In a dramatic conclusion to AEW Dynasty 2025, Jon Moxley successfully retained the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland — but not without controversy, as the Young Bucks made a shocking return to AEW and played a pivotal role in the outcome.
The main event at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia saw chaos erupt as Moxley and Strickland battled for supremacy. The turning point came when Moxley hurled a chair at referee Paul Turner — a move that inadvertently shifted the match’s momentum.
Hangman Adam Page made his way to the ring, torn between helping Moxley or Swerve, until the Death Riders stormed in. Page managed to land a Deadeye on Moxley but was soon outnumbered. The interference brought out The Opps, who clashed with the Death Riders in a wild ringside brawl.
With the ring momentarily cleared, Swerve nailed Moxley with a chair shot to the head, followed by his signature Swerve Stomp, appearing moments away from victory — until the lights went out.
When the arena lights came back on, the Young Bucks (Matthew & Nicholas Jackson) were in the ring, holding Strickland’s arms. Without warning, they delivered a brutal EVP Trigger, blindsiding the crowd and Swerve alike. Moxley then capitalized, pinning Strickland as referee Paul Turner regained composure to count the 1-2-3.
The Bucks’ return ends a months-long absence from AEW TV, during which they had been “working from home” to avoid the Death Riders. Their shocking allegiance to Moxley — and betrayal of Strickland — leaves more questions than answers as AEW moves forward.
