Tag: AEW News

Daily Update: WWE notes, Twisted Metal, MJF

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Thursday Update

Triple H WWE Raw
Triple H hypes up the WWE crowd. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • WWE posted a video with Paul “Triple H” Levesque sending a message to fans ahead of Clash in Italy:
    • We’re a few days out from Turin, and if I can give one message to the fans: Believe me, this will mean as much to us and the WWE Superstars as it does to each and every one of you. We cannot wait to get there.
    • One of the great things about being a WWE Superstar is that global nature of what we do. The ability to go to countries where maybe they don’t speak the same language, maybe the culture is completely different to ours. It really points out the similarities, as opposed to the differences, between us all.
    • I’ve heard people say before that music is the universal language, but I think maybe WWE is the universal action genre. It connects with everybody. It’s simple to understand. It’s not country vs. country. It’s an escape. It’s larger-than-life superheroes solving their conflict in our ring. There’s a universal language to that.
  • Jade Cargill promoted Clash in Italy during an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show.
  • ESPN has a 30-minute video of Cody Rhodes reflecting on some of his career highlights.
  • WrestleVotes reports that, while WWE is being flexible with AAA’s scheduling ahead of this year’s two-night Triplemania, AAA Verano de Escandalo 2026 is planned for late July.
  • In an interview with Huge Pop, Gunther discussed the quick success Oba Femi has found on the WWE main roster:
    • He came in guns blazing, really good for him. Hasn’t been in the ring with me 20 minutes yet, so let’s see. I feel like down the line, that’s going to be something that’s very interesting. I think he’s a super exciting talent, and very much looking forward to seeing what he’s going to do in the next years. I think he’s got the potential to be a big superstar in this company, be one of the pillars down the line.
  • Gunther was the guest on No-Contest Wrestling this week.
  • The Hollywood Reporter published an article on Danhausen “uncursing” the New York Knicks on their run to the NBA Finals.
  • R-Truth appeared on Undertaker’s Six Feet Under podcast.
  • CM Punk was mic’d up in the crowd while attending Tuesday’s Las Vegas Golden Knights NHL playoff game.
  • WWE Vault uploaded Rey Mysterio’s 1992 mask vs. mask match against Mr. Condor from AAA. The video includes a brief introduction from Mysterio.

Other Wrestling

  • Explaining Samoa Joe’s AEW absence over the next few months, season three of Peacock’s “Twisted Metal” – where Joe plays Sweet Tooth – is scheduled to film in Toronto from June 15 through August 26.
  • On Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Brian Myers (Curt Hawkins) recalled meeting MJF for the first time when MJF started training at his wrestling school
    • Yeah, I’ll never forget it. It was very early on, probably the first four months of Create A Pro. It’s kind of funny, because it’s a very similar mentality, he committed to something in college football, but he really had his heart set on wrestling. I think it kind of hit a wall with what he was doing and what his parents wanted him to do and what he wanted to do. I was in a very similar situation, because when you tell people you want to be a wrestler, it’s not really that believable. His dad came in with him, and it almost felt like, ‘Here, he’s your problem now, this is what he wants to do.’ I was like, let’s go. So pretty early on, we did a promo class where he just murdered this kid, and I was like, okay, and there’s something about this guy.
  • Myers called MJF’s in-ring ability “wildly underrated” and said MJF’s work ethic is something younger wrestlers should emulate:
    • He should be studied for young guys too, like just doing everything that you’re supposed to do to make it. Getting in the car, making the drives, making the connections, you know what I mean? Max is a people person. So he gets your number, ‘What’s your number?’ He stays on top of you for opportunities, things that a go-getter does, he did all those things. He checked all those boxes.
  • Mistico is hoping to return from his knee injury at CMLL’s Arena Mexico show on June 5.
  • The Wrestling Classic has an interview with Cedric Alexander.
  • Candice Michelle, who works behind the scenes as a producer in TNA, appeared on TMZ Inside the Ring.
  • WrestleZone spoke with Shotzi Blackheart.

Ronda Rousey addresses Tony Khan’s AEW open-door invitation

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Though the door is open for an AEW return if she wants it, Ronda Rousey doesn’t have any plans to get back into professional wrestling.

