Live from the Huntington Center | Toledo, OH | Crowd Size: 8,200
SEGMENT ONE
The camera fades in to show Benny Mouse sitting at his desk, phone in hand. He is on the phone with BWM Inc. Co-Chairman Sami Zayn.
Benny Mouse: [reassuring] You need to enjoy your week off, Sami. Take my daughter somewhere nice. After tonight, we’re going full tilt until the end of the area.
Benny listens for a moment, his expression growing slightly agitated.
Benny Mouse: Yes, I’ve taken my medicine and I’m feeling great tonight.
Sami’s voice is faintly heard on the other end, expressing concern for Benny being left alone.
Benny Mouse: [firmly, with a touch of exasperation] Relax, Sami. I’ve got everything handled.
Benny hangs up the phone and takes a deep breath, composing himself before turning his attention back to the evening’s events. The scene slowly fades as the Dynamite opening video plays and we transition to ringside.
The camera cuts to ringside where Arn Anderson and Kevin Kelly are standing by, ready to welcome the viewers back to Dynamite.
Arn Anderson: Welcome back to AEW Dynamite, folks! We’ve got a huge show tonight, and we’re kicking things off with a bang!
Kevin Kelly: That’s right, Arn. Tonight, we’re set for Darby Allin vs. Brock Lesnar 2 in a Falls Count Anywhere match, and a massive rematch from 2019 with Athena Star going one on one with Ronda Rousey!
Before they can continue, the music of the Samoan Connection hits, interrupting the announcers. The Bloodline’s Yokozuna and Umaga make their way to the ring for the opening contest.
Match #1 | Exhibition Match
The Samoan Connection (Yokozuna & Umaga) vs. High Minded (Hulk Hogan & Matt Riddle)
The camera remains focused on the ring as the Samoan Connection, Yokozuna and Umaga, stand ready. The music shifts and the crowd erupts as High Minded’s Hulk Hogan and Matt Riddle make their entrance, heading towards the ring.
Arn Anderson: Here come Hulk Hogan and Matt Riddle of High Minded, and you can feel the electricity in the air! This feud between the Bloodline and High Minded has been raging for months now.
Kevin Kelly: High Minded has been a constant thorn in the Bloodline’s side. Despite Roman Reigns’ orders, the Bloodline has been unable to resist taking the bait.
Arn Anderson: It’s been a real struggle for Roman Reigns. He’s on a quest for championship gold, but High Minded has kept the Bloodline distracted, preventing them from focusing on that goal.
Kevin Kelly: And that has to be incredibly frustrating for Roman. He wants his group to stay on task, but the persistent interference from High Minded has made it nearly impossible.
Hulk Hogan and Matt Riddle enter the ring, facing off with Yokozuna and Umaga.
As the match between the Samoan Connection (Yokozuna and Umaga) and High Minded (Hulk Hogan and Matt Riddle) unfolds, both teams exchange control over the bout. The crowd is fully invested, cheering and gasping as the action unfolds.
Arn Anderson: You know, Kevin, High Minded has really revitalized Hulk Hogan’s career. There was a time when he did whatever he could to avoid getting in the ring and was content just collecting a paycheck backstage in catering. But since the Bloodline’s attacks on Midget Hogan and Lady Love, the Hulkster has had a renewed sense of focus.
Kevin Kelly: It’s been remarkable to see, Arn. Hogan is more determined than ever, and it’s showing in his performance tonight.
In the final moments of the match, Hulk Hogan and Matt Riddle appear to be retreating, making their way up the ramp with Yokozuna and Umaga in hot pursuit. The referee has lost all control over the match as it spills backstage.
Arn Anderson: Looks like Hogan and Riddle are trying to make a run for it! This match has completely broken down!
Kevin Kelly: They’re heading backstage, and Yokozuna and Umaga are right behind them!
The camera follows the action as Hogan and Riddle lead Yokozuna and Umaga through the backstage area and into the parking lot. Just as it seems the Samoan Connection might catch up, the rest of High Minded (Kevin Nash, Randy Savage, and Scott Hall) appear, ambushing Yokozuna and Umaga.
Kevin Kelly: It’s an ambush! The rest of High Minded is here!
