AEW Dynamite live results: Casino gauntlet match

The road to Forbidden Door begins on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.

A casino gauntlet match on tonight’s episode will determine Swerve Strickland’s challenger for the AEW World Championship at the Forbidden Door pay-per-view set for Sunday, June 30 in New York at the UBS Arena. Participants for the gauntlet will be revealed as the match is underway.

Swerve will also be in action himself on tonight’s episode in a non-title match as he faces Killswitch in a tie-in promotion for HBO’s House of the Dragon series which returns in mid-June for another season on HBO & Max.

New TBS Champion Mercedes Mone will celebrate her title victory on tonight’s episode.

Jon Moxley will face Rocky Romero in an IWGP World Heavyweight title eliminator match.

“The Learning Tree” Chris Jericho will debut a new “TV Time” segment on tonight’s episode. Jericho retained his FTW title at Sunday’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view.

Expect other fallout from Double or Nothing tonight as Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway will address their turn against Willow Nightingale on Sunday’s event.

The Kia Forum in Inglewood, California hosts tonight’s episode.

**********

AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone & Taz, as balloons are in the ring, with new TBS Champion, Mercedes Mone, making her way to the ring.

Mercedes Mone’s TBS Title Celebration

Mone told the crowd to say hello to the CEO & TBS Champion and asks if she was worth the wait, as Mone changed everything at Double or Nothing. She said they celebrated the in ring return of the greatest of all time, herself. Mone said she & Nightingale tore the house down, but Nightingale is way too nice, as she could’ve told her Kris Statlander & Stokely Hathaway would screw her over. When Nightingale comes back better than ever, she wants her to kick their asses. Being the face of TBS puts a huge target on her back, but was interrupted by Skye Blue on the big screen saying she had a surprise. We cut to footage weeks ago of Mone being attacked during an interview with Alex Marvez. Blue said that was some of her best work and is only getting started. Blue appeared from behind Mone and laid her out with a TKO before holding the TBS Title up in the air.

-Earlier today we saw The Young Bucks & Kazuchika Okada arrive in their car, while the Scapegoat bus is right with them, as Jack Perry walks out. They then show a video package of Double or Nothing and all the notable winners and happenings that took place.

AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland (w/Prince Nana) defeated Killswitch

(Despite only wrestling one singles match this year, Killswitch put up a good fight in this one. Strickland was able to hit his signature moves and I really enjoyed the false finish at the end, as everyone thought it was over. As of this moment, Strickland doesn’t know his opponent for Forbidden Door, as commentary really put over the Casino Gauntlet later tonight, which could feature up to 21 entrants.)

The HBO show House of the Dragon has a promotional tie in for this match, as Strickland avoided the power game early and went after the leg. Strickland really worked for, but ultimately connected with a draping neckbreaker off the apron. Killswitch blocked a pump kick from the apron and sent Strickland crashing into the steps.

Killswitch controlled throughout the entire break, but Strickland locked in a desperation triangle into a rolling Flatliner. Strickland followed up with an uppercut off the ropes and eventually connected on an impressive brainbuster for two. Killswitch avoided Big Pressure and hit a headbutt in mid air off a rolling Strickland. Chokeslam connected, but Strickland kicked out. Killswitch grabbed a chair, but Nana ripped it away, distracting Killswitch enough for Strickland to connect with multiple pump kicks and Swerve Stomp off the apron.

Back inside, Strickland wanted a House Call, but Killswitch caught and hit another chokeslam and standing moonsault. Killswitch missed the Extinction Lariat, as Strickland hit a bounce back German, House Call and Swerve Stomp for a two that everyone bit at. Strickland hit another House Call to officially put Killswitch away. Post match, Nana gave Strickland some scissors and he cut a lock of hair from Killswitch, revenge for Killswitch ripping out a dreadlock a few weeks prior.

**********

-Tony Schiavone announces that Tony Khan has made it official, Mercedes Mone will defend the TBS Title against Skye Blue, tonight.

-Jon Moxley is backstage and puts over the experience of Rocky Romero ahead of their match tonight. Moxley said it’s a dumb idea to take this match with such a bad arm, but that’s what champions do, they show up instead of pissing away at Disneyland. Moxley runs down his upcoming schedules and said it’ll be the same as it’s always been, he’ll stand at the top of AEW, New Japan and anywhere else he pleases.

