{"id":150764,"date":"2026-01-15T03:39:14","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T08:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=150764"},"modified":"2026-01-21T08:13:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T13:13:00","slug":"aew-dynamite-preview-1-21-26-kenny-omegas-aew-world-championship-chase-begins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/01\/15\/aew-dynamite-preview-1-21-26-kenny-omegas-aew-world-championship-chase-begins\/","title":{"rendered":"AEW Dynamite Preview (1\/21\/26) – Kenny Omega\u2019s AEW World Championship Chase Begins"},"content":{"rendered":"

AEW returns to Orlando, Florida, during an exciting month, with the return of Kenny Omega to the singles ranks! Chasing the AEW World Championship, The Cleaner is determined to make one more run at one more world championship. However, across the card, a raft of new signees, returns, and storyline threads in the championship divisions make each episode a must-watch.<\/p>\n

As speculated, now confirmed, we\u2019re going to hear from AEW World Champion, MJF, after his second world title reign began strongly<\/u><\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

Kenny Omega\u2019s Back in the Hunt <\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

Since returning from diverticulitis, Kenny Omega is noticeably different in the ring. Unlike previous times, it doesn\u2019t feel like The Cleaner is using stagecraft. Previously, Omega played up lingering injuries, but diverticulitis is different. In 2025, we saw more party and tag team matches than singles contests.<\/p>\n

There were standouts with Omega\u2019s match against Gabe Kidd in NJPW and All In Texas, where a potential refreshing of the legendary rivalry with Okada was hinted at before the bell rang<\/u><\/a><\/span>. Yet the timing and space between seem important.<\/p>\n

Expect Omega to manipulate reality, but it\u2019s hard to ignore. The Best Bout Machine has changed. That\u2019s not necessarily a bad thing. For a match like this, his first singles match in 2026, it creates anticipation, especially against Josh Alexander, whose late run of form since Ibushi\u2019s injury has seen a vicious, mocking, bone-targeting hitman emerge.<\/p>\n

There are personal stakes beyond just the Don Callis Family involvement and Ibushi\u2019s injury. It\u2019s personal because the performance and outcome will determine whether Omega still has it in him for one more one. Also, will Omega, like Swerve Strickland and Jon Moxley, find a fun way to knock Alexander\u2019s headgear off his head in a creative manner? We\u2019ll see\u2026<\/p>\n

The Future Fights Now <\/b><\/strong><\/h2>\n

After claiming their first AEW championship belts, JetSpeed, Kevin Knight, and Speedball Mike Bailey go their separate ways on Wednesday night in singles action. Considering that both men have just won championships, the prospect that either one or both men could lose their first subsequent match defies conventional wrestling logic. Yet longtime AEW fans know that tradition can be subverted. Losses can elevate. JetSpeed is a perfect example.<\/p>\n

However, Kevin Knight is sick of being called the future. Knight defeated Darby Allin and Kazuchika Okada. Knight is not the future but the present. Before The Jet could claim gold, he challenged Swerve Strickland. Strickland\u2019s response, perhaps to stoke Knight\u2019s fire or play mind games, that Knight will need to wait five to six years to be a main eventer, has given The Jet the fuel he needs.<\/p>\n

When they clash one-on-one, Knight wants another scalp. Knight wants to prove he is the present. To do that, he wants to upset Strickland, who has eyes on MJF\u2019s world championship.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, a furious and vengeful-minded Samoa Joe is gunning for Speedball Mike Bailey. After Knight surprised The Opps with a shock pin on Collision, the former AEW World champion and now former AEW World Trios champion needs a victim. Like Knight, Bailey has his fair share of big victories from the Continental Classic. Nonetheless, are the issues between co-champion Hangman Adam Page and The Opps over?<\/p>\n

AEW Dynamite Preview – Matches Announced:<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Photo Credit: AEW<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n