The classification program for von Neumann algebras witnessed remarkable progress which is in large part due to Popa's deformation/rigidity theory. We expand on the implications of the existence of maximal rigid algebras, provide concrete examples in the group setting, and applications when considering families of deformations as in L2 rigidity, in particular, further supporting the Peterson-Thom Conjecture. I will give some of the background that goes into our theorem, and Rolando will expand on the details in a follow up talk.