Tag: headlines

WWE NXT ratings & 18-49 demo info for this week

Posted on by Paul Fontaine

This past Tuesday’s episode of WWE NXT averaged 517,000 viewers on The CW, up 3.8% from the previous week’s 498,000.

Despite the increase, the episode drew its second lowest audience since July 30, 2024, and the fifth lowest in the history of the show.

On the positive, the episode averaged a 0.08 rating in the 18-49 demo, up 33.3% from last week’s 0.06% and tying the fourth highest rating the show has done in this category since March 3.

On a night featuring mainly reruns on network TV, the episode finished last in both total viewers and 18-49 rating on the network charts as it went head-to-head with an NBA conference final game on ESPN that averaged 7.1 million viewers and topped all television with a 2.23 18-49 rating.

As compared to the same week in 2025, overall viewership was down 25.8% while the 18-49 rating was down 38.5%.

WWE NXT ratings & 18-49 demo

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of overall viewership and 18-49 demo ratings for WWE NXT on The CW as well as the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 10% in overall viewers, but even in 18-49 as compared to recent averages.

Date18-49Total Viewers
3/10/20260.08541,000
3/17/20260.07588,000
3/24/20260.08581,000
3/31/20260.08572,000
4/7/20260.08605,000
4/14/20260.09584,000
4/21/20260.1591,000
4/28/20260.07541,000
5/5/20260.11641,000
5/12/20260.06498,000
5/19/20260.08517,000
*10 wk avg (through 5/12)0.08574,200

Indie wrestler asks for help after car fire destroys merch, prevents AEW extra work & bookings

Posted on by Josh Nason

Indie wrestler Joseph Alexander is asking for help after escaping a car fire Tuesday on the way to do some AEW extra work and some weekend bookings — a fire that destroyed nearly all of his merchandise and made him miss the commitments.

Alexander shared the story and images on X Thursday, a situation he said was a traumatic experience that he initially was not going to share.

He was using his father’s car and was in Virginia when he heard a sound and then smoke followed by the car catching on fire while he was still inside (the aftermath pictured above). While he thankfully escaped before sustaining any physical damage, Alexander wrote that on Wednesday, he saw that “all my merch was destroyed, 8x10s, cards, stickers and most of my shirts.”

“As you know this stuff is very expensive and I just genuinely do not have all the funds to just whip up a new set of shirts and merch instantly,” he wrote, also noting that six shirts remained intact while sharing his CashApp (seen below) if anyone wanted to donate or buy the shirts to help.

Alexander was thankful for his safety and hopeful for future opportunities that he had to miss as a result.

“First and foremost I want to thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for making sure I was safe unharmed and walked away alive. I hope there’s more opportunities to come with AEW and the other shows I would have done this weekend, but I am just grateful for my health. Again if you want a shirt please DM me, any donations again are greatly appreciated. Thank you!”

A pro since 2021, the 25-year-old also known as “A-Game” is a regular for Wrestling Open in addition to other New England indie promotions.

Tony Khan says AEW revenue is ‘highest it’s ever been’ with their ‘strongest financial outlook ever’

Posted on by Josh Nason

While Tony Khan didn’t say whether AEW is profitable in 2026, he did reveal that the promotion’s revenue “is the highest it’s ever been” and “the strongest financial outlook for the company ever.”

Khan was asked the profitability question during Thursday’s pre-Double or Nothing media call and in his answer, he discussed how he is reinvesting back into the company with a number of project at what he perceives as the right time.

“I’ll continue to reinvest in the business, developing new platforms and trying to open up new territories to grow the company in the future. We’re launching some new projects and some international developments that will require investment that I think are very smart moves,” he said.

“Probably the biggest takeaway is the growth of the company and looking at how much we have been able to expand our revenue and how much we are strongly positioned for the future of AEW. I think now is the perfect time in growing our revenue to reinvest in the business and, perfect timing with us going into Double or Nothing, to double down on AEW for the future because AEW will be around for a very, very long time.”

He did not disclose what the actual revenue number was. AEW is a private company with a minority stake (under 10%) owned by Warner Bros. Discovery. He has said in the past that their biggest revenue source is their domestic TV rights deal with WBD. That deal runs through the end of 2027 with a one-year extension option held by WBD, although that could be owned by Paramount Skydance if the WBD merger goes through.

Trios match added to AEW Double or Nothing Buy In

Posted on by Josh Nason

Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing card continued to grow Thursday with another match added to the Buy In pre-show.

The newly announced bout will see a trio of Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) against The Opps’ team of Hook, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens.

The match comes out of Wednesday’s Dynamite/Collision when Bowens came out to aid Shibata in his match with Will Ospreay. The Death Riders came out in support of Ospreay, backing Bowens off. Ospreay picked up the win and then had a verbal confrontation with Samoa Joe of The Opps ahead of their Double or Nothing match.

The pre-show now has three matches, bringing the entire card to

Current AEW Double or Nothing lineup | This Sunday

  • AEW World Champion Darby Allin defends against MJF in a title vs. hair match
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla defends against Hikaru Shida, Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter in a four-way
  • AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Konosuke Takeshita
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Adam Copeland & Christian Cage in an I Quit street fight where Copeland and Cage must win in order to stay a team
  • AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Kyle O’Reilly
  • Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona), Mark Davis, Andrade El Idolo, Clark Connors & David Finlay in a Stadium Stampede match
  • Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in an Owen Hart men’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido in an Owen Hart men’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa in an Owen Hart women’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Buy In: Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Roderick Strong, Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall vs. Anthony Agogo, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Shane Taylor
  • Buy In: AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) vs. Viva Van & Zayda Steel in a five-minute title eliminator match
  • Buy In: Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Opps (Hook, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens)

TNA Impact live results: Mike Santana vs. Steve Maclin

Posted on by Jeff Moss

TNA Impact is back on AMC tonight.