Arn Anderson: This is turning into a full-on brawl in the parking lot!
High Minded brutally assaults Yokozuna and Umaga, overwhelming them with a coordinated attack. Matt Riddle, standing to the side, screams at the downed Samoan Connection.
Matt Riddle: This is for Little Dude!
The camera focuses on the chaotic scene as High Minded continues their assault, leaving Yokozuna and Umaga battered in the parking lot. The show cuts to a commercial break with the image of High Minded standing tall over the fallen Bloodline members.
Winners: No Contest
Match Time: 9:09
SEGMENT TWO
Athena Star is in her locker room, lacing up her boots and preparing for her match later tonight against Ronda Rousey. There’s a knock at the door, and Athena looks up, curious.
Athena Star: Come in!
The door opens to reveal Bianca Belair, the Knockouts Champion and Athena’s opponent in two weeks at Retribution. Bianca walks in with a serious expression.
Bianca Belair: [sincerely] Hey, Athena. I just wanted to stop by to wish you luck tonight and to say that I’m sorry.
Athena Star: Thanks, Bianca. That means a lot. But… what are you apologizing for?
Bianca Belair: [sighing] I was wrong about Ronda Rousey. I gave her a title shot because I thought she deserved it, but she’s had a bad attitude from the start. She doesn’t care about anyone but herself.
Athena stands up, facing Bianca with a thoughtful expression.
Athena Star: I can see that. She’s been nothing but trouble since she got here.
Bianca Belair: Be careful tonight, Athena. Rousey has nothing to lose, and that’s when she’s at her most dangerous.
Athena places a reassuring hand on Bianca’s shoulder.
Athena Star: [smiling confidently] I appreciate the concern, Bianca. But I’ve got this under control. Ronda won’t know what hit her.
Bianca nods, clearly still worried but trusting in Athena’s confidence.
Bianca Belair: Alright, just be safe out there. I’ll be watching.
Athena gives a determined nod as Bianca turns to leave. The camera lingers on Athena’s focused expression as she resumes her preparations, ready for the challenge ahead.
Roman Reigns is sitting on a bench in his locker room, taping his wrists in preparation for his match. The door opens and Paul Heyman enters, looking visibly concerned. Roman notices Heyman’s expression and immediately senses trouble.
Roman Reigns: Paul, what’s wrong?
Heyman: [voice trembling] Roman, it’s Yokozuna and Umaga. They’ve been taken to the hospital after the attack from High Minded.
Roman’s face hardens with anger, and he slams his fist onto the bench.
Roman Reigns: [fuming] I told them to leave it be with High Minded, but they just couldn’t leave well enough alone. I warned the Usos to drop it, and they didn’t listen. Now they’re serving out the rest of the season on suspension. Then Yokozuna and Umaga tried to pick up where they left off, and now they’re in the hospital.
Heyman steps forward, attempting to calm Roman down.
Paul Heyman: [pleading]Roman, please, calm down. We can figure this out.
Roman Reigns: No, Paul. I’ve had enough. I don’t need anyone’s help tonight. I’m going to kick Scott Steiner’s ass and send a message to MJF.
Roman stands up, his anger obvious as he grabs the rest of his ring gear.
Roman Reigns: [determined]And at Retribution, I’m taking the AEW World Heavyweight Championship from MJF, with or without the Bloodline in my corner.
Paul Heyman looks worried but nods, knowing he can’t change Roman’s mind. Roman storms out of the locker room, the door slamming shut behind him.
Match #2 | Exhibition Match
‘Rowdy’ Ronda Rousey vs. Miss Athena Star
Arn Anderson: The story between these two goes back to the start of the era, when Rousey attacked Star at BWM Inc. HQ. They got into a heated confrontation while shooting promotional spots for the Elite Wrestling Alliance.
Kevin Kelly: That feud escalated quickly and ran through the first year of the EWA. Rousey got a statement victory over Star, which set her on a career trajectory no one expected. Athena went on a losing streak that lasted far too long.
Arn Anderson: It wasn’t until this year, 2024, that Athena seemed to find her footing again. She’s going into tonight’s match undefeated for the year, while Rousey is now the one struggling with a losing streak.
