AEW Dynamite Preview (1/14/26) – Maximum Carnage

AEW Dynamite returns to Phoenix, Arizona, for its first named special of the year, Maximum Carnage, offering more than MJF’s first AEW Men’s World Championship defense. Headed back to The Valley, AEW is bringing a big women’s trio contest and the return of Kenny Omega, plus more, to the Arizona Financial Center.

It was two weeks ago when Kenny Omega, via the big screen, interrupted MJF’s first promo after becoming a two-time AEW Men’s World champion. Omega was not cryptic, suggesting that he wanted another chance to become world champion. Previously, Omega and MJF faced each other on Collision with a short amount of build. This was before Kenny Omega’s battle with diverticulitis.

Knowing the mind of Maxwell Jacob Friedman, is Omega’s return going to be straightforward? Or will the Devil have something planned?

That and so much more. Let’s get into what we know and check back for updates as we get closer to Maximum Carnage.

Darby Allin vs. PAC 

They say the third time is the charm. Darby Allin cannot move on despite making Jon Moxley quit with an AEW flag wrapped around the latter’s throat. Despite being everyone else in the Death Riders, including hired gun Gabe Kid, Allin isn’t done. Not until he has defeated the Bastard PAC.

Jon Moxley’s right-hand man has been a sharp iron spike in Darby Allin’s side throughout his uphill battle to conquer the Death Riders. Whether beating Allin down in an undisclosed location before All In Texas or throwing Allin through a flaming table, PAC has had Allin’s number.

PAC holds two victories over Darby Allin. It took the threat of breaking PAC’s ankle to claim this third contest. One that, at the time of writing, has no stipulation, which favours the Bastard. Especially as his Death Rider companions are experienced in bending the rules.

The third time is the charm for most, but historically, not for Allin; it’s often been the fourth. It took Allin until his fourth attempt to defeat Cody Rhodes and five to beat Moxley. History again shows these two can tear the house down. So, does this feud end? Or is the violence once again escalating?

AEW Men’s World Championship 

We know MJF can run his mouth and make all the claims the Salt of the Earth wants about his greatness. MJF can run down Bandido, claim that he is the better luchador, the greater wrestler, and the star. MJF’s 2025 on paper looks phenomenal with two big title wins and minimal dates. After all, MJF did hold the CMLL Heavyweight champion. MJF main evented Arena Mexico. It’s a stark contrast to his opponent.

Despite a phenomenal 2025, in which Bandido was for many fans wrestler of the year, held the ROH World Championship and AEW World Tag Team Championship, the Most Wanted worked tirelessly. It makes both wrestlers incredibly strong foils.

More than American vs. Mexico, more than privilege and minimal effort vs. the hardworking underdog, this is two contrasting and competing wrestling philosophies colliding. The type of conflict that often pushes MJF as a character and wrestler to his best in the ring. Combined with the foreshadowing and bond that connects both men, the Dynamite Diamond Ring, the ending might be interesting. Yet the action between the bells is going to set the tone for both men’s 2026s.

Besides Kenny Omega, there’s also Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe, and Hangman Page waiting in the wings. Expect connective tissue to the next big feud, for one or both men.

AEW Dynamite Maximum Carnage Matches Announced: