For its second flagship episode of 2026, AEW Dynamite delivered Maximum Carnage. This was not merely a themed edition of the show, as real stakes were attached throughout the night, including a No. 1 contenders match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship and a bout for the AEW World Championship.
After winning the Dynamite Diamond Ring, Bandido earned a shot at MJF’s AEW World Championship in MJF’s first title defense since capturing the belt at Worlds End in December. While it would have been surprising to see MJF drop the title so quickly, Bandido has been one of AEW’s strongest performers over the past 12 months. Could this have been his night?
That, and much more, from a packed episode of Dynamite:
Darby Allin Def. Pac By Submission
- Commentary noted that, by defeating Pac, Darby Allin had now beaten every member of the Death Riders. He also took a brutal landing on a belly-to-belly suplex onto the steps, a spot that looked painful even through the television screen.
Adam Page Def. Bryan Keith By Pinfall
- Bryan Keith has primarily been featured on Collision and Ring of Honor, making his spotlight moment on Dynamite a welcome change. That said, the match largely served to give Adam Page another win as he continues to rebuild momentum toward a future world title opportunity.
Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland, And Adam Page Go Face-To-Face
- AEW has a stacked group of world title contenders lined up to challenge MJF, and it would not be surprising if the company is building toward all three eventually receiving another shot at the championship. For now, however, the focus remains incremental, as Page made it clear that his sights are set on Samoa Joe first.
- Kenny Omega then made his way to the ring, noting that he cannot simply snap his fingers as an EVP and grant himself a world title match. Before Page exited, he told Omega that the best man would win if the two ever crossed paths in the ring, a line that felt like a clear tease for a future No. 1 contenders match.
- The segment continued with the arrival of the Don Callis Family, which ultimately set up a match between Omega and Josh Alexander for next week’s episode of Dynamite.
Brody King Def. Jon Cruz By Pinfall
- King defeated Cruz quickly with a piledriver.
Mark Davis And Jake Doyle Def. The Young Bucks, JetSpeed, And Gates Of Agony By Pinfall To Become No. 1 Contenders For The AEW World Tag Team Championship
- It has been a very quick rise for one of AEW’s newest tag teams. While the heel-vs.-heel dynamic against FTR is intriguing, it would still be a surprise to see a title change.
Julia Hart, Skye Blue, And Thekla Def. Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale, And Harley Cameron By Pinfall
- Thekla pinning Statlander gives her added momentum toward a potential AEW Women’s World Championship match in the near future.
MJF (c) Def. Bandido By Submission To Retain The AEW World Championship
- A very strong title match placed Bandido in one of the biggest singles spotlights of his career. He did not come away with the win, but as MJF noted post-match, Bandido feels like a future AEW World Champion.
- Following a post-match beatdown, Brody King made the save, potentially putting himself next in line for a title opportunity.
