Who survives a shootout in the desert?

AEW brings Maximum Carnage to Phoenix, Arizona, and Maxwell Jacob Friedman defends his AEW World Championship against Bandido!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Darby Allin VS PAC; Darby wins.
• Bryan Keith w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Hangman Page; Hangman wins.
• Brody King VS Jon Cruz; Brody wins.
• AEW World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way Tornado Tag: The Young Bucks VS Gates of Agony VS #JetSpeed VS Mark Davis & Jake Doyle; Davis & Doyle win and will challenge FTR for the titles.
• Six Woman Tag: Kris Statlander & The Babes of Wrath VS The Triangle of Madness; The Triangle of Madness wins.
• AEW World Championship: MJF VS Bandido; MJF wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Samoa Joe speaks.

“Y’know, time and attention are tricky commodities. There’s never quite enough to deal with fools and their foolishness. And Hangman Adam Page, you represent one of those fools. And these continued attempts at winning back the AEW Championship, well, that represents your foolishness. Y’see, tonight, I need to prepare myself along with The Opps for an upcoming championship match. Our trios must be defended. So what do I do with a man like you? I went back to the Old West for a little inspiration. Y’see, I put out a bounty! And the bounty’s been posted! And now a vengeful hunter comes to claim his prize.”

In steps The Bounty Hunter, Bryan Keith! Keith tells Hangman, “I got my first taste of you three years ago, and you beat my ass like I stole something. But today, I steal it back. I’m a different man, Hangman, and I plan to show you. Yeah, I got the opportunity to make it personal. And tonight, I cash in. PAY UP!” The Bad Apple is ready to ruin things for the Millennial Cowboy, but will he get that bounty? Or will it be some serious #CowboySh*t in Phoenix?

Darby Allin VS PAC!

Speaking of making things personal, The Relentless One was not taking “No” for an answer. He threatened to break The Bastard’s leg in order to get this match, will Darby still go through with that in order to win? Or will Pac make sure he’s 3-0 against the former TNT Champion?

Right as they reach ringside, with Renee Paquette holding the mic for him, Pac tells the Death Riders, “Tonight, I do this by myself, alright? I’ve got this.” Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, and Marina Shafir all respect that, and they fist bump Pac before he steps over the barrier. And then Darby DIVES onto him! The fans fire up as Darby DUMPS Pac over, back into the crowd! The fans fire up for Darby and he fires forearms on Pac! The ref reprimands, he wants this in the ring, but Darby headlocks and CLAWS Pac’s eyes! Pac staggers away but Darby pursues, and Darby headlocks Pac again.

Darby brings Pac to the bleachers and GRINDS his face into the safety railing! The fans fire up as Darby drags Pac further up into the stands, then he fires more hands! The fans cheer, and then Darby brings Pac to the very back row. Pac hits back to then bring Darby around the way. They brawl in that space between sections, and Pac CLAWS Darby’s eyes in return! The fans rally for Darby but Pac brings him back around. Pac whips, but Darby reverses, and Pac hits the wall! Darby decides to go up onto that ledge! The fans fire up for the SUPER COFFIN DROP! Pac and Darby fall into the shadows but the fans still fire up!

The fans cheer “A E DUB! A E DUB!” for making this the opener, even though this still isn’t a match on record yet! Pac hobbles his way down the bleachers and towards ringside, but Darby just fires up as he pursues. They return to ringside, and Pac runs to the stage! Darby pursues, Pac keeps going around with the cat ‘n’ mouse, but then he dodges Darby! Darby runs into the barriers, then Pac GERMAN SUPLEXES Darby on the floor! The fans rally while Darby writhes, but Pac is right on Darby. Pac clinches, but then he sees the steel steps. Pac brings the steps around while the ref says they gotta get in the ring.

Pac clinches again, and now he OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES Darby on the steps! The fans lose their minds because yes, Darby landed ON the steps! Wedge after wedge in Darby’s spine, and yet Pac is stoic. Pac drags Darby up, puts him in the ring, and the ref wants Pac to wait. Pac says ring the damn bell then! The ref checks on Darby, Darby says do it, so the bell rings. Pac builds up speed for the BASTARD BOMBER! Cover, TWO?!? Darby survives and Pac is furious! The fans rally up for Darby while he crawls to the ropes. Pac grabs Darby’s wrists, and he has Darby under the ropes for a RIPCORD GUILLOTINE! Cover, TWO!

Darby sputters but he survives, and the fans rally up again. Pac storms up on Darby, wrenches an arm, and whips Darby to ropes for a BACKDROP! Darby does a 450 before he belly flops, then Pac deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Darby stays in the fight while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Pac paces while he waits on Darby. Darby crawls to a corner, Pac storms over to him, and Pac digs his boot into Darby’s face. The ref counts, Pac stops at 4, but he digs his boot back in! Darby slumps out of the ring, Pac steps out after him, and brings Darby around by his ear. Pac then THROWS Darby into the LED barriers! Pac stomps Darby, Darby staggers and stumbles away, but Pac just THROWS him into the LED barriers again! Darby slides into the ring but Pac stays with him. Pac digs his knee into Darby’s head, but stops as the ref counts 4. Pac soaks up the heat from Phoenix while Darby sputters his way to another corner.

Pac scuffs Darby, kicks him, then BOOTS him! And digs his boot back in! Darby endures, the ref counts, and Pac stops at 4. Pac drags Darby up to whip him hard into barriers! Darby falls back, checks his jaw, but Pac stands him back up. Pac puts Darby in a corner, on the top rope, and climbs up after him. Pac is on the very top as Maximum Carnage returns to single picture. Darby fires body shots and the fans fire up! Darby HEADBUTTS Pac down! The fans cheer while Pac staggers, and Darby is up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! A standing count starts, but Darby rises at 4 of 10.

Pac also stands, but Darby fires forearms! Darby whips, Pac reverses, but Darby springboards to COFFIN SPLASH! The fans fire up, Darby BOOTS Pac, then leaps over to roll and SHOTGUN! The fans fire up as Pac falls into the corner! Darby crawls to the other corner, runs up, but into an OVERHEAD THROW into buckles! Pac drags Darby back up to put back up top. Pac goes to the very top, SUPER DUPER OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY!! The fans rally for Darby but Pac reels him back in. Pac snarls, lifts, and he has the crucifix lift for a RAZOR’S EDGE out onto the ramp! The fans boo while Darby sputters on the floor.

Pac just waits for the count to handle this. The count is already 5 of 10 while Darby is still down. The fans rally as hard as they can, but we’re already at 8! Darby rises up at 9 and LUNGES in! The fans cheer and Pac is annoyed, but Darby drags himself up with the ropes. Darby flips Pac off, defiant to the end! The fans cheer that, but Pac hops down. Oh no, Pac’s ankle jams? Darby pounces! Darby goes after Pac, trips Pac, but Pac slips free! Darby goes up, up, and SUPER COFFION DROPS again! The fans fire up as Darby hurries to get Pac in the ring! Darby CLUBS Pac on the apron, then goes up the corner again!