TV Time With Chris Jericho

Big Bill introduces Jericho to the ring, which has a giant tree that looks like it was made for an elementary school play. There’s also grass in the ring and a big screen, as Bill said if there’s one thing Jericho has taught him, it’s even though leaves may come down in the fall, they always grow back in the spring, stronger and brighter than ever. Jericho thanks the Big Redwood and also the fans, the branches, that have sat under the Learning Tree. Jericho cackles about how tough his title defense at Double or Nothing and eventually introduces The Bounty Hunter, Bryan Keith to the ring.

Jericho asks what made Keith want to get sucked into the Jericho Vortex and become a disciple of the Learning Tree? Keith recognized the lack of respect for Jericho in AEW and couldn’t believe more didn’t jump at the opportunity. The crowd tells Keith to shut up and he says they’re all lucky to breathe the same air as Jericho, who tries to calm Keith down. The lesson learned today is if you want something, you go and grab it, as Jericho calls him a bad man. Bill said he’s a bad apple, which got groans at the bad pun, as Jericho said he can stay under The Learning Tree as long as he wants.

HOOK’s music hits and he storms to the ring to lay out security guards before Samoa Joe’s music plays and Joe is standing ringside staring down HOOK. Joe whispers something to HOOK and walks away, as HOOK points at Jericho before leaving with Joe.

-After a brief flub showing the wrong video package, we see one focused on Stephanie Vaquer, who Excalibur puts over the reigning CMLL Women’s Champion and New Japan Strong Women’s Champion. With Forbidden Door on the horizon, what can we expect for Vaquer in AEW?

Jon Moxley defeated Rocky Romero in an IWGP World Title Eliminator

(While the match itself was very good, you struggled to believe Romero had a shot, even against a one-armed Moxley, as he hasn’t won a singles match in AEW since I believe 2021.)

Romero wasted no time, attacking right at the bell and hitting a Tope before targeting the bad left arm. In the ring, Romero tried a suplex, but the size advantage for Moxley allowed for a reversal and suplex slam. Moxley punted at the back and hit anvil elbows, as he wanted a superplex, but Romero wrenched at the arm and hit a double stomp off the top. Romero stayed zoned in on the arm throughout the entire commercial.

Moxley bit free out of the corner when things returned and hit a one-armed superplex for the reset. Striking exchange ensued, as Romero thought he had the upper hand, until Moxley exploded out with a cutter. Romero fought back with a Tornado DDT into a cross arm breaker, but Moxley spun out into a Bulldog choke. Romero got free and snapped the bad arm back. Romero hit a rolling arm bar out of the corner, but Moxley got to his feet and stomped free. Desperation kicks from Romero, who was leveled by a discus lariat from Moxley, which led to a Death Rider for the win.

-Renee Paquette approaches Samoa Joe & HOOK who said they learned their first lesson tonight, they do not exist on others time, truly dangerous men are on their own time.

**********

The Don Callis Family Gains a Member

Don Callis comes to the ring, booed out of the building and announces Orange Cassidy to the ring, saying when he sees Orange, he sees himself. Excalibur said the last person to be booed this loud in the Kia Forum was Larry Bird. Cassidy came to the ring and Callis said this was the moment everyone has waited for and called Cassidy a star in the industry and presents him a contract to join the Don Callis Family, saying he already filled it out for him.

Cassidy slowly ripped the contract in half, as Callis picked up the pieces. Cassidy simply said No, as Callis spun him around and said no one says no to him. Cassidy took his glasses off before Stokely Hathaway & Kris Statlander walked out from the back. Hathaway said there’s nothing about Cassidy he likes, as he’s just like Willow Nightingale. Statlander said on behalf of her best friend, he happily accepts Callis’ offer to join his Family. Trent Beretta appeared behind Cassidy and laid him out, as Hathaway & Statlander walked to the back. Beretta busted Cassidy open and screamed that he hated him before holding his arms open and gave a hug to Callis, complete with camera zoom out. What many expected to happen all along, finally took place, as the Don Callis Family has a brand-new member. We’re also told Will Ospreay will be defending his International Title this Saturday on Collision against Kyle O’Reilly.