Kevin Kelly: And let’s not forget, Arn, Rousey has been vocal about her desire to get drafted to a different company. She’s made it clear she wants to leave Athena Star in a pile of bones on her way out of AEW.
The camera focuses on the intense expressions of both Ronda Rousey and Athena Star as they stand in their respective corners, ready for the match to begin. The referee signals for the bell, and the match is officially underway.
Arn Anderson: This is it, folks! Athena Star vs. Ronda Rousey. The history, the animosity, it all comes to a head right now!
The bell sounds and Ronda Rousey and Athena Star tie up in the center of the ring. Rousey quickly gains the upper hand, executing a judo hip throw that sends Star to the mat. Athena Star kips up immediately, showing her agility, but Rousey is relentless and charges at her with a powerful lariat, taking her back down.
Kevin Kelly: What a start by Rousey! She’s taking control early in this match.
Rousey backs Star into the corner, tying her leg in the second rope and begins targeting her knee with vicious strikes. Knockouts Official Kenzie steps in, trying to get them out of the corner.
Arn Anderson: Rousey’s not letting up! She’s targeting that knee with precision.
Rousey makes it clear she’s not afraid of disqualification, playing fast and loose with the five-count that would normally force a rope break. Kenzie counts to four, and Rousey finally steps back, only to charge at Star again. However, Star repositions herself, causing Rousey to go face-first into the turnbuckle.
Seizing the moment, Star flips over and rolls through with a sunset flip, pinning Rousey’s shoulders to the mat. The referee counts, but Rousey gets her shoulder up at two. Rousey is visibly enraged by the nearfall as she goes back on the assault.
Rousey attempts to slow Athena Star down with a series of suplexes and powerful throws. Athena Star manages to fire back, connecting with a missile dropkick that sends Rousey stumbling. She follows up with a handspring cartwheel into the corner, nailing Rousey with a flying elbow to the jaw.
Kevin Kelly: What an incredible move by Athena! That elbow connected perfectly!
Seizing the moment, Star catches Rousey in a hurricarana and rolls through for another two count. Rousey kicks out again, and this time she’s back on the offensive, catching Star in the face with a step-up knee strike. She follows it up with a swinging neckbreaker for a two count of her own.
Star kicks out just in time, and Rousey’s frustration is evident. Determined to put Athena away for good, she sets her up for the Pipers Pit.
As Rousey lifts Star, Athena counters with a small package, surprising everyone in the arena. The crowd gasps as Kenzie counts the three, and Athena Star has stolen this bout!
Arn Anderson: [shocked] She did it! Athena Star has pinned Ronda Rousey!
Kevin Kelly: What an incredible counter! Athena Star gets the three count and the victory!
Rousey looks stunned as she realizes what has happened, while Athena Star celebrates her hard-fought win.
Winner: Miss Athena Star
Match Time: 13:56
Athena Star celebrates her victory in the ring, basking in the cheers of the crowd. Suddenly, Ronda Rousey completely snaps, charging at Star and attacking her viciously.
Rousey beats Star all over the ringside area, her fury unrestrained. Referee Kenzie tries to intervene, attempting to pull Rousey off Star.
Arn Anderson: Referee Kenzie is trying to stop this, but Rousey is out of control!
Rousey turns her rage on Kenzie, attacking the referee and sending her to the mat. Security rushes to the ring, but Rousey picks them off one by one with a series of throws and belly-to-belly suplexes. The crowd is in an uproar, the situation spiraling out of control.
Kevin Kelly: Security is trying to intervene, but Rousey is taking them out!
Rousey again targets Athena Star, who is struggling to recover. Just when it looks like Rousey has the upper hand, the Knockouts Champion Bianca Belair’s music hits, and she rushes to the ring.
Bianca Belair storms into the ring, immediately going after Rousey. The two exchange blows, but Belair’s determination and strength give her the edge. She drives Rousey back, forcing her away from Star.
Kevin Kelly: Bianca Belair is here, and she’s not letting Rousey get away with this!
Belair manages to fend off Rousey, who is now outnumbered and enraged. She eventually retreats, glaring at Belair and Star. The crowd cheers as Belair stands tall, helping Athena Star to her feet.
