On December 27, 2025, All Elite Wrestling closed out its year with the third installment of its annual Worlds End pay-per-view, held at the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. As thousands of fans packed into the suburban Chicago venue, and countless more tuned in from around the world, AEW delivered a night of high-energy matches, surprise returns, and storyline payoffs that reflected the promotion’s continued evolution and growing cultural footprint within professional wrestling.
The event marked a culmination of ongoing rivalries and the beginning of new chapters as AEW heads into 2026. The centerpiece of the night was the AEW World Championship match—a chaotic, emotionally charged four-way bout featuring reigning champion Samoa Joe, “Hangman” Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, and the returning Maxwell Jacob Friedman. MJF’s dramatic reappearance in AEW had been long speculated following his absence, and he capitalized on the spotlight by outsmarting his competition and walking away with the title. His victory marked a triumphant comeback and the beginning of his second reign as world champion. MJF’s mix of cunning, charisma, and in-ring strategy once again positioned him as a central figure in AEW’s future.
The main event offered a dynamic blend of power, athleticism, and character storytelling. Samoa Joe’s imposing presence dominated much of the match, while Adam Page delivered an emotionally resonant performance rooted in his underdog narrative. Swerve Strickland, widely seen as one of AEW’s most versatile and exciting competitors, further cemented his status with high-impact offense and innovative sequences. Ultimately, MJF capitalized on the chaos to secure the win, a move that immediately set the stage for potential feuds and dramatic confrontations in the early months of 2026.
Also significant was the conclusion of the inaugural Continental Classic tournament. Jon Moxley, one of AEW’s most consistently intense and compelling performers, faced off against global wrestling icon Kazuchika Okada in a hard-fought final. Moxley emerged victorious, earning the newly created AEW Continental Championship and bringing renewed focus to the company’s evolving title structure. His win effectively replaced the previously unified AEW International Championship, introducing a fresh layer of competition and prestige to the mid-card scene.
Moxley’s triumph was the product of a grueling journey through the tournament, reflecting his gritty, no-nonsense approach that has resonated with fans since AEW’s inception. His performance not only reinforced his legacy within the company but also injected new life into the championship landscape, offering a strong narrative thread as AEW moves into a new year of programming.
Elsewhere on the card, AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander successfully defended her title against Jamie Hayter in a physically demanding contest that showcased the depth of AEW’s women’s division. Statlander’s blend of power and agility proved decisive, while Hayter brought intensity and technical prowess to a match that may set the stage for continued rivalry. The bout demonstrated AEW’s commitment to elevating women’s wrestling and gave fans a memorable clash between two of the division’s strongest competitors.
The pay-per-view’s undercard featured a range of standout performances from rising stars and established names alike. Konosuke Takeshita, Daniel Garcia, and Willow Nightingale each delivered impressive matches, earning crowd reactions that signaled their growing popularity. AEW’s commitment to developing fresh talent was evident throughout the evening, with several matches helping to build momentum for the next generation of main-event contenders.
The crowd in Hoffman Estates contributed significantly to the atmosphere. Known for its passionate wrestling fanbase, the Chicago area has become a recurring home for AEW’s major events, and the crowd’s energy amplified the drama and spectacle throughout the night. Their enthusiasm added emotional resonance to the key moments and highlighted the strong relationship between the promotion and its live audience.
Worlds End was more than just a conclusion to the wrestling calendar—it served as a narrative reset. By resolving key storylines while introducing new champions and potential feuds, the event marked a turning point for AEW. The promotion used the night to reflect on its progress while signaling bold ambitions for 2026. Whether through the return of a top-tier star like MJF, the elevation of new titles such as the Continental Championship, or the continued push to spotlight emerging talent, AEW reaffirmed its role as a major force in contemporary professional wrestling.
As the company enters 2026, the fallout from Worlds End will shape the next phase of AEW programming. Fans can expect championship defenses, storyline escalations, and the continued growth of a promotion that, in just a few short years, has carved out a significant space in the global wrestling landscape. Worlds End 2025 succeeded in delivering not just action but meaning—cementing the event as a key fixture in AEW’s annual calendar and leaving fans eagerly anticipating what comes next.