After last Thursday’s live show in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium, TNA held TV tapings in the venue last Friday as well. The promotion’s next live event will be on Saturday, June 6 in Denver.

Here is what is advertised to air on tonight’s show.

TNA World Champion Mike Santana will defend his title against Steve Maclin. TNA International Champion Mustafa Ali will put his title on the line against Chaz “Starboy” Hall. The rivalry between The Righteous and The Hardys will continue this week as Matt Hardy and Vincent wrestle in singles competition, with Dutch being handcuffed to the ringside post.

In the Knockouts division, it will be Elayna Black vs. Indi Hartwell. Xia Brookside will go up against Jada Stone in singles action. The System’s Brian Myers, Eddie Edwards, Alisha Edwards, Cedric Alexander, and Bear Bronson will kick off the episode.

Our live coverage begins tonight at 9 p.m. Eastern.

***************

Two title fights, two knockout battles and two very weird dudes in what is sure to be a memorable match all make up this week’s TNA Thursday Night Impact!

To kick things off, newly-crowned X Division Champion Cedric Alexander and The System came to the ring to tell us how we can’t beat them. Fun Fact: Other names considered for this group were “City Hall” and “Carolina Hurricanes.”

One by one, each member used their mic time to tell us how they can’t be beat and say “THE SYSTEM” at least 10 times in their piece of the promo pie. Alexander talked about how Leon Slater was one day away from the X Division Championship record and he took that away, hence his new nickname, the “Record Taker.”

He then called out Fabian Aichner who has interrupted his celebration last week. Aichner came out and said that the bigger the fight, the better he is so bring it on, The System! He then challenged Alexander for the X Divison Title. Before he could answer, Edwards and the rest of The System tried to jump him.

Aichner dodged them all and then slapped a choke onto Alexander in the ring. The rest of The System saved him though, sending us careening into a backstage segment with Director of Operations Daria Rae talking to Steve Maclin.

She said that she understands Maclin and knows that he can take out Santana tonight. Maclin said nothing, but it was assumed he agreed.

Elayna Black vs Indi Hartwell

Ariana Grace and Stacks joined the commentary team for this match and immediately made it weird with some mild PDA.

Hartwell took control off the top with some shoving and a lariat. She hit a big boot while Grace complained that she kept looking at her.

Black shoved Hartwell off the ringpost, sending her to the outside in front of the announce table. Black dragged her back into the ring and laid and elbow into the back of Hartwell’s head. Black hit a double stomp, but Hartwell kicked out at two.

Hartwell powered back with a spinebuster and went up top. Stacks hopped up on the ring, causing a distraction so that Grace could knock Hartwell off the ringpost and cause a DQ.

Match Result: Elayna Black vs Indi Hartwell Ended In a Disqualification

After the match, Grace grabbed a mic and lamented that she was no longer Knockouts Champion. That brought out Director of Authority Santino Marella to confront his daughter. He threatened to ground her and called her a brat and Stacks, a stupid face.

Stacks poked Marella in the chest and he pulled the cobra out of his jacket, but Daria Rae came out to say that the whole thing was “embarrassing.” She said that if they want to fight they have to file the correct paperwork and get it approved by the board, proving once again that the paperwork is the hardest part of being a wrestler.

Back from break, the Elegance Brand was shown checking out how good they look. Just as they were talking about a potential Ash By Elegance return, the lights went out. When they came back on, a message from Rosemary and Allie was written on the mirror “See you soon.”

Matt Hardy w/ Jeff Hardy vs Vincent w/ Dutch

So, Dutch and Jeff Hardy will be handcuffed to the ring posts during this match, leaving Matt and Vincent to continue the war between the two teams on their own.

Before The Hardys could enter, Vincent grabbed a mic and said they wanted the Broken Hardys, not Team Extreme. So that’s what he got. Wonderful!

Dutch and Jeff were handcuffed to the turnbuckles (on the same side of the ring which was weird) and we were off. Hardy threw some strikes then went right to biting. He tossed Vincent to the outside an stalked him around the ring.

Vincent went back in and tried a sliced bread, but Hardy countered it. Dutch then tripped Matt behind the ref’s back.

Back from a break, Matt and vincent traded shots in the middle of the ring before succumbing to a double clothesline. Matt bounced Vincent’s head off of six different turnbuckles and then hit a sit out powerbomb for a two count.

Vincent dodged a charge in the ring, but tweaked his ankle in the process. The ref checked on him while Vincent removed his boot. He then tried to use it as a weapon, but Matt countered by biting his foot.

Matt went to end it with a twist of fate, but Vincent countered and rolled him up. Dutch tried to assist, but it was only a two count. Vincent went up top and Matt met him there and bit his hand. Matt went for another twist of fate, but Vincent shoved him into the ref.

Vincent stole the handcuff key from the ref but the lights went out and when they came back on, Willow was standing behind him. Willow took Vincent down then disappeared, allowing Matt to hit a twist of fate a pick up the win.