The fans fire up as Darby takes aim, APRON COFFIN DROP!! Double-edged for Darby but the fans still fire up! Darby runs at the corner, COFFIN SPLASH! And COFFIN SPLASH! The ref is checking on Pac between impacts, but Pac YANKS him into the path of the COFFIN SPLASH! The fans boo as the ref goes down in a heap! Darby is stunned to see what happened, and he checks on the ref, but Pac hobbles his way around to Darby. But Darby trips Pac first! Darby steps through and turns Pac over, SCORPION DEATHLOCK!! Pac flails, TAPS, but the ref can’t count it! And then YUTA shows up?! What about Pac doing this alone?!

Yuta has a chair, but Darby DROPKICKS the chair into Yuta’s face! Then SCORPION DEATH DROP on Yuta! Darby takes that chair for his own, drags Pac back up, SCORPION DEATH DROP! Then Darby puts the chair around Pac’s leg! Darby is getting payback in the worst way! Darby goes up, and COFFION DROP on the chair!! Pac flails in agony but Darby gets his legs again! SCORPION DEATHLOCK!! The ref is awake, he sees Pac TAP!! Darby wins!!

Winner: Darby Allin, by submission

Darby proves he is truly relentless! He survived what Pac put him through, and even used the Death Riders against each other! Speaking of the Death Riders, the rest rush back out here, but Darby slips away! Did Darby just make sure The Bastard will never forget this night?

Bryan Keith w/ “Big Bill” Morrissey VS Hangman Page!

As Samoa Joe said, The Bounty Hunter is looking to finally bring down The Millennial Cowboy. Joe wants Hangman out of the title chase, Keith wants to finally get his win back, will it be two birds with one stone? Or will Hangman just chew the Bad Apple up and spit him out on his way back to the AEW World Championship?

The bell rings, The Redwood steps onto the apron to distract Hangman, but Hangman still dodges Keith’s sneak attack! Hangman fires hands on Keith, whips him to ropes, but Keith blows past the boot to BOOT Hangman! The fans boo but Keith tells them to shut up. Keith CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Keith whips, Hangman reverses, scoop and- NO, Keith fights free to trip Hangman! Hangman BOOTS Keith away, then avoids a boot to BOOT Keith down! The fans fire up, Hangman brings Keith around, and Hangman bumps Keith off buckles. Hangman ROCKS Keith again and again, but the ref counts 4.

The fans rally for Hangman but the ref has him back off. Keith rises up, Hangman storms back up, and Hangman puts Keith on the apron. Hangman goes up, but Keith avoids the triangle jump lariat! Hangman still BLINDSIDE LARIATS! And PLANCHAS! The fans fire up while Keith goes down! Hangman tells Bill to back off, the ref wants this back in the ring, but Keith throat chops Hangman! Keith THROWS Hangman at the ropes, but Hangman rebounds to LARIAT! Hangman fires hands on Keith right in front of the front row, but he lets off to refresh the ring count. Hangman puts Keith in the ring, then stalks him to a corner.

Hangman drags Keith up and turns him around to CHOP! The fans “WOO~” while Keith is stinging. Hangman CHOPS, then fireman’s carries, but Keith fires elbows. Keith is free but Hangman ROLLING ELBOWS him down! Hangman looms over Keith, the fans rally up, and Hangman runs. But Bill trips him up! The ref misses that, and Keith RISING HEADBUTTS Hangman! Keith hurries to rain down fists in the corner! The fans boo, Bill cheers Keith on, and Keith CLAWS Hangman’s face while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

The ref reprimands and counts, Keith stops at 4, and Hangman checks his eyes. Keith tells fans to shut up, they give thumbs down in return. Keith goes back to Hangman, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. Keith stops at 4, argues with the ref, but Hangman gets up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP again! Keith ROCKS Hangman, TOSSES him out, then paces around. Keith argues with the ref again, and that lets Bill stomps Hangman! The Redwood soaks up heat, then Keith goes out to fetch Hangman. Keith THROWS Hangman into the steel steps! Keith snarls at the fans while Bill cheers him on. Keith then drags Hangman up to SMACK him off the steps!

Keith puts Hangman in the ring, then looms over him. Keith sits Hangman up to CHOP him! Hangman huffs ‘n’ puffs but he eggs Keith on. Keith CHOPS, Hangman stands up, and Keith CHOOPS again! Hangman eggs Keith on again so Keith CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHPOS! Hangman CHOPS in return! Maximum Carnage returns as Keith KNEES Hangman low! Keith clinches but Hangman fires elbows! Keith shoves Hangman into the corner, runs up, but Hangman dodges! Keith hits buckles, but he BOOTS Hangman first! Hangman just walks that off and snarls again. Keith wants Hangman to cool off, but Hangman runs up, into a drop toehold!

Hangman hits buckles, then Keith KNEES Hangman! Clinch and EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Hangman is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Keith shakes his head, hears the fans rallying for Hangman, and he storms back up on Hangman. Keith whips, Hangman reverses, and Hangman runs up. Keith ELBOWS him away, but runs into the scoop! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up and Hangman kips up! The fans cheer again as Hangman DECKS Keith! And DECKS him again! Then whip and- NO, Keith sunset flips, but Hangman rolls through! SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Keith survives but the fans rally for Hangman.

Hangman drags Keith up, fireman’s carries, but Keith fires elbows. Hangman ROLLING- NO, Keith catches the lariat into a wrench and rolling leg cradle! TWO, Hangman swings again, but into an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY into buckles! Cover, TWO! Hangman survives, Keith is frustrated, but the fans rally up again. Keith snarls and he reels Hangman in. Keith puts one out, but Hangman wrenches free to short arm LARIAT! Hangman then goes to the apron, but Keith distracts the ref so Bill can trip Hangman up! Hangman BOOTS Bill away, then he avoids Keith’s slide! Keith avoids the Asai Moonsault!

Keith is back in the ring and he again distracts the ref. Bill guzels Hangman, but SWERVE jumps in from the crowd! Swerve uses the chain to CHOKE Bill! The fans fire up as Swerve then CLUBS Bill down! Hangman BOOTS Keith, locks ‘n’ loads, BUCKSHOT!! Cover, Hangman wins!

