The immediate future of several AEW stars may be in jeopardy following a dramatic incident during last night’s New Year’s Smash edition of Dynamite, bringing the Tony Khan AEW suspension decision under intense scrutiny. As chaos erupted at the show’s start, speculation about potential suspensions for fan favorites Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland has surged, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty across the promotion.
Unexpected Turmoil Erupts on AEW Dynamite
Last night’s broadcast of AEW Dynamite began with high anticipation as MJF, having claimed victory in a four-way match against Samoa Joe, Hangman Page, and Swerve Strickland at AEW Worlds End, took center stage to address the crowd. MJF, often called the Salt of the Earth, wasted no time taunting his recent opponents and proudly announced his intention to champion the new Triple B World Title design moving forward. The atmosphere intensified when a surprise recorded challenge from Kenny Omega was aired, signaling Omega’s interest in the AEW championship.
Suddenly, the situation escalated when Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland, accompanied by members of the Mogul faction and armed with steel chains, emerged from the audience. Security intervened at the barricades, preventing a confrontation in the ring. Seizing on the moment, MJF boldly asserted he would deal with both competitors if they were deemed worthy contenders. In response, both Hangman and Strickland broke through the security line, attacking several guards. This physical altercation with AEW’s security personnel quickly drew concern about disciplinary repercussions and raised questions about Tony Khan’s next move regarding his top wrestlers.
Possible Suspensions Hang Over Leading AEW Competitors
The events that unfolded left many inside and outside the arena speculating on how Tony Khan would handle this deliberate challenge to AEW protocol. Physical attacks against security staff are considered severe breaches of conduct, and AEW’s reputation for discipline may prompt swift action. With Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland being two of AEW’s most established babyfaces, the thought of their removal from programming due to suspension has shocked fans. However, as of now, any Tony Khan AEW suspension decision remains unannounced, and the wrestling community awaits official word on whether sanctions will be imposed on either or both competitors for their actions.
MJF’s Next Title Defense Already Scheduled Amid Uncertainty
While speculation swirls around potential suspensions and multiple wrestlers, including Samoa Joe and Kenny Omega, publicly vie for a shot at MJF’s coveted title, AEW has already determined the first challenger. MJF is set to defend his championship against Bandido in the main event of Dynamite: Maximum Carnage on January 14. This will mark Bandido’s inaugural AEW World Title opportunity, a chance he secured by triumphing in last week’s Diamond Dynamite Ring match. Despite the emerging chaos and shifting challenger landscape, anticipation remains high for this bout, as fans and analysts alike consider whether Bandido can upset the reigning champion or if MJF will continue his reign.
The Road Ahead for AEW’s Main Event Scene
The controversy and speculation surrounding last night’s broadcast highlight the intense rivalries and unpredictability that define AEW programming. Tony Khan’s pending decision could significantly impact the upcoming storylines involving Hangman Page, Swerve Strickland, and even security protocols during live events. Meanwhile, the wrestling world turns its attention to the Maximum Carnage event, where MJF seeks to prove his dominance against Bandido under the scrutiny of fans, management, and wrestlers contending for position in the rapidly evolving AEW main event landscape.
