Bobby Lashley reacts to New Day’s WWE release: ‘That was a fumble’

Bobby Lashley thinks WWE made a “horrible” decision by parting ways with New Day members Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods.

In an interview with Good Karma Wrestling, Lashley reacted to the news that Kingston & Woods are no longer with WWE. He called the move a “fumble” on WWE’s part and indicated that he would like to see Kingston & Woods join the AEW tag team division — if WWE doesn’t reverse course by bringing them back before they ever hit free agency.

“It’s one of those things where it’s like — that was a fumble. That was a fumble,” Lashley said. “Bro, you retire those guys. You take those guys to the end and give them whatever they want, because they’ve given the business everything.

“I don’t think there’s a person in the business that says, ‘Hey man, I don’t like those guys,’ or, ‘Those guys treated me wrong,’ or, ‘Those guys weren’t good to me.’ There’s no one. And we saw that one time before when somebody else [R-Truth] got released. When somebody else got released, they had to bring him back because they were like, ‘Uh oh, this is a bad move.’

“Well, this is a horrible move also. But it could be a great move for someone else. So at the end of the day, we might see some different mix-ups and the tag team division might come really, really strong and interesting in AEW. And if so, a tremendous amount of fans will go over there because they’ll start kind of saying, ‘Hmm, what’s going on? Isn’t this business built on respect?’ And if you have respect for the business, you have respect for the people in the business. And these guys should have a lot of respect in the business, so what’s going on?”

Kingston & Woods were granted their WWE releases after being asked to restructure their contracts. They did not agree with the pay reduction TKO was offering, so Kingston & Woods chose to depart the company instead.

In his first public statement since being released, Kingston made reference to how important it is to never accept more than what you’re worth.

Lashley is a former AEW Tag Team Champion as part of The Hurt Syndicate. He told Good Karma Wrestling that he feels like AEW is getting better and better every week, and there’s plenty of room for viewers to become AEW fans while still enjoying what is going on in WWE. He believes there is “healthy competition” between the promotions.

As for his goals in AEW, the 49-year-old Lashley still has his sights on becoming World Champion. He’s already held World titles in WWE and TNA and now wants to do so in AEW.

AEW announces two-night Boston return

AEW has added two nights in Boston to its summer 2026 schedule.

The promotion announced today that it will be holding events at Boston’s MGM Music Hall on Wednesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 16. The first night is a live Dynamite episode, while the second is a Collision taping. Tickets are going on sale to the general public next Monday (May 11).

MGM Music Hall is located in the Fenway Park area and has a listed capacity of approximately 5,000 before production configuration is factored in. AEW first debuted at the venue in April 2025, when MGM Music Hall hosted that year’s Spring BreakThru editions of Dynamite and Collision. The concert hall was one of the venues AEW found last year as it was focusing on unique places to hold TV events.

Other AEW shows in Boston have taken place at Agganis Arena and TD Garden, with Agganis Arena most recently hosting Dynamite/Collision in November 2025.

Along with these two shows, AEW has announced that the Rio Rancho Events Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico will host Dynamite/Collision on Wednesday, June 24. The ticket on-sale date for that show is this Friday (May 8).

AEW will be in North Charleston, South Carolina for Dynamite this Wednesday. The promotion then heads to Palm Beach Gardens, Florida this Saturday for a special Fairway to Hell episode of Collision. After that, there are only a couple of weeks left before Double or Nothing 2026 is held in New York City on May 24.

