The latest WWE and AEW News and Results
Les Thatcher is on the road this week at the Squared Circle Expo, but that did not stop he and Victor Sosa from getting together on a new Wrestling Weekly.
The guys talk the road to WrestleMania, all the happenings in AEW, and a few stories from the territories regarding Ricky Morton and the late great Dennis Condrey.
Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
John LaRocca and Garrett Gonzales return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most interesting topics in pro wrestling.
We gave out our thumbs up and thumbs down before jumping into our two big topics on current wrestling.
The first topic is on what AEW’s biggest money match is as we look toward All In later in the summer. If Will Ospreay is going to be finally anointed as AEW World Champion, should it be against MJF or Kenny Omega?
Then, we focus on the build to CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for WWE WrestleMania 42 and try and figure out where they may be going next.
We finished up the show with our new Observe This segment talking about stories from Dave Meltzer’s 1985 Observer Book. This week was all about the build to the original WrestleMania.
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Swerve Strickland says that his recent heel turn was needed, and Kenny Omega was the right guy to do it against.
Strickland defeated Omega in the main event of the February 18 edition of AEW Dynamite from Sacramento. The match received a 5.25 star-rating from Dave Meltzer. After the bout, Strickland attacked Omega with a chain and put him through a table.
During a recent interview with Bleeding Cool, Strickland spoke about why Omega was the right guy for his heel turn.
Strickland said:
“It was needed, and it was needed with the right person at the right time with Kenny Omega. There’s no more of a lightning rod of attention in AEW to get than Kenny Omega. Everybody’s always interested in what Kenny is doing when he’s on screen, when he’s active, and he’s very much healthy and at his best.“
“There’s no more of a top performer in the industry than Kenny Omega. So going over 25 minutes with him in the main event, taking him out at the end the way that I did, it sparked a lot of noise throughout the industry. It sparked a lot of noise throughout AEW. That also woke up Nana in a lot of ways. In a lot of different ways, I’m able to navigate and move through AEW the way that I want to. The way I’m meant to, I would say.”
Strickland and Omega faced off again in the opening match of the March 25 episode of AEW Dynamite. In that bout, Omega put up his status as an AEW executive vice president, and Strickland put his number one contendership on the line.
Strickland’s full interview with Bleeding Cool is available here.
The contract signing between AEW World Champion MJF and Kenny Omega for next month’s Dynasty pay-per-view will take place on next week’s AEW Dynamite.
Kenny Omega defeated Swerve Strickland to win a title shot against MJF Wednesday, earning the shot against MJF and retaining his EVP status in the process. As part of the story, any physicality at the signing will cancel the title match.
The Wednesday, April 1 episode of Dynamite will take place in Omega’s hometown of Winnipeg and thus he will be doing double duty. In a segment shared to social media, Omega will team with Brody King and AEW National Champion Jack Perry against The Demand.
After challenging Jon Moxley for a match at Dynasty, Will Ospreay will takes on PAC in a singles contest. This will mark PAC’s first singles match since January 2026 while Ospreay returned on last week’s Dynamite with a win over Blake Christian — his first match since last August’s Forbidden Door due to neck surgery.
The next challenger for the AEW World title is Kenny Omega after he defeated Swerve Strickland in the opener of Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite.
Omega defeated Strickland clean after hitting a One Winged Angel, gaining revenge for Strickland defeating him in February and taking him out of action with his post-match attack.
With the win, Omega took Strickland’s number one contender status and retains his executive vice president role which was also up in the match.
During a segment later on Dynamite, Omega confronted MJF in the ring during a promo segment in which he offered up a challenge for April’s Dynasty pay-per-view from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. MJF agreed and then declined to shake Omega’s hand, leaving the ring.
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The two have squared off once before, coincidentally during MJF’s first title reign. Made with less than a week’s notice, the October 2023 Collision match saw Omega attempting to prevent MJF from becoming the longest reigning AEW World Champion ever which would have surpassed Omega’s reign.