Rousey, in the middle of promoting her MMA comeback fight, showed up at AEW Revolution in Los Angeles this March for an angle where she helped out her friend Marina Shafir. On a media call last week, Khan was asked about Rousey’s AEW status and said he would welcome her back any time. Rousey addressed that open-door invitation during an appearance on Up & Adams, saying she had a great time at Revolution but isn’t intending for wrestling to be part of her future.

“No, that life of being on the road is probably more time consuming than doing training camp at home,” Rousey said. “I had a great time, but it just happened to be in town and my best friend was there, you know what I mean?”

Rousey had two separate in-ring runs with WWE before stepping away from the company in August 2023. She did work a few tag team matches with Shafir outside of WWE after that, including a November 2023 bout for Khan in Ring of Honor. Shafir, who was one of the Four Horsewomen of MMA with Rousey, is a member of the AEW women’s division and part of the Death Riders.

For Rousey, the appearance at Revolution was an opportunity to hype up her MMA return, give a “f*** you” to TKO, and have fun with Shafir. Rousey described the AEW environment as being like a “less restrictive, more adult version of WWE.”

No plans for another MMA return either —

Rousey’s quick victory over Gina Carano headlined Netflix’s first-ever live MMA card on May 16. With this always intended to be a one-off comeback, Rousey reiterated in the Up & Adams interview that she is retired, even with Holly Holm open to a rematch of their 2015 fight. Rousey did tell Up & Adams that she is a different fighter now and would “clean [Holm’s] clock” if they matched up again.

New match added to AEW Collision lineup

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Stardom wrestler Hazuki will make her AEW debut this weekend ahead of competing in the 2026 Owen Hart Foundation tournament.

Hazuki vs. Maya World is the newest addition to the card for Saturday’s Collision episode. During the bout, Persephone — Hazuki’s first-round opponent in the Owen Hart Cup — will join the commentary team. A date for the Hazuki vs. Persephone matchup has not been set yet.

At Double or Nothing, the tournament began with Athena defeating Mina Shirakawa to become the first competitor to advance to the semifinals. Hazuki vs. Persephone, Skye Blue vs. Sareee, and Alex Windsor vs. a wildcard entrant are the remaining first-round matchups. The finals will be held next month at Forbidden Door.

AEW presented a three-hour Dynamite/Collision block last night but still has a standalone Collision coming up on TNT in the show’s normal Saturday time slot. The episode is being held in Huntsville, Alabama, where AEW has plans to pay tribute to late Midnight Express member Dennis Condrey.

AEW Collision (Saturday, May 30) —

  • AEW Trios Champions The Conglomeration (Orange Cassidy, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly) defend against Don Callis Family (Rocky Romero, Trent Beretta & Lance Archer)
  • AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) vs. TayJay (Tay Melo & Anna Jay) in an AEW Women’s Tag Team title five-minute eliminator match
  • Hazuki vs. Maya World (with Persephone on commentary)
  • Future of the vacant TBS Championship will be addressed

Jim Ross suffered fall prior to AEW Double or Nothing

Posted on by Joseph Currier

He was still able to provide commentary at the pay-per-view, but AEW Double or Nothing weekend was a rough time for Jim Ross.

The 74-year-old announcing legend shared on his Grilling JR podcast that he suffered a fall the day before Double or Nothing that forced him to miss his flight. When the fall happened, Ross did not have his phone near him, which made it difficult to get help. His flight had to be rebooked for later in the day.

“It was not a good travel weekend for me,” Ross said. “I was supposed to get picked up Saturday morning at like 6 a.m. I’ll have a chat with my travel guy regarding that matter. Why would you fly me out at 6 in the morning for a Sunday night show? It makes no sense. You know, I’m not 17 anymore.

“So, anyway, we had the alarm set. My driver was going to pick me up, and all of a sudden, I fell. I hadn’t had a fall in weeks. So I fell and busted my ass away from my phone. I don’t know how you do it. There’s got to be a way to, I guess, just put it in my pocket. Hell, I don’t know. If I had my phone with me, I could have got a little bit of help. As a result of that, I missed my flight.”

Ross said the air travel experience right now is the worst it’s ever been in his life. After getting into New York City on Saturday, he had a beer with Excalibur and saw some people in the hotel lobby. When he got into his room, Ross experienced some issues with his back.

“I got in my room on Saturday night, I think it was. I laid on the bed, put my ass on the edge of the bed, and just relaxed. Well, little did I know, my back was going to go out on me,” he said. “So now I’m in the hotel with my back out and I can’t function. So it was just a horrible experience.”