Daily Update: WrestleMania ESPN viewership, ROH Pure title, Big Damo

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Sol Ruca vs. Zaria Last Woman Standing match that headlined NXT last night.
  • NXT wrestler Brooks Jensen is set to challenge coach Steve Corino for the PWF Championship at the indie promotion’s event in Newport, North Carolina this Sunday.
  • Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported the viewership numbers for ESPN’s TV simulcasts of the first hours of WrestleMania 42:
    • Night one (ESPN2): 1.62 million viewers
    • Night two (ESPN): 1.82 million viewers
  • Joe Jonas, who sang the National Anthem at night two of WrestleMania, uploaded a vlog from the event.
  • Jelly Roll also has a vlog with some WrestleMania footage.
  • Rapper Cam’ron made an Instagram post issuing a SummerSlam challenge to Jey Uso and his entire family: 
    • All I can do is laugh at you @romanreigns staying for Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania is like eating thanksgiving leftovers on Monday after thxgvn The Rock would Never
    • But you’re @tripleh lil lil employee. You better do what he says
    • @uceyjucey bring ya whole family and let’s settle this in August at #SummerSlam
    • @rosenbergradio make it happen
  • Big E tweeted about meeting up with AEW’s Kevin Knight and TNA’s Leon Slater during WrestleMania weekend:
    • Ran into @Jet2Flyy & @LEONSLATER_ at the gym in Vegas a few days ago. Glad I got to tell those brothers what a joy it is to watch them do incredible things in this industry. Pro wrestling’s youth movement is a beauty to behold.
  • The Wrestling Classic interviewed Alba Fyre.

Other Wrestling

Ric Flair ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if Tony Khan buys WWE one day

Ric Flair wouldn’t be surprised if we someday end up living in a world where WWE is run by Tony Khan.

During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show on Wednesday, Flair — who is under contract with AEW — praised Khan as one of the best people he’s ever known. With all of the money the Khan family has, Flair believes they could end up buying WWE one day.

“Tony Khan is one of the greatest people I’ve ever met in my life. And you know what, I wouldn’t be surprised — because he has the money to do it — if he doesn’t buy WWE one day,” Flair said. “The Khan family’s got more money than God, you know that, right? That $9 billion price on the WWE is nothing to Shad Khan.

“But more than that, Tony’s provided an opportunity for guys who would never get a chance to work anywhere else, because the WWE is a very difficult, very selective organization. And Tony has offered all of these opportunities. And he pays the guys good. All he cares about is making a product and making sure that people are happy. He’s a very personable guy.”

Khan did make a nearly $7 billion bid for WWE when the company was up for sale in 2023, but Endeavor ultimately won out in that process and now runs WWE and UFC under the same umbrella in TKO Group.

Also in the Helwani interview, Flair said he’s a fan of AEW star MJF — who Flair says used to have a little bit of an ego problem but has now calmed down.

“He had a little bit of an ego problem, but he’s calmed that down now,” Flair said about MJF. “When I see him, it’s like, ‘Hey, Mr. Flair’ and sh*t like that, you know what I mean? He used to blow by me like I was just… But it’s a whole different world. And I’m very, very proud of his success, as I am all of the guys there. They have a lot of great talent there.”

Flair only makes very sporadic on-screen appearances for AEW despite being under contract. He was originally brought into the company for Sting’s retirement tour and a brand deal with his Wooooo! Energy drink.

Pat McAfee mentions AEW while trolling fans at WWE World

Heading into WrestleMania, Pat McAfee tried to get some more heat on himself by trolling fans at WWE World.

A screen displayed at the convention on Friday teased that a “huge surprise” would be happening. But when the countdown clock ran out, McAfee’s show started playing. He called the attendees “dumb marks” for thinking there was actually going to be a big surprise like a star from AEW crossing over into WWE.

“Surprise, nerds,” McAfee yelled. “The surprise that you thought was maybe going to be your favorite wrestler of all time. Maybe somebody from AEW was going to sign with WWE at WrestleMania and you marks were going to get zipper burn all over yourself. Instead, well, well, well, Pat McAfee is smarter than all of you dumb marks yet again.”

McAfee was not in Las Vegas yet but told everyone he would be by SmackDown tonight, continuing to insult the fans by saying that he could already smell them from where he was.