Match Result: Matt Hardy defeated Vincent

Backstage, Aj Francis approached Elijah about a musical collaboration. Elijah shot him down and Francis said he would regret it.

Back from break, Santino announced that there would be two Champions Challenge matches next week, on mens and one knockouts. Daria Rae arrived to say that Stacks and Santino had been approved by the board for next week. Also, Eddie Edwards will face Fabian Aichner.

TNA International Championship Match: Mustafa Ali [c] vs Chazz “Starboy” Hall

Hall answered Ali’s open challenge and let us know that his nickname is “the Denim Dragon.” Neat. Hall is also a regular on NXT/Evolve. Also neat.

Ali had the veteran’s advantage and used it to keep Hall off his feet. Hall managed to get a rollup, but that just made Ali madder and he bounced his head off the turnbuckle. Hall came back with a chop and an armdrag, sending Ali out of the ring. He then flipped over the top rope to take him out on the outside.

John Skylar caused a distraction and Ali hit a cutter on Hall for a two count. Ali set Hall up on the top turnbuckle and went for a top rope Razor’s edge, but Hall countered it into a headscissor takedown.

Hall turned a moonsault into a really impressive tornado DDT, but Ali kicked out a two. Hall went for sliced bread but Ali countered it into a bridging cover to get the 1-2-3 and retain the title.

Match Result: Mustafa Ali defeated Chazz Hall

Back from break, Eric Young approached Steve Maclin and talked about how Maclin is becoming the man he’s always seen him as. Young said that whoever wins tonight, he’s next in line. Maclin stared straight ahead saying nothing.

Jada Stone vs Xia Brookside

Brookside took control off the top, driving Stone into the corner. Stone fought back with a side headlock takedown and Brookside left the ring to gather her thoughts. She avoided the countout and slapped a half crab on Stone who scrambled to the ropes to break the hold.

Stone matrix-avoided a lariat and hit a rolling elbow on Brookside in the corner. She went to go up top but Brookside caught her and dragged her down by the leg. Brookside worked Stone’s leg, wrapping it around the ropes and then dropkicking it.

Brookside started throwing hands and then went back to working Stone’s leg. Stone got a right hand shot in followed by a lariat. She went up and landed a split legged moonsault, but Brookside kicked out at two.

Brookside took over and hit a Dark Side driver to get a quick 1-2-3 and win the match.

Match Result: Xia Brookside defeated Jada Stone

Backstage, Mike Sanata was walking around and Steve Maclin tried to jump him, in spite of their match being next up.

Back from break, Stacks and Ariana Grace cut another promo about the match next week between Stacks and Santino. They think Stacks is going to win. So there’s that.

TNA World Championship Match: Mike Santana [c] vs Steve Maclin

Then, it was main event time. Santana entered throught the crowd as always and Maclin entered to what I believe was the N64 Wrestlemania 2000 Make-a-Wrestler theme, but I don’t actually know that.

The bell rang and they got right into throwing hands. They ran the ropes and Maclin knocked Santana down with a back elbow. Santana came back with a dropkick. Santana picked up the pace, hitting a senton and Maclin slipped to the outside. Santana followed him via the top turn buckle and landed on him.

Maclin fought back, hitting Santana’s head on the ring post. Maclin went under the ring and pulled out a table. Santana kicked him in the gut and bounced his head off said table. Maclin then hit a chop block on Santana, damaging the knee.

The fight moved back into the ring with Maclin wrapping Santana’s knee in the ropes then dropkicking him back to the outside.

Back from break, Santana had Maclin in a figure four, but Maclin grabbed the ropes to break the hold. Santana hit a three amigos suplex series, but Maclin dodged the last one and Santana kicked him in the face about it.

They got to their feet and traded strikes. Maclin clocked Santana in the back of the head and set up Santana in a tree of woe. Santana got out of it and hit a rolling buck fifty, but Maclin kicked out at two. Santana caught Maclin in a pop up power bomb then immediately hit a blue thunder bomb, but it wasn’t enough and Maclin kicked out.

Maclin hit an olympic slam followed by a driver bomb, but Santana kicked out at 2.5. Maclin pointed to that table he set up earlier and pulled Santana to the top turnbuckle. They fought for a second, but then Santana kicked Maclin off the ringpost and through the table.

Santana pulled Maclin back into the ring and hit a splash, but Maclin somehow kicked out at two. Santana called for spin the block, but Maclin collapsed before he could execute it. Maclin popped up and superkicked Santana, but could make the cover.

Maclin went for KIA but Santana countered with a Spin The Block. He made the cover and got the pin to retain the TNA World Title.

Match Result: Mike Santana defeated Steve Maclin

Next Week: Champions Challenge x2, Stacks vs Santino and Eddie Edwards and Fabian Eichner will also be there.

ROH on HonorClub live results: AR Fox defends TV title against Shane Taylor

Posted on by Ryan Howard

ROH is back on HonorClub tonight.

On the heels of last week’s Supercard of Honor, Ring of Honor taped matches the following night from the same Wicomico Youth and Civic Center in Salisbury, Maryland, and also a separate set of tapings held on May 18 in Jacksonville.

Matches for this week’s episode on Honor Club appear to have all been taped on May 16.

Here is what is scheduled for tonight’s show.

