AEW Dynamite opens its 2026 calendar tonight with a loaded, emotionally charged, and direction-defining broadcast that serves as both a fresh start and a high-stakes launching pad toward next week’s AEW Maximum Carnage. Live on TBS, the first Dynamite of the year carries enormous narrative weight, headlined by the looming collision between newly crowned AEW World Champion MJF and ROH World Champion Bandido, whose unprecedented Dynamite Diamond Ring victory has rewritten company history.

This episode arrives with momentum and consequence. MJF is fresh off reclaiming the AEW World Championship at AEW Worlds End, executing his Casino Gauntlet Contract to turn the main event into a fatal four-way and walking out champion once again. Now, for the first time in his second reign, “The Devil” must stand face-to-face with the only man not named Maxwell Jacob Friedman to ever hold the AEW Dynamite Diamond Ring. Bandido’s victory over Ricochet a few weeks ago was more than symbolic—it was seismic, positioning the masked ace as both ROH standard-bearer and legitimate AEW world title threat.

Layered on top of that is the fallout from AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash, where Willow Nightingale shattered expectations and history alike. By defeating “The CEO” Mercedes Monè, Willow ended Monè’s dominant 584-day reign and became the first-ever two-time TBS Champion, completing a story that began when Mercedes originally took the title from her. With the inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions now tied directly into the singles title picture, the women’s division enters 2026 with renewed urgency, emotion, and creative clarity.

Tonight’s Dynamite is about tone-setting, consequences, and inevitability—and AEW has made it clear that nothing is being slow-played.

Here is everything advertised for tonight’s show

Matches:

• Lights Out Tag Team Match: “Hangman” Adam Page & Swerve Strickland vs. The Opps (HOOK & Powerhouse Hobbs)
• Bandido vs. Sammy Guevara
• AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Jon Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin
• Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir
• Tag Team Action: Jungle Jack Perry & JetSpeed (Kevin Knight & Mike Bailey) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)

Segments & Appearances:

• AEW World Champion MJF appears live — addressing his first title defense and the build to Maximum Carnage
• Willow Nightingale TBS Championship Celebration — honoring her historic two-time title win
• Jim Ross returns to commentary — the legendary voice is back for Dynamite

Analysis: Breaking Down Tonight’s Dynamite

Lights Out Tag Team Match: “Hangman” Adam Page & Swerve Strickland vs. The Opps (HOOK & Powerhouse Hobbs)

This unsanctioned bout is designed to set the tone for 2026—chaotic, high-stakes, and emotionally charged. Page and Swerve have unfinished business with HOOK and Hobbs, and the no-rules stipulation allows them to push boundaries creatively. Expect signature spots, high-risk maneuvers, and a violent, hard-hitting encounter that signals the intensity AEW plans to maintain all year.

Bandido vs. Sammy Guevara

This match carries huge narrative weight ahead of Maximum Carnage. Bandido’s recent Dynamite Diamond Ring win positions him as a top contender for MJF’s AEW World Championship, and Sammy represents a disruptive threat who can test Bandido’s readiness for the big stage. This contest will emphasize Bandido’s skills, psychology, and ability to defend his credibility without putting his ROH World Title on the line.

AEW Continental Championship Eliminator: Jon Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin

A hard-hitting, career-defining contest, this match determines the next contender for the Continental Championship. Moxley’s intensity and Benjamin’s veteran savvy create a perfect blend of experience and unpredictability. The winner is likely to emerge as a strong, credible challenger capable of carrying the mid-card with credibility and impact.

Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir

Storm and Shafir continue their heated rivalry, with tonight’s singles match emphasizing both in-ring storytelling and personal stakes. Storm’s growing momentum, combined with Shafir’s aggressiveness, promises a hard-hitting bout that will advance their feud while elevating both women’s division storylines heading into 2026.

Tag Team Action: Jungle Jack Perry & JetSpeed vs. The Demand

This six-man tag match blends athleticism, strategy, and chaos. Jungle Jack Perry and the high-flying JetSpeed duo aim to prove themselves against the established threat of The Demand. The outcome could reshape faction dynamics and position new contenders for the tag division while giving younger talent a spotlight on a major Dynamite episode.

AEW World Champion MJF Segment

MJF’s live appearance is central to tonight’s storytelling. Fans can expect sharp promos, subtle psychological warfare, and confirmation of his intentions leading into Maximum Carnage. His presence is both a reminder of his dominance and a direct narrative bridge to his first defense in this reign.

Willow Nightingale TBS Championship Celebration

Willow’s historic two-time championship win is more than a title celebration—it’s a statement. AEW will likely showcase her triumph over Mercedes Monè, reinforcing her momentum and establishing her as a cornerstone of the women’s division in 2026.

Jim Ross Returns to Commentary

The return of Jim Ross adds gravitas and credibility to every match. His storytelling expertise will enhance the broadcast, making even transitional segments feel impactful and elevating the overall presentation of the night.

Bottom Line: Tonight’s Dynamite is about escalation, history, and positioning. Every match and segment carries weight, from unsanctioned chaos to championship trajectory, and AEW is using this episode to set the tone for 2026 and build momentum for Maximum Carnage. With MJF, Bandido, Willow Nightingale, and several high-profile matches, fans are in for a Dynamite episode that blends storytelling, athleticism, and spectacle.

Make sure to subscribe to our Late Night Crew Wrestling YouTube Channel. Follow @yorkjavon, @kspowerwheels & @LateNightCrewYT on X.