The build to WrestleMania 42 took a turn two weeks ago when McAfee returned to WWE programming and aligned with Randy Orton. Playing a heel, McAfee has promised to save the business by helping to get Orton elevated back to the top of the card. He will be in Orton’s corner for the main event of WrestleMania 42 night one this Saturday, where Orton is challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

While there’s been backlash from fans over McAfee’s inclusion in the WrestleMania build, Paul “Triple H” Levesque told ESPN today that he believes it’s a good thing that McAfee has people talking about WrestleMania.

McAfee has promised to leave WWE forever if Orton does not win on Saturday.

Update on MJF after AEW World Championship loss

It doesn’t sound like MJF will be taking time off from AEW after dropping the promotion’s World Championship.

Just days after retaining against Kenny Omega at AEW Dynasty, MJF lost the AEW World Championship to Darby Allin last night at Dynamite Spring BreakThru. The loss led to speculation that MJF could be going on hiatus from AEW for an acting role. However, Self Made Pro Wrestling — an outlet that interviewed MJF in February — reports that he is not expected to miss time and is factored into the plans for Double or Nothing 2026.

“In speaking with a source with knowledge of the situation, it was relayed to @SelfMadePW that MJF is not expected to miss time and is not filming a movie at this point,” Self Made tweeted. “MJF is scheduled for upcoming Dynamites and will be factored into main event plans for Double or Nothing.”

The Allin vs. MJF match on Dynamite was a quick one with Allin, after getting payback for an MJF low blow, hitting a Scorpion Death Drop, four Coffin Drops, and pinning MJF with a headlock takeover.

Double or Nothing is being held in Queens, New York on May 24. MJF also has a homecoming scheduled for May 1 when he competes for Create-A-Pro in Long Island. It was originally supposed to be MJF vs. Nic Nemeth at that indie show, but MJF will now be issuing an open challenge after TNA Wrestling canceled the originally scheduled bout.

Chris Jericho makes comedic new trademark filing

Amid his ongoing feud with The Demand, Chris Jericho has made a comedic new trademark filing.

Jericho has been feuding with The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona) since making his AEW return earlier this month. Trademark records show that Jericho (under his real name Chris Irvine) applied to trademark the term “The Guy Who Gets His Ass Beat By The Demand Every Week That He Shows Up” on April 15, with the trademark intended to cover performances by a professional wrestler:

  • Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing online interviews featuring professional wrestler and sports entertainer in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes

There were persistent rumors that Jericho would be heading to WWE around the start of 2026, but he is now back with AEW for the long-term. He’s been at a numbers disadvantage during his feud with The Demand, losing to Ricochet at AEW Dynasty and then being beaten down last night on Dynamite after calling Ricochet “Bald” and referring to Kaun & Liona as “Dumb & Ugly.”

Jericho frequently files trademarks for nicknames, including the term “Cornerstone” last month.

Daily Update: WrestleMania week media notes

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Among the topics covered:

  • The most detailed look at  how the Pat McAfee angle developed, its goal, why so many in the company are unhappy with it, where it  is leading, addressing the biggest WrestleMania questions, what CM Punk aid, where Paul Levesque and Ari Emanuel fit in, as well as an update on WrestleMania tickets compared to last year, discount offers cutting price back and more
  • Preview to AEW Dynasty, matches and business notes as well as updates on Double or Nothing direction and business, as well as All In at Wembley Stadium.
  • Favorites for WrestleMania and Dynasty
  • Lots of business notes on WrestleMania
  • Callum Newman wins IWGP title and review of Sakura Genesis, what we learned, business, Best of the Super Juniors and Dontaku notes
  • NXT Stand & Deliver.  Match rundowns and stories as well as business notes on the show
  • Texts from Paul Levesque to Nick Khan released in discovery regarding Vince McMahon’s involvement in booking when talent was told McMahon was out and Levesques frustration at the time
  • A detailed look at TNA pulling  talent from advertised indie events that they had previously approved and a better way of handling it
  • A look at the career of 60s and 70s star Flying Fred Curry, one of the major stars of The Sheik’s heyday running Michigan and Ohio, son of Bull Curry and nine-time world tag team champion.
  • The arrest of Alberto el Patron, lots more details and his history, shows he’s been pulled from, an ironic aspect of this story n a reality show in Mexico late last year
  • The most detailed look at the ratings for all the television shows of the past week, with  comparisons with last week, last year, demos and other stats, male vs. female percentage
  • More stats regarding the audience at Arena Mexico shows as well as a look back on a major week last week.
  • Saya Kamtani has major goal for Stardom’s big show later this month
  • Japanese television in 1985 and who were the draws
  • Ric Flair upset over WWE costing him a major merchandise deal
  • How many times was Flair world champion
  • Lots of injury updates
  • Two more possible WrestleMania card changes
  • Janel Grant lawsuit thoughts