The camera captures the moment as Bianca and Athena stand together, the crowd roaring in support. Rousey backs up the ramp, still furious, but momentarily thwarted. The scene fades out as Belair and Star embrace, the crowd continuing to cheer.
SEGMENT THREE
High Minded’s locker room is buzzing with energy as Hulk Hogan, Matt Riddle, Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, and Randy Savage celebrate their successful assault on the Bloodline earlier tonight. The atmosphere is light and jubilant, with laughter and high-fives all around. Matt Riddle grins wildly as he pulls out a bottle of champagne.
Matt Riddle: This is for a job well done, brothers!
He pops the cork, and champagne sprays everywhere. Kevin Nash and Randy Savage cheer while Scott Hall steps back, shaking his head with a smile. They star pouring glasses and Hall refuses.
Scott Hall: Hey, man, I don’t drink. You know, substance abuse problems and all that. Besides, don’t you guys worry we’re taking this too far?
The room quiets down a bit as everyone looks at Hall. Matt Riddle’s smile falters for a moment, but he quickly regains his enthusiasm.
Matt Riddle: Hey, no worries, bro. More for the rest of us! But c’mon, man, they started this war. The Bloodline got what they had coming.
Kevin Nash: Riddle’s right. We needed to send a message, and tonight we did just that.
In the background, Hulk Hogan’s phone rings. He steps away to take the call, his face serious as he listens. The others continue talking and laughing, but gradually notice Hogan’s expression changing from surprise to intense focus.
Randy Savage: [noticing Hogan’s expression] Yo, Hulkster, what’s up?
Hogan hangs up the phone, his face still serious. The room falls silent as everyone turns to look at him.
Kevin Nash: What happened, Hulk?
Hogan pauses for a minute before cracking a smile.
Hulk Hogan: Midget Hogan has awoken from his coma. We need to get to Connecticut fast to be there and support him.
The room erupts in a mix of relief and excitement. The mood shifts from celebratory to one of urgency and camaraderie.
Matt Riddle: That’s awesome news, dude! Let’s hit the road!
Randy Savage: Oh yeah! Connecticut, here we come!
The camera captures the group as they gather their things, the bond between them stronger than ever. The scene fades out with High Minded leaving the locker room, united in their mission to support their fallen comrade.
Match #3 | Exhibition Match
Roman Reigns w/ Paul Heyman vs. Scott Steiner
The camera pans across the excited crowd as Scott Steiner makes his way to the ring, flexing his muscles and shouting at the fans. The atmosphere is electric as Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he makes his entrance with a determined look on his face. Paul Heyman follows closely behind, hyping Roman up along the way.
Arn Anderson: These two powerhouses are ready to tear the house down!
Kevin Kelly: But will Scott Steiner fare any better than Wardlow did a few weeks back? That loss got Wardlow a demotion from his boss MJF.
The bell rings, and the match begins. Reigns and Steiner lock up in the center of the ring, each trying to outmuscle the other. Reigns quickly gains control, pushing Steiner into the corner and delivering a series of powerful punches.
Reigns whips Steiner across the ring into the opposite corner and follows up with a clothesline. Steiner stumbles out of the corner, and Reigns takes him down with a Samoan Drop, going for an early cover.
Steiner kicks out at two, and Reigns pulls him back to his feet, maintaining control. Reigns continues his assault with a series of suplexes and hard-hitting moves, keeping Steiner grounded.
Steiner finally gets a burst of energy and counters a suplex attempt with a jawbreaker, stunning Reigns. Steiner follows up with a belly-to-belly suplex, sending Reigns crashing to the mat. The crowd erupts, sensing a potential comeback.
Steiner hits a series of power moves, including a spinebuster that shakes the ring. He covers Reigns, and the referee counts, but Roman kicks out at two!
Steiner looks frustrated but determined. He signals for the Steiner Recliner, and the crowd goes wild. Just as he locks it in, Reigns powers out, using his incredible strength to break the hold.
Reigns hits Steiner with a hard uppercut, then bounces off the ropes and connects with a Superman Punch out of nowhere, catching Steiner square in the jaw. Steiner collapses to the mat, and Reigns covers him for the pin.
