Tonight's episode of AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage was a night full of surprises, highlighted by the return of several familiar faces to the All Elite Wrestling roster. From shocking reappearances to long-awaited comebacks, these moments sent shockwaves through the Brady Music Center and left fans buzzing about what lies ahead.
If you want to know the full results of tonight's Maximum Carnage episode of AEW Dynamite, click here.
— Former TNA President and figurehead behind the relaunch of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling Scott D'Amore was spotted backstage. It is unknown if this was for any particular reason such as potentially working with All Elite Wrestling going forward, or if he was just having a casual and friendly visit.
— MVP competed in his first televised match since the July 18, 2022 edition of WWE Monday Night Raw (wherein he and Omos lost to The Street Profits by disqualification). Since then, MVP wrestled twice, losing to Josh Barnett by TKO at Bloodsport XII on November 24, 2024 and defeating Wrecking Ball Legursky at BCW And To All A Good Night on December 14th. Tonight, he and the rest of The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin) defeated Mark Briscoe and the AEW World Tag Team Champions Private Party by pinfall.
— This was also Kenny Omega's first time back in an AEW ring since he defeated Ethan Page on the December 5, 2023 edition of AEW Collision. After nearly having his career ended due to diverticulitis, Omega's first match back was defeating Gabe Kidd at Wrestle Dynasty on January 5th. Tonight, he defeated Brian Cage and was beaten down by The Don Callis Family after the match along with Will Ospreay, who had tried to help him fight them off.
— Taz also returned tonight, joining the commentary booth after being out since October 2, 2024. He was written off television with an attack angle in order to get knee replacement surgery. Responsible for the attack was The Patriarchy, whose leader Christian Cage lost to HOOK tonight by disqualification.
— Samoa Joe also returned tonight in order to help HOOK fight off The Patriarchy as they attacked HOOK to end that match. Joe has a longstanding history with Taz dating back to their days in TNA when Taz was his manager, and was working with HOOK last year before he was written off television when Chris Jericho drove him through a wall via a forklift in their Stampede Street Fight in July.
Which of these returns are you the most excited about? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!