  • ROH World TV Champion AR Fox defends against Shane Taylor
  • Action Andretti vs. QT Marshall
  • Dalton Castle & The Outrunners vs. TBA
  • RUSH vs. TBA
  • Hyan & Maya World vs. TBA
  • Alec Price & Jordan Oliver vs. The Premier Athletes
  • Aaron Solo vs. Lio Rush
  • ROH Women’s Pure Champion Deonna Purrazzo vs. Janai Kai in a proving ground match
  • Diamante & Billie Starkz vs. Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata
  • Caprice Coleman “chops it up” with Eddie Kingston and Ortiz

Our live coverage kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern.

******************************************************

ROH HonorClub TV begins with highlights of Supercard of Honor while Ian Riccaboni runs down tonight’s card before welcoming us alongside Caprice Coleman.

Action Andretti vs. QT Marshall

(Competitive back and forth opener, with Andretti really heeling it up after turning on his now former CRU partner Lio Rush last weekend. I assume we’re getting an extended feud between the two and it should result in some solid matches.)

The newly heel Andretti ran down the crowd, told Marshall to introduce himself, but cut him off. Andretti mocked Marshall for having dreams come true in wrestling, saying he used to be like that, but when he turned on Lio Rush, all the fans booed him. Rush is the one who turned his back on Andretti, so he got a reality check. Marshall is so desperate he wrestles celebrities, took a job backstage and started his own wrestling school to stay relevant. He’s going to embarrass Marshall the same way he did to Rush.

Both trade headlock takeovers and shoulder blocks until Andretti popped off a head scissors. Springboard lariat connects, as Andretti continued to keep Marshall grounded with a handspring elbow. Andretti missed a PK and standing moonsault, but recovered and hit a standing Shooting Star for two. Combo of strikes from Andretti, but Marshall cut him off with a handspring enzugiri to start his comeback. Marshall signaled for the Diamond Cutter, but Andretti rolled through into a rolling Stunner for two. Landing on his feet after a missed split legged moonsault, Marshall connected with a pop-up forearm and moonsault for a near fall of his own. Andretti slipped out of a Razor’s Edge, missed a corner moonsault, landed on his feet into a shotgun dropkick and this time hit the split legged moonsault for two. Marshall slipped out of a Torture Rack, missed another Cutter attempt, as Andretti got a high stack, feet on the ropes, but referee Mike Posey caught him.

Andretti argued too long, as Marshall got a cradle for a super close two, but Andretti was up first with a pump kick into a springboard, but Marshall hit his Cutter in mid-air (I have no idea how Riccaboni can call it a Double Chunk Chocolate Cookie Cutter with a straight face, but he did it). Andretti wisely went outside, cut Marshall off back inside up the ropes, as Marshall hit a Gordbuster, tried a switch foot moonsault, but no one was home. Tilt-a-whirl DDT spiked Marshall, which led to a running Torture Rack neckbreaker for the win.

Match Result: Action Andretti defeated QT Marshall

Maya World & Hyan vs. Allie Katch & Kaia McKenna

Katch is a standout from GCW and McKenna is an indy standout with a witch gimmick that trained at the Black & Brave Academy in Davenport, Iowa. Hyan & McKenna kick things off briefly with a scramble, until World made a blind tag to hit a low bulldog/snap dropkick combo. Katch tags in, ducks a double team, sends World & Hyan into each other and got a brief cover, until World popped up into a head scissors. Senton elbow from Katch, but World floated over in the corner, hit a series of arm drags before a standing double stomp followed. World missed a charge; McKenna tagged back in and mowed down World with a shoulder tackle. World landed on her feet to counter a double suplex into a double neckbreaker, as Hyan made the tag into a double cross body. Seated senton from the corner by Katch, who tagged McKenna, as she was met immediately with a huge Spear from Hyan. They clear the ring and drop McKenna with a double team Glam Slam for the win.

Match Result: Maya World & Hyan defeated Allie Katch & Kaia McKenna when World pinned McKenna

-Shane Taylor cut a backstage promo on AR Fox saying if there were anyone outside of STP to win a title in ROH he’d be proud of, it’d be Fox. Taylor put over Fox, but said it’s simply a wrong place at the wrong time tonight. Taylor blamed himself for costing his team the 6-man tag team titles last week. Tonight, he takes back the title that he made famous, as legends never die, but Fox will. Rumble Bad Man Rumble.

Rush vs. Ryan O’Neill

We’re told “Flyin” Ryan O’Neill has two years of experience and is trained by Cheeseburger. Unfortunately, the poor fella suffered the same fate as that of others in AEW recently when Rush is in action, got steamrolled in the corner and quickly ate Bulls Horns for the slaughter victory. Post-match, Rush took the mic and hit his signature line.

Match Result: Rush defeated Ryan O’Neill

-Footage of Supercard of Honor with Jordan Oliver & Alec Price calling out any team in the ROH locker room. They were answered by Mike Bennett & the returning Matt Taven, who said if you come for the kings, you best not miss, as they are neck strong.

Premier Athletes (Tony Nese & Ari Daivari w/Mark Sterling & Stori Denali) vs. Bustah & The Brain (Alec Price & Jordan Oliver)

(Another W in the tag ranks for Bustah & The Brain, as Riccaboni brought up Visa issues for Beast Mortos and hopeful ROH can have Tag Team Title matches in CMLL going forward. There’s quite a bit of solid teams in ROH, so whatever gets the titles defended more frequently, the better.)

