The final AEW television broadcast of 2025, AEW Dynamite: New Year’s Smash, delivered a statement episode from Omaha, Nebraska, closing the year with major championship consequences, layered storytelling, and clear direction heading into 2026. The night was capped off by a massive title change as Willow Nightingale dethroned Mercedes Moné to capture the TBS Championship, ending one of the most dominant reigns in the title’s history. Elsewhere, newly crowned AEW World Champion MJF made his first post–Worlds End appearance, unveiling a redesigned “Triple B” AEW World Championship and immediately igniting chaos within the main-event scene. With strong title defenses, faction warfare, and multiple future challengers stepping forward, AEW used its year-ending Dynamite to reset the board and establish momentum for the early weeks of the new year.

Here are the full results

• Mixed Tag Team Match: Death Riders defeated Toni Storm, Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong via pinfall
• Bandido vs. The Beast Mortos: Bandido won via pinfall
• Brody King vs. Lee Johnson: Brody King won via pinfall
• AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley defeated Josh Alexander via submission
• AEW National Championship Match: Ricochet (c) defeated Jungle Jack Perry via pinfall
• TBS Championship Match: Willow Nightingale defeated Mercedes Moné (c) to become the new TBS Champion

Show Highlights and Analysis

Willow Nightingale Ends Mercedes Moné’s Historic Reign

The main event delivered one of AEW’s most emotionally charged moments of the year as Willow Nightingale defeated Mercedes Moné to reclaim the TBS Championship. Moné entered the match having held the title for over 580 days, positioning her reign as one of the longest and most dominant in AEW women’s history. The match itself was physical, dramatic, and layered with callbacks to their past encounters. After surviving multiple near falls and counters, Willow connected with the Babe With The Powerbomb to secure the victory. The post-match celebration, which included Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander joining Willow in the ring, closed Dynamite on a triumphant and symbolic note for the division.

MJF Ushers in a New Era as AEW World Champion

AEW World Champion MJF opened the show with a promo declaring himself the face of the company once again. He unveiled a redesigned version of the “Triple B” AEW World Championship, blending arrogance with nostalgia as he positioned himself as the constant that defines AEW’s identity. The celebration was quickly interrupted by Kenny Omega, who staked his claim as a top contender. The segment escalated when Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland became involved, leading to a chaotic brawl that set the tone for the night. Samoa Joe later added another wrinkle by aligning The Opps as his chosen enforcers, immediately intensifying the already crowded world title picture.

Strong Title Defenses and Physical Statements

Ricochet successfully defended the AEW National Championship against Jungle Jack Perry in a fast-paced, high-stakes match that reinforced Ricochet’s consistency as a fighting champion. Outside interference and faction dynamics played a role, but Ricochet remained focused and resilient. Meanwhile, Jon Moxley continued his dominant run in the Continental Championship scene by forcing Josh Alexander to submit in a grueling eliminator match, further solidifying himself as one of AEW’s most dangerous and reliable forces heading into 2026.

Everything announced for next week’s AEW Dynamite

AEW confirmed two major matches for next week’s Dynamite, both officially announced on-screen and carrying significant implications for the early 2026 landscape:

• AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match:
  Jon Moxley (Continental Champion) vs. Shelton Benjamin
  Shelton Benjamin will step into a high-stakes eliminator against Jon Moxley, one of AEW’s most violent and battle-tested champions. While the Continental Championship itself will not be defended, a victory for Benjamin would earn him a future title shot, making this a critical proving ground. The matchup pits Moxley’s relentless brutality against Benjamin’s elite athleticism and veteran precision, with real consequences hanging in the balance.
• Lights Out Match:
  Hangman Adam Page & Swerve Strickland vs. The Opps
  One of the most explosive announcements of the night, this Lights Out match ensures there will be no rules, no official record, and no restrictions. With tensions boiling over following the chaotic events at New Year’s Smash, this bout is designed purely for destruction. Featuring four of AEW’s most volatile competitors, the match is expected to headline the show and send shockwaves through the company as AEW barrels into 2026.

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