The January 14 edition of AEW Dynamite will serve as the Maximum Carnage 2026 special from Phoenix, Arizona.
The show is scheduled to feature championship bouts, grudge matches and high stakes up and down the card, but there could also be some major surprises that could shake up the landscape of All Elite Wrestling.
With all eyes set on this huge show, AEW Maximum Carnage could offer some massive changes and shockers that may cause ripple effects in the company.
Here are seven potential surprises at AEW Maximum Carnage 2026.
7. Triangle Of Madness Defeat Kris Statlander & Babes Of Wrath To Earn Shot At All Of The Gold
On the January 7 edition of AEW Dynamite, Triangle of Madness issued a challenge to Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron for a trios match on the following week’s Maximum Carnage special.
While Thekla, Julia Hart and Skye Blue are quite motivated, it should not be a surprise to see most fans believing Statlander and the Babes of Wrath will pick up the win on the January 14 AEW Dynamite.
Considering Statlander is the current AEW Women’s World Champion and Babes of Wrath are the inaugural AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions, the babyface trio have everything to lose and nothing really to gain.
This should lead to Triangle of Madness getting the victory over Statlander, Nightingale and Cameron in this six-woman tag team match, which should put them in line for a shot at all of the titles in the AEW women’s division.
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6. JetSpeed Pull Off Upset To Become #1 Contenders For AEW World Tag Team Championships
Ahead of AEW Maximum Carnage 2026, Tony Khan announced that there will be a four-way tag team match to determine the number one contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
Coming off the heels of his debut, Jake Doyle will make his in-ring debut, teaming with his fellow Don Callis Family stablemate Mark Davis as they face JetSpeed, Young Bucks and Gates of Agony.
While The Bucks and GOA are looking for their opportunity to face FTR for the gold, JetSpeed will have added motivation after being attacked by Doyle and Davis the week prior.
This should give them the edge to pull off a massive upset where they overcome the bigger and more experienced duos to become number one contenders for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.
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5. Kenny Omega Has To Run Don Callis Family Gauntlet To Get A Shot At MJF’s AEW World Championship
Kenny Omega will make his return to AEW television on the January 14 Maximum Carnage special of Dynamite.
The New Year’s Smash 2025 special saw Omega make his intentions known that he has his sights on the AEW World Title.
While Omega might have to wait in line for his shot, MJF could give him a familiar scenario that fans have seen other contenders for his title go through in the past with an added twist.
MJF could present “The Cleaner” with his chance to earn an opportunity at the AEW World Championship by making him run through a Don Callis Family gauntlet that would see him face off with the members of the faction that he has unfinished business with.
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4. Thunder Rosa Makes Her Return
Following AEW All In: Texas 2025, Thunder Rosa revealed that she was taking time off to recover from some lingering injuries.
The former AEW Women’s World Champion was seen backstage hanging out with Queen Aminata and Red Velvet during the January 10 edition of Collision from Arlington, Texas.
After being sidelined for a few months, it might finally be time to invite Rosa back into the fold.
With the likes of Mercedes Mone taking some time off, AEW might need to bring back Rosa, who could position herself in line for one of the title pictures in the women’s division following her return.
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3. New Member Of The Death Riders Defeat Darby Allin
Darby Allin will be looking to put a definitive end to his rivalry with the Death Riders on the AEW Maximum Carnage special.
After picking up singles wins over every single member of the group, Allin will go one-on-one with PAC in a Full Gear rematch at AEW Maximum Carnage 2026.
While fans could finally see Darby close the book on his story with the Death Riders with a victory, there might be another obstacle put in his way by PAC getting some help from a new face.
Whether it be a free agent signing or a returning star, PAC could get a timely assist before overcoming Allin with the help of a new member of the Death Riders in Phoenix.
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2. The Rascalz Make Their Debut
On January 13, a new report circulated that The Rascalz had finished their time with TNA Wrestling ahead of the company’s premiere on AMC Network.
The faction consisting of Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier and Myron Reed might be looking to remain a unit as they find a new home after leaving TNA.
With their exciting, high flying style, The Rascalz might be an excellent fit for All Elite Wrestling.
Considering their experience as a tag team and trio, The Rascalz could certainly take AEW by storm and become champions in no time following a shocking debut at Maximum Carnage.
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1. Brody King Costs Bandido AEW World Title Against MJF
The main event of AEW Maximum Carnage 2026 will see ROH World Champion Bandido challenge MJF for the AEW World Title.
After winning the Dynamite Diamond Ring, it feels like Bandido has more momentum than ever and should give MJF a tough test in this battle for the gold.
While Bandido winning would certainly be a surprise, there might be a bigger shock in store for the fans in the form of his tag team partner.
Following the recent singles pushes for both men, Brody King could announce himself as a singles star by turning his back on Bandido and costing him the AEW World Title, allowing MJF to retain instead of supporting his tag team partner in Phoenix.
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