MJF Unveils Triple B - AEW Dynamite Jan 1, 2026
The professional wrestling world stood still as the final hours of 2025 transitioned into a brand-new era of dominance for All Elite Wrestling. Broadcasted live from Omaha, Nebraska, the event served as a definitive turning point for many of the company’s top stars. In this comprehensive AEW Dynamite New Year Smash 1 Jan 2026 review, we analyze how the landscape shifted with a massive title change and the return of a legendary figure to the title picture.
The atmosphere inside the arena was nothing short of electric, as fans anticipated the fallout from the recent Worlds End pay-per-view. Consequently, the stakes felt higher than ever, with every segment designed to set the pace for the road to the next major event. Whether you are a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, the implications of tonight’s show will be felt for months to come across all AEW platforms.
AEW Dynamite Rundown
AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash 1st January 2025. Began with a Recap of AEW World’s End 2025 PPV Then we jumped in to The segment.
MJF Unveils the Triple B
The show opened with a high-budget cinematic entrance as a luxury SUV pulled into the arena, carrying the newly crowned AEW World Champion, MJF. Clad in a lavish fur coat and sporting a smirk that only a champion could wear, Maxwell Jacob Friedman entered the ring to address his critics. He wasted no time in discarding the previous design of the championship, pulling back a red sheet to reveal the brand-new “Triple B” (Big Burberry Belt) version of the title. This new design serves as a symbol of his “generational” status and his intent to outpace every legend who came before him.
However, the celebratory mood was shattered almost instantly by a video message from “The Best Bout Machine” Kenny Omega. Appearing on the big screen, Omega admitted that he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, but that reality has only fueled his desire to reclaim the gold. He challenged MJF’s claim as the greatest, asserting that he isn’t coming to collect multiple belts, but rather the only one that truly matters. This interruption effectively set the stage for a clash of icons that has been years in the making.
As Omega’s message faded, “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland emerged from the crowd with chains, intending to hunt the champion. Before they could reach him, Samoa Joe appeared on screen to claim he was the rightful #1 contender, leading to an explosive announcement of a “Lights Out” match for next week.
Backstage Chaos: The Conglomeration and an Orange
Behind the scenes, Renee Paquette was with TNT Champion Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, and Roderick Strong. Briscoe was in high spirits, predicting a night of gold for The Conglomeration. He humorously suggested that even Ted Turner would want to “Conglomerate” himself after seeing their success. The “word of the day” was “asphyxiation,” a direct threat to the Death Riders who were scheduled to face them later that night.
The segment took a bizarre turn when “Timeless” Toni Storm appeared, calling Cassidy “citrus boy.” The interaction was interrupted by Mina Shirakawa and Luther, leading to a hilarious exchange where Storm claimed her relationship with Cassidy wasn’t “sexual” because he’s barely awake. The segment ended with Storm taking a bite out of an unpeeled orange, much to the horror of Mina, while Mark Briscoe chased after her for a bite of his own.
Mixed Nuts Mayhem: Death Riders vs. The Conglomeration
The tension between the Death Riders and The Conglomeration reached a boiling point in a wild Mixed Tornado Trios Match. This contest was a chaotic display of violence that saw Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, and Daniel Garcia taking on Toni Storm, Orange Cassidy, and Roderick Strong. From the opening bell, the action spilled out of the ring as the competitors paired off in a brutal struggle for momentum. The Death Riders utilized their superior technical aggression to isolate Orange Cassidy, attempting to dismantle the “Freshly Squeezed” star piece by piece.
Despite the odds, Toni Storm and Cassidy found a rhythm, utilizing a unique “dance” of elbows to fight back against the faction’s pressure. The Omaha crowd erupted as Storm prepared for a hip attack, but the match’s flow was constantly interrupted by the calculated interference of the Death Riders’ associates. It was a masterclass in heel tactics, showing exactly why this group is currently the most feared unit in the locker room. The psychology of the match emphasized that the Death Riders are willing to go to any lengths to “purify” the promotion.
The finish came when Wheeler Yuta provided a timely distraction, allowing Claudio to catch Orange Cassidy with a devastating diving uppercut for the pinfall. Following the bell, Mina Shirakawa and Luther entered the ring to console a frustrated Toni Storm while the Death Riders celebrated their victory.
Winner: Death Riders (Shafir, Castagnoli, and Garcia)
Lucha Excellence: Bandido vs. The Beast Mortos
In a showcase of high-flying agility and raw power, the ROH World Champion Bandido faced off against the terrifying Beast Mortos. This match was crucial for Bandido, who is scheduled to face MJF for the AEW World Championship in just two weeks at Maximum Carnage. Mortos attempted to use his size advantage early on, stomping on Bandido’s signature cape and attempting to unmask the popular luchador. Furthermore, the intensity of the exchanges proved that the ROH locker room is just as competitive as the main AEW roster.
