Full Breakdown
AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash: Key Matches and Highlights
1/1/2026, 8:41:11 PM
Overview of the Event
AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash is set to take place on December 31, 2025, at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Omaha, Nebraska. The event will feature significant matches and storylines following the recent AEW Worlds End event, where MJF became the new AEW World Champion.
Championship Matches and Key Competitors
MJF, who recently reclaimed the AEW World Championship by defeating Samoa Joe, “Hangman” Adam Page, and Swerve Strickland in a fatal four-way match at Worlds End, will address the audience in his first appearance as champion. MJF's victory marked his second reign as AEW World Champion, and he has expressed dissatisfaction about traveling to Omaha for this event, demanding a bonus from AEW President Tony Khan.
The TBS Championship will be contested between Mercedes Moné and Willow Nightingale. Moné, who has held the title for a record-setting 584 days, will defend against Nightingale, who previously pinned her at Worlds End. Moné has publicly stated her desire to reclaim her dominance after that loss, adding intensity to their matchup.
Additionally, Jon Moxley, the newly crowned AEW Continental Champion, will face Josh Alexander in a Continental Championship Eliminator match. Moxley won the title by defeating Kyle Fletcher and Kazuchika Okada at Worlds End. In this match, if Alexander can either win or last the 20-minute time limit, he will earn a future title shot.
The AEW National Championship will also be on the line as Ricochet defends against “Jungle” Jack Perry. Perry enters the match with momentum after pinning Ricochet in a previous encounter, seeking his first AEW title since November.
Additional Matches
The event will feature a Mixed Tornado Tag Match with “Timeless” Toni Storm, Orange Cassidy, and Roderick Strong against the Death Riders, comprising Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, and Daniel Garcia. This match follows their previous victory against the Death Riders, setting the stage for a heated rematch.
Furthermore, ROH World Champion Bandido will face The Beast Mortos. Bandido recently won the Dynamite Diamond Ring and is gearing up for a title match against MJF at AEW Maximum Carnage in January.
Official Statements & Responses
MJF's comments regarding his travel to Omaha reflect his mixed feelings about the location of his first title defense. He stated, “I win the world title by beating three of the toughest guys in AEW... and my present on New Year’s Eve! I get to travel to (checks notes) ………. Omaha Nebraska. @TonyKhan, I demand a bonus.”
What's Next
Following New Year’s Smash, MJF is scheduled to defend his title against Bandido at AEW Maximum Carnage on January 14, 2026. This upcoming event is anticipated to further develop the ongoing storylines and rivalries within AEW.
AEW Dynamite New Year’s Smash promises to deliver exciting matches and significant developments as the promotion closes out the year. Fans can tune in at 8 p.m. ET on TBS or stream the event on HBO Max.