This Week’s Back Issue

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Lola Vice vs. Jacy Jayne NXT Women’s Championship match from last night.
  • A video package aired on NXT spotlighting Kendal Grey and her road to pro wrestling stardom. 
  • Sports Business Journal gave an update on the timeline for when YouTube TV subscribers will get access to the ESPN app at no additional charge:
    • ESPN is set to air its first WrestleMania this weekend under the new pact with WWE, but sources tell SBJ that YouTube TV subscribers will still not be able to authenticate on the ESPN app in time for the event. Google is working through tech issues related to the authentication, sources added, and there remains an expectation that the problems should be solved ahead of SummerSlam.
  • ESPN announced its coverage schedule for the remainder of WrestleMania week:
    • Throughout WrestleMania week, ESPN will originate studio programming and live events from key locations across Las Vegas, including WWE World, Toshiba Plaza, Allegiant Stadium and Dolby Live at Park MGM. SportsCenter coverage will be led on site by Randy Scott, Gary Striewski, Treavor Scales and Joe Fortenbaugh, delivering live reporting, fan engagement and behind the scenes storytelling throughout the week. Scott, Striewski and Scales will explore WWE World and fan experiences across Las Vegas and will interview and talk with WWE Superstars on site, while Scales and Fortenbaugh will be positioned for post-match coverage and reaction throughout WrestleMania weekend. First Take will originate from Las Vegas as part of ESPN’s on-site coverage, featuring Shae Cornette, Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins live Friday, April 17, at 10 a.m. from Allegiant Stadium.
    • Coverage also includes No Contest Wrestling, hosted by O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, airing Thursday and Friday at 2 p.m. on ESPN2 during WrestleMania week, alongside the WrestleMania 42 Kickoff Show, Countdown to WrestleMania 42, Nights 1 and 2 of WrestleMania and the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
  • Shannon Sharpe & Chad Ochocinco’s Nightcap podcast will be live on WrestleMania Radio Row at 2 p.m. Eastern tomorrow with Carmelo Hayes, Charlotte Flair, Jacob Fatu, Je’Von Evans, LA Knight, Nia Jax & Lash Legend, and more scheduled to appear.
  • On the Soder Podcast, Becky Lynch said that, when WWE wrestlers make outside appearances, people are surprised at how easygoing they are since wrestlers are not used to being catered to in WWE:
    • I mean this politely, we’re not catered to – at all. No. Maybe there’s a couple of folks, and as you get more into it, you put up with less sh*t. But we pay for our own gear, they’re not getting us gear. We buy our own gear. We buy our own rental cars. We buy our own hotels. We are in charge of booking those hotels and booking those rental cars. And I think that’s why, actually, when we go to work at other places, whether it be [Showtime show] ‘Billions’ or whatever, people are usually pleasantly surprised at how easygoing we are. Because we’re not used to being catered to. We don’t expect anything. We don’t expect anybody to look after us. Because we are standardly so self-sufficient.
  • Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, Rey Mysterio, Big E, and Jackie Redmond made appearances across ESPN to promote WrestleMania.
  • CM Punk & AJ Lee took part in a GOAT Talk video for Complex. In response to a question about celebrities he’d like to see in WWE, Punk said he’s changed his mind on celebrity involvement and is now more open to it:
    • Dave Bautista, John Cena – I just want my friends to come back to work.
    • I get a kick out of seeing celebrities cross over, because it’s either the most spectacular car crash disaster. And there was a time where I probably was the most ardent like, ‘No, the purity of the sport of pro wrestling, blah, blah, blah.’ And now I’ve shed all that and I realize there’s a time and there’s a place for a little bit of everything for everybody.
    • I think Bad Bunny was a spectacular professional wrestler. This is the biggest, most recognized global pop star in the world. And he’s a fan, and he doesn’t just want to come and goof around. He took it seriously and he did it.
  • CNN World Sport did a feature story on Oba Femi ahead of his WrestleMania debut.
  • SHAK Wrestling has an interview with Rhea Ripley, who discussed how much she’s looking forward to Bianca Belair’s eventual return:
    • Honestly, it’s not the same without Bianca there. I miss her. I hope that she comes back soon. But at the same time, I also hope she’s living her best life, not having to go to work for a little bit. She’s busted her ass for so long. They’ve literally made her do so much and work so much, she deserves the time off.
    • I wish it was under better a circumstance, because that finger be looking nasty. Like, it’s shocked me that she’s been out for nearly a year from a finger injury – something that seems so small is something that’s so big. I’ve seen the photos, she’s sent me the photos, so thank you, Bianca. They’re pretty gnarly looking.
    • I just really hope that she comes back soon. Like, I really do, but that finger, it’s so fat. It’s so swollen. She’s doing rehab every single day and I’m looking forward to the day that she does come back. I don’t know how long that’s going to be, unfortunately, because you need your finger to bend in wrestling. Otherwise, you’re going to break it again.
  • Je’Von Evans appeared on the Battleground Podcast.
  • Brie Bella uploaded a new vlog showing her training in the ring with husband Bryan Danielson as she prepares for WrestleMania.
  • Matches from WWE World will stream live on WWE’s YouTube channel tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. Eastern.

