The highly anticipated Darby Allin AEW return update opened this week’s episode of Dynamite from 34th Street, as Allin confirmed he has been cleared to compete again. After recovering from an injury that kept him out of the Continental Classic, Allin’s comeback was met with an unexpected and violent ambush by Gabe Kidd, intensifying tension ahead of Worlds End.
Allin’s Comeback Interrupted by Shocking Attack
Darby Allin began the broadcast with an announcement that he would return to AEW action after being forced to watch Jack Perry fill his spot in the Continental Classic due to injury. Allin also mentioned a challenge from Gabe Kidd for the upcoming Worlds End event, but emphasized Kidd was not his primary concern.
As Allin spoke about his plans to interviewer Lexy Nair, the moment took a dark turn. Kidd blindsided Allin with a sudden attack, with live footage then showing Kidd pushing Allin down a staircase. The segment ended leaving Allin’s condition unclear and the rivalry between the two wrestlers at a boiling point.
Bang Bang Gang Escalates FTR Feud with Street Fight Challenge
While Allin’s storyline heated up, the Bang Bang Gang increased hostilities with AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR. Following a series of controversial matches and weeks of building animosity, Juice Robinson and Austin Gunn issued a formal challenge to FTR for a Chicago Street Fight, raising the stakes for one of FTR’s toughest title defenses to date.
The Young Bucks Face Injury Setback, Announce Extended Hiatus
Elsewhere during the event, The Young Bucks informed fans that they would not return to competition until at least 2026. The update came during a backstage segment: Matt Jackson’s shoulder was taped, and Nick Jackson showed injuries to his back and ribs, resulting in both not being cleared for the rest of the year.
This news followed The Young Bucks teaming up with Kenny Omega in a million-dollar trios match where they defeated The Don Callis Family’s Hechicero, Kazuchika Okada, and Konosuke Takeshita. While discussing the future of The Elite, Omega highlighted their unity:
The Elite would always be The Elite,
Kenny Omega, AEW Wrestler. Omega also hinted at future priorities by stating,
I need to do something I needed to do a little while ago,
Kenny Omega, AEW Wrestler.
Bandido Wins Diamond Ring, Sets Up Title Match at Maximum Carnage
The episode closed with a historic match for the Dynamite Diamond Ring, as Bandido captured the 2025 ring by defeating Ricochet. The finish saw Gates of Agony attempt to distract on behalf of Ricochet, but Bandido countered Ricochet’s Spirit Gun maneuver and secured a crucifix pin for the victory.
Immediately after the bout, Ricochet and Gates of Agony assaulted Bandido, but ROH World Champion Brody King intervened with a timely save, preventing further injury to Bandido.
Bandido’s win marks the first time since 2019 that someone other than MJF has claimed the Dynamite Diamond Ring, ending MJF’s six-year dominance and locking Bandido in for an AEW World Championship clash at Dynamite: Maximum Carnage on January 14.
Looking Ahead for AEW
This week’s developments on AEW Dynamite have reshaped upcoming storylines and rivalries, particularly with Darby Allin’s dramatic return and Gabe Kidd’s aggressive challenge. Alongside escalating feuds involving FTR and The Bang Bang Gang, and Bandido earning his spot for a major title opportunity, AEW is headed toward high-stakes confrontations at Worlds End and Maximum Carnage. The extended absence of The Young Bucks further shifts the competitive landscape, promising unexpected twists for fans and competitors alike in the months ahead.