MJF defeated Omega in just over thirty minutes and in the aforementioned segment, Omega said he was only at 60-80% and the current day version of Omega won’t fall for any bullsh*t antics MJF tries to throw at him.
Omega will be looking to regain the title he lost to Hangman Page in November 2021 while MJF is looking to extend his three month run.
A future AEW World title match is up against an executive vice president role as Swerve Strickland and Kenny Omega battle in a rematch on tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
Omega’s EVP title is up against Strickland’s title shot as the two former AEW World Champions run it back from mid-February when Strickland defeated Omega and attacked him afterward.
AEW World Champion MJF will also be in attendance tonight, likely to appear at some point during that match.
AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla will defend against Mina Shirakawa following her win over Marina Shafir last Wednesday.
The feud between The Conglomeration and The Dogs continues as Orange Cassidy & Roderick Strong take on David Finlay & Clark Connors.
In what should be a physical bout, Darby Allin squares off with Rush.
Our live coverage begins at 8 pm Eastern.
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AEW Dynamite comes on the air with Excalibur welcoming us alongside Tony Schiavone & Taz as we start things off in a big way with the entrance for Kenny Omega, who gets a huge reaction and pyro. The opening contest will have limited commercial interruptions, as we go to Renee Paquette ringside saying she caught up with Omega, who said the only time he uses his EVP power is to make the locker room better. Once you start abusing that power, you aren’t the best anymore.
(I’m glad we got right down to business tonight with the match with the highest stakes on the card. Similar to their first meeting, these two worked incredibly well with one another, which I realize should surprise no one. Each man hit their home run shots, but ultimately, it was Omega who stood tall yet again and now is next in line for MJF, which makes complete sense, especially with Dynasty being in Canada. For Strickland, whenever he comes off a big loss, it’s interesting to see how he regroups, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next.)
Strickland controlled the action at the start, draping Omega throat first over the top and clobbering him with a big boot. Omega answered with a standing hurricanrana that sent Strickland outside, where Omega met him with a slingshot cross body. Strickland is slammed repeatedly into the announce table before Omega lit him up with chops and charging leaping knee. Omega couldn’t get a snap suplex, as Strickland drove him back first into the LED board and back to the ring. Omega hit his running face palm slam and Kotaro Crusher for a near fall, followed by a picture-perfect You Can’t Escape for two. Loading up for a V-Trigger, Strickland dodges, flips out of a German to his feet, rolls through, misses a suplex, as both trade strikes until Omega nails a spin kick to the neck. Strickland was set-up perfectly into the corner and ate a V-Trigger, as Omega brought Strickland up to the top for an Avalanche One-Winged Angel, but Strickland slipped out for an Avalanche Angle Slam and the reset.
Both men traded high boots before connecting at the same time, as they rose to their feet and slugged it out with forearms until Omega fired off a series of Snap Dragons. Strickland rolled to the apron, fought off a third from Omega, but Strickland grabbed referee Aubrey, allowing him to mule kick Omega. Commentary tells us Aubrey knows what Strickland did, but she didn’t see it, so she can’t do anything, which is just confusing. Strickland hit a pump kick and brought Omega up onto the barricade, as both fell into the front row, re-positioned and Strickland hit a piledriver. Strickland brought Omega back inside and hit a flip-up suplex into a powerbomb for a near fall. Strickland tried Big Pressure, but Omega countered into a roll-up for two. Strickland popped up and decked Omega with a standing House Call and Swerve Stomp with Omega draped over the top and a Swerve Stomp proper for the closest near fall of the match.
Crowd are loudly behind Omega, as Strickland slowly rises, wants another House Call, but Omega collapsed before Strickland could take off. Strickland wants perhaps a Snap Dragon of his own, but Omega backed him into the corner with repeated desperation back elbows. Another slugfest, as Omega just waffled Strickland with a charging big boot. Omega wanted a powerbomb, Strickland floated over and hit his impressive powerbomb into a powerslam. Strickland mocks signaling for a V-Trigger, as Omega rose to his feet and hit a V-Trigger, ripcord V-Trigger and a third for good measure. Omega wanted One-Winged Angel, but Strickland slid out, looked for a Vertebreaker, but Omega landed on his feet and hit a V-Trigger to the back. One-Winged Angel attempted, but Strickland gouged the eyes and got his Vertebreaker, only Omega kicked out. Strickland quickly up for a Swerve Stomp, misses, Omega hits a pump knee and home run V-Trigger. One-Winged Angel finally connects and Omega gets the clean victory.
