games, but once Brody finally caught him, the match changed instantly.
A crushing Gonzo Bomb earned Brody King the victory and a spot in the next round.
AEW International Championship Open Challenge
Jack Perry issued another International Championship Open Challenge, promising anyone brave enough could step up.
The challenge was answered by Gabe Kidd, making his AEW return to a huge reaction.
The two had a physical, hard-hitting battle with Perry narrowly escaping after countering Kidd’s piledriver into the Snare Trap, forcing Kidd to submit.
Jack Perry def. Gabe Kidd – International Championship
Immediately after the match, David Finlay stormed the ring and blindsided Perry with Into Oblivion, standing tall over the champion while holding the International Championship high in the air.
Mercedes Moné, Hikaru Shida & Kris Statlander def. Athena, Billie Starkz & Zayda Steel
The six women delivered an exciting trios contest packed with fast-paced action.
Mercedes sealed the victory after hitting the Moné Maker on Zayda Steel for the pinfall while Athena looked on in frustration.
The New Day def. Top Flight – AEW World Tag Team Championship
Top Flight nearly pulled off the upset with several close near falls before New Day slowed the pace.
A perfectly executed Midnight Hour allowed Kofi Kingston to score the winning pinfall as The New Day retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
Mark Briscoe & Kyle O’Reilly def. Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta
Four of AEW’s toughest competitors battled in a technical, physical tag match.
After Garcia accidentally collided with Yuta, Briscoe capitalized by connecting with the Froggy Bow for the victory.
Mina Shirakawa & Harley Cameron def. The IInspiration
Harley and Mina continued building chemistry as a team.
Harley distracted the referee long enough for Mina to recover before delivering the Glamorous Driver Mina to Jessica McKay for the victory.
The celebration ended with Harley and Mina dancing with the crowd.
Toni Storm & Jamie Hayter Meet Face-to-Face
AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm joined Jamie Hayter in the ring for one final face-to-face before their championship showdown.
Storm admitted Jamie was one of the toughest women she’s ever stepped into the ring with and welcomed the challenge. Hayter said she didn’t want compliments—she wanted Toni’s championship.
The exchange remained surprisingly respectful as both women promised to leave everything in the ring at the pay-per-view. Rather than coming to blows, Hayter extended her hand.
After a brief hesitation, Toni shook it.
The crowd applauded the rare show of sportsmanship before both competitors stared each other down one last time.
Swerve Strickland def. Claudio Castagnoli
Alex Windsor Returns
Claudio overwhelmed Swerve early with his incredible strength, keeping the champion grounded for much of the match.
Late in the contest, Marina Shafir attempted to interfere, but the arena erupted as Alex Windsor made her shocking return to AEW. Windsor stormed ringside and brawled with Shafir before taking her out completely, neutralizing the distraction.
With Claudio momentarily distracted, Swerve capitalized with the House Call followed by the Swerve Stomp to score a huge victory.
As Swerve celebrated, Jon Moxley stormed the ring and immediately attacked the AEW World Champion. The two men erupted into a wild brawl, exchanging heavy punches as security, referees, and AEW officials flooded the ring in an attempt to separate them.
Neither man would back down, repeatedly breaking free to continue the fight. Swerve eventually grabbed the AEW World Championship and held it high above his head while shouting at Moxley, who continued fighting through security, promising that in two weeks he would become the new AEW World Champion.
With both men being restrained on opposite sides of the ring, staring holes through one another as the crowd roared, AEW Mayhem went off the air.