Oliver mocked Nese’s poses and used his speed to tag in Price and connect on a double legdrop combo. The momentum was cut off, as Price was backed into the wrong corner, as the Athletes tried a transfer vertical suplex, but Price slipped out and got a top rope cross body for two. Cheap shot by Nese, as Daivari blindsided Oliver to put the Athletes in control. Price tried to make the save, but ate a thrust kick by Nese outside before putting the boots to Oliver, while Denali & Sterling got their licks in on Price. Oliver was isolated for an extended period, as Riccaboni makes a Backseat Boyz comparison to Bustah & The Brain.

Oliver finally was able to avoid a springboard moonsault from Nese, as Oliver traded chops with Daivari before countering a leap frog into a snazzy side suplex. Hot tag to Price, who ran wild with a Sky Splitter on Nese and pop-up dropkick on Daivari. Big time rope walk spinning DDT for a near fall, as Oliver recovered enough to get the tag, but Sterling tripped up Price right in front of referee Stephon Smith and nothing happened. Nese & Daivari hit a double team sit-out DDT, but Price broke the count. Price was able to hit a bounce back lariat on Daivari and home run spin kick on Nese. Oliver returns to lay out Nese with a big boot, as Sterling runs distraction again and Nese got a cradle for two. Face buster/bulldog combo led to Price clearing the top rope to take out Daivari before they hit a Doomsday Double Stomp for the win. We’re told in 2 weeks, Bustah & The Brain will face The Kingdom.

Match Result: Alec Price & Jordan Oliver defeated Premier Athletes when Oliver pinned Nese

-Caprice Coleman is Chopping It Up with Eddie Kingston & Ortiz and runs down Kingston’s recent accomplishments over the past few years and asks what is next? Kingston said he wants more as long as he’s still going, which is why he’s also back with ROH, as this locker room can make him better. Coleman brought up breaking in with Homicide, Low-Ki, Xavier and Kingston said he’s doing it the way Homicide did, you have to prove it to them that you want it. Kingston said they aren’t going to beat Ortiz & himself, but ROH was built on fighting spirit and it’s where Kingston wanted to be since it’s inception in 2002. Ortiz said their friends, but also business partners in ROH & AEW. Coleman asked Ortiz what Kingston isn’t telling them, as he knows him better than anyone. Ortiz said they both had the same mentors, wanting to make Homicide proud and they don’t want to leave this business behind in shambles, they want to help Ring of Honor. Kingston said he believes the ROH locker room is better than the AEW locker room, as he doesn’t want to lead them, but he’ll do it. Kingston puts over Oliver & Price, Billington & Priest, Bravo & Dean as teams of the future. Coleman said Kingston & Ortiz is what ROH is all about with the fire and thanks them for being part of ROH. This was a fun listen, as I very much miss recapping Kingston on AEW TV.

ROH Six-Man Tag Champions Dalton Castle & The Outruners (Turbo Floyd & Truth Magnum) vs. 4Play (Chulo Montana, Danny Grandview & Ykies)

Montana fired off a series of early chops on Magnum, who no sold and got some receipts of his own. Floyd, who still hasn’t taken his Tag Title off, is in with bodyslams aplenty before striking a pose. Castle was chomping at the bit to get a tag and he does, as he hits Montana & Grandview with overhead throws before planting Ykies with a Bangarang. You Son of a B*tch elbow/axe handle combo led to the quick win for the new Six-Man Tag Champs.

Match Result: Dalton Castle & The Outrunners defeated 4Play when Castle pinned Ykies

-AR Fox said people say Shane Taylor talks too much, but he thinks not enough, as he could’ve just asked for a title shot. After tonight, if Taylor wants gold so bad, go buy a watch. This leads to a video package to Fox winning the TV Title from Nick Wayne last week.

Lio Rush vs. Aaron Solo

(Rush has something with this Blackheart gimmick, I just wish we had some vignettes to lead to the actual change, instead of it just happening out of nowhere. I think ROH is a perfect place for Rush to try some stuff out before hopefully getting showcased more on AEW, as I think this gimmick certainly has a place on that roster.)

Super spooky entrance for the Blackheart, as he had to control himself to adhere to the Code of Honor, which didn’t end up happening. Series of misdirection at the bell, as Rush no sold a big boot, raked at the back into lariat and snap Spear. Solo took a powder, as Rush creeped him out so much, he tried bailing up the aisle, only to fire a thrust kick and take Rush back inside. Another thrust kick led to an inside out slam for a Solo near fall. Rush keeps laughing as Solo planted him with a T-Bone for another two. Riccaboni asks if the liquid coming from Rush’s mouth is black blood, as Solo got a high stack for two, but Rush quickly kipped up into a corkscrew kick. Both trade switches and misdirects before Rush hit a pop-up powerbomb, handspring heel kick that sent Solo outside. More screaming and leaping around the ring lead to a low Tope before back inside, Rush stalked Solo down and hit Black Thunder for the win.

Match Result: Lio Rush defeated Aaron Solo

-Deonna Purrazzo cut a post-match promo on Diamante after defeating her at Supercard of Honor. If you want respect, you have to give respect and if you refuse, respect will be beaten into you. Whoever steps up next for her Pure Title, heed that message or become fluent in Purrazzo.

Deonna Purazzo vs. Janai Kai in a ROH Women’s Pure Title Proving Ground Match

(Purrazzo remains undefeated in Pure Wrestling matches, as this was a highly competitive Proving Ground Match. Kai pushed Purrazzo here and hopefully we get to see more of her in the future. As for Purrazzo, no clue who steps up next for the Pure Champion.)