Ross enjoyed Double or Nothing but wishes that he got to call more than one match (Jon Moxley vs. Kyle O’Reilly). If he knew beforehand that he was only going to be doing one match, Ross would have talked to Tony Khan about it.

On Monday, Ross returned home. He is feeling sore and needs to find a doctor that can help with the weakness he experienced in his legs. Ross said, going forward, he’ll make sure to always have his phone close by.

“Sore. It’s like taking a big hit in the football game,” Ross responded when asked how he’s feeling now. “I’m just sore as hell. But, you know, I asked to go to work. I can’t blame anybody but myself. I’ve got to find a doctor. I got a neurologist now, he’s talking to me about risk area for dementia and all that bullsh*t.

“I have the worst luck sometimes. Golly. But just real sore. I got to find the right doctor that can get me back rolling, because my legs are really weak. And on Saturday morning, one of my legs just went out from under me. It went like a piece of spaghetti. So, anyhow, flying back — I could have stayed home, maybe I should have. But I like working, and I love pro wrestling.”

Jim Ross’ AEW contract status —

Ross noted that his AEW contract, after signing a one-year extension in summer 2025, is coming up this August. He isn’t worrying about the situation and is leaving the decision in Khan’s hands.

“I don’t have a lot more time left on my contract. I talked to Barry Bloom, my agent. He was in New York, and we chatted about my status. I’m just going to let it play out,” Ross said. “If Tony Khan wants to keep me, he will. If he doesn’t, then he won’t.”

Ross’ role in AEW is to help out with commentary at PPV events. If Khan wanted Ross to do more, Ross would be happy to do that. But Ross is content with his current schedule and feels Khan has been “really good” to him.

Daily Update: Cody Rhodes-Danhausen, Shingo Takagi, The Rock

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Wednesday Update

Lola Vice Izzi Dame WWE
Lola Vice faces off with Izzi Dame on WWE NXT. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Lola Vice vs. Izzi Dame NXT Women’s Championship match from last night.
  • To promote Clash in Italy, Cody Rhodes appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter, First Take, Get Up, and The Rich Eisen Show today.
  • Rhodes told ESPN Unsportsmanlike that Danhausen is the “king” of WWE’s merch sellers right now:
    • I think it’s safe to say Danhausen is one of the most popular people in all of WWE at the moment, and I don’t see it really stopping. He overtook the merch game. There’s all kinds of market confusion because the WWE Shop website has a thing that people actually believe, but I’ll tell you who’s the king right now of the merch game – it’s Danhausen. He’s beating us all.
  • For an ESPN video, Seth Rollins looked back at some of his WWE highlights.
  • Though it’s not confirmed that he’ll be attending, Dana White told Time that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has been invited to the UFC’s show at the White House next month:
    • At least 1,200 of the approximately 4,300 seats will go to active military members. The White House, TKO, and the UFC will divvy up the rest: White has invited Adam Sandler, Guy Ritchie, Tom Brady, Jared Leto, Jason Statham, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Mario Lopez.
  • AJ Styles’ son Avery shared training footage of himself doing his father’s patented Spiral Tap into a crash pad.
  • Today marks 30 years since Scott Hall arrived in WCW by invading Nitro. To celebrate the anniversary, WCW’s YouTube channel posted that full Nitro episode.

Other Wrestling

  • Shingo Takagi commented on the news that NJPW’s ownership is transferring from Bushiroad to TV Asahi & CyberAgent:
    • I know the [Bushiroad] owner personally, and I want to say once again, thank you for the past 14 years. It was the same when LIJ (Los Ingobernables de Japon) disbanded, but I’m in a situation where I’m wondering ‘what’s going to happen,’ and I can’t help but be excited. I just have to work hard and stay positive, showing a bright future.
  • AEW wrestler Max Caster filed a trademark for the term “Volume 2” on May 26.  Along with that, Caster posted a tweet calling indie promotion Beyond Wrestling/Wrestling Open his new home and the only place where people will be able to see him every week:
    • My new home. Proud to be a part. 
    • The only place you’ll see the Best Wrestler Alive every week.
  • The Young Bucks uploaded a new Being the Elite video focused on Stadium Stampede.
  • 94WIP in Philadelphia interviewed Wheeler Yuta.
  • Indie wrestler Erick Stevens announced that he’s stepping away from the ring for what might be the final time:
    • Thank you to all of the promotions who brought me in, all of my opponents, and all of the fans who supported this run.  
    • Pro wrestling owes me nothing.  I just hope that I’m leaving it better than I found it.  
    • I’ve learned to never say ‘goodbye’ in this business.  Did that a couple times and looked like a dummy when I came back.  Even though this feels like my last run, you really just never know.  With that being said, I’ll leave you with this:
    • See you later.

