Backstage Update on AEW Dynasty Main Event Finish and Creative Plans – The conclusion of AEW Dynasty left many fans frustrated as Jon Moxley retained the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland, despite a wave of momentum behind the challenger. However, new backstage reports reveal that Strickland was never scheduled to win the title, and Moxley’s continued reign was part of a long-term creative direction planned by AEW management.
While speculation circulated about Bryan Danielson potentially influencing creative decisions due to his recent backstage presence, multiple sources confirmed that AEW President Tony Khan remains the final decision-maker on all on-screen outcomes. One source downplayed rumors of Danielson holding any sway over the world title picture, stating that “if Bryan had that much power, he probably would’ve been world champion by now.”
Another layer of speculation involved the surprise return of The Young Bucks, who interfered in the main event and directly contributed to Strickland’s loss. Though some AEW talent had pitched ideas to work with them, one source noted their return “wasn’t something that anyone had heard” in recent months. Yet, another source countered, “I felt like we planted seeds for this a while back,” suggesting some internal groundwork had quietly been laid for the angle.
AEW sources have emphasized the internal support behind Moxley’s title run and the Death Riders faction, pointing to strong live and DVR viewership numbers as a sign of the act’s ongoing popularity.
On the Grilling JR podcast, veteran announcer Jim Ross added perspective to the post-show reaction. Ross, who called only the opening match featuring Will Ospreay and Kevin Knight before leaving the arena, admitted he didn’t watch the main event live and had to ask co-host Conrad Thompson if Swerve had won the title. When informed that Moxley retained, Ross gave a measured response: “Arguably, yes,” he said about whether AEW missed an opportunity by not putting the belt on Strickland. “Was it a deal breaker? Not really.”
In summary, while the AEW fanbase may have been vocal in their disappointment over Strickland’s loss, internal plans and performance metrics appear to support Moxley’s reign as the best creative direction at this time.
Backstage Update on AEW Dynasty Main Event Finish and Creative Plans