Winner: Hangman Page, by pinfall

No bounty for the Bounty Hunter, because who knew The Realest was watching The Cowboy’s back! The fans cheer, “Whose House?” “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” while Hangman grabs a mic. Hangman tells Keith, “You go and try to collect your bounty now, dumbass.” The fans cheer that! “Samoa Joe! Samoa Joe! Not man enough to fight me himself! So he hires Bryan Keith. Samoa Joe, I am going to take everything from you.” The fans cheer, and the mic is handed to Swerve. Swerve says, “And I got a message for you, MJF. If you just so happen to come out victorious and you keep that championship around your waist, what really means is you actually lost.

“Because I… No, we will be coming after you relentlessly.” The fans cheer as Swerve and Hangman are standing side-by-side now. Swerve continues, “And since this is 2026 now, I got a New Year’s Resolution. It’s been awhile since I had the AEW World Championship around my waist, and that’s what this fanbase wants to see, am I right?” The fans do cheer that! Swerve vows they get back on the mountaintop and make this whose house? “SWERVE’S HOUSE!” But wait! KENNY OMEGA joins the conversation! The fans practically erupt as The Cleaner steps out on stage, a mic  of his own already in hand, and he gets pyro for his entrance, too!

Omega joins Swerve and Hangman in the ring, the fans cheering him on now. Kenny then says, “I had my own time etched out for what I had to say, but I figured, why not come out now? Why not come out now, when three of the greatest challengers for the AEW Heavyweight Championship belt are standing in the ring right here, right now?!” The fans cheer that! Kenny says that he doesn’t mean to speak for anyone else, but it feels like all three men have something to prove. Kenny knows he has something to prove, not just to himself, but to each and every single one of the fans. When we all called him the “God of Pro-Wrestling,” it MEANT something!

And if the fans still believe, then Kenny still believes. He understands that winning a belt isn’t about being an EVP, snapping his fingers, and making it happen. From what he understands, he’s gotta win some matches first. So whether it be friend (Hangman) or foe (Swerve), Kenny IS going for that belt. Hangman tells Kenny then it looks like there are three men who want that title. And unfortunately, this is not a team effort. So if they cross paths on the way to the championship… Hangman means this sincerely: May the best man win. Hangman and Kenny shake hands, but Swerve isn’t so sure. Another horse has entered the race, but who will reach the goal first?

Swerve and Hangman leave, but Kenny stays behind, only for the Don Callis Family to appear. The fans boo and Kenny frowns, but Don Callis leads the way for Rocky Romero, Josh Alexander, and Lance Archer. The Jackal says, “I have something important to say!” The fans boo more, but Callis says he has always been a big fan of M J F! But he has to question MJF’s logic even thinking of associating with a scumbag like Kenny! But now Kenny’s back, he wants the title, huh? And he’s gotta win some matches! You wanna wrestle, kid? How about you wrestle the man who broke Kota Ibushi’s leg!? The same man who sent Kenny to the hospital!

Callis dares Kenny to face the Walking Weapon, Josh Alexander! Kenny chuckles and tells “Uncle Don” that he could barely hear him over all these people. But what it sounds like is that Callis issued a challenge. Yes, Kenny has to win matches. He doesn’t deserve a belt unless he beats some of the best in AEW. So Josh Alexander? Well… Kenny’s got some time tonight. So if the fans want it, if Tony Khan will have it, and if the family will have it, Kenny would love to make his record nice and shiny for going after the world title. What does Josh say?! Josh wants it NOW, but Callis has them all hold on! The fans boo that.

Callis says he and Kenny have known each other for many years. And he guess it has been awhile, but Kenny forgot how this works. Kenny does what Daddy says! And Daddy decides when matches happen! Kenny gets Josh next week on Dynamite! The fans boo that, but Callis says that what he says goes! The Jackal now leads his family away, but the fans cuss him out for it. Kenny tells the fans, “Well, you heard it here first, folks. Unfortunately, it’s gonna have to be next week. But trust me, today was a very big first step, and you all were witness to phase one of Kenny Omega once again becoming your AEW Heavyweight Champion.

“Now I’d love to stay out here and listen to the sound of my own voice, but I must bid you adieuuu~! Goodbye, MWAH! And goodnight, BANG!” The fans cheer and Kenny takes his leave. Will Omega manage to disarm the Walking Weapon when Dynamite rolls into Orlando, Florida? Or will Josh Alexander and the Don Callis Family do everything they can to stop Kenny’s return to former glory?

Backstage interview with Brody King.

Renee Paquette walks ‘n’ walks with the King of Death, and says that with Bandido in the main event, fighting for THE AEW World Championship, the deal between #Brodido is that Brody gets first shot should Bandido win. But before Renee can ask her question, Jon Cruz finds them. He says Brody is just the man he was looking for. Cruz tells Brody to tell his masked amigo to never punch Cruz in the face, and to never suplex him ever again. Brody says yeah, he’ll be sure to do that. Because now, it’s Brody’s turn. What? They’re the standby match. P-Pardon? Yeah, they’re next. B-But Cruz isn’t dressed to compete, and this button is tricky…

Cruz scurries away and Brody says see you soon, Jon! Brody heads to gorilla, will he use Cruz as an appetizer while we all wait on the main event? Will tonight be a great night for Brodido?

Brody King VS Jon Cruz!

Maximum Carnage returns as Brody makes his entrance, and the overly-dressed Cruz is chucking his shoes at him! They don’t really do much, and Brody steps into the ring. Cruz runs up, CROSSBODIES, but he bounces off Brody! The bell rings, Cruz is dazed, but Brody CHOPS Cruz back down! The fans fire up while Brody watches Cruz go to a corner. Brody runs up, Cruz slips outside, and Brody hits buckles! Cruz goes up, up, and leaps, into a FOREARM! Then Brody gets Cruz up, GONZO BOMB! Cover, Brody wins!

Winner: Brody King, by pinfall

Brody puts his coat over Cruz to lay him to rest, then he grabs the mic. “Bandido! Tonight, in the main event of Dynamite, I want you to beat MJF’s ass from pillar to post! And after tonight, it will be an honor to step in the ring with the first NEW AEW Champion!” The fans cheer and Brody steps away. Will the Most Wanted be able to bring down The Scumbag? Or will Bandido not be on the level of the devil?

AEW World Tag Team Championships #1 Contenders Fatal 4 Way Tornado Tag: The Young Bucks VS Gates of Agony VS #JetSpeed VS Mark Davis & Jake Doyle!

Speaking of golden opportunities, champions need challengers, and Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood are still the #TopGuys after surviving World’s End and the Chicago Street Fight. Will FTR soon be facing their greatest rivals once again? Will Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona look to bring even more gold to The Demand? Will Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey look to get another rematch with Cash & Dax? Or will the Don Callis Family’s newest duo do something big in their tag team debut?