MJF segment, Lights Out Philly Street Fight set for AEW Dynamite/Collision

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Update —

AEW has also announced that new World Champion MJF will celebrate his title win this Wednesday, just three days after defeating Darby Allin at Double or Nothing to regain the belt.

**********

The first match is on the books for this Wednesday’s three-hour Dynamite/Collision live special.

On the heels of Double or Nothing, AEW comes to The Liacouras Center in Philadelphia this Wednesday night. Fittingly, in the city that gave birth to ECW, there will be a Lights Out Philly Street Fight between former partners Kris Statlander and Hikaru Shida. The bout was proposed by Statlander and then accepted by Shida.

Statlander cut a social media promo saying that it did not hurt when Shida struck her with a kendo stick at Double or Nothing. In fact, Statlander wants more of it.

“I want to do it all over again, and we’re going to be in the perfect place,” Statlander said. “So, Wednesday, my dear friend — me, you, and a Philly Street Fight.”

“Stat, I’ve been really patient with you. But now my patience has run out,” Shida responded. “You want me in a Philly Street Fight? I run Philly. My fans, they always bring the ‘Shida Best Around’ sign. You want me? You got me.”

Statlander and Shida’s uneasy team split at Double or Nothing when they, along with Jamie Hayter, challenged for the AEW Women’s World Championship in a four-way match. The bout ended with Thekla getting the win to remain champion.

“Lights Out” is how AEW brands its unsanctioned matches. If tradition holds, this will main event Wednesday’s broadcast or at least the Dynamite portion of it.

AEW Dynamite/Collision (Wednesday, May 27) —

  • MJF celebrates his AEW World Championship win
  • Lights Out Philly Street Fight: Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida
  • The fallout from Double or Nothing

Kyle Fletcher did not require surgery for AEW injury

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kyle Fletcher was able to make his AEW return without undergoing surgery for the injury he suffered in March.

While competing on the March 28 episode of Collision, Fletcher tore his meniscus and suffered a fracture in his ankle and the top of his tibia. The recovery plan for the fractures was always for them to heal on their own. Doctors estimated that there was a 90 percent chance that the meniscus tear would require surgery, but Fletcher found out soon into his recovery that he would be able to avoid that.

“I don’t have to have surgery,” Fletcher happily announced in a new vlog. “Awesome news. I was given initially 90 percent chance of surgery. No surgery required. Just healing.”

The 27-year-old Fletcher had to rest for a couple of weeks before starting physical therapy. Along with those sessions, he worked out at his home gym through the process and made sure he was staying on top of his cardio and nutrition.

Kyle Fletcher’s AEW Double or Nothing return —

May 15 was the day Fletcher was cleared to start working out in the ring again. His physical therapist cleared him to wrestle shortly after, which allowed Fletcher to begin the process of being cleared by AEW doctors.

His return took place at Double or Nothing on Sunday with Fletcher turning against Konosuke Takeshita and targeting the new AEW International Champion.

“We’re back on the job. All of a sudden, it’s just — I’m back to being on the road, back to my old life,” Fletcher said after Double or Nothing. “It’s very exciting. It feels like a chapter has closed today, and now I get to look forward. Bright horizons, happy days ahead. I get to go back to living my dream, loving life, traveling the world, and dropping people on their f***ing heads, which I love to do.”

Update on Mick Foley’s status for AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Mick Foley is All Elite, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be making an appearance on Dynamite this week.

PWInsider reports that, due to a “pre-existing responsibility” from before he signed with AEW, Foley is not scheduled to be at this Wednesday’s Dynamite/Collision episode in Philadelphia. The show is being held at The Liacouras Center and will feature the fallout from Double or Nothing.