Kai, a talented independent standout, got a full entrance, as both women followed the Code of Honor. Kai won the first scramble, sweeping out the leg, but Purrazzo recovered by trying for her Fujiwara Armbar, only Kai escaped with a Judo Throw. Purrazzo blocked a kick, politely put it down, only Kai answered with a spinning reverse DDT for two. Series of kicks fired off by Kai, as Purrazzo rises and we get an exchange. Kai slapped on a sleeper, but Purrazzo wrenched down on the arm to escape and snapped at the elbow joint. Series of reversals led to Kai kicking out the legs and popping Purrazzo with a stiff kick to the chest for two. Kai held on relentlessly to a sleeper, so Purrazzo switched levels and hit a back suplex, as a reset came 5-minutes into the 10 allowed.

Both slowly up, as Purrazzo again back to the arm, Russian leg sweep into the Fujiwara. Kai rolled out into a pin, but Purrazzo popped up into a pump kick for two. Kai escaped a powerbomb, hit a PK for another near fall of her own, tried for a home run kick, but Purrazzo got an Ankle Lock. Kai got free, missed a spin kick and Purrazzo pounced into a Fujiwara Armbar for the flash submission with 3-minutes remaining.

Match Result: Deonna Purrazzo submitted Janai Kai

Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata vs. MIT (Billie Starkz & Diamante)

(An enjoyable match until the finish, which, I completely understand, as Athena is facing Shirakawa on Sunday at Double or Nothing in the Owen Hart Tournament. With Willow Nightingale sadly injured and giving up her TBS Title, I’d absolutely make this Women’s Owen for the vacant title and also have Athena be the one to win it. We need more of the ROH Forever Champion on AEW programming.)

Early Tornillo from Shirakawa on Diamante, as Aminata made a quick tag for a snap suplex. Chocolate Kisses/Kicks combo, as the tags are ramped up by the babyfaces until Diamante finally gets a jawbreaker to break free and tag Starkz, who got a DDT for two. Aminata responded with a spinning Fisherman’s Suplex for a near fall of her own before tagging back in Shirakawa. Diamante with a cheap shot on the apron and low bridge led to Starkz wiping out Shirakawa with a low Tope before hitting a double suplex back inside for a Diamante two count. It’s Shirakawa who is isolated, as Starkz trash talks Aminata while making frequent tags with Diamante, keeping Shirakawa trapped in their corner.

Shirakawa finally able to hit a head scissors and snap dropkick before Aminata made the hot tag and ran wild. Helluva Kick on Starkz led to Off with Your Head in the corner for two. Aminata with a brutal PK for another near fall, as Shirakawa tags back in for a shotgun dropkick and top rope Sling Blade. Diamante made the save, but was ping ponged between strikes. Aminata & Shirakawa tried double Figure Fours, but both got cradled for two. Spin kick into a Stunner by Diamante on Aminata, as Shirakawa met her with a back fist before locking in a Figure Four on Starkz. She was about to tap out, when Athena sprinted out, wrapped a towel around Shirakawa’s throat and pulled her to the floor for the disqualification. Bell sounds, as Athena sends Shirakawa crashing into the steps, teased a charge, but backed right into Aminata, who hit a chop and Shirakawa delivered a backfist. Athena rolls into the ring, as her Minions pounce and the numbers game is too much. Athena drove Shirakawa head first onto the ROH Women’s Title and stood tall.

Match Result: Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata defeated MIT via disqualification when Athena attacked Shirakawa

AR Fox vs. Shane Taylor (w/Anthony Ogogo & Trish Adora) for the ROH TV Title

(Fun main event and one hell of a challenger for Fox to overcome. Crowd was fully behind Fox in this one and I’m happy they’re finally giving Fox a title run, as he’s a perfect choice to have these kinds of competitive matches for the TV Title.)

Taylor spat at a handshake and popped Fox with a hard right hand and body shots in the corner. Fox slipped out and hit a Stunner on the middle rope before leaping off top for a cross body, only Taylor caught him. Fox escaped, sent Taylor to the floor, cleared the top with a huge dive, landing on his feet. Taylor got his grips on Fox, threw him against the ropes and into a clobbering right hand. We get a signature Coleman “Ohhhhhh My God” after Taylor decked Fox with a brutal forearm and leg drop on the apron. Taylor maintains control back inside, hitting loud chops, trash talking Fox in the process. Finally dodging another leg drop, Fox tried to get some momentum with lariats, but Taylor initially no sold. The two trade kicks, until Fox did a kip up enzugiri that sent Taylor outside once again, where Fox met him with a big-time somersault suicida.

Fox went up top and hit a Swanton Bomb for a close two, went up top again, only this time, rolled through a 450 into a massive spinebuster and standing splash for a Taylor two. Another brutal right hand collapses Fox, as he fought back with a strike exchange until a headbutt to the sternum led to Welcome to the Land for a close two. Taylor wanted his Marcus Garvey Driver, but Fox slipped out into a desperation Cutter. 2 for 1 for Fox, who hit a baseball slide through the middle rope on Taylor and clipped Ogogo at the same time. This led to a 450 Splash to give Fox the victory.

Match Result: AR Fox defeated Shane Taylor to retain the ROH TV Title

Tony Khan responds to AEW profitability questions, TBS title plan, July PPV & All In 2027 on media call

Posted on by Josh Nason

AEW head Tony Khan was asked a variety of questions during Thursday’s pre-Double or Nothing media call including questions on the company’s profitability, if they are having a new pay-per-view in July, the TBS title’s future and more.

