AEW Dynamite Preview (5/7/25) – Swerve Strickland Faces Bucks

Another week of strong action and storyline development on AEW Dynamite leads to another offering of more of the same. Yet, we find ourselves in the same position where AEW has teased and revealed only two matches and an intriguing women’s segment.

Double or Nothing is three weekends away. Besides the Owen Hart Tournament finals and the foreshadowing of Anarchy in the Arena, we are likewise left wondering. There are possibilities awaiting confirmation. And yet, creatively, AEW’s 2025 turnaround is bringing renewed hope.

Samoa Joe’s involvement with the Death Riders has captured some intrigue again. It will take more than a good match to please some AEW fans with valid reasons who are disinterested in the Death Riders Saga. However, those fans won’t complain about Joe vs. Claudio Castagnoli this week.

A battle between killer workhorses. Both know each other well. They first faced each other in ROH in 2006. They last competed against each other in WWE on Raw in 2019.

That’s not considering the potential ringside, pre- or post-match drama or angles. Whether Jon Moxley, ahead of Beach Break, can get revenge on Joe for choking him out (twice) will take place.

What might pop isn’t just the crowd but jaws, teeth, and bones.

AEW Dynamite Matches Announced:

• Samoa Joe vs. Claudio Castagnoli
• The Young Bucks and Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland, Speedball Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe

AEW Dynamite Segments Announced:

• Jamie Hayter sit-down interview with Renee Paquette

Jamie Hayter Sit Down

I witnessed the return of Jamie Hayter at Wembley, where I moved to her theme music with the grace of “Timeless” Toni Storm on last week’s Dynamite. That was the high point of her 2024.

The former AEW Women’s Champion was an underwhelming character then. Part of this is AEW’s spotlighting issue with the women’s division, but also a new aesthetic and some ring rust put high expectations on Hayter.

After returning from her visa issues, Hayter’s hard-hitting dynamic form was clear after her first clash with Billie Starkz. Each performance since has reminded fans why we became invested in the British powerhouse in the first place. What is still lacking is the dimensions of her character.

Renee Paquette’s sit-down will allow Hayter to join the dots and links between herself and Storm. That Storm took the championship from her before the injury. Their former friendship and time living together.

There’s a chance to make this personal with Storm. Then, also with Mercedes Mone, who stands in her way in Arizona.

Trios Action – Swerve Strickland Faces The Young Bucks

Swerve Strickland has already hit Matthew and Nicholas Jackson with some sneak shots. Whilst clipped and their plans temporarily disrupted, the fact that the EVPs are still smiling and walking around like they own the place bothers Strickland.

It’s Buck hunting season. However, The Young Bucks know what’s coming. Strickland must act fast or be struck by the antlers.

That’s without considering former nemesis Ricochet in their corner. A convenient and irritating middleman who likely wants to remain buddy-buddy with two of the company’s most powerful men. Especially after their chemistry was clear last week.

Supporting Strickland are familiar adversaries to their opponents. Mark Briscoe and Speedball Mike Bailey took on their opponents last week in a losing effort. At the same time, both proved last week that they know how to be thorns in their brother’s side while also getting the very best out of them.

Strickland is the new ingredient in this sauce that will make this banger extra spicy.