Category: AEW News

AEW Collision viewership down, 18-49 demo rating steady

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

Saturday night’s episode of AEW Collision averaged 388,000 viewers on TNT, down 21.1 percent from the previous week. Despite the decrease, this is still the second-highest audience total for the show since October 15 (which was a Wednesday night airing after Dynamite) and the second-largest in Collision’s regular time slot since August 9.

In the 18-49 demo, Collision drew the same 0.07 rating as it did last week. That matches the best rating the show has done in that category on a Saturday night since that same August 9, 2025 episode. Collision did go head-to-head with Winter Olympic coverage on various platforms on Saturday night as well as the UFC on Paramount Plus.

As compared to the same week in 2025, Collision’s overall viewership was up 0.3 percent while the 18-49 rating was down 20 percent.

Listed below are the last nine available weeks of viewership totals and 18-49 demo ratings for Collision, along with the eight-week average in both categories. This week’s show was up 31.6 percent in overall viewers and 75 percent in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

Note: Changes made to Nielsen’s ratings methodology beginning on January 26 have resulted in increased viewership totals and 18-49 ratings for all cable wrestling shows.

AEW Collision ratings —

DateCollision 18-49Collision overall
11/27/20250.06285,000
12/6/20250.03267,000
12/13/2025UnavailableUnavailable
12/17/20250.05333,000
12/25/20250.04217,000
1/3/20260.03241,000
1/10/20260.03271,000
1/17/2026UnavailableUnavailable
1/24/20260.02253,000
1/31/20260.07492,000
2/7/20260.07388,000
*10 wk avg0.04294,875
*not including current week

AEW wrestlers issue challenges for NJPW New Beginning USA

Posted on by Bryan Rose

AEW stars are heading to New Japan.

After the Knockout Brothers successfully retained the IWGP Tag Team titles against Shota Umino and Yuya Uemura on Wednesday, Ricochet and GOA appeared on the video screen. Ricochet said that they would be taking over New Beginning USA and called out Taiji Ishimori for an AEW National Championship match. Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona,  meanwhile, said they smelled blood in the water and would be going after YUTO-ICE and Oskar.

Ricochet became the first-ever National Champion back at Full Gear, winning a Casino Gauntlet match. Since then he has defended the title in other promotions, defeating CMLL’s Titan back on January 16 and in ROH at Final Battle, defeating Dalton Castle. On the February 4 edition of Dynamite, he successfully defended the title against Jack Perry.

Here is the updated lineup for New Beginning USA:

NJPW New Beginning USA (February 27)

  • IWGP Global title: Yota Tsuji defends against Andrade El Idolo
  • AEW National title: Ricochet defends against Taiji Ishimori
  • IWGP Tag Team titles: Knockout Brothers defend against GOA
  • NJPW Strong Openweight title: Tomohiro Ishii defends against Boltin Oleg
  • IWGP Women’s title: Syuri defends against Athena
  • NJPW World TV title: El Phantasmo defends against Konosuke Takeshita

Tommaso Ciampa says financial stability led to him choosing AEW over WWE

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Tommaso Ciampa has opened up in detail about the financial stability and decision to choose AEW over WWE.

Speaking on Close Up with Renee Paquette, Ciampa revealed why he decided to join Tony Khan’s promotion after finishing up with WWE.

“Every performer, specifically people who’ve come up through the independent scene, you love the business. And the thing you really genuinely want is for it to love you back. And like I’ve been told numerous times, this isn’t the business,” Ciampa said. “The business doesn’t love you back. But I’m an optimist, you know, so I think it’s not going to love you back 100% of the time. But those moments when it does, like we thrive for that, you know? So that’s what I feel like.”

“So it’s a lot of that going on right now for me, where it’s like, ‘oh man, I haven’t felt loved back for a bit.’ So that was big, but at home, you know, honestly, it was less about just like looking forward to, ‘oh, we’re doing this AEW thing’ because it was a ton of uncertainty. Like our decision to move on. We talked about that for months. I might even say a couple years, realistically. That’s a big thing, right? [Regularly checking his bank account and understanding his financial stability].”