The full audio from the call can be found here along with this breakout on his comments on Mick Foley’s wrestling future in AEW.

AEW profitability

Khan was asked by Wrestlenomics’ Brandon Thurston about if AEW is profitable. Khan said that AEW revenue is “the highest it’s ever been,” but that he couldn’t comment on where every expense currently is. He said that with the revenue, it has been the perfect time to “double down” and reinvest in AEW including digital and international projects that will continue to both grow the company in the future.

The TBS title plan

Khan was asked what the plan is for the now-vacant TBS title. He said that will be addressed after Double or Nothing.

A new July pay-per-view?

Asked about the rumored new AEW PPV for July, Khan said that is something he is “very interested in” but only if it was “additive” to the product, noting that adding one would be potentially lucrative.

Where will AEW All In be in 2027?

Asked if All In will return to Wembley Stadium again in 2027, Khan said he doesn’t have his schedule planned for next year but will continue to take “big swings” with the yearly event. He reiterated that he is very excited for this year’s show in London.

For the entire call and other questions & answers, click here.

Tony Khan says if Mick Foley ever wants to wrestle again, he wants it to be in AEW

Posted on by Josh Nason

With Mick Foley joining the pre-show broadcast team for this Sunday’s AEW Double or Nothing comes questions as to what other tasks AEW head Tony Khan has in store for the former Cactus Jack in the future.

Foley will be partnered up with Renee Paquette this Sunday during the Buy In which Khan said Foley thought was a great idea.

Khan was asked during Thursday’s traditional pre-PPV media call (available below) about if Foley will wrestle in AEW, something that will cause concern with some given Foley’s medical history and past comments about his attempts to perhaps do one more match.

“I can’t speak for Mick Foley as to whether he’d want to wrestle or if he’s going to wrestle anytime soon but if he ever does, I would love for him to do it in AEW. But I also don’t want to put him in a situation in which he’ll be uncomfortable. I want him to feel good about this and I know he’s taken so many big hits and had such an amazing career with so many spectacular moments. Physically, I would ever only ask him to wrestle if he felt up to it and that he could live up to the physical demand,” Khan said.

Khan was later asked if Foley is strictly under a deal for broadcasting. Khan didn’t give an specific answer, but said Foley “is a brilliant wrestling mind” and will be at all the pay-per-views and some TVs as well. He said Foley also could be a brand ambassador and that he could be influential to the AEW roster in a variety of ways. He said Foley will work with the wrestlers and will have ideas on the show, contributing in a lot of ways.

Foley parted ways with WWE last December due to TKO’s relationship with U.S. president Donald Trump. The WWE Hall of Famer has been on a health journey, losing over 100 pounds which has given him a “new lease on life.”

Click here to listen to the entire call.

AAA cancels El Grande Americano serenade event in Mexico City

Posted on by Ian Carey

An event involving El Grande Americano scheduled for Mexico City has been canceled.

Ludwig Kaiser, appearing as El Grande Americano, had been scheduled to be honored with a special serenade on Thursday, May 21, at the Kings League in Mexico City. The free event was organized by Kings League México in collaboration with AAA.

AAA announced the cancellation of Thursday night’s event on Instagram Stories, writing:

“The ‘Serenata for El Grande Americano’ event scheduled for tonight in Mexico City has been canceled. We appreciate your understanding.”

Ludwig Kaiser battery arrest

On Wednesday evening, reports surfaced that Kaiser had been arrested in Orange County, Florida.

Kaiser was charged with battery stemming from an incident that took place on April 24 at an apartment complex where he lives in Orlando, Florida.

Another resident of the apartment complex is said to have gotten into an altercation with Kaiser after Kaiser and a female were said to be “uncontrollably intimate” in an elevator. The victim says he told Kaiser to “please have some manners” before the attack occurred.

Kaiser is said to have become aware of the warrant on May 19. He returned to Orlando from Mexico to turn himself in and was later released on a $1,000 bond.

He has filed a motion requesting that he be allowed to continue traveling both domestically and internationally while his case is pending.

New match added to AEW Double or Nothing Buy In

Posted on by Ian Carey

A new match has been added to the AEW Double or Nothing Buy In pre-show.

On Thursday, AEW announced that there will be a 10-man tag team match on the show, with Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Roderick Strong, Big Boom AJ, and QT Marshall facing Shane Taylor Promotions’ Anthony Agogo, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean, and Shane Taylor.

Also announced for the Buy In is a five-minute AEW Women’s World Tag Team title eliminator match, with champions Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross) wrestling Viva Van and Zayda Steel. If Van and Steel can last five minutes, they will earn a future title shot.

AEW Double or Nothing is scheduled for this Sunday, May 24, at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

Current AEW Double or Nothing lineup | This Sunday

  • AEW World Champion Darby Allin defends against MJF in a title vs. hair match
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla defends against Hikaru Shida, Kris Statlander and Jamie Hayter in a four-way
  • AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada defends against Konosuke Takeshita
  • AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) defend against Adam Copeland & Christian Cage in an I Quit street fight where Copeland and Cage must win in order to stay a team
  • AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley defends against Kyle O’Reilly
  • Chris Jericho, Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin, Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) vs. The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona), Mark Davis, Andrade El Idolo, Clark Connors & David Finlay in a Stadium Stampede match
  • Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe in an Owen Hart men’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido in an Owen Hart men’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa in an Owen Hart women’s tournament quarterfinal
  • Buy In: Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Roderick Strong, Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall vs. Anthony Agogo, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Shane Taylor
  • Buy In: AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) vs. Viva Van & Zayda Steel in a five-minute title eliminator match
  • Buy In: Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Opps (Hook, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens)

Vince Russo says Juggalo Championship Wrestling has ‘comedy gold’

Posted on by Ian Carey

Vince Russo says the comedy in WWE is corny, but that they have “comedy gold” in JCW, Juggalo Championship Wrestling.

