3 surprise returns that could happen at AEW: Maximum Carnage

AEW has an impressive lineup of matches scheduled for the next week of programming in its Maximum Carnage editions. We're sure that the matches would certainly deliver on both Collision and Dynamite, but can we expect to see some surprises as well?

A few top stars from Tony Khan's promotion have been noticeably absent, but perhaps we might see a few of them make a comeback next week. So, we're here to look at the few AEW stars who could most likely return for the Maximum Carnage shows.

#3) Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe has been absent from AEW ever since July 2024 after he was defeated by Chris Jericho in a Stampede Street Fight. He has since been busy filming the second season of Peacock's series, Twisted Metal.

However, filming has wrapped up on the project and Joe could be showing up as early as next week. If Joe were to make his return at Maximum Carnage next week, it would be quite interesting to see who would his next target be. Would he attack Jon Moxley to go after the World Title or perhaps look to start a dream feud with Kenny Omega by going after The Cleaner?

The Samoan Submission Machine could shock everyone with a surprise attack, sending a bold message that he's back to conquer again. Omega has also mentioned wanting to wrestle Samoa Joe, so perhaps the two can finally start a proper feud with one another in AEW if the latter returns next week.

#2) Hologram

Hologram was quickly becoming a fan favorite with his high-speed action and acrobatic offense. Unfortunately, he would suffer an ankle injury at WrestleDream that put him on the shelf.

Tony Khan would certainly look to bring him back into the spotlight after it was recently reported that he might be returning soon. Perhaps Khan could look to push the lucha sensation to return on next week's Collision: Maximum Carnage.

A surprise match could be set for him next week against a star to give him some time in the ring against another opponent. This could help him shed off any type of ring rust before throwing him in the deep end with a feud or an angle.

#1) Darby Allin

Darby Allin has been sidelined ever since The Death Riders caught up to him to take their revenge. The Daredevil had been a thorn in the side of Jon Moxley for some time, chasing them again and again.

However, Mox and his group would beat him down on the last episode of Rampage to send a message to the roster to anyone who wanted to get in their way. We're sure Darby Allin won't let this attack slide and will look to take the fight to the current AEW World Champion.

Now that, Adam Copeland and FTR have reunited to battle The Death Riders, there's a good chance they can be taken down. If Darby Allin returns next week at the Maximum Carnage edition of Dynamite or Collision, perhaps he can help even those odds and finally beat down his rivals.

Copeland had even alluded to Darby's return but had stated that he didn't know when he'd be back. Perhaps, all of them could be in for a shock if the former AEW TNT Champion returns next week.