“We are told he will be around regularly,” PWInsider wrote about Foley’s status. “I am told he won’t be in Philly this week as he has a pre-existing responsibility that was locked in before he signed but the impression I have been given is that he’ll be a regular part of AEW programming.”

Foley made his AEW debut on Sunday as co-host of the Double or Nothing pre-show. At the end of the pre-show broadcast, Foley took part in an angle where he was given a low blow by MJF, who went on to win the AEW World Championship from Darby Allin later in the night.

After Double or Nothing, Foley made a social media post expressing how happy is to be part of AEW.

It remains to be seen how physically involved Foley will get, though Tony Khan would welcome Foley wrestling in AEW if the 60-year-old Hardcore Legend does decide to compete again. Foley had been planning one final match for his 60th birthday but called off those plans a couple years back when he suffered a concussion while doing light training.

Mick Foley’s AEW Redemption status —

While announcing July’s Redemption pay-per-view for Montreal, Tony Khan said it’s likely that Foley will also be handling hosting duties for that event. As of now, Foley does have a convention in Raleigh, North Carolina listed for that July 26 date.

“There’s a good chance Mick could come. He’s doing a lot of the AEW events, and I’m sure he’s going to want to be there,” Khan said. “I can’t say 100 percent for certain, but I think there’s a very high likelihood that Mick will be attending and hosting the event in Montreal.”


Injured AEW wrestler Buddy Matthews announced for indie tour

Posted on by Joseph Currier

He’s not medically cleared to compete yet, but AEW wrestler Buddy Matthews has been announced for an indie tour taking place in his home country later this year.

Matthews will return to Australia for World Series Wrestling’s MegaMania tour this October-November. It’s a five-show tour with four events happening in Australia and one being held in New Zealand. Here is the full list of dates:

  • Thursday, October 29 in Auckland, New Zealand
  • Friday, October 30 in Brisbane, Australia
  • Saturday, October 31 in Adelaide, Australia
  • Sunday, November 1 in Melbourne, Australia
  • Monday, November 2 in Sydney, Australia

This announcement comes less than two weeks after Matthews made a surprise appearance for World Series Wrestling and, despite his injury, laid out Donovan Dijak. Matthews said he would be cleared by October, teasing that he’ll be coming after all the gold in WSW when he returns. The current top champion for the indie promotion is Killer Kross.

Buddy Matthews’ long injury layoff —

It’s been 15 months since we last saw Matthews compete in the ring. At AEW Grand Slam Australia in February 2025, he suffered an ankle injury while making his entrance to face Kazuchika Okada. The initial hope was that Matthews would only miss a few months, but his ankle didn’t heal properly and he needed to undergo surgery.

Matthews’ on-screen direction was in flux at the time his injury happened. Malakai Black was recently gone from AEW, leaving the former House of Black members to branch off without their leader.

Swerve Strickland had high praise for Matthews this March, saying he can’t wait for Matthews to get back in the ring and wants to face him once he’s able to.

Report: FTR approaching AEW option year, WWE has ‘preliminary’ interest

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Some contract news has emerged on FTR in the wake of AEW Double or Nothing.

Bodyslam.net reports that Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, who signed four-year deals with AEW in 2023, are now approaching their option year. The report states that FTR believe in their own value and think they should be financially compensated among AEW’s top-tier acts. Along with that, Bodyslam mentions WWE having “at least preliminary interest” in FTR, which has been communicated to the tag team through mutual contacts.

“Sources close to the situation describe FTR as believing their value and consistency over the last several years should place them among AEW’s top-tier acts financially,” the report said. “There has also reportedly been at least preliminary interest from WWE communicated through mutual contacts as the situation continues to draw attention internally.

“At present, there is no indication a departure is imminent, though FTR’s future beyond the current option year remains unclear.”

After being granted their releases from WWE in 2020, FTR made their AEW debuts shortly after and have held the AEW Tag Team titles three times. Their third reign with the belts ended last night when Adam Copeland & Christian Cage defeated Harwood & Wheeler at Double or Nothing.

FTR said a few years back that they thought they’d be done as full-time wrestlers at the end of this four-year deal with AEW.

WWE tag team division rebuild —

WWE is reportedly interested in rebuilding its tag team division, though it’s believed that most of that will be done internally rather than signing outside teams. The division recently had high-profile departures with New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) and Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) being released.