Other Wrestling

  • Before he challenges MJF for the AEW World Championship on Dynamite, Darby Allin sat down for an interview on Close Up with Renee Paquette.
  • New TNT Champion Kevin Knight spoke with The Takedown on SI about his title defense against Claudio Castagnoli on Dynamite:
    • To go against a guy like Claudio is an amazing time because I’ve never had him one-on-one, only in multi-mans. And I’ve actually had to support him a few times in Mexico, you know, ‘El Jet’ is a little bit different when you cross the border.
    • So I know Claudio pretty well, I think I have speed and youth on my side. Claudio is a well, well oiled machine, there’s nobody like Claudio, so I’m gonna have to be on my A-game, be on my A-game and Claudio won’t know what hit him.
  • Andrade El Idolo will face Richard Holliday for Awesome Championship Wrestling in Poughkeepsie, New York on May 16.
  • Ronda Rousey made an appearance on CBS Mornings to discuss her MMA return against Gina Carano.

AEW officially rolling out NFL-themed lucha masks

AEW is officially rolling out its first-ever merchandise collaboration with the NFL.

After first being announced by Tony Khan back in February, NFL-themed lucha masks will go on sale via ShopAEW.com during Dynamite tonight (April 15). Masks for every team will be available to purchase ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Khan showcased a Jaguars-themed mask at Super Bowl Radio Row while announcing this partnership between AEW and the NFL, calling it a dream come true and something that he’s been working to make happen for years. Khan’s father Shahid Khan is the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Tony Khan serving as the team’s Chief Football Strategy Officer.

There’s been no word on whether this will lead to more collaborations between AEW and the NFL in the future. The NFL and WWE also partner together to sell custom title belts through Fanatics.

