AEW Dynamite, the weekly wrestling spectacle, delivered another thrilling episode on June 17th, 2026, packed with high-octane action and strategic intrigue. The Owen Hart Cup tournament continued to captivate audiences, with the women's division showcasing its prowess and the men's division setting the stage for an epic showdown at Forbidden Door. This week's episode was a testament to the art of storytelling in wrestling, where every match and interaction served a purpose, building towards the grand finale at All In.
One of the standout moments was the women's Owen Hart Cup tournament, where Mercedes Mone emerged victorious over Hazuki. Mone's dominance was evident as she executed her signature moves with precision, ultimately securing the win through a submission hold. This victory propels her into the tournament finals at Forbidden Door, where she will face either Athena or Maya World. The anticipation is palpable, as the winner will not only claim the prestigious Owen Hart Cup but also earn a world championship match at All In. Mone's journey last year, where she won the tournament but lost the title match, adds an intriguing layer to this year's competition, leaving fans wondering if history will repeat itself or if Mone will rise above her past challenges.
In the main event, Team MJF faced Team Mark Briscoe in a 12-man tag team match that showcased the strategic depth of professional wrestling. MJF's team, comprising Kevin Knight, Kyle Fletcher, Konosuke Takeshita, Jake Doyle, and Andrade El Idolo, initially appeared dominant. However, cracks began to show in their armor, with Knight and Fletcher engaging in a heated exchange that momentarily weakened their hold on the match. Despite this setback, Team MJF prevailed, with MJF himself securing the victory. The post-match destruction of Briscoe's team, including a submission from MJF to Roderick Strong, left Briscoe lying in the ring, setting the stage for a steel cage match at Forbidden Door. If Team Briscoe emerges victorious, they will earn a world title match, adding another layer of intrigue to the tournament.
The episode also featured a quick squash match between Kenny Omega and Tony Nese, which served as a platform for Omega to showcase his dominance and connect with the audience. However, his attempt to engage with the crowd was interrupted by Zack Sabre Jr. and TMDK, setting the stage for an Elite vs. TMDK match prior to Omega's showdown with Sabre Jr. at Forbidden Door. This interruption added a layer of complexity to Omega's character, highlighting his strategic thinking and his ability to navigate the political landscape of AEW.
Another notable segment involved Adam Copeland and Christian Cage, who finally got their retribution on The Dogs. The Dogs, who had attacked Copeland and Cage during their celebration of their tag title win, were met with a surprise assault. Copeland and Cage, fueled by their hunger and determination, delivered a powerful promo, revealing their plan to face The Dogs with their AEW World Tag Team Championships on the line at Forbidden Door. This segment showcased the emotional depth and strategic thinking that goes into professional wrestling, where every interaction is carefully crafted to build towards the next big moment.
The episode concluded with a face-to-face between Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay, setting the stage for their Forbidden Door showdown in the finals of the men's Owen Hart Cup tournament. The tension between the two was palpable, with Strickland accusing Ospreay of changing due to his injury and Ospreay questioning Strickland's absence during his recovery. The physicality between the two, including a punch from Ospreay and Strickland's response with a chain, added an extra layer of intensity to their rivalry. The involvement of Prince Nana and The Death Riders further complicated matters, leaving fans wondering how this will impact the outcome of their match. The build-up to this showdown has been nothing short of spectacular, with both men making compelling cases for why they deserve to be world champions in AEW.
In conclusion, AEW Dynamite on June 17th, 2026, was a showcase of the art of professional wrestling, where every match, promo, and interaction served a purpose in building towards the grand finale at All In. The Owen Hart Cup tournament continued to captivate audiences, with the women's division and the men's division both delivering memorable moments. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect even more thrilling matches and strategic intrigue, leaving them eagerly anticipating the outcome of this epic competition.
