Prepare yourselves, wrestling fans, because AEW is kicking off 2024 with a week of Maximum Carnage! The promotion has officially announced that the January 15 episode of Dynamite and the January 16 taping of Collision will both carry the new “Maximum Carnage” branding. The Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, will play host to these two nights of high-octane action, with Dynamite airing live and Collision recorded for later broadcast.
AEW has packed the promotional material with heavy-hitters, prominently featuring Cincinnati’s own Jon Moxley and the ever-charismatic Swerve Strickland. Also gracing the graphic are Orange Cassidy, Mercedes Moné, Christian Cage, Mariah May, Darby Allin, Willow Nightingale, and Chris Jericho. However, it’s worth noting that not all advertised stars may appear—an AEW tradition that keeps fans guessing and Dave Meltzer typing furiously.
Maximum Carnage vs. Maximum Mayhem?
Interestingly, AEW President Tony Khan appears to have toyed with the idea of calling the event Maximum Mayhem, as evidenced by a recent trademark filing. While “Maximum Carnage” ultimately got the nod, it’s clear Khan enjoys making his naming conventions as dramatic as a ladder match.
This isn’t the first time AEW has branded its weekly shows with special themes. Events like Grand Slam, Winter is Coming, and Fight For The Fallen have become staples, and Fight For The Fallen is returning January 1 in Asheville, North Carolina. That particular episode of Dynamite will be simulcast on TBS and Max—a first for the promotion and a sign that AEW is ready to rumble into new distribution channels.
The new year is shaping up to be a thrilling chapter in AEW’s journey, and the Maximum Carnage specials promise to be must-watch wrestling extravaganzas. As always with AEW, expect the unexpected and maybe even a surprise or two.