While he made the decision to move on, Ciampa thought he was not financially ready to do so during his WWE main roster jump from NXT. Financially comfortable in his life, Ciampa took the “risk” and joined AEW.

“To be honest, that’s the biggest thing that you start to go is…we are getting a definitive income, it’s a salary. And you know what the independent scene’s like. You understand the travel if you start to go to different countries to do this and stuff, and what’s that impact on my wife?” Ciampa added.

“And just the life we live, so there’s just the biggest decision of it all was like, are we finally ready to do it, you know, and like when I left NXT to make the move to the main roster. Financially, we were not ready to do that, and we knew it. So, there was not really a question of, ‘okay, let’s take a risk. Let’s bet on ourselves.’ We got at that time a three-year-old, now a seven-year-old. It just wasn’t in the cards. Yeah. But now I’m starting to go, yeah, I think we are at the point financially, let’s take the risk.”

Following the expiration of his WWE contract earlier this year, Ciampa filed the trademark for “Psycho Killer” before making his AEW debut on the January 28th episode of Dynamite. Shortly after, he defeated Mark Briscoe to become the new TNT Champion.

Andrade El Idolo announced for 1FW’s Rumble in Rome

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

Experiencing a high run in AEW, Andrade El Idolo is also on a spree of appearances in the independent circuit, this time making an appearance for 1FW’s Rumble in Rome.

1FW recently announced via social media that current AEW and former WWE star, El Idolo, is confirmed to be in action at 1FW Rumble in Rome on March 21, 2026.

“As announced earlier today exclusively on the [Tappedout podcast] international [AEW] super star and member of the Don Callis Family [Andrade El Idolo] will be making his [1FW] debut at the Arn Anderson Homecoming, Rumble In Rome show 3/21 in Rome, GA!”

The 36-year-old will be making his debut at the Arn Anderson Homecoming, Rumble in Rome show, although his opponent has not yet been declared.

He recently defeated Rambo at an independent wrestling show in Germany to crown himself the new GWF World Champion.

1FW Rumble in Rome lineup | March 21st, 2026

1FW’s Rumble in Rome is scheduled to take place on March 21, 2026, at the Forum River Center in Rome, GA.

  • Andrade El Idolo to be in action
  • Jeff Jarrett set to appear
  • A steel cage match
  • Country music singer Michael Ray to act as a special guest referee
  • Rosario Grillo & Valentina Rossi vs. Harley Cameron & Orange Cassidy

Kris Statlander on AEW Blood & Guts criticism: ‘Women bleed once a month anyway’

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

AEW Women’s World Champion has responded to the criticism regarding the first-ever women’s Blood & Guts match that took place in 2025.

The match was a turning point in the women’s roster and featured several violent, bloodied, and infamous moments that soared the division’s popularity. However, it also attracted several criticisms regarding the violence.

Recently speaking to Denise Salcedo, Statlander responded to the criticism, “Well, first of all, women bleed once a month anyway. So, it’s kind of an unfair criticism. We don’t have a choice, really, so to choose where we get to bleed from for once, I think that is more power to the girlies.

Also, you don’t have to watch it if you don’t like it. It’s quite literally advertised in the name Blood and Guts. You should expect to see some tomfoolery to say the least. As much as people might like seeing the guys do it, we are wrestlers, too,” she further stated.

“We have this sick desire to be disgusting and dangerous as well. This was the first one ever. We haven’t had the chance to let that rage out. So, obviously, we’re going to go overboard and mutilate ourselves because we’re psychos and we all love to be that. That’s why we are where we are, and that’s why we are at AEW. Where the best wrestle and where the best bleed, also.”

In November 2025, AEW held the first-ever women’s Blood & Guts match that featured Marina Shafir, Megan Bayne, Mercedes Mone & Triangle Of Madness (Julia Hart, Skye Blue & Thekla) against Babes Of Wrath (Harley Cameron & Willow Nightingale), Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander & Timeless Love Bombs (Mina Shirakawa & Toni Storm).

Report: Samoa Joe currently in concussion protocol

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

According to new reports, former AEW World Champion Samoa Joe is currently in concussion protocol.

Joe has been sidelined with an injury, and there are currently no confirmed updates on his possible in-ring return timeline. Last week on Dynamite, it was announced that Joe had sustained a non-contact injury and was not cleared for in-ring competition.

