AEW Dynamite’s New Year’s Smash edition closed out 2025 with chaos—and it all exploded around the AEW World Championship picture. But out of the mayhem came a major announcement: a No Rules, No Holds Barred, Lights Out Match is officially set for next week’s Dynamite on January 7, 2026.

It all started when MJF kicked off the night by tossing aside the standard AEW World Championship and reintroducing his custom “Triple B” belt. But before he could bask in the moment, he was interrupted on the big screen by Kenny Omega, who teased one more run at the top. That triggered a full-on stampede of contenders as Swerve Strickland and “Hangman” Adam Page made their way through the crowd to confront the champ.

MJF brushed them off, calling them irrelevant and insisting they hadn’t earned a title shot. After being held back by security, Page and Strickland took out their frustrations by demolishing the security team in the ring. Page threatened to choke MJF with the very belt he just unveiled, while Strickland promised MJF wouldn’t walk away once he got his shot.

That’s when Samoa Joe appeared on screen to stir the pot even further, declaring himself the rightful contender and greenlighting HOOK to go after Page, while giving Powerhouse Hobbs free rein to target Strickland. Page and Strickland didn’t back down—Strickland laid out the challenge for a Lights Out Match, making it clear they were ready to settle this on their own terms.

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Later in the show, Tony Khan relayed through the commentary team that the match is now official: Swerve Strickland and Hangman Adam Page will face HOOK and Powerhouse Hobbs in a No Rules, No Holds Barred, Lights Out Match on January 7th.

With no rules, no limits, and no mercy expected, AEW is kicking off 2026 with absolute violence—and all eyes will be on the fallout as the road to Revolution heats up.

Are you ready for AEW to start the year with a Lights Out war? Who walks out standing—Strickland and Page, or the enforcers of Samoa Joe? Drop your predictions in the comments.

Felix Upton has over 15 years of experience in media and wrestling journalism. His work at Ringside News blends speed, accuracy, and industry insight.

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