FTR were known as The Revival during their WWE run, where they felt like the company did not do enough to prioritize the tag team division. Bodyslam’s report did not indicate if FTR have any interest in going back to WWE. Their previous run took place while Vince McMahon was still in charge of the company.

AEW not concerned with same-market WWE competition

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW isn’t worried about trying to outdo WWE when both promotions have shows in the same market.

At the post-Double or Nothing 2026 press conference, Tony Khan was asked if he has anything special in mind to “attack the market” with when AEW comes to Detroit this July. Dynamite and Collision are taking place in the city on July 29-30, with AEW’s visit coming just nine days after Detroit hosts WWE Raw. The events are being held at different venues with Little Caesars Arena hosting Raw and AEW’s shows being held at the smaller Masonic Temple Theater.

“Right now, we’re very focused on just doing the very best shows we can with AEW,” Khan responded. “I believe, I think, in my opinion, it’s showing up. You can see everybody’s working so hard, and it feels like it’s really connecting with the fans. In the back too, it really feels like there’s a spirit that is as strong as it’s been maybe since the pandemic or ever. It feels like right now is as good of a connection between AEW backstage as a company and also the fans watching the shows. I loved the pay-per-view tonight. I think we’re on a roll of great shows this year, the TV and pay-per-views. And that goes back to last year, so I just believe we can keep putting on strong events. The wrestlers are doing such a great job, the fans have been supporting us so well, and I just want to keep it going.”

Khan added that, when it comes to other promotions, he’s only focused on positive things like helping out AEW’s partners.

“We really, for the last few years, have not thought a lot about what other promotions are doing unless it’s people we’re partnering with and going into events like Grand Slam Mexico or Forbidden Door and collaborating with our partners,” he said. “Or trying to support Wrestle Kingdom or Wrestle Dynasty and events that our partners have put on. Or sending great wrestlers to Arena Mexico [or] collaborating with independent promotions, working with other people, trying to bring other promotions in for MyAEW, trying to find ways to support indies. Those are all really positive things, so I feel like we’re just focused on what we do and also how we can help.”

AEW in Detroit —

Khan called Detroit a great wrestling city that he has a “huge affinity” for. Because Detroit built the American auto industry, Khan’s father Shad was able to make his business fortune in auto parts.

“I would like to do more events there. Detroit is such a great wrestling city,” Khan said. “Some of my favorite nights in AEW have been there. We had the original Blood & Guts and the original Royal Rampage. Mox and Kenny in the cage. Really just great, great events in Detroit.”

Tickets for the July 29-30 AEW events are going on sale to the general public on June 1. WWE Raw tickets are already on sale.

Tony Khan reveals idea for next AEW Fight for the Fallen

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It sounds like AEW is in the early stages of planning to make the next Fight for the Fallen a show to benefit ALS research and those suffering from the terrible disease.

Rebel (real name Tanea Brooks), best known to AEW fans through her on-screen pairing with Britt Baker, announced this month that she’s been diagnosed with ALS, a fatal disease that has no cure. She’s been going through an awful health ordeal where, prior to this diagnosis, doctors could not figure out what was wrong. The 47 year old has struggled with walking and talking, along with battling lung issues.

At Sunday night’s post-Double or Nothing media scrum, Khan was asked if there is anything fans can do to help support Rebel. Khan shared that he’s in communication with Steve Gleason, a former New Orleans Saints player who has helped inspire others and raise awareness through his own battle with ALS. Khan mentioned the idea of making the next Fight for the Fallen an event to benefit ALS-focused charities. AEW is also producing “Rebel Heart” bracelets to show they are behind her.

“First of all, I want to send best wishes to Rebel. Rebel’s been with us since the beginning. She’s not here on the road with us now, but Rebel’s still always going to be a big part of AEW. And we’re thinking about her,” Khan said. “We’re keeping Rebel in our thoughts, but also, there are things you can do to support her.

“I just got it today, I have not had a chance to reply because I’ve been at the show, but I’m going to reply to him. I just heard from Steve Gleason. Steve Gleason reached out on behalf of the ALS Foundation and his own foundation, and I do think there’s going to be great chances to collaborate and do something. We’ll have these bracelets thinking about Rebel. And I’m thinking that it would be great to work with Steve Gleason and the ALS Foundation to put together Fight for the Fallen and have Fight for the Fallen to benefit ALS and people dealing with ALS and the treatment. And I think that would be something that we could all do that would be a positive way to support.”