AEW is at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington tonight for its special Spring BreakThru episode of Dynamite. The show includes an AEW World Championship match with MJF defending against Darby Allin.

Interview segment added to AEW Dynamite Spring BreakThru

AEW has announced a new addition to the lineup for tonight’s Spring BreakThru episode of Dynamite.

The fallout from AEW Dynasty takes place tonight on a special Dynamite episode from Everett, Washington. Coming off his loss to Ricochet at the pay-per-view, Chris Jericho will be interviewed by Renee Paquette.

“@ReneePaquette interviews @IAmJericho,” AEW announced. “Jericho’s #AEWDynasty return to the ring was an exciting battle vs @KingRicochet , before The Demand’s plan came together + Ricochet took the win! We’ll hear from Jericho [tonight]!”

Dynasty was Jericho’s first match for AEW following a year-long absence. Despite persistent rumors that he would be heading to WWE around the start of 2026, Jericho ultimately ended up returning to AEW on Dynamite two weeks ago and is back with the company for the long-term.

Angel of the Winds Arena is the venue for tonight’s show. In addition to this Jericho segment, three title matches have been booked, including a big World Championship bout between MJF and Washington native Darby Allin.

AEW Dynamite Spring BreakThru (Wednesday, April 15) —

  • AEW World Champion MJF defends against Darby Allin
  • TBS Champion Willow Nightingale defends against Kamille
  • TNT Champion Kevin Knight defends against Claudio Castagnoli
  • Renee Paquette interviews Chris Jericho

AEW files trademark for potential new event name

On April 13, AEW made two trademark filings relating to a potential new event name.

The company applied to trademark the terms “AEW Redemption” and “Redemption,” with both applications stating that they are for professional wrestling programs/events. Here is what is listed in the goods and services section of each filing:

  • Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services in the nature of live professional wrestling performances; Entertainment services in the nature of production of professional wrestling programs and events; Entertainment services, namely, production and distribution of ongoing television programs in the field of professional wrestling

There’s no word on whether AEW Redemption would be a new pay-per-view or television special for the promotion. When the company files trademarks like this, it’s not guaranteed that anything will ever come of them. AEW still has trademarks for terms like “Exile on Pain St.” that have yet to be used.

Next month, AEW is set to hold a special golf-themed “Fairway to Hell” edition of Collision in West Palm Beach, Florida. The trademark filing for that name was made nearly two years before it was utilized by AEW.

AEW Collision ratings up with return to normal night

Saturday night’s AEW Collision averaged 423,000 viewers on TNT, up 13.4 percent from the prior week’s Thursday airing. The viewership is down 11.1 percent from two weeks ago when Collision last aired in its regular time slot.

Collision drew a 0.08 rating in the 18-49 demo. That’s up 14.3 percent from the prior week and steady with the show two weeks ago. While this episode drew Collision’s lowest total viewership on a Saturday night since March 7, it tied the second-highest 18-49 rating the show has done since February 14’s Grand Slam Australia special.

The show went head-to-head with UFC 327 on CBS for the first hour as well as the NBA on ESPN and Saturday night baseball on various networks.

As compared to the same week in 2025, Collision’s overall viewership was down seven percent while the 18-49 rating was down 33.3 percent.

Listed below are the last 11 weeks of viewership totals and 18-49 demo ratings for Collision, along with the 10-week average in both categories. This week’s show was down 4.4 percent in viewers but steady in 18-49 as compared to the recent averages.

AEW Collision ratings —

DateCollision 18-49Collision overall
1/31/20260.07492,000
2/7/20260.07388,000
2/14/20260.1561,000
2/21/20260.08470,000
2/28/20260.06365,000
3/7/20260.05370,000
3/14/20260.07458,000
3/21/20260.1470,000
3/28/20260.08476,000
4/2/20260.07373,000
4/11/20260.08423,000
*10 wk avg0.08442,300
*notcurrent week

Will Ospreay files for ‘United Empire’ trademark

Will Ospreay recently made a trademark filing for the name of his NJPW faction.