Recently, Fightful Select confirmed the story and reported Joe to be currently in AEW’s concussion protocol. Although it did not provide any details on the severity of the injury or an update on his return.

With Joe now out and injured, HOOK has stepped up as The Opps’ new leader with just Katsuyori Shibata under him. Joe’s last match dates to the January 21st match against Mike Bailey.

For months, Joe was “factored in to the top of the card programs,” especially the AEW World Championship. However, following his injury, plans were adjusted, and Andrade El Idolo was factored into the plans.

Reportedly, AEW was happy with El Idolo’s performance, especially his beating Swerve Strickland on the January 28th episode of Dynamite. Later, he went on to defeat Kenny Omega on the February 4th episode of Dynamite. El Idolo is next set to face Adam Page at AEW Grand Slam Australia, with the winner facing MJF/Brody King for the World title.

Kenny Omega on his AEW role: ‘We need to trust our future’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

At this point in his career, Kenny Omega is less focused on personal goals and more concerned with building the next generation up.

The 42-year-old Omega recently entered back into the AEW World Championship picture but, at least for now, was unsuccessful in securing a title shot. Omega lost to Andrade El idolo last week, with Andrade now set to face Hangman Page at Grand Slam Australia on February 14 to determine who will challenge MJF at Revolution.

In an interview with Undisputed that was published after his loss to Andrade, Omega was asked if he’s still driven by the idea of becoming World Champion.

“That’s a very good question,” he responded. “I’m in a position where a lot of my own personal goals are out of the way. I’ve checked all those boxes. The one personal goal I have left is to be the best utility tool for what the situation calls for.”

Omega — who also holds an Executive Vice President position behind the scenes in AEW — added that he feels the promotion needs to trust its future and allow younger wrestlers to establish their own success.

“Maybe I could main event until I’m dead,” Omega said. “But what follows after if I haven’t built anybody–or if I haven’t had a hand in helping the next generation rise up? That’s more so my role now than it’s ever been.

“We need to trust our future. There are people who need these experiences. They need to learn and evolve as performers. We can’t keep relying on the same small-knit group of people that have a track record of success. We need to be cognizant of what we’re doing moving forward.”

Omega isn’t ruling out another run with the AEW World Championship, though. He previously held the title for 346 days from 2020-2021 and is willing to step into that role again if necessary.

“If for some reason, whether it be the fans or the wrestling world in general, there is a want and a desire for me to have one more title run, then I’ll push myself to get there,” he said. “I also take pride in not needing to be there. I want to be in a position where I can say that I helped create an environment where all these guys have risen to the call and the challenge of being able to carry the company. I would love that. But if people are calling for it, for me to step up and be that guy, then I’ll do my best.”

With his World title pursuit on hold for the moment, Omega is set to feud with Swerve Strickland. There will be a face-to-face interview with those two on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday.

Report: AEW Double or Nothing 2026 set for New York City

Posted on by Joseph Currier

This story has been updated.

This spring, AEW is reportedly bringing one of its major pay-per-view events to New York City.

Andrew Zarian of the Mat Men podcast reported Monday that AEW Double or Nothing 2026 is set to be held in Queens, New York. The location for the event will be Louis Armstrong Stadium, which is located on the same tennis complex where AEW has held past Grand Slam events at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The capacity of Louis Armstrong Stadium is roughly 14,000 before production configuration is factored in.

Our Bryan Alvarez is reporting that he believes the date is Sunday, May 24 which is Memorial Day weekend in the U.S.

“AEW brings one of its landmark PPV events to New York City this Spring,” Zarian tweeted. “Double or Nothing is scheduled for Louis Armstrong Stadium im Queens, NYC!”

On AEW’s PPV calendar, this event would take place after Revolution and Dynasty. Los Angeles is hosting Revolution on March 15, with AEW then heading to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada for Dynasty on April 12.

Double or Nothing holds a special place in AEW history due to it serving as the promotion’s inaugural show in 2019. The event has been held in Las Vegas, Jacksonville (during the pandemic era), and Glendale, Arizona since its inception. The original intention was for Vegas to host the PPV annually, but that’s changed over the past couple of years.