Ahead of a new episode of JCW Lunacy set to air on YouTube on Thursday, Russo spoke to Justin Barrasso of The Undisputed about the comedy writing in his company versus what is seen in either WWE or AEW.

“We have comedy gold in JCW,” said Russo. “I go all the way back–my favorite sitcom to this day is The Honeymooners, but I can go back to the Odd Couple and Taxi and Everybody Loves Raymond and King of Queensand Seinfeld, I love comedy. The problem you have in professional wrestling is you really don’t have legitimate writers.

“A lot of people involved [on the writing side] in AEW and a lot of people involved in WWE, they’re wrestlers. Triple H is a wrestler. [Michael] Hayes is a wrestler. And a lot of times, wrestlers don’t know how to write comedy. So what you get is corny. Comedy in wrestling has been corny for decades. Look at what they just did with the gingerbread man, that was corny. Danhausen and his clones? Corny. I love good sitcom comedy based on dialogue. You’ve got to be a trained writer to know how to write that.”

Russo’s full discussion with Justin Barrasso is available here.

Juggalo Championship Wrestling upcoming schedule

Upcoming Juggalo Championship Wrestling TV taping dates include Thursday, May 21 at The King of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio; Friday, May 22 from Harpo’s in Detroit, Michigan; Saturday, May 23 from The Vault in Saginaw, Michigan; and Sunday, May 24 from The Grool Hall in Lansing, Michigan.

Tonight’s episode of Lunacy will air one hour later than its usual time slot on YouTube, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern.

Update on WWE’s future plans for house shows | Exclusive

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available on WWE’s future plans for house shows.

WWE recently added 10 live events to its schedule for July and August. Our own Bryan Alvarez wrote to his subscribers on X on Thursday that more events are expected later in the year, with arenas having been contacted about future dates.

Alvarez wrote:

“Yes, WWE house shows will continue as arenas are being contacted for tours later this year.”

WWE house shows being added to schedule

Fightful Select also posted a report stating that a more “extensive winter loop” could take place later in the year based on the success of the July and August shows and depending on the impact they have on “talent health.”

Shortly after the house shows were added to WWE’s schedule, Dave Meltzer reported in the May 18, 2026 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that one reason for bringing them back is to get more reps for younger talent.

Meltzer wrote:

“What we were told is that with more younger wrestlers on the roster than before, they felt it was good for them to get more experience away from television so this was the time to expand the schedule. Plus, unlike a few years ago when the company wasn’t as popular, there will almost surely be a nice profit margin doing the house shows. The idea in the past was less shows created more of a demand for shows and that was one of the reasons for cutting back, and the belief that the older roster could use less dates and wear and tear and they had enough experience. The attempt is to get a younger roster now and they could use more reps before a crowd.“

Danhausen signs with Los Angeles-based management company

Posted on by Ian Carey

Danhausen has signed on with a management company.

According to an article published by Deadline on Thursday, Danhausen is now represented by Adventure Media, a company launched in 2022 that is described as an “artist-driven management and production company” and is based in Los Angeles.

Deadline reports that Adventure Media will focus on growing Danhausen’s intellectual property “in film, TV, digital, publishing and other business ventures.”

Danhausen segment on WWE SmackDown possibly teasing Baron Corbin return?

On last week’s edition of WWE SmackDown, Danhausen was shown in his “lab” teasing something “even bigger, better, and larger” on the horizon.

Dave Meltzer also speculated on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that this segment could be teasing Baron Corbin’s possible WWE return, though Meltzer stated this was only his speculation.

Meltzer said:

“On the SmackDown show, when Danhausen was talking about something bigger, my gut was that that’s who it is. That’s just my speculation, but I just know that he’s been talked with about being brought in.”

The full edition of Wrestling Observer Radio is available here for subscribers.

Baron Corbin reportedly viewed as ‘locker room favorite’ amid WWE return talk

Posted on by Ian Carey

An update is available on Baron Corbin.

On Wrestling Observer Radio last week, Dave Meltzer stated that Baron Corbin’s return to WWE had been “heavily talked about” within the company.

On Thursday, WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select posted an update on Corbin, noting that sources referred to him as a “locker room favorite” and suggested they would like to see him return to WWE.

The report also noted that WWE sources believe Corbin is headed back to the company. Corbin has also reportedly finished up in MLW.

Is Baron Corbin returning to WWE?

On the May 17 edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer speculated that Danhausen’s segment on WWE SmackDown this week could be laying the groundwork for Corbin’s return.

Meltzer said:

“On the SmackDown show, when Danhausen was talking about something bigger, my gut was that that’s who it is. That’s just my speculation, but I just know that he’s been talked with about being brought in.”

“It might even be done, but I haven’t had it officially confirmed to me it’s done. But I have 100% confirmed that it’s been heavily talked about.”

The full edition of Wrestling Observer Radio is available here for subscribers.