Ricochet and Don Callis each join commentary here to support their guys, and Callis complains that The Bucks are literally blowing Callis’ money on that entrance. The moment The Bucks are in the ring, they DIVE onto Davis & Doyle on the outside! The fans fire up, the bell rings, and the brawls are on! JetSpeed DIVE onto GOA! The fans fire up as now JetSpeed and Bucks meet in the ring. But then they each spot the others teams, so JetSpeed DIVE onto Davis & Doyle while The Bucks DOUBLE PLANCHA onto GOA! The fans fire up again, The Bucks and JetSpeed hold the ring, but Ricochet says the fans here are sheep.

JetSpeed and Bucks step up and throw hands! The fans fire up while Nick puts Bailey in one corner and Matt puts Knight in the other. The Bucks whip, JetSpeed reverses, but The Bucks dosido. JetSpeed dodge them on the return, then they dosido, but The Bucks scoop them! DOUBLE SLAM! But JetSpeed avoid elbow drops! But then The Bucks avoid elbow drops! QUADRUPLE DROPKICKS all cancel out but the fans all fire up! Only for Davis & Doyle to CLOBBER everyone! GOA also join in, and Doyle scoop SLAMS Knight! Then GOA step to D&D while the fans chant “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” They all egg each other on, but then JetSpeed sets up!

Knight & Bailey MISSILE DROPKICK Doyle & Kaun! Liona CLUBS away on Knight and Davis TOSSES Bailey, but Matt Jackson gets back in! Matt throws hands on Davis, Knight fires hands on Liona, but the bigger men aren’t bothered! Liona SHOVES Knight, but Bailey runs up to fire forearms! Davis SHOVES Matt, but now Nick fires forearms! Liona and Davis both ROAR, but then Matt gives Nick a boost, same as Knight for Bailey! Bailey and Nick rain down fists, then they hit STEREO TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up for The Bucks and JetSpeed while Ricochet and Callis complain. Matt builds speed and FLIES, but he’s caught by Doyle and Kaun!

JetSpeed DOUBLE PLANCHA, but they’re caught by Davis and Liona! Nick lines it up, he FLIES out onto everyone! The fans fire up as The Bucks stand tall! Matt & Nick coordinate and get Doyle in the ring. The fans rally up, JetSpeed has Davis, and they put the big men in the corners. Nick and Knight climb up, they rain down fists, and the fans count along. Nick and Knight only get to five before Davis & Doyle shove them away. Matt & Bailey hurry to finish where they left off! They each get five but Davis & Doyle shove them away, too. Davis & Doyle run up, but Bucks & JetSpeed get clear, sending the big men into each other! Doyle & Davis just fire up for it!

But then the big men turn around into DOUBLE DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Matt & Bailey have Doyle, Knight & Nick have Davis! J E T TRIGGERS get caught as Davis & Doyle get up and under! DOUBLE DOUBLE POWERBOMBS!! But now Kaun sneaks in, and he BOOTS Doyle! He dodges Davis, and Lona POUNCES! Kaun LARIATS Doyle and himself up and out of the ring! Liona sees that and hurries to the apron. Liona ASAI MOONSAULTS?! Even Ricochet is shocked and surprised to see that! Liona THROWS Nick into railing, then into the apron! And back again! Kaun does the same to Knight, and Liona CLOBBERS Knight into the crowd!

The fans are torn as the Gates are standing tall, and Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Kaun puts Matt in the ring, he and Linoa regroup, only for Davis & Doyle to YANK them down! Davis THROWS Liona over railing, and Doyle DECKS Kaun! Davis goes after Matt in the corner, fires hands, then whips corner to corner. Matt goes up and over, and Nick returns to SHINING WIZARD! Matt cravats Davis, then gets help from Nick for the SLICED BREAD! SHINING WIZARD again! But then Doyle DOUBLE LARIATS The Bucks! Knight fires off on Doyle, runs the ropes, but Davis gets up! DOUBLE FLAPJACK! Doyle & Davis soak up some heat, then Bailey rolls in. Doyle & Davis are right on Speedball, and they smother him in a corner!

Davis & Doyle make sure to coordinate, then they DOUBLE TOSS Bailey across the ring! Davis goes out to throw Knight back into the ring and stomp him down. Doyle stands on Bailey’s head while taunting him, and Bailey can only watch as Davis TOSSES Knight across the way! Doyle goes after Knight now, and he DECKS Knight with a forearm! Knight flops out of the ring, Doyle CLUBS away on Bailey, and Davis DECKS Matt and Nick! Bailey KICKS Doyle, CHOPS Davis, and repeat! Bailey CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS, but Doyle scoops and SLAMS! Davis SENTONS! Davis & Doyle soak up more heat before going back to Bailey.

The ref checks on Bailey but he’s still in this. Maximum Carnage returns to single picture, and Doyle LARIATS Bailey down! Cover, Knight breaks it! The fans fire up but Doyle is on Knight. Knight fires shots, but Doyle KNEES low and whips him to ropes. Knight leaps over, comes back, but Doyle just BODIES the Jet! Bailey jumps onto Doyle for a SLEEPER, but Davis drags him off to GERMAN SUPLEX! Nick ROCKS Davis, ROCKS Doyle, then runs, but into double kicks! D&D double whip, DOUBLE HIP TOSS, but Nick handsprings through! Nick then gives them a meeting of the minds! Davis & Doyle just roar again!

Matt is back, so he and Nick kick low! Nick runs to get the boost, DOUBLE DROPKICK! Doyle is down, Davis staggers, so The Bucks DOUBLE LARIAT Davis up and out! The fans fire up and The Bucks wait on Doyle. Davis gets up so Nick hurries to the apron! PENALTY KICK! Matt then goes out to THROWBACK CUTTER on Davis! Nick springboards to CROSSBODY Doyle! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up, but Liona is up! He HEADBUTTS Nick, ROCKS Matt, and Kaun joins in, intercepting Knight. Kaun stomps Knight, Liona has Matt, Davis has Nick, and Doyle drags Bailey back up. The big men coordinate to quadruple whip!

The Bucks & JetSpeed all stop short of a collision, and then they all dodge! The big men run into each other, and then QUADRUPLE SUPERKICKS hit! The fans fire up as all the big men fall, and all the others go up! They coordinate, “Three! Two! One!” Nick SWANTON BOMBS, Bailey SHOOTING STARS, then Matt and Knight each MACHO ELBOW! Ricochet is frustrated but the fans are fired up! The Bucks then swing on JetSpeed, but JetSpeed dodges! JetSpeed swings but The Bucks dodge! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Knight! Double- NO, Bailey goes Matrix to then BOOT Nick, sweep Matt’s leg, and MOONSAULT KNEE-DROP on Matt!