AEW has not officially announced the location for the 2026 event or revealed any information regarding when tickets will be going on sale.

Tony Khan gives update on Will Ospreay AEW injury recovery

Posted on by Joseph Currier

According to Tony Khan, Will Ospreay is doing “very, very well” in his recovery from injury.

Ospreay was forced out of action last summer when he needed to undergo surgery for a neck injury he was dealing with. Speculation regarding when he’ll be able to return ramped up last week when a video package highlighting Ospreay’s recovery aired on AEW Dynamite. The video did not provide a date for when Ospreay will be returning.

Khan addressed Ospreay’s status during an interview with radio station 107.7 The Bone.

“I talk to Will Ospreay a lot, and he’s doing very, very well and on the road to recovery, which is incredible news for AEW,” Khan said. “Because Will Ospreay’s one of our greatest stars we’ve ever had. And AEW’s a better place anytime Will Ospreay is involved in any aspect of All Elite Wrestling.”

Our Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter last week that the goal is for Ospreay to be able to return by the time All In 2026 takes place at Wembley Stadium this August.

“They aired a Will Ospreay video showing him in the hospital when he had surgery and X-rays of his neck after surgery,” Meltzer wrote. “The goal, as stated, is for him to be back at Wembley Stadium. As we’ve noted, that feels fast but all along they’ve talked about a summer return.”

Last month, Ospreay was backstage at the January 21 edition of Dynamite in Orlando, Florida to undergo a medical evaluation. He also made a couple of appearances for NJPW in January and has been staying involved with the industry through his role as a producer for UK-based women’s indie promotion Pro Wrestling Eve.

Tony Khan says AEW ‘constantly’ evaluating free agent market

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tony Khan “constantly” has his eye on the free agent market looking for wrestlers who could be valuable additions to AEW.

Last week, Fightful reported that AEW was planning to make new signings, particularly in the women’s division with the aim of freshening up the roster. Khan was asked to respond to that report during an interview with radio station 107.7 The Bone that was conducted at Super Bowl Radio Row.

“I am constantly evaluating the market and scouting for fantastic wrestlers if they are available to join AEW,” Khan said. “And AEW is where the best wrestle, and it will be for a very long time.”

The Fightful report stated that AEW has already signed several wrestlers that have yet to be revealed.

Two potential new additions to the women’s division could be The IIconics (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay), with our Dave Meltzer reporting that there has been “a lot of talk” regarding the former Peyton Royce & Billie Kay coming to AEW.

Tommaso Ciampa, The Rascalz, Jake Doyle, and the returning Andrade El Idolo are some of AEW’s recent new additions on the men’s side. Khan discussed the signing of Ciampa during this interview with 107.7 The Bone.

“He’s a fantastic wrestler,” Khan said. “And to have somebody of his quality come in, instantly he’s additive in AEW. We’ve got somebody that’s joined us that can have fantastic matches, whether it’s people he’s lined up against in past wrestling matches, whether it’s an old rival or somebody fresh and new that he’s never been matched up against, there’s so many exciting possibilities for Tommaso Ciampa in AEW.”

Bryan Danielson addresses possibility of in-ring return

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Bryan Danielson isn’t ruling out the possibility of an in-ring return, but his increased travel schedule has been a reality check for him.

In September 2025, Danielson took on a new role when he joined the AEW Dynamite commentary team on a full-time basis. It’s a job that Danielson enjoys, but being on the road every week has taken a toll on his injured neck. He told Undisputed that, before starting the commentary job, he was having “delusions” of wrestling a couple of times per year. The commentary role has made that less likely.

“The traveling is so hard on my neck,” Danielson said. “Once I started traveling again, I went back to sleeping four-and-a-half hours a night. There was a point around Forbidden Door [last August] that I had delusions of wrestling a couple matches a year. After traveling for commentary, I don’t see how it would be possible. And that’s without bumps.”

Danielson said he was having trouble sleeping for about a year after facing Will Ospreay at AEW Dynasty 2024. His neck pain would wake him up after only a few hours. Adam Copeland recommended a physical therapist that Danielson should see, which proved to be a “game changer” until Danielson started to get back out on the road for commentary.

