AEW Dynamite kick off 2026. AEW Dynamite preview Jan. 7

The Jan. 7 episode of All Elite Wrestling's Dynamite will broadcast live from the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Despite this week of AEW Dynamite being sandwiched in between New Year's Smash last week and Maximum Carnage next week, the card is stacked with grapplers holding gold.

When is AEW Dynamite?

AEW Dynamite airs live every Wednesday.

What time does Dynamite start?

Watch AEW Dynamite live at 8 p.m. EST.

What channel is AEW on?

AEW Dynamite airs on TBS. Previous episodes, as well as special events like pay-per-views are also archived and available for streaming on HBO Max.

AEW Dynamite card, Jan. 7

AEW has a huge lineup for the Jan. 7, 2026 show. Here's what's already announced.

Jon Moxley vs. Shelton Benjamin

AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley is set to take on the Hurt Syndicate's Shelton Benjamin in an AEW Continental Championship eliminator match. After Mox won his eliminator match last week against Josh Alexander, Benjamin appeared alongside MVP to make his intentions clear to the champ.

Hangman Adam Page, Swerve Strickland battle the Opps

Hangman Adam Page and Swerve Strickland are teaming up against the Opps, Hook and Powerhouse Hobbs, in a tag team match. Page has been trying to get his hands on Hook since he cost Hangman his world title at Full Gear in Newark back in November. Hangman and Swerve are known for their "forever" feud in AEW and will have their hands full with two-thirds of the AEW Trios Champions.

Bandido vs. Sammy Guevera

The Ring of Honor (ROH) World Champion Bandido will take on one half of the ROH Tag Team Champions when he goes one on one with Sammy Guevera.

Timeless Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir

Timeless Toni Storm will take on Marina Shafir of the Death Riders. This feud has been going on for weeks with their respective teams taking on each other at AEW Worlds End, the last pay-per-view in 2025.

What about MJF, the AEW World Champion?

Last week AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman was cutting a promo when a pre-taped Kenny Omega interrupted him. Omega said he didn't like the perception that his career was closer to the end than the beginning. Omega acknowledged neither the Cleaner or the Best Bout Machine, nor the Belt Collector versions of him would face MJF but made it clear he intended to regain the world title once again.

The world title scene is filling up. MJF acknowledged the "Big 3" of Hangman, Swerve and Samoa Joe who are still looking for their chances to regain the world title. Now that Omega has re-entered the chat, the main event picture is looking stacked in 2026.

Next week's Dynamite on Jan. 14 will be "Maximum Carnage" from the Arizona Financial Theater in Phoenix, Arizona. The main event is scheduled to be Champion Vs Champion as MJF takes on Bandido.

Predictions for Dynamite

AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match

The Hurt Syndicate was MIA during the Continental Classic in December. Lashley is out due to an injury, so the time seems right for the wrestler once known as the Gold Standard to finally get a much-deserved singles push. However, Mox just went from one of the most despised heels in industry to a white-hot baby face because of how he endured through the tournament last month. So this match will be a statement victory for whichever man gets his hand raised. It will be interesting if Shelton wins after some outside shenanigans from MVP following the year Mox had retaining his gold due to outside interference from his Death Riders. Prediction; Shelton defeats Mox and gets a title shot.

Hangman & Swerve vs. The Opps

There is no way Hangman and Swerve rid themselves of the Opps even if they pull out a win tonight, but with the Samoan submission machine lingering like a black cloud over this contest, it is hard to picture this match ending clean. Prediction; Joe costs his hated rivals the match and celebrates with Powerhouse and Hook.

Bandido vs. Guevera

Bandido has to beat Sammy because there is no way the ROH champ is beating the AEW Champ next week … unless Kenny Omega shows up and costs MJF some momentum. Prediction; Bandido defeats Sammy decisively.

Toni Storm vs. Marina Shafir

As much as we all want Timeless Toni to come out on top every time she touches the ring, it would be hard to ignore the Death Riders momentum since Mox's face turn at Worlds End. That said. I think Marina gets an upset victory here. (Bold) Prediction; Shafir chokes out Storm for a submission victory.

Charles Daye is the metro reporter for Asbury Park and Neptune, with a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion. He is also a lifelong wrestling fan. @CharlesDayeAPP Contact him: [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: AEW kicks off 2026; Who is wrestling on AEW Dynamite