Nick SUPERKICKS Bailey! Knight FLYING LARIATS Nick! The fans fire up for “A E DUB! A E DUB!” again as all eight are down! Davis drags Knight out, Liona drags Bailey out, but “This is Awesome!” as Nick and Doyle step up. Doyle reels Nick in, lifts, but Nick slips fere to shove! Doyle avoids hitting Kaun, but Nick DROPKICKS him out! Nick then dodges Kaun to SUPERKICK! SUPERKICK for Liona! Wheelbarrow and- CUTTER for Kaun! Kaun blocks Matt’s kick for Liona to HEADBUTT! Kaun DROPKICKS Matt to the corner, Liona HIP ATTACKS! Ricochet likes what he sees now as GOA haul Matt up! CLOSE THE GATES!!

Cover, but KNIGHT breaks it! The fans fire up but now Kaun TOSSES Knight out! Knight’s leg jams a bit, and Liona has Matt. Kaun has Nick up to to CHOP! Liona fireman’s carries Matt, then he adds Nick to it! Bailey goes up top?! He ULTIMO WEAPONS the Samoan Drop apart!! The fans are thunderous, and now Knight is up top! MOTHERSHIP UFO SPLASH on Liona!! Cover, KAUN breaks it! Kaun fireman’s carries, but Bailey SUPERKICKS him! The Bucks are back, they DOUBLE SUPERKICK Bailey! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICK Kaun! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Doyle & Davis! Then mule kicks to Liona’s legs!

Liona is on his knees as The Bucks SUPERKICK and SUPERKICK, then DOUBLE SUPERKICK! The Superkick Party is heating up, but Bailey is back to DUMP Nick! Matt blocks a kick, FLIPS Bailey onto the ropes, and Nick goes up! DOUBLE STOMP into the POWERBOMB!! Cover, Knight ghost pins Matt! TWO!! Nick dodges Knight’s lariat, backslide and roll through, for a B T E TRIGGER!!! Ricochet is pissed as The Bucks cover, and Ricochet YANKS the ref out!! The fans boo as The One & Only exploits the rules of a Fatal 4! But then JACK PERRY FLIES IN!! Down goes Ricochet and the fans fire up again!

GOA goes after Jungle Jack for that! But then The Bucks DOUBLE PLANCHA GOA! The Elite and The Demand are all down, but then Jack drags Ricochet into the crowd! Davis & Doyle get Knight up, but Bailey hurries in! BOOT for Doyle, BOOT for Davis, repeat! HEEL KICK for Doyle, then Bailey dodges Davis! Davis hits buckles, and the TIME ADVENTURE!! Bailey goes up, up, but Davis catches him! Bailey RANAS, but Doyle rolls through!? And he POWERBOMBS Bailey out onto GOA & The Bucks!! The fans are fired up for that, Davis says close your eyes and COUNT TO OUCH!! Cover, DAVIS & DOYLE WIN!!

Winners: Mark Davis & Jake Doyle, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contenders to the AEW World Tag Team Championships)

Talk about an upset! The fans cannot believe the Don Callis Family is about to go for the tag titles! But speaking of those tag titles, FTR is here, and they wheel Stokely out in his wheelchair. #BigStoke applauds the big men, but then Cash & Dax get in the ring. FTR taunt D&D with the titles, but then Davis & Doyle just throw hands! The fans are a bit torn on this, but security hurries out here! The fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” and Callis says his guys will pound the hillbillies. Davis TACKLES Dax, Cash goes after him, but Doyle is after Cash! Callis is pleased, and so is Stokely. It’s gonna be big bodies VS big résumés, who will be the #TopGuys in the end?

BREAKING NEWS for Maximum Carnage: Collision!

Don Callis said it himself, Andrade El Idolo has his first match back in AEW this Saturday against Angelico, and Kyle Fletcher will return to Collision after being in Japan with Callis and Konosuke. Will the Don Callis Family just keep on winning, even in the New Year? Then, Penelope Ford is cleared for action! She joins Megan Bayne in their return to tag team action, who will #BowDown to The Megasus & The Superbad Girl? And after the confrontation during that Fatal 4 Way, Jack Perry is back in action, taking on Athony Bowens in a #1 contender’s match to Ricochet’s National Championship! Will Tarzan Life show what’s in store for The Demand? Or will the Pride of Professional Wrestling Molly-Whop Jack back to the jungle?

Team Sky Flight speaks.

Darius Martin says Saturday’s shaping up to be a big night for them, because they have two big matches! Zayda Steel calls out Marina Shafir, you know the Real Deal! Which is why it took two people to jump her. But unlike these other girls, Zayda bullies the bullies. Dante calls out the Don Callis Family, and brings up the history they have. Top Flight knows how they move and operate, just like CLØN. He’s already building an undefeated streak, but they’re looking to change that. And Kyle Fletcher gets his big return to TV, but he ain’t ready! Which leads us to Josh Alexander. Alexander is so focused on Kenny Omega that he is not ready for the athleticism of this team.

Scorpio Sky says everyone is thinking about what’s next, when they should focus on the now! Christopher Daniels says the morning doesn’t matter if you can’t make it through the night! Scorpio snaps his fingers and the lights go out. Will all the members of Sky Flight be in top gear for Maximum Carnage Night 2? Or will they be the ones down and out after this Collision?

Six Woman Tag: Kris Statlander & The Babes of Wrath VS The Triangle of Madness!

The champions of the AEW Women’s Division brought that sugar, spice, and everything nice to Collision, but they’re going to leave the fun stuff at home for this one! It will be Maximum Carnage as promised, but will things be cosmic or toxic in Phoenix?

The trios sort out, and #BigStatDaddy steps to the Toxic Spider. The bell rings, the fans cheer on “Stat Daddy! Stat Daddy!” Thekla circles with Kris, but then dodges her to go back to her corner. Tag to Julia Hart but Kris just brushes that off. Kris waistlocks and SLAMS Julia, then facelocks. Kris drags Julia up, brings her around, but Julia wrenches to YANK the arm. Kris rolls, cartwheels, and wrenches back. Kris headlocks, but Julia powers out to her own headlock. Kris powers out, but Julia stops the hip toss, KNEES low, then flips up and over! Julia ducks ‘n’ dodges, wheelbarrows, but Kris turns it into a BIG back suplex!

The fans fire up and Kris tags Harley. Kris stomps Harley, then tilt-o-whirl scoops Harley so she can SPLASH Julia! Cover, TWO! Harley brings Julia up to fireman’s carry, but Julia fights free. Julia kicks low, whips, but Harley grabs ropes. Harley ROUNDHOUSES, then she runs up to SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Harley points to Willow, brings Julia up, and Willow tags in. The fans cheer as Harley feeds Julia to a scoop and SLAM! Then Harley wheelbarrows with Willow for another SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Julia toughs it out, and she JAWBREAKERS Willow! Tag to Skye Blue and she fires off on Willow! But Willow blocks the whip!

