Last week’s AEW Spring BreakThru Dynamite ended with an incredible, shocking title change, as Darby Allin was able to outwit MJF and capture the AEW World Championship! Learning from history, Allin proved it is now his time, ending the second championship reign of the Salt of the Earth. But we know the Devil. This won’t be the end of things.
Last week, the reckless, nihilistic daredevil was able to fill the void created by emotional disconnect some fans, like me, felt during his chase. Always happy to see things change and issues quickly addressed, yet how long will Allin have to enjoy? Darby Allin isn’t basking in the glory. Instead, it’s straight back to the grind with his first world title defence.
Against the Psycho Killer, Tommaso Ciampa, this has all the makings of a classic banger match, given Allin’s track record of defences as the TNT champion.
MJF was protesting ahead of the match. MJF continues to protest now. You can be sure there will be more this week. We can expect MJF to get his way and a rematch, maybe at AEW Double or Nothing, where these two have a history that also involved the two pillars. You can be sure it won’t be “insert insult” in a town like Portland, Oregon.
WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!?!? @TonyKhan THIS WILL NOT STAND!!!!!
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™️ (@The_MJF) April 16, 2026
Shirakawa vs. Shida
On Collision, Mina Shirakawa confronted Hikaru Shida after the former AEW Women’s World champions’ tag team victory with Kris Statlander. For weeks, we’ve seen signs and teasers that Shida might turn heel. Shirakawa has been on the warpath with revenge on her mind. Laser-focused on finding who attacked “Timeless” Toni Storm, Shirakawa accused Shida of carrying out the attack.
Former AEW Women's World Champion @ShidaHikaru says she's worried about @MinaShirakawa, but she should be worried for their match on #AEWDynamite, THIS WEDNESDAY! pic.twitter.com/C9XGmRuzzZ
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 18, 2026
It’s Joshi vs. Joshi this Wednesday. Face vs. face. Or will this be the moment where Shida takes the kendo stick and snaps? Or… plot twist: is Shirakawa closer to snapping?
Will Ospreay vs. Mark Davis
Like his hero Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay finds himself yet again pulled into the orbit of the Don Callis Family’s wrath. Never one to forget a grudge or accept a defeat, Callis will not be happy until those who were once with him but then crossed him are retired. Or better yet, dead and buried. We saw last week that Hechicero exploited Ospreay’s injured neck to the point that the match could have ended with a referee stoppage.
The ringside doctors are taking a moment to check on @WillOspreay.
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS + HBO Max pic.twitter.com/aulMeQeYAj
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 16, 2026
However, Ospreay fought on. Irked and unable to let things go, Callis had Ospreay’s former friend and United Empire stablemate attack the neck. A vicious lariat followed by the Close Your Eyes and Count to Three piledriver, Mark Davis was monstrous. His goal was and remains clear—Re-break Ospreay’s neck.
Like against Jon Moxley at Dynasty, this is personal. However, the GOAT is weakened physically and mentally bruised. Davis, like Kyle Fletcher before him, has had impressive outings. What he is looking for is that signature victory to elevate himself to the next level.
DISGUSTING display from @DUNKZILLADavis after his former friend @WillOspreay picked up the win!
Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS + HBO Max pic.twitter.com/DUYi3uSzE8
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) April 16, 2026
The match will be physical and emotive. The ringside doctor might need to be on standby, and you can bet Callis at ringside will direct and disrupt traffic. Could this also overlap with whatever is next for Kenny Omega? This is one brush stroke in a bigger creative picture. Where are things heading for all those involved?
Matches Announced for AEW Dynamite (4/22/26):
- Will Ospreay vs. Mark Davis
- Mina Shirakawa vs. Hiraku Shida
- AEW World Championship: Darby Allin © vs. Tommaso Ciampa
Segments Announced
- We’ll hear from the new AEW World champion, Darby Allin