On April 10, Ospreay applied to trademark the term “United Empire” for merchandising and wrestling purposes. The faction was founded by Ospreay in NJPW and still exists today with Callum Newman serving as the leader following Ospreay’s departure to AEW.

The trademark is intended to cover the following goods and services:

  • Shirts; Sweatshirts; Hooded sweatshirts; Hats; Bandanas; Socks
  • Providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network; Entertainment services, namely, wrestling exhibits and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer; Entertainment in the nature of wrestling contests; Entertainment services, namely, televised appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, personal appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Entertainment services, namely, live appearances by a professional wrestler and sports entertainer; Providing online interviews featuring professional wrestler and sports entertainer in the field of professional wrestling and sports entertainment for entertainment purposes

Ospreay is no longer with NJPW full-time, but he intends to return to Japan more often now that he’s back in the ring following neck surgery. United Empire also crossed over into AEW last week with Newman, HENARE, and Francesco Akira helping Ospreay deal with the Death Riders.

The 23-year-old Newman defeated Yota Tsuji this month to become the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history, potentially paving the way for an eventual split with Ospreay and subsequent title feud.

Kota Ibushi gives update on AEW injury recovery

Kota Ibushi is starting to progress in his recovery from injury.

In an Instagram post this week, Ibushi shared video showing how much his mobility has improved. He is now able to do squats and walk up and down stairs, which is a big improvement since Ibushi says he could barely walk a week ago. He is currently in Japan but is planning to return to Florida soon.

“Hello. It’s been about two months since my second surgery. I will definitely be back, so please wait for me,” the 43-year-old Ibushi wrote. “Sending these feelings to Kenny, Bucks, and Tony Khan!!”

Ibushi was forced out of action in October 2025 when he suffered a broken femur against Josh Alexander at an AEW Collision taping. He had surgery done shortly after the injury but had to undergo a second operation this February to secure a screw that came loose.

It was initially expected that Ibushi would be out of action for two years due to the injury, though he’s hoping to make it back to the ring sooner than that.

The main event of AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view this past weekend saw Ibushi’s friend Kenny Omega come up short while challenging MJF for the AEW World Championship. Responding to a clip of the match on Instagram, Ibushi said Omega’s performance has given him courage as he progresses toward a comeback.

“You’ve given me courage. Thank you, Kenny,” Ibushi wrote. “I’ll do my best to step up towards the first stage of my comeback.”

AEW teases NFL-related announcement for this week

An official announcement is coming this week regarding a collaboration between AEW and the NFL.

On social media today, AEW posted a graphic hyping that there will be an announcement this Wednesday (April 15) about the promotion partnering together with the NFL for an officially licensed merchandise product. It will presumably be the NFL-themed lucha masks that Tony Khan unveiled back in February. The masks have been scheduled to go on sale April 23, which is the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.

“It’s really exciting to be able to talk about a partnership that I’ve always dreamed of,” Khan said at Super Bowl Radio Row. “I’ve always wanted the NFL and AEW to work together. This is a Jacksonville Jaguars lucha libre mask. But I’m so excited about it because they will be putting this up and these will be available for all 32 NFL teams.

“So starting the first night of the NFL Draft, Thursday, April 23, we will have these masks available on ShopAEW.com for all 32 NFL teams. Now, finally, I’ve always wanted this. It’s a dream I’ve been working on for years, a partnership between the NFL and AEW. So whoever your NFL team is, whatever football team you’re a fan of, you’ll be able to get an All Elite Wrestling NFL mask for your team.”

Tony’s father Shahid Khan is the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars and an investor in AEW. The Khan family also owns Premier League soccer team Fulham FC.

Along with being the founder of AEW, Tony Khan works for the Jaguars as Chief Football Strategy Officer and is Fulham’s general manager.

The NFL has a partnership with WWE as well, selling custom WWE championship belts through Fanatics.