Willow whips, Skye reverses, and she KNEES Willow low! Skye has Willow in a corner, and she handsprings to FOREARM SMASH! Skye whips, but Willow cartwheels to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up and Willow LARIATS away on Skye in the corner! The ref counts, Willow reels Skye in, but Skye slips around to jump on for a SLEEPER! Willow tags Kris, then THROWS Skye down! Kris tags Harley while Willow basement BOOTS Skye! Kris ads a SLIDING LARIAT! Harley runs to add the SLIDING SHOULDER TACKLE! Willow adds a SENTON! Tag back to Kris and she adds a BLINDSIDE METEORA! Cover, TWO!

Kris drags Skye up, tags Harley back in, and feeds Skye to a KNEE! Harley reels Skye in, but Skye wrenches free and ROCKS Harley! Harley dodges a lariat to ROUNDHOUSE! Harley runs up, but Skye drop toeholds her onto the ropes! Thekla BOOTS Harley while Julia distracts the ref! Skye adds a slingshot CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Skye pushes Harley down for a rain of fists! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Dynamite goes picture in picture.

Skye drags Harley up, tags Thekla, and they mug Harley in the corner. Julia steps in, she and Thekla mug Harley, kick her back and forth, then Thekla BOOTS Harley down! Thekla swings on Kris and Willow but they stay back. Thekla taunts them before going back to Harley. Thekla drags Harley into a snapmare and basement SUPERKICK! Thekla covers, TWO! Thekla pushes Harley back down for another cover, TWO! Thekla pushes for a third cover, TWO!! Harley reaches out for her corner but Thekla drags her away to the Madness corner. Julia tags in, then BLASTS Kris & Willow! Julia BOOTS Harley down, then drags her up for a DDT! Cover, TWO!

Julia clamps onto Harley and thrashes her around, then grinds her down. Harley fights up, but Julia whips her to the corner! Tag to Skye, she whips Harley into Julia’s TARANTULA! Thekla is there to taunt Harley, and Julia lets go at 4. Skye covers, TWO! Skye keeps Harley from her corner, tags Thekla, then snapmares Harley. Thekla steps on Harley, then taunts her to go reach for Kris & Willow. Thekla then snapmares Harley, and drops down on Harley for a CROSSFACE! Harley endures while Maximum Carnage returns to single picture. The fans rally, Thekla fishhooks Harley, but Harley rolls to a cover! ONE, and Harley ROCKS Thekla!

Harley reaches out but Thekla keeps her from Kris & Willow. Thekla CLUBS Harley, waistlocks her, but Harley still fights! Harley fires elbows, but the Sisters of Sin slither over! They YANK Kris & Willow down, then THROW them into barriers! But Kris THROWS Julia and BOOTS Skye! Thekla BOOTS Harley, runs, but Harley dodges! DOUBLE FACEBUSTERS take them both down! The fans fire up as Harley and Thekla crawl! Hot tag to Kris! The fans fire up as the Galaxy’s Greatest has The Toxic Spider all to herself! Kris ROCKS Thekla, CRAVAT SMASHES her, then TOSSES her aside. Julia is up top, CROSSBODIES, but Kris catches her!

Kris hits a BACKBREAKAER on Julia, then catches Skye’s dropkick! CATAPULT into buckles! Kris roars, runs, and UPPERCUTS Thekla! Kris goes side to side, BOOT WASH in the corner! Kris then hooks Thekla for the FISHERMAN ARROW! Cover, Skye & Julia break it! The fans boo but The Sisters of Sin haul Kris up! DOUBLE- NO, Kris fights free, but they still double wrench. Kris just YANKS Skye & Julia into each other! BLUE THUNDER on Julia! Skye runs, tilt-o-whirl, DDT! But Willow is there to SPINEBUSTER Skye! The fans fire up, but Thekla BUZZSAWS Willow! Harley hits a BACKSTABBER on Thekla!

Kris hauls Thekla up, she tags Harley, and Harley tags Willow! Harley runs for a SLINGBLADE FACEBUSTER COMBO! Harley then hops onto Willow as a backpack, and they DOUBLE SENTON Thekla! Cover, but Julia breaks it! Harley runs up, Julia dodges for Skye to SUPERKICK! FOREARM! Clinch and BOOSTED SIDE EFFECT! But Kris DOUBLE LARIATS Julia & Skye! Thekla mule kicks, ROLLING ELBOWS, then fires up, but Willow LARIATS Thekla! The fans fire up with Willow as she gut wrenches, BABE WITH THE POWER- RANA! Thekla hurries to her feet, then goes Matrix to avoid Willow!

Thekla ROCKS Willow, Spider-walks, but Kris tags in! Kris pushes Willow aside to take the SPEAR!! The Sisters YANK Willow out and beat her down! Thekla hurries to CURB STOMP! Cover, TRIANGLE OF MADNESS WINS!

Winners: The Triangle of Madness, by pinfall

A massive win for these three wicked warriors, but biggest of all is the fact Thekla pinned THE AEW Women’s World Champion! Will they soon be a triangle of GOLD? Or can Kris, Willow & Harley turn things around before they succumb to the madness?

Backstage interview with JetSpeed.

Renee is with Knight & Bailey and says that was an unfortunate loss in the Fatal 4 Way Tag, and honestly a rocky start for them in 2026. How will they turn things around? Bailey says yes, it has been rough, but- Swerve steps in and pats them both on the shoulders? Swerve tells them that was just bad luck. Swerve and Bailey were tearing it up all around the world. They haven’t mixed it up here in AEW, but when they do, Swerve says it will be fireworks. And as for Knight, The Jet! When Swerve was world champion, one of the names he brought up to Tony Khan was Kevin Knight. Knight IS the future of this business, so trust him when he says Knight’s time is coming.

Swerve leaves having given his encouragement, and Renee asks how JetSpeed is going to respond to that. Hangman Page also walks in and he tells them that they may have lost this chance to challenge for the world tag titles, but NOT the Trios! Hangman Page told Samoa Joe he would take everything from him! Hangman took Hook from Joe last week, and this Saturday, he looks to take those trios titles from Joe, too! Hangman, JetSpeed, The Opps, Collision! See you there. JetSpeed ask if he’s for real, and Hangman says yes, he’s for real. The match is being made right now, see you Saturday. JetSpeed is fired back up, but will they and Hangman all be space cowboys with gold around their waists?

BREAKING NEWS: The Rascalz are coming to AEW!

From hottest free agents to All Elite, Myron Reed, Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz & Trey Miguel are ready to make an impact!

AEW World Championship: MJF VS Bandido!

The Scumbag snagged this title at World’s End and promised to make his record-setting first reign look like a coffee break. However, the Most Wanted has been unstoppable as ROH World Champion, and he even won the newest Dynamite Diamond Ring tournament to earn this opportunity. Will Bandido become even more powerful as a DOUBLE World Champion? Or will MJF do anything and everything he can to stay on top?

