The anticipation for AEW Dynasty 2025, which will take place at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia on April 6th, 2025, is reaching a fever pitch. At the heart of this event lies a pivotal clash between two of AEW’s prominent figures: the reigning AEW World Champion, Jon Moxley, and the widely popular Swerve Strickland.
This main event promises a high-stakes encounter, holds the potential to be a defining moment in both wrestlers’ careers, and perhaps concludes a storyline that has faced considerable criticism. Strickland’s previous reign as AEW World Champion, spanning from April to August 2024, solidified his position among the industry’s elite.
Because of this reign, he was seen among performers like Will Ospreay and Samoa Joe. Despite his proven capabilities, Strickland’s title run was relatively brief, serving as a catalyst for Bryan Danielson’s subsequent feud with Jon Moxley. Reinstating Strickland as champion at AEW Dynasty could provide a satisfying conclusion to a year-long narrative, bringing the storyline full circle.
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While Moxley undoubtedly has several productive years ahead of him, his current championship run has faced challenges. AEW, however, appears to be regaining momentum, with increasingly positive online reactions to its recent television programming.
AEW Dynasty presents an opportune moment for a change in leadership at the top of the card, with Strickland poised to seize the opportunity. The initial stages of the storyline were compelling, featuring the Blackpool Combat Club’s betrayal of Danielson during his final full-time wrestling tenure.
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Although some criticized Moxley’s brutal attack on Danielson at AEW All Out, it aligned with the character’s established persona and served the narrative’s purpose. However, the storyline began to falter following Moxley’s title victory at AEW Full Gear.
Moxley’s championship reign was marked by lengthy, atypical promos, some hinting at an external figure’s involvement with the group, a subplot that ultimately lacked resolution. The repetitive use of the Death Riders’ interference contributed to the feeling of Moxley’s segments being fed on repeat.
While Moxley’s title defenses have generally been competent, the recent matches against Copeland have shown a decline in quality. The primary issue lies not within the in-ring action, but instead with the overarching storyline, which has lost momentum. Fortunately, Tony Khan has strategically positioned Moxley against Swerve Strickland, a compelling candidate to carry the torch forward.
Many fans thought that Cope was the answer at Revolutuon to end this problem. That wasn’t the case. Now, fans think the same with Strickland. The second time might be the charm.
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