“In April of 2025, Adam Copeland sent me to his physical therapist,” Danielson said. “He said the guy was a miracle worker. This guy worked on me for two days in a row, six hours each day.

“After the first night, I slept nine hours straight. After the second night, I slept eight hours straight. After that, I was sleeping seven or eight hours almost every night. That’s a game changer for how you feel.”

Danielson ended his full-time career in the ring in October 2024. Whether he’ll ever wrestle again remains to be seen. He would like to avoid ever having to undergo surgery for his neck injury.

“I don’t close it off,” Danielson told Undisputed about a potential return. “Maybe…

“The traveling itself is so taxing, so I don’t know. We’ll see.”


For subscribers: Bryan Alvarez’s AEW Collision review

Posted on by F4W Staff

Image: AEW

Bryan Alvarez has posted his thoughts and full review of this past Saturday’s AEW Collision which featured a number one contenders eliminator match, a three-way TNT title defense born in Ring of Honor years ago, the stakes being raised for this Wednesday’s AEW Women’s World title match, and more.

Click here to read (sub needed)

WWE, AEW, TNA wrestlers attend Super Bowl LX

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Wrestling stars from across all promotions attended this year’s Super Bowl LX in San Francisco.

For WWE, Becky Lynch posted a picture of herself, Seth Rollins, and Kofi Kingston attending the game. Logan Paul also appeared in the crowd and was promptly booed. Paul responded to his chilly reception with some rude hand gestures.

Swerve Strickland posted a picture of himself with Darby Allin enjoying the game, noting both were from Washington, the home of the Seattle Seahawks. Elsewhere, Big Boom AJ and his family were seen attending the game wearing AEW merchandise.

Mara Sade was also at the game, responding to Ryan Nemeth on social media with a photo of herself at Levi’s Stadium. The two have been feuding recently, with Thursday’s Impact showing the two squaring off in several sports including football.

Bad Bunny, who has wrestled for WWE several times, performed during the Super Bowl XL halftime show. Damian Priest and Cody Rhodes were among those praising his performance.

Although the New England Patriots fired back towards the second half, the Seahawks ended up winning this year’s game 29-13.

AEW star picks Bad Bunny when asked who from WWE he’d like to wrestle

Posted on by Ian Carey

Orange Cassidy says Bad Bunny’s cool.

During an appearance on SiriusXM Sports on Sunday, Cassidy was asked who he would like to face if the “forbidden door” between WWE and AEW were to open.

Cassidy responded:

“If there was a Forbidden Door between WWE and AEW, the person I would want to have a match with is probably… Yeah, I’d like to get in there with Bad Bunny. Why not? Bad Bunny’s cool.”

The Puerto Rican recording star has been the subject of discussion in wrestling and football circles in recent weeks. Bad Bunny is set to be the featured performer in this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show and also received several awards at last month’s Grammy Awards.

Bad Bunny’s status with WWE has also been addressed recently by Bryan Alvarez. While discussing U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego calling for AEW to sign Bad Bunny, Alvarez said on Wrestling Observer Live that Bad Bunny is expected to return to WWE “sooner rather than later.”

New leader of The Opps revealed during AEW Collision

Posted on by Bryan Rose

One member of The Opps is taking over the operation while Samoa Joe is out injured.

During Saturday’s Collision, Hook revealed that Samoa Joe has given him the leadership of the group while he recovers from injury. In his promo, Hook said they were in a different position than they were just a few weeks ago, as they’ve lost both the World and Trios titles in the last month. He said Joe appointing him the boss of The Opps was something he wouldn’t take lightly and named himself the greatest second generation wrestler of all time.

The Opps’ fortune has changed dramatically in the last month, with Powerhouse Hobbs choosing not to renew his contract, jumping to WWE where he recently made his debut at last week’s Royal Rumble. He, Shibata, and Joe dropped the Trios titles to Hangman Page and Jetspeed on the January 14 edition of Collision. Soon after, it was announced that Joe was injured during training and would be out of action for the foreseeable future.

Hook joined The Opps at Full Gear, turning his back on Eddie Kingston and Hangman Page after helping Samoa Joe win the title from Page during a steel cage match.