The introductions are made, “Triple B” is raised, and we see who survives Maximum Carnage!

The bell rings and the fans fire up already as MJF and Bandido stare down. They circle while the fans duel an even 50-50. MJF eggs Bandido on, they tie up, but Bandido rolls MJF up! TWO and MJF backs off fast. Bandido says it was that close, but MJF tells the fans to shut up! The fans boo, but MJF and Bandido go again. MJF headlocks, Bandido powers up and out, but MJF RUNS Bandido over! Then MJF does a rather sad Latino Heat. But Bandido kips up, hurdles, then drops down. MJF just Fargo Struts over that! The fans are torn between booing and wooing, then things speed up. Bandido hurdles, leaps over, then tilt-o-whirl arm-drags!

Bandido keeps moving, and then tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Sweep and cover, WTO! MJF stands but Bandido sweeps and covers again! TWO, MJF jumps over the third, and he calls Bandido a dumbass! But Bandido sweeps the legs again, covers, TWO! Bandido kips up and aims his finger gun right at MJF’s head. The fans cheer, MJF says okay, calm down. Then he CLAWS Bandido’s eyes through the mask! The fans boo, but Bandido gorilla presses MJF! The fans fire up while MJF freaks out! Bandido DROPS MJF, then has him on the ropes! Bandido deals the hand, but MJF bails out! No Blackjack yet, but Bandido just resets, only for MJF to run away!

The fans boo, but Bandido just changes course, and he DIVES! They hit the barriers, but Bandido gets up! The fans fire up as Bandido nods. Bandido brings MJF up, puts him in the ring, then goes up the corner. MJF bails out to the apron, the fans boo, but Bandido hops down. The fans fire up with Bandido as they insult MJF, but MJF calls time. This is not that kind of match, but MJF HOTSHOTS Bandido! MJF grabs the arm, top wristlocks, and he pushes on the shoulder. Bandido endures, fights up, but MJF wrenches the arm. Bandido kicks, MJF ducks, and he uses that to pump handle FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally while MJF watches Bandido go to the corner. MJF stomps Bandido, digs his boots in, but the ref counts. MJF stops at 4, but then he wraps the bad arm around ropes! The ref counts again, the fans boo, but MJF stops at 4. MJF runs up but Bandido BOOTS him! Bandido goes up, up, but MJF hits the ropes to trip Bandido up! MJF THROWS Bandido down, then he mocks the macarena! MJF swivels the hips, but Bandido fires forearms! The fans cheer as Bandido does the macarena, then ROCKS MJF! Bandido whips, MJF blocks, and the arm jams! MJF whips, but Bandido handsprings up and over!

Bandido rolls MJF up, TWO! MJF bypasses Bandido and KICKS the bad arm out in the handspring! Then double underhooks and a SHOULDER BUSTER! MJF WRINGS Bandido into the corner! Cover, TWO! MJF CLAWS Bandido’s eyes, the fans boo again, but MJF soaks up the heat while Dynamite goes picture in picture.

MJF lets the fans boo while he goes back to Bandido. MJF stands on the bad arm, stomps it, then paces around while Bandido writhes. MJF drags Bandido back up, wrenches the arm, and hammerlocks it. MJF then RAMS Bandido into the corner! MJF soaks up more heat while Bandido clutches the shoulder. MJF kicks Bandido around, steps on his neck, but stops as the ref counts. MJF wrenches Bandido again, hammerlocks the arm again, and then RAMS Bandido into buckles again! Bandido slumps down in the corner while MJF flexes and swaggers to soak up the heat. MJF drags Bandido up to hammerlock again, and he whips, but Bandido reverses!

MJF ends up in a corner, Bandido climbs up, and Bandido rains down fists! The ref counts but Bandido goes to nine then winds up. But MJF carries Bandido off the corner! Atomic drop! ARM WRINGER! MJF goes up the corner, “checks his watch,” and just takes his time letting Bandido go to ropes. MJF insults the fans over cheering Bandido, then he brings Bandido back up. Maximum Carnage returns to single picture while the fans insult MJF back. MJF just doubles down as he hits a snap suplex, and brings Bandido up! That was just Uno Amigo, and MJF suplexes again! Dos Amigos! MJF drags Bandido up again, gives some Scumbag Heat, but Bandido blocks the suplex!

The fans fire up but MJF blocks Bandido’s suplex! MJF wrenches the arm, but Bandido ROCKS MJF! MJF SLAPS Bandido back! Bandido fires another forearm, MJF CLUBS the arm! Bandido fires a flurry, but MJF BITES Bandido’s hand! MJF reels Bandido in, but Bandido suplexes first! MJF kicks and flails but Bandido powers through to suplex! Bandido gives a proper Latino Heat before both men fall back down! Phoenix is thunderous as they cheer Bandido, “Si Se Puedes! Si Se Puedes!” Both men slowly go to opposite ends and rise back up. MJF runs up, Bandido dodges to tilt-o-whirl and DDT! Then the gorilla press! ONE ARM SLAM!!

The fans fire up again as Bandido has MJF on the ropes! Deal the hand, but MJF slips away! MJF ELBOWS Bandido away, goes up, and he DOUBLE STOMPS the bad arm! MJF clamps onto the arm but Bandido rolls MJF, TWO! Bandido DUMPS MJF out, builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit on MJF and Bandido says this is for Mexico! The fans fire up as Bandido then drags MJF up and puts him in the ring. MJF rolls out the side, but Bandido builds speed again! MJF hurries over the barrier?! The fans boo as MJF says he is walking?! Bandido goes up, up, and SUPER DUPER CROSSBODIES! Another direct hit on MJF and the fans are thunderous!

Bandido feels that energy from the fans, and he drags MJF back to ringside. “This is Awesome!” as MJF flounders into the ring. Bandido runs up again, but MJF wrenches to ARM CODE BREAKER! Bandido goes to a corner, MJF runs up, but into a BOOT! Bandido goes up, up, and TORNILLO! Cover, TWO! MJF hurries to his feet but Bandido’s on him! POISON-RANA!! MJF staggers back to his feet, but Bandido SOBATS to then hop on, CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! MJF survives and the fans can’t believe it! Bandido is just as surprised, but he keeps his cool. The fans rally as both men rise again. MJF is on the ropes! Bandido deals the hand! BLACKJACK- NO, MJF holds on for dear life!

Bandido’s arm gives up, MJF runs, but Bandido dodges! Bandido shoves, MJF BOOTS, then MJF puts Bandido through ropes! HEATSEEK- NO, Bandido shoves free! Bandido aims, but MJF SLINGSHOT CUTTERS Bandido! Cover, TWO!!! Both men are down and the fans hope they “FIGHT FOREVER!” But at this point, we’re in overtime, and this has to end somehow! Bandido throws off his elbow pads, MJF checks his kneepads, and Bandido goes back to the apron. MJF reels Bandido back in, HEAT- NO! Bandido powers free again, then denies MJF his slingshot to GAMANGIRI! Bandido goes up the corner! SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, TWO!!