-Renee Paquette is backstage with Matt Menard & Daniel Garcia, who said he’s tired of being stuck in the same place, as he’s spinning wheels. Garcia said it’s time to roll up to the red carpet, climb the rankings and take the International Title. Respectfully, he plans to make Will Ospreay’s bags a little lighter when he travels to the US.

Mercedes Mone defeated Skye Blue to retain the TBS Title

(Pretty quick, but back and forth TV match for Mone’s first defense, as she got off her signature moves, while Blue kept things competitive. This was a good showing for the TBS Champion.)

Mone avoided the early charge by Blue and fired off corner forearms. Mone hit the springing arm drag and dropkick for one, as Blue was sent outside with a head scissors. Meteora off the apron by Mone connected, but only got a two back inside. Blue fired off a kick between the ropes and draping neckbreaker to gain control into picture in picture.

Mone battled back after the commercial with a series of corner kicks and sunset flip Meteora for two. Backstabber hit, but Mone took too long and Blue cut her off in the corner with a Cheeky Nandos kick. Mone, however, avoided a powerbomb into a hurricanrana, but Blue responded with a Hurts Donut. Mone dodged the TKO, as both ladies traded thrust kicks, as Blue wanted Code Blue, but Mone countered into the Mone Maker for the win.

Post match, Mone raised her title in the air to celebrate when Stephanie Vaquer walked out carrying the New Japan Strong Women’s Title. Both ladies hold up their titles and this is definitely the match for Forbidden Door.

-Renee Paquette is outside the trainer’s room when Stokely Hathaway & Kris Statlander ran her off. Hathaway called Willow Nightingale pathetic for being 30 years old and thinking Disneyland is a magical place. Hathaway said the catalyst for all this was the 4 way a few weeks ago in how Statlander said she desperately wanted to be TBS Champion and Nightingale didn’t listen, but Hathaway did, he’ll always be the shoulder to cry on. Statlander has come back from multiple knee injuries, while bitches in the back go home from much less and he’s not talking about the women. Statlander said she did something for herself for once and got booed for it. Statlander has only been there as a bodyguard for people who think she’ll just clean up their messes. No longer the protector, everyone will need protection from her.

**********

-Footage of MJF’s return at Double or Nothing is shown and the legacy of MJF. This was an excellent history package of MJF in AEW.

The Elite Celebrate Double or Nothing and Address the TNT Title Situation

The Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada & Jack Perry all get separate entrances, as Okada talks first and tells the fans “shut up, bitches!” Perry, who is getting nuclear heat, said The Elite run this sh*t, as Tony Khan & Kenny Omega picked their dream team, but Perry took his piece of the Dragon when he pinned Bryan Danielson. Nicholas put over their Reebok shoes and said Okada & Perry’s performance was so unbelievable at the PPV, they come bearing gifts. The big screen shows a Lamborghini pulling up to the arena with Rainmaker on the license plate. Okada fake cries, asking if this is a dream and we get You Deserve It chants. Matthew said he takes partial blame for what happened to Adam Copeland at the PPV and said he told him “break a leg” before the match and wishes him a speedy recovery.

But as EVPs, you must make tough choices and therefore Copeland is stripped of the TNT Title. Thankfully, since they need a champion, they know just the guy, someone who had the biggest win of his career at Double or Nothing, Scapegoat Jack Perry.

Christopher Daniels walks to the stage and talked about his severance package a few weeks ago, but he has a new title, Interim executive vice president, so any announcement he makes will be from Tony Khan. If Jack Perry wants to be TNT Champion, he’ll have to earn it. Qualifying matches over the next few weeks will go on to Forbidden Door to compete for the vacant title in a Ladder Match. No outside interference or seconds in these matches, as the qualifying matches will take place on Friday’s Dynamite in Los Angeles. I’m assuming he meant Rampage.

The Elite were initially upset, but said they’ll go tell Daniels how proud they are to have him back, but The Acclaimed & Daddy Ass interrupt and even the odds. The Elite pump the brakes, as the segment ends with the face off.

Swerve Strickland is backstage with Prince Nana, who said they should call him Stevie Wonder, as no one can see him in the ring. Strickland said he took down another legend at Double or Nothing and also returned the favor to Killswitch earlier tonight. Strickland said he’s looking at some competitors for the upcoming main event and there’s some surprises, as he’s wondering who will be next to step foot into Swerve’s House?

**********