AEW Fight for the Fallen —

First taking place in 2019 shortly after AEW was launched, Fight for the Fallen is a show where proceeds are donated to a different charity each year. The inaugural Fight for the Fallen benefitted victims of gun violence. Last year, the event was a Dynamite episode from Asheville, North Carolina. Money was raised to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, which had devastated the Asheville area.

There has been no announcement as to the date or location for Fight for the Fallen 2026.

On the May 2 episode of Collision, AEW took a moment to let Rebel know how much she means to the company and that she is in everyone’s thoughts.

Tony Khan ‘looking to add’ more promotions to MyAEW

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Tony Khan has plans to make MyAEW a global hub for professional wrestling.

Speaking at the post-Double or Nothing press conference on Sunday night, Khan addressed the news that One Fall Wrestling (1FW) content will be featured on MyAEW. Adding that indie promotion made sense given that it’s owned by QT Marshall, an AEW wrestler/executive. And Khan confirmed the move is part of a broader strategy that will see more promotions join MyAEW.

“MyAEW is primarily focused on international [subscribers], but we do have the domestic service. And it has a lot of great content, and we plan to feature wrestling from multiple promotions,” Khan said. “We’ve just added QT’s great promotion, we have One Fall Wrestling now, but we’re looking to add other promotions to MyAEW and make it a hub for pro wrestling all over the world.

“Of course, for a lot of fans, it’s already become a great destination. It’s been a key part of our international strategy, but also here in the US, there’s great promotions we can make available on MyAEW. Still, we have all of our focus here pushed toward HBO Max and Warner Bros. Discovery.”

MyAEW —

The creation of MyAEW was announced this March, with the new service largely existing as a replacement for TrillerTV in markets outside of the United States and Canada. Those international subscribers can pay a monthly fee to access all AEW TV and ROH programming. At higher tiers, AEW pay-per-views are included in the subscription.

In the US/Canada, MyAEW is available as a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel that plays archival AEW content on a live stream. There is also some free AEW/ROH on-demand content, along with 1FW shows being free to watch on demand. 1FW is based in the state of Georgia and recently had Darby Allin stop by for a surprise appearance.

It’s noted on the MyAEW site that an AEW podcast network is coming soon.

AEW announces Double or Nothing ‘hydration partner’ sponsorship

Posted on by Joseph Currier

AEW has announced a new partnership ahead of this weekend’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view in New York City.

The promotion sent out a press release today announcing that Vita Coco, a popular brand of coconut water, has been named the “official hydration partner” of Double or Nothing 2026. The PPV is taking place at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens on Sunday (May 24). During the Buy In pre-show, there will be a match sponsored by Vita Coco.

“As part of the partnership, Vita Coco will celebrate the passion of AEW fans by sponsoring a specific match during the AEW Double Or Nothing: Buy In preshow that streams live on YouTube and HBO Max,” the press release said. “In addition, Vita Coco samples will be available for attendees to try, with products also available for purchase at the Louis Armstrong Stadium concessions throughout the evening. AEW stars will also make a special appearance at the Vita Coco booth on the concourse.

“With 3.5x the electrolytes vs. the leading sports drink, Vita Coco is bringing hydration to match the energy, intensity and endurance that define AEW.”

AEW Double or Nothing Buy In —

The Buy In portion of Sunday’s broadcast begins at 7 p.m. Eastern time. Mick Foley, making his AEW debut, and Renee Paquette are the co-hosts of the pre-show, which will include the following matches:

  • Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Roderick Strong, Big Boom AJ & QT Marshall vs. Anthony Ogogo, Lee Moriarty, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean & Shane Taylor
  • 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
  • Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Opps (Hook, Katsuyori Shibata & Anthony Bowens)

The 10-man tag match is the bout Vita Coco is sponsoring.

