AEW Dynamite Recap: Highlights and Lowlights from July 9, 2025
Welcome to Wrestling Inc.’s weekly review of "AEW Dynamite." As we approach one of Tony Khan’s most significant events of 2025, this episode didn’t make a monumental impact. While the four-way victory featuring Meganbane and Gabe Kidd may have caught some attention, our focus here is on analyzing the segments and storylines that stood out—whether positively or negatively.
This week, we delved into the highly discussed segment between Toni Storm and Mercedes Morn, along with MJF’s confrontation regarding J.B.R.C. Heat and Swerve Strickland’s destruction of the Young Bucks’ limousine. Here are three aspects we loved about the 7/9/25 episode!
What’s Lacking: An Awkward Opener Featuring Storm and Morn
As an avid follower, the AEW Women’s World Championship Match is always a highlight. However, the interaction between "timeless" Toni Storm and Mercedes Morn fell short of expectations during the "Dynamite" opener. Though I appreciated the closing of their feud, Morn’s promo lacked power compared to Storm’s stellar delivery.
While Storm had memorable lines, Morn struggled to make an impact. There was even a moment where she confused her audience, which added unnecessary stress to an already hectic weekend. The segment concluded with an awkward toast that didn’t quite land, especially when Storm’s final words fell flat and resulted in a lackluster brawl. Going into the match, it’s unclear who will emerge victoriously, but this segment didn’t clarify the stakes for either competitor.
Written by Daisy Ruth
Standout Moment: Toni Storm Outshines Moxley’s Tough Guy Persona
A humorous scene from the animated series "Smiling Friends" comes to mind, where nihilists are unsettled by an unexpected threat. That’s how I view the character of Death Rider—a façade of indifference. In contrast, Toni Storm delivered a powerful statement on "Dynamite," saying, "We’ll all die one day," reflecting an authenticity that resonates with fans.
Her hard-hitting words positioned her as a legitimate contender, showcasing a depth that John Moxley’s character often tries to embody but falls short of achieving. Toni Storm’s ability to maintain her gripping persona throughout her feuds, rather than losing momentum, is impressive and certainly unforgettable.
Written by Ross Berman
Confusion: What’s Blake Christian Doing Here?
While there’s nothing personal against Blake Christian, I find myself questioning his repeated appearances on "Dynamite" this past March—outshining even established stars. It’s perplexing that he has taken more ring time than veterans like Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale. His recent matches raise more questions than answers—what’s the intended storyline?
Christian is entering heel matches against Ricochet without any apparent direction. It feels like AEW might be losing sight of its established roster in favor of nostalgia, which diminishes overall storytelling.
Written by Miles Schneiderman
Assessing the Midcard Strength: The Pulse of AEW
The current AEW midcard shines with talent like Hangman Page, Swerve Strickland, and others contributing significantly to the brand’s appeal. This week’s episode clearly showcased this depth, especially during a riveting tag team match featuring Conosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher. A thriving midcard is crucial for any successful wrestling promotion, as it provides a solid foundation for future headline events.
Brody King continues to gain traction with his vigorous performances, while Bandido makes a strong return. Each of these talents adds another layer to AEW’s exciting roster—showcasing its potential to deliver top-notch storytelling.
Written by Sam Palmer
Unfortunate Reminder: Wrestling’s Shortcomings
MJF’s character derives its heat from taunting fans, yet his recent remarks about Jay Briscoe’s brother crossed a line. Even though prior clearance was given, the audience sensed discomfort in the air. Such instances detract from the storytelling rather than build momentum, which is a missed opportunity on such a pivotal show.
The fallout from using emotional subjects as a heat-seeking tactic doesn’t benefit MJF or the overall storyline but instead leads to mixed feelings for fans.
Written by Olivia Quinlan
Memorable Destruction: Swerve Strickland’s Limousine Attack
Swerve Strickland’s dramatic act of demolishing a limousine added much-needed excitement leading up to "Dynamite’s" climactic moments. With anticipation building for Hangman Page’s upcoming match against John Moxley, such segments inject energy into the narrative.
Strickland’s actions shifted the power dynamics, creating intrigue for upcoming confrontations. It was a fun and engaging moment that successfully wrapped up this week’s show, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
Written by Max Everett
Fan Take:
These weekly recaps highlight the diverse storytelling present in wrestling today, emphasizing that the midcard can be just as captivating as the main event. As fans, we should celebrate the evolving narratives and characters that ensure wrestling remains an exciting and dynamic spectacle.