Bandido eventually turned the tide with a spectacular headscissors, scaling the ropes to deliver a frog splash that nearly ended the contest. The technical precision on display was a core highlight of our AEW Dynamite New Year Smash 1 Jan 2026 review, reminding fans why Bandido captured the Dynamite Diamond Ring. The crowd chanted “This is Awesome” as both men traded heavy strikes in the closing moments of the bout. It was a perfect demonstration of the “Where The Best Wrestle” mantra that AEW promotes.
Winner: Bandido
Aftermath: After securing the win with the 21 Plex, Bandido was joined in the ring by his partner Brody King. King warned MJF that Bandido is coming for the “Big Belt,” and if Bandido wins, Brody King himself will be the first in line to challenge his friend for the title.
Renee Paquette with Brodido: The Momentum Shifts
Immediately following the victory, Renee Paquette caught up with “Brodido” backstage. She asked Bandido if this win provided the necessary momentum for his upcoming title clash with MJF at Maximum Carnage. Bandido looked directly into the camera, addressing MJF in Spanish and vowing to become the AEW World Champion. The intensity in his voice was matched by Brody King, who stood by his side as a looming shadow of destruction.
King emphasized that Bandido is currently the “most wanted” man in professional wrestling, with targets on his back from AEW, CMLL, and ROH. Furthermore, King made a startling declaration: he and Bandido have already spoken, and once Bandido becomes “Bandido Two Belts,” Brody King himself will be first in line for a shot. This interview highlighted the deep bond and competitive fire between the two members of Brodido.
Brody King’s Destruction of Lee Johnson
Brody King didn’t wait long to get into the ring himself, facing Lee Johnson in a sprint. Johnson tried to take the advantage early with a spectacular dive over the top rope, but King barely flinched. The size and strength difference became the narrative of the match as King chopped Johnson into the barrier with enough force to echo through the arena. It was a clear “squash” match designed to showcase the terrifying power of the House of Black member.
Once inside the ring, King nearly “beheaded” Johnson with a lariat before finishing him off with a devastating Gonzo Bomb. The match lasted only a few minutes, but the impact was significant. King is clearly being positioned as a monster who can dismantle anyone in his path, further complicating the title picture for anyone holding gold in 2026.
Winner: Brody King
Darby Allin’s Quest for Peace
In a pre-taped segment, Darby Allin reflected on his brutal victory over Gabe Kidd at Worlds End. Allin spoke poetically about the pain he endures, arguing that it gives him a sense of beauty and peace that others cannot understand. He referenced his climb of Mount Everest, comparing it to his goal of standing on top of the AEW mountain by the end of 2026. However, he admitted that his journey cannot continue until he settles a score.
Allin specifically targeted the Death Riders, noting that he has beaten every member of the faction except for PAC. He issued a challenge to “The Bastard,” stating that he needs this win to set himself free. The intensity in Darby’s eyes suggested that this feud will be one of the most violent in the company’s history. This promo added a layer of psychological depth to the show, showing that for some, wrestling is more than a job—it’s a spiritual necessity.
The Walking Weapon’s Stand: Moxley vs. Alexander
In what many considered the technical highlight of the evening, Jon Moxley defended his momentum in a Continental Eliminator match against Josh Alexander. “The Walking Weapon” lived up to his name, attacking Moxley’s injured ankle with surgical precision from the moment the bell rang. Moxley, however, thrived in the environment of pain, raining down elbows and drawing blood from the challenger early in the encounter. The match felt less like a sport and more like a fight for survival, which is a staple of any Moxley appearance in 2026.
As the match crossed the ten-minute mark, Alexander applied a grueling ankle lock on the ring post, threatening to snap the champion’s limb. However, Moxley’s veteran instincts allowed him to weather the storm and transition into a rear-naked choke. The referee was forced to call for the bell when Alexander became unresponsive, cementing Moxley’s dominance over the Continental division. This match served as a stark reminder that even with a target on his back, Jon Moxley is nearly impossible to put away.
Winner: Jon Moxley
As Moxley celebrated, MVP and Shelton Benjamin (The Hurt Syndicate) appeared at the top of the ramp. They stared down the champion, signaling their interest in the Continental gold.
Sisters of Sin and Toxic Intentions: The Triangle of Madness
In a chilling backstage promo, Thekla of the Triangle of Madness sent a direct and haunting message to the AEW Women’s World Champion, Kris Statlander. Thekla praised the “Sisters of Sin” for their victory at Worlds End and mocked Statlander for her recent interactions with Jamie Hayter. She dismissed the “cosmic” persona of the champion, claiming that it is lonely at the top and that the Triangle of Madness is ready to make the championship scene “really toxic.”
This segment added a layer of psychological warfare to the women’s division. Thekla’s words suggested that the pursuit of the title is no longer just about athletic competition, but about a total ideological takeover. As Statlander continues her reign, the shadow of the Triangle of Madness looms large, promising a future defined by manipulation and “toxic” confrontations.
National Pride: Ricochet vs. “Jungle” Jack Perry
The AEW National Championship was on the line as Ricochet defended his title against the villainous “Jungle” Jack Perry. Perry, backed by the GOA (Gates of Agony), used every underhanded trick to neutralize the champion’s speed. The match was interrupted several times by brawls on the outside involving Luchasaurus, who attempted to even the odds for Ricochet. Nevertheless, the champion’s resilience shone through as he hit a brainbuster that silenced the Scapegoat’s momentum for a two-count.