The bell rings, and Roman Reigns stands tall, his arm raised in victory. The crowd reacts with a mix of cheers and boos as Reigns surveys the fallen Steiner.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Match Time: 8:44
After the match, the referee raises Roman’s hand in victory as Paul Heyman claps for him from ringside. Suddenly, the crowd’s attention shifts as Wardlow emerges from the audience, hopping over the barricade and making his way toward the ring.
Kevin Kelly: Wait a minute, that’s Wardlow! He’s coming through the crowd!
Reigns is ready. As Wardlow slides into the ring, Reigns immediately goes on the offensive, laying him out with a vicious spear. The crowd is shocked and excited by the rapid response.
However, the celebration is short-lived. Logan Paul and the AEW World Heavyweight Champion MJF suddenly rush the ring, blindsiding Reigns with a vicious attack. Steiner and Wardlow quickly recover and join in, turning the situation into a four-on-one assault.
Kevin Kelly: It’s a setup! MJF, Logan Paul, Wardlow, and Steiner are all attacking Reigns!
The assault is brutal. Reigns tries to fight back, but the numbers game is too much. He is overwhelmed by the relentless assault from all sides. MJF, Logan Paul, Steiner, and Wardlow take turns hitting their signature moves on Reigns, leaving him battered on the mat.
Arn Anderson: This is the cost of the Bloodline’s suspension and their war with High Minded. Roman’s left to fend off this assault alone!
Kevin Kelly: You’re right, Arn. There will be hell to pay when Roman recovers, but right now, this is a massacre.
Paul Heyman is outside the ring, shouting frantically for help, his face a mask of worry and fear for his Tribal Chief. The crowd is a mix of shocked silence and loud boos, the atmosphere tense and chaotic.
The camera captures MJF, Logan Paul, Wardlow, and Steiner as they stand tall, looking down at the fallen Reigns with smug satisfaction. They walk up the ramp, leaving a battered Reigns in the ring. Heyman continues to shout for help, his voice echoing in the arena.
Kevin Kelly: The champ may be standing tall tonight, but this isn’t over! There will be repercussions, and when Roman comes back, he’s coming for revenge.
The scene ends with the camera focusing on Reigns, lying motionless in the ring, while MJF, Paul, Wardlow, and Steiner stand triumphantly at the top of the ramp, the crowd’s boos echoing around them.
SEGMENT FOUR
The camera follows Benny Mouse as he packs up his belongings, getting ready to leave for the night. He’s hurried, clearly wanting to get out of the building as quickly as possible. A stage hand approaches him with a question.
Stage Hand: Hey, Mr. Mouse, can I ask you about—
Benny Mouse: [rudely] Not now! I don’t have time for this!
Benny waves the stage hand off dismissively and continues packing. Just as he’s about to exit the building, he turns a corner and runs straight into his former bodyguard, Armageddon. Benny stops in his tracks, his face instantly turning pale with terror.
Benny Mouse: [trembling] Oh no… not you… please, don’t hurt me!
Armageddon’s expression remains stone-faced as he inches closer to Benny, who is visibly horrified. Benny starts pleading, his voice shaking.
Benny Mouse: [pleading] Look, I’ll scream for help! I’ll have you arrested if you assault me!
Armageddon remains silent, his imposing figure towering over Benny. Benny’s eyes dart around, looking for an escape. Finally, in a panic, Benny takes off running before Armageddon can do anything.
As Benny runs away screaming like a wild man, Armageddon grumbles his first words since returning to the world of professional wrestling.
Armageddon: Benny, we need to talk.
Benny ignores him, sprinting towards the parking lot, his screams echoing through the corridor.
Benny Mouse: [shouting] Help! Somebody help me!
The camera follows Benny as he runs through the building, his fear evident. He bursts through the doors and makes a beeline for his car, fumbling with his keys in his desperation to escape. Armageddon watches him go, a hint of frustration in his otherwise stoic expression.
Match #4 | Falls Count Anywhere
Darby Allin vs. Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and he makes his way to the ring with a menacing look, the crowd giving a mixed reaction of boos and cheers. Lesnar jumps onto the ring apron, pyro explodes, and he steps into the ring, pacing like a caged animal.