Daily Update: NJPW G1 fan fest, MJF, Road Warriors A&E doc

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

This Week’s Back Issue

FIRST TIME SUBSCRIBERS GET 50% OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH

Thursday Update

Road Warrior Animal WWE
Road Warrior Animal battles D’Lo Brown. (Image credit: WWE)

WWE

  • The Rich Eisen Show interviewed John Cena.
  • AJ Styles streamed a live Q&A edition of his Phenomenally Retro podcast.
  • Nattie shared a photo from the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles last night: “Working on my LOW-KEY LEGENDARY dreams today…”
  • Kim Laurinaitis, the widow of Road Warrior Animal, made an appearance on Busted Open Radio to discuss her criticism of A&E’s Biography: WWE Legends episode on The Road Warriors. She wishes the documentary was more positive instead of focusing on Hawk’s addiction struggles so much. And along with some inner-family squabbles affecting her view of the show, Kim did not like that Bruce Prichard was interviewed:
    • I’ll be quite honest, Bruce Prichard, I battled with him online lately. He rips my husband on his podcast a lot of times or little clips. And I’m thinking, why are you even on here talking about him? We know you don’t really care for him. So I would have rather had people that had positive things to say and really meant them.
  • On his Hall of Fame podcast, Booker T called Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano’s MMA fight the “biggest heist” he’s ever seen:
    • This fight between Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, I’ve seen a lot of fights in my life. I’ve seen a lot of fights in my life. And I’ve been in the wrestling business for 35 years now. It’s three things I look for when it comes to combat, you know, when I’m in certain places, especially when I’m watching something like this. And it’s a work, it’s a worked shoot, and it’s a shoot, okay?
    • This was a worked shoot. That was not real, that thing wasn’t real. I mean, it was real as far as the takedown goes. But everything after that, it was, ‘I’m ready. I’m ready. Let’s go home.’ It was one of those type of deals. And if you go back and watch it and study it, you’re going to come to the same consensus that I’m saying right now. That fight, that was not fair. That fight was not fair for the people for Ronda Rousey to come back. And literally, that was like the biggest heist I’ve ever seen.
  • LA Taco published a story on Becky Lynch & Seth Rollins’ new coffee brand AMO.
  • Saturday Night Live cast member Michael Che was the guest on this week’s episode of Stephanie McMahon’s “What’s Your Story?” podcast.
  • WWE Vault uploaded the full “Superfan” documentary on Vladimir Abouzeide, who is battling Parkinson’s disease and was hospitalized this week due to a fall.

Other Wrestling

  • NJPW announced that, the day before night one of G1 Climax 36, the promotion will be holding a fan fest in Chicago on July 10. It will include a talk show segment as well as meet and greets with some of the G1 competitors:
    • NJPW fans! Make your plans to be in Chicago early for a special G1 Climax Fan Event ahead of opening night G1 Climax 36 action!
    • The July 10 event will feature a special talk show segment, along with two meet & greet sessions with select G1 Climax 36 participants!
    • More details are coming soon but get ready to be in Chicago for this great fan experience!
  • While speaking with The Takedown on SI, MJF said Vince McMahon is to blame for some fans being preconditioned to believe that hair match stipulations are a joke:
    • You can thank Vince McMahon for that. It wasn’t comedy in Memphis, it wasn’t comedy in World Class, it wasn’t comedy in Mexico. Listen, I can’t speak for anybody else, all I know is – I make money off of this hair. I’m in movies. I’m a top guy in this industry. And if I want to be a top guy in this industry, I can’t be bald. Bald doesn’t sell. It just doesn’t.
  • Shelton Benjamin told The Wrestling Classic that, aside from getting Cedric Alexander back in the group, Kevin Knight would be his first choice for a new Hurt Syndicate member. Benjamin sees Knight as someone who will be a star for the next 10-20 years:
    • If it were my choice today, if I said I wanted a new member in the Hurt Syndicate, the Hurt Syndicate wants a fourth member, without a doubt, my first pick would be Cedric Alexander. My second pick would be Kevin ‘Jet’ Knight.
  • Bobby Steveson (formerly known as Damon Kemp in NXT) teased an in-ring return while confirming that he was backstage at Monday’s ROH TV taping in Jacksonville: “Felt good to be back around the squared circle.. Soon?…”
  • Trevor Lee vs. Austin Aries (taped in January) will be part of the lineup for MLW Fusion’s return episode on May 30.
  • Evil Uno’s Mystery Wrestling promotion announced three new events:
    • July 25 at Bain Mathieu in Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    • August 29 at Big Penny Social in London, England
    • September 13 at The Rec Room in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  • Chris Jericho interviewed Frankie Kazarian on Talk is Jericho.
  • Comedians/wrestling fans Dan Soder & Will Sasso were guests on Insight with Chris Van Vliet.