DARBY ALLIN IS THE NEW AEW WORLD CHAMPION! AEW Dynamite review 04.15.26

Darby Allin's stunning rise to AEW World Champion in a cathartic main event that felt like a sequel to Dynasty is the defining moment of what may be the best Dynamite episode of 2026. After a blistering opening where MJF is blindsided by the news that he must defend his title against Allin immediately, the episode unfolds as a masterclass in storytelling, with emotional beats, brutal matches, and layered character arcs. The narrative builds toward a historic moment: Allin, long the underdog, defeats the seemingly invincible MJF not through brute force, but by countering his signature headlock takeover with a low blow and four consecutive coffin drops—a sequence that feels both earned and mythic. The victory is more than a title change; it’s a symbolic reset for AEW’s roster, where no star is too big to lose, and every man is a potential champion. The only blemish is a lackluster women’s match between Willow Nightingale and Camille, which drags down an otherwise flawless episode. Yet, with standout promos from Jon Moxley, heartfelt moments between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, and a triumphant final image of Sting embracing Allin, this episode cements AEW’s current era as one of its most compelling and emotionally resonant.