Professional wrestling rang in the new year with a bang as AEW Dynamite delivered title changes, heated confrontations, and championship challenges that set the stage for an explosive 2026.
The December 31st broadcast from Omaha, Nebraska crowned new champions and intensified rivalries that will define the company’s trajectory heading into the new year.
History was made in the main event as Willow Nightingale captured the TBS Championship for the second time, while newly crowned AEW World Champion MJF found himself with a target on his back from multiple contenders.
The night delivered drama, surprises, and unforgettable moments that wrestling fans won’t soon forget.
Willow Nightingale Makes History With TBS Championship Victory
In a hard-fought main event battle, Willow Nightingale defeated Mercedes Moné to capture the TBS Championship and etch her name in AEW record books. The victory made her the first-ever two-time TBS Champion and marked her as the first woman to simultaneously hold two AEW titles, as she also holds the Women’s World Tag Team Championship with Harley Cameron.
The match showcased both competitors’ resilience and determination. Moné controlled early portions with her technical prowess, including a devastating suplex off the announce table onto the floor. Nightingale, however, demonstrated remarkable power throughout, delivering multiple Death Valley Drivers that brought the Omaha crowd to their feet.
Finishing Sequence Mirrors Previous Victory
After surviving Moné’s Statement Maker submission attempt and trading backslide pin positions, Nightingale secured victory with her signature Babe with the Powerbomb. The win came exactly 584 days after she initially lost the championship to Moné, bringing her journey full circle.
Post-match celebrations included embraces from tag team partner Harley Cameron, members of The Conglomeration, and a surprise emotional moment with AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander. Their embrace sent shockwaves through the arena, given their complicated history.
MJF Debuts New Championship Design As Challengers Circle
The show opened with newly crowned AEW World Champion MJF unveiling his redesigned championship belt—the “Triple B” title. His celebration was immediately interrupted by a video message from Kenny Omega, who made clear his intentions to reclaim championship glory.
It wouldn’t be MJF vs. The Cleaner. It wouldn’t be MJF vs. The Best Bout Machine. This isn’t about a best bout, it’s about winning. And this certainly isn’t about MJF vs. The Belt Collector. I’m not collecting belts, I’m collecting one.
Omega’s message resonated throughout the arena, with fans chanting his name while MJF tried dismissing the challenge.
Chaos Erupts With Multiple Contenders
“Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland emerged from the crowd with chains, attempting to reach MJF before security intervened. Their confrontation evolved into a Lights Out challenge against The Opps—Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and HOOK—scheduled for next week.
Joe responded via video screen with characteristic intensity, positioning himself as the rightful number-one contender. The segment established multiple championship storylines while building toward next week’s no-holds-barred encounter.
Continental Champion Jon Moxley Retains Against Josh Alexander
AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley successfully defended his title against Josh Alexander in a Continental Eliminator match. Alexander targeted Moxley’s injured ankle throughout the bout, drawing blood and pushing the champion to his limits.
Despite Alexander’s focused attack—including multiple ankle locks and a figure-four around the ring post—Moxley secured victory via rear-naked choke submission. The referee called for the bell when Alexander failed to respond to the hold.
Post-match, MVP and Shelton Benjamin appeared at the entrance ramp, clearly eyeing Moxley’s championship. Benjamin, who impressed during last year’s Continental Classic, appears positioned as the next challenger for Moxley’s gold.
Death Riders Secure Mixed Tornado Trios Victory
Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, and Daniel Garcia representing the Death Riders defeated “Timeless” Toni Storm, Orange Cassidy, and Roderick Strong in the evening’s mixed tornado trios match. Victory came through timely assistance from Wheeler Yuta, who interfered at a crucial moment.
The match featured chaos from the opening bell, with all six competitors pairing off immediately. Storm and Cassidy displayed chemistry with synchronized hip tosses and tandem attacks on their opponents.
Storm’s attempt to execute a giant swing on Castagnoli nearly succeeded before Garcia interrupted. Yuta’s interference allowed Castagnoli to land a diving uppercut on Cassidy, securing the pinfall for the Death Riders and avenging their loss at Worlds End.
Ricochet Retains National Championship Through Controversy
AEW National Champion Ricochet successfully defended his title against “Jungle” Jack Perry, though not without assistance from Gates of Agony. Bishop Kaun’s ringside interference proved decisive when he grabbed Perry’s leg during a crucial moment, allowing Ricochet to connect with his Spirit Gun finisher.
The match showcased both competitors’ athleticism. Perry landed a spectacular jumping DDT from the top rope that nearly captured the championship. However, Gates of Agony’s presence proved too much to overcome.
Post-match brutality saw Toa Liona repeatedly slam Perry’s ally Luchasaurus’ injured shoulder with a barricade and chair. Liona finished by dropping a security member onto the barricade positioned across Luchasaurus’ shoulder, sending a clear message about their dominance.
Bandido Positions Himself For Title Shot
ROH World Champion Bandido defeated Beast Mortos in impressive fashion, building momentum toward his AEW World Championship match against MJF scheduled for Maximum Carnage on January 14th. The victory came via X-Knee followed by the 21 Plex.
Bandido used his entrance cape strategically, initially to counter Mortos’ early aggression, then diving onto his opponent while wearing it. The match built to an exciting crescendo with both competitors delivering high-impact offense.
Following the victory, Brody King made his intentions clear during a backstage interview. King, Bandido’s tag team partner in “Brodido,” stated his position as first challenger once Bandido captures MJF’s championship.
And he and I already spoke, after he becomes Bandido Two Belts again, I’m first in line.
King later demolished Lee Johnson in a squash match, further establishing his dominance heading into 2026.
Darby Allin Challenges PAC To Complete His Mission
Following his brutal victory over Gabe Kidd at Worlds End, Darby Allin issued a direct challenge to PAC. In a reflective video package, Allin explained his need to defeat PAC—the only Death Rider he hasn’t beaten—before pursuing the AEW World Championship.
I beat every single one of them, except PAC. I don’t know when, and I don’t know where I’ll have this match, but I need this win, PAC. I need to set myself free. And I need to finish what I started.
Wheeler Yuta responded during the Death Riders’ closing segment, claiming Allin must go through him first. Yuta positioned himself as the group’s most “unhinged” member, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict.
Additional Storyline Developments
The broadcast featured several other notable moments that will impact upcoming programming:
- Triangle of Madness sent a threatening message to AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander, with Thekla vowing to dethrone the champion
- The Conglomeration continued their entertaining antics, with TNT Champion Mark Briscoe delivering colorful promos about their upcoming matches
- Mina Shirakawa and Toni Storm displayed tension over Orange Cassidy’s interaction with Storm, adding intrigue to their complex relationship
- The Death Riders closed the show declaring 2026 would be “Death Riders vs. The World,” establishing their dominant mindset
Looking Ahead To Maximum Carnage
The broadcast effectively established major storylines heading into 2026. Maximum Carnage on January 14th in Phoenix, Arizona looms large with Bandido challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship.
Next week’s Dynamite promises explosive action with the Lights Out match between Page/Strickland and The Opps taking center stage. Kenny Omega’s return to active competition also appears imminent, adding another dimension to the championship picture.
Nightingale’s historic championship victory and simultaneous title reign creates fresh possibilities for the women’s division. Her emotional embrace with Statlander suggests potential partnership or rivalry ahead, keeping fans guessing about future developments.
AEW concluded 2025 with a broadcast that balanced championship action, storyline progression, and surprise moments. New Year’s Smash delivered everything wrestling fans expect—titles changing hands, challengers emerging, and compelling narratives that will define the company’s direction throughout 2026.