Darby Allin’s music hits, and he skateboards down the ramp, the crowd cheering wildly. Allin circles the ring, high-fiving fans before sliding under the bottom rope and staring down Lesnar.
Arn Anderson: This is going to be a wild one, Kevin! Brock Lesnar versus Darby Allin 2, in a Falls Count Anywhere match!
Kevin Kelly: Two very different styles clashing tonight. Lesnar’s raw power against Darby’s fearless high-flying tactics. This is going to be intense!
The bell rings, and the match begins. Lesnar charges at Allin, but Allin ducks and counters with a series of quick strikes, trying to chop down the bigger man. Lesnar swats him away, but Allin keeps coming back, using his speed to avoid Lesnar’s powerful blows.
Arn Anderson: Darby’s using his speed to stay out of Lesnar’s reach. Smart strategy!
Kevin Kelly: Smart strategy would have been never poking at Lesnar in the first place! It feels like a lifetime ago when this feud began, last year at Starrcade when Darby Allin cost Lesnar the AEW Championship match against AJ Styles.
Allin attempts a running crossbody, but Lesnar catches him in mid-air and delivers a brutal overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Allin crashes hard onto the mat, and Lesnar goes for an early cover.
Allin kicks out at two, and Lesnar lifts him up, throwing him into the corner. Lesnar follows up with a series of shoulder thrusts to Allin’s midsection, each impact drawing gasps from the crowd.
Kevin Kelly: Lesnar’s strength is overwhelming Darby early on. Allin needs to find a way to turn this around.
Lesnar drags Allin out of the ring and throws him into the barricade. The fight spills into the crowd, with Lesnar relentlessly attacking Allin. Allin manages to grab a steel chair from under the ring and swings it at Lesnar, catching him in the ribs.
Arn Anderson: Darby’s fighting back! That steel chair might be the equalizer he needs!
Allin hits Lesnar again with the chair, and Lesnar stumbles back. Allin climbs onto the barricade and leaps off with a high-flying crossbody, taking Lesnar down. He goes for the cover.
Lesnar powers out at two, shoving Allin away. The battle moves up the ramp, with both men exchanging blows. Lesnar slams Allin onto the steel ramp with a spinebuster, going for another cover.
Allin kicks out again, and Lesnar looks frustrated. He drags Allin toward the stage set, lifting him for a suplex. Allin wriggles free and hits Lesnar with a DDT onto the stage. Both men are down, and the crowd is on their feet.
Kevin Kelly: Darby Allin is putting everything on the line tonight! He’s not giving up!
Allin sets up a table near the stage, looking to end the match with a high-risk move. He drags Lesnar onto the table and climbs to the top of the set, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. Allin leaps off with a Coffin Drop, but Lesnar rolls off the table at the last second, and Allin crashes through it with a sickening thud!
Arn Anderson: Darby Allin just crashed and burned! This could be it!
Lesnar, seizing the opportunity, scoops up the broken Darby Allin and delivers a devastating F-5 onto the debris. He covers Allin as the referee counts the three!
The bell rings, signaling Lesnar’s victory. The camera captures Lesnar standing tall, his face a mask of intensity, as he surveys the destruction around him.
Kevin Kelly: Brock Lesnar wins this brutal battle, but what a performance by Darby Allin. He left everything in that ring… well, around the ring, but you know what I mean!
Arn Anderson: Darby Allin may have lost, but he showed the heart of a warrior tonight. What a match!
As Lesnar celebrates, the camera pans up to the rafters. The crowd buzzes with anticipation as Sting is revealed, watching the scene below with a stern expression. He slowly raises his baseball bat, pointing it directly at Lesnar.
Kevin Kelly: Wait a minute, Arn! Look up there!
Arn Anderson: It’s Sting! The Icon is watching, and he’s making his presence known! In just under two weeks, these two will clash for the first time ever!
Lesnar notices Sting and looks up, locking eyes with the legend in the rafters. The tension is palpable as the two stare each other down. The show ends with Sting pointing his bat at Lesnar, the crowd roaring in anticipation of what this confrontation could mean.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
Match Time: 15:24