In the final moments, Bishop Kaun grabbed Perry’s leg from the floor, creating a distraction that allowed Ricochet to hit the Spirit Gun. The victory was a hard-earned one, proving that Ricochet is more than just a high-flyer; he is a fighting champion who can survive a numbers game. This segment highlighted the ongoing civil war between Perry’s new associates and his former allies, adding layers of intrigue to the mid-card title scene.
Winner: Ricochet
Aftermath: The GOA didn’t stop at the bell, launching a brutal post-match assault on Luchasaurus. They used a steel chair and a barricade to repeatedly target his already bandaged shoulder, leaving the “Dinosaur” in a heap of wreckage as security rushed to intervene.
The Death Riders Invite the Hurt Syndicate
Backstage, Jon Moxley stood with the Death Riders, including Marina Shafir who held the Continental Title over her shoulder. Moxley addressed the “Hurt Syndicate” directly, calling them “The People Who Hurt People.” He told Shelton Benjamin and MVP that they didn’t need to stare him down from afar because he isn’t hard to find. Moxley asserted that he is ending the year on top, just as he started it.
Wheeler Yuta added to the message, calling out Darby Allin for his “revisionist history” and stating that Allin must go through the most unhinged member of the group before getting to PAC. Daniel Garcia finished the promo by declaring that 2026 belongs to the Death Riders versus the world. This segment was a powerful declaration of intent, showing that the Death Riders are ready for any challengers.
Willow Nightingale’s Final Goal of the Year
In the locker room, Harley Cameron fired up Willow Nightingale as she prepared for the main event. Willow reflected on the 584 days that had passed since she lost the TBS Title to Mercedes Moné. She stated that tonight was not just a match, but a chance to end the year with a bang and reclaim her legacy. Willow’s focus was palpable, showing a level of intensity that many fans hadn’t seen from her before.
This short but effective segment served to humanize the challenger and raise the stakes for the main event. Willow was no longer just the “smiling” babyface; she was a woman on a mission to rewrite her history. The chemistry between Willow and Harley Cameron added a new layer to her character as she prepared for the biggest match of her career.
Brodido Face-to-Face with MJF
In one of the most tense segments of the night, Bandido and Brody King (Brodido) came face-to-face with the AEW World Champion, MJF. Renee Paquette had just finished asking MJF if he was scared of the challengers when the two powerhouses interrupted. Brody King looked MJF in the eye and told him that the man he should be most worried about is Bandido. He humorously rebranded the “Triple B” as “Bandido’s Big Belt.”
MJF tried to maintain his composure, but the physical presence of King and Bandido clearly unsettled him. Bandido spoke to the champion in Spanish, vowing to take the title in two weeks at Maximum Carnage. This interaction perfectly set the stage for the upcoming title match, proving that MJF’s new “Triple B” title is already under immense threat.
Main Event: Willow Nightingale’s Historic Triumph
The night concluded with an emotional main event for the TBS Championship as Willow Nightingale challenged Mercedes Moné. Having lost the title to the “CEO” 584 days prior, Nightingale was on a mission to reclaim her glory. Moné started the match with her trademark arrogance, dropkicking Willow’s knee and using the barricades to weaken the challenger. However, the sheer power of the “Babe with the Power” was too much to contain, as Willow pounced Mercedes into the steel steps to regain control.
The match spilled to the announce table, where Moné delivered a suplex that nearly resulted in a count-out victory. In a show of incredible heart, Willow crawled back into the ring at the count of nine, fueling a comeback that had the fans on their feet. She blocked the Moné Maker and hit the “Babe with the Powerbomb” to secure the three-count. With this win, Willow Nightingale became the first-ever two-time TBS Champion and the first woman to hold two AEW titles simultaneously.
Winner: Willow Nightingale (NEW TBS CHAMPION)
Aftermath: The celebration was a heartfelt moment as the Conglomeration and Harley Cameron joined Willow in the ring. The most shocking moment occurred when the AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander appeared, leading to a tearful embrace that signaled the end of their long-standing feud.
Final Verdict: AEW TalkDown Analysis
This AEW Dynamite New Year Smash 1 Jan 2026 review showcases a promotion that is firing on all cylinders as it enters the new year. The storytelling was cohesive, the wrestling was top-tier, and the surprises felt earned rather than forced. With Kenny Omega back in the mix and Willow Nightingale standing atop the women’s division, the future of the company looks incredibly bright. AEW has successfully set the stage for a January full of high-stakes matches and unpredictable drama.
As the road to Revolution continues, we expect the rivalry between the Death Riders and the Hurt Syndicate to become the focal point of the show. Furthermore, the inevitable clash between MJF and the “Cleaner” is already being hailed as a potential match of the year candidate. This episode proved that New Year Smash is more than just a theme—it is a statement of intent from the biggest stars in the business.
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