MJF survives and Bandido is beside himself! The fans rally even harder as Bandido rises. MJF crawls his way to ropes, Bandido deals the hand! BLACKJACK 21- NO, MJF lands out! MJF dodges, but Bandido hops on again! MJF blocks Code Red to FLIP Bandido! Bandido lands on his feet, but MJF reels him right in! CRADLE! TWO!! Bandido escapes, hops up to sunset flip, TWO! MJF sits on it, TWO! Bandido has it, TWO! MJF has it, TWO! Bandido again, TWO! MJF again, ONE! Bandido, ONE! ONE! ONE! ONE! They teetertotter again and again, but then Bandido has a deeper sunset! TWO!!! MJF escapes with nanoseconds to spare!!

The fans are thunderous for “A E DUB!” and Bandido BOOTS MJF! Gut wrench and torture rack! Bandido flips MJF for the X KNEE! MJF is back on the ropes, Bandido deals again, BLACKJACK 21 PLEX!!! But Bandido can’t bridge with the bad arm!! The fans are electric as Bandido crawls his way over! Cover, TWO!!! AND INTO THE SALT OF THE EARTH!!! MJF pushes on the arm, Bandido shifts to alleviate pressure, but MJF just keeps pushing! MJF drags Bandido back around, but Bandido fights his way over! MJF drags Bandido back, and he hooks on an omoplata! A YES LOCK!?! Bryan Danielson can’t believe what he’s seeing from commentary!

Bandido endures, flails, and he FLIPS MJF OFF! The Outlaw is defiant, but he’s fading! He is OUT!! MJF WINS!

Winner: MJF, by submission (still AEW World Champion)

A battle of two world champions, there was never any doubt this would be an instant classic! And perhaps most surprisingly, MJF won this without having to dig into his bag of tricks! MJF grabs a mic, he has them cut his music, and though the fans boo, he says, “Bandido… When they said you were gonna be an AEW World Champion, I laughed. But after wrestling you, it seems very apparent they were right.” The fans cheer this rare compliment from MJF, and he continues by telling Bandido, “As much as it pains me to admit this, you’re gonna be AEW World Champion one day.” The fans cheer that, too!

But MJF says that unfortunately means he has to do this. HE CLOBBERS BANDIDO WITH THE BELT! MJF rains down fists, ruining every bit of good faith he’d just earned! MJF motions for unmasking Bandido and the fans boo more! MJF looms over Bandido, sits him up, but BRODY rushes out here! The fans fire up as MJF runs away like the chicken he is! Brody makes sure Bandido is alright first, helps him sit up, and the fans cheer #Brodido on. Bandido was that close to being AEW World Champion tonight, will he hit the mark next time? Will the King of Death tear down the Devil of AEW first?

My Thoughts:

A great Dynamite to start Maximum Carnage, and it even did a great job setting up more for the coming weeks. Darby Allin VS PAC was a great opener, though mostly standard formula for Darby. I will say, I didn’t think he’d get away with kayfabe breaking Pac’s leg, though. Is Pac being written off TV through this? And if Darby is done with the Death Riders now that he got the win he needed, what’s he gonna do next? The world title is clearly spoken for, Mark Briscoe is TNT Champion and Face, but maybe he’s not done and will want the Continental Championship from Moxley? The International Championship off Okada?

Samoa Joe sending Bryan Keith after Hangman is interesting, but it made for a great match of Hangman VS Keith, then Big Bill and Swerve getting in on it. Solid win for Hangman from this, and a decent promo segment from Swerve, Hangman, and Kenny. Though, other than Hangman being cool with Kenny and Swerve not being cool, that didn’t add much. Don Callis wanting to eliminate Kenny again is rather tired, but Omega VS Alexander will be good, and Omega said it himself, he needs wins. I feel like we’ll eventually get Omega VS Hangman VS Swerve in a Triple Threat to name a contender, maybe a Fatal 4 if Joe wants in on that. Or maybe they’re all in a tournament, TK could do whatever he wants.

Amazing Fatal 4 Way Tag, great innovation from all eight men, and Doyle & Davis definitely meshed as a team rather quickly. I’m rather surprised it’s Doyle & Davis VS FTR, but sometimes Heels VS Heels can be a lot of fun because it boils down to who can cheat harder faster. Plus, Bucks and GOA clearly took each other out along with Jack Perry and Ricochet, we’re definitely getting more of New Elite VS The Demand. Perry VS Bowens will be a solid #1 contender’s match, but it seems redundant if Jack gets another shot at Ricochet for the National title so soon. Maybe Ricochet helps Bowens win because he feels he can beat Bowens easier than he can Jack.

Swerve and Hangman encouraging JetSpeed was nice, but what a surprise that Hangman wants to reunite the Space Cowboys or whatever you want to call them. Word came out during the show that Will Hobbs’ contract was up at midnight, and unless TK dumps a truckload of money out, Hobbs might go to WWE. The trios match (which is being recorded tonight to be aired on Saturday) will be a dead giveaway, though. Ironically, this works even better in story because then Opps will lose the trios titles AND lose Hobbs, making it easier for Hangman to fight it out 1v1 with Samoa Joe as part of the chase for the top title.

Great Six Woman Tag, but as I figured, Triangle of Madness won out. I did NOT think Thekla would pin Kris, so that was a great surprise. Plus, that just spells it out that Thekla is facing Kris for the title, but I feel like Kris should retain the title through it. Same goes for Babes of Wrath overcoming Sisters of Sin. The SkyFlight promo setting up all their stuff for Saturday, you can bet SkyFlight takes all the losses. Don Callis Family is gonna build momentum for Clon’s win streak, for Alexander facing Omega, and Kyle Fletcher wanting after Mark Briscoe for the TNT title in “game seven.” And Zayda is definitely not getting through Marina, are you kidding me? Zayda’s a good talker, but that’s Marina “The Problem” Shafir.

And then great stuff with the AEW World Championship. It seems to be Brody’s thing to be the “standby match guy,” because he can just put people away with ease. It was also two birds, one stone as Jon Cruz could not support MJF in the main event in any capacity. I meant it when I said MJF VS Bandido is an instant classic, a Match of the Year contender and it’s still January. Great details in how MJF didn’t cheat but faced Bandido head on, and in how Bandido did the Stone Cold pass out. MJF of course had to double down the Heel heat, though, and really, MJF VS Brody should be next since we’re on that long road to Revolution. Brodido can fail against MJF and that makes them wonder if they return to the tag division or what, lots of possibilities there.

My Score: 9.1/10