Match Result: Kenny Omega defeated Swerve Strickland to become #1 Contender for the AEW World Title
-Video package highlighting the history of Darby Allin in AEW is shown. His early days making a go of it on his own before his tag team with Sting. A ton of Allin’s insane moments are shown, including climbing Mount Everest. Allin said he’s not the same guy you knew 5-years ago, but stands for everything AEW represents.
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-Will Ospreay is backstage and said he has an issue with PAC or anyone who stands with Jon Moxley. PAC put his big nose and big ears in his business, as Ospreay issues a challenge to PAC to meet him in Winnipeg at Dynamite next week. Ospreay brought up Moxley saying he’d put him in a time out, which is what he says to his kid. Ospreay said in his time out, he owed Moxley a thank you, as he got to spend time with his son. However, the fear in his sons’ eyes when he saw what the Death Riders did to his neck is something he’ll never forget. Ospreay doesn’t know why they did what they did in front of his countrymen, his mrs, his mom and said he’ll alter Moxley’s life just like he did Ospreay’s, pointing to the scar on his neck. Ospreay issues the challenge to Moxley, saying “I want you at Dynasty, motherf**ker!”
(This turned into a pretty fun trios tag, with Top Flight getting a strong hometown reaction, while Steel impressed in her Dynamite debut. Death Riders are always entertaining in matches like these, as they ramp up the offense down the stretch and their post-match celebration huddle hilariously confused Taz. Post-match the challenge was set, as Ospreay vs. Moxley is official for Dynasty in a match that should be absolutely phenomenal, but it was not said it’d be for Moxley’s Continental Title, yet.)
Death Riders attack during SkyFlight’s entrance, as Top Flight get worked over ringside, while Shafir has her way with Steel in the ring. Steel was able to fight back with a head scissors and corner hurricanrana. Garcia & Darius tag in and have a scramble, until Garcia went at the windpipe. Darius battled back with a leaping lariat, but only got a one count. Garcia went to the eyes, tagging in Moxley, who delivered a series of boots and forearms, but ran right into a huge dropkick. Dante tags in, as Moxley ate a double team, sent outside, as Garcia ate a step-up dropkick. Death Riders regrouped outside, but SkyFlight met them with a trifecta dive to pop the crowd. Trying to go back inside, Shafir held up Dante climbing the ropes, as Moxley repeatedly raked the back before hitting a superplex for two.
Dante was isolated, until finally hitting a leaping dropkick on Garcia. Shafir tried to stop the tag, so Dante hit a leaping enzugiri on her, which commentary said he most likely thought it was Moxley. Steel made the hot tag and ran wild on Shafir, booting off Garcia on the apron to hit Shafir with a Tornado DDT. Steel tried a cross body, but Shafir rolled through, Steel slid out and fired off strikes. Wheeler Yuta tripped Steel up, as Shafir decked Steel, put her on her shoulders, tagged Moxley, as they teased a Doomsday Device, but Steel slipped out, shoved Shafir into crotching Moxley. Garcia tagged in, grabbed Steel, who knocked the hell out of him with a right hand before tagging Darius, as Top Flight hit a double DDT. Yuta again ran distraction, Daniels tried to fend him off, but ate a Busaiku Knee for his troubles. Yuta trash talked, but Steel flew in with a Tope. Back inside, Garcia sank in a Dragon Tamer on Darius, as Dante tried a springboard, but Shafir swept the legs out and he crashed hard outside. Moxley connected with a Curb Stomp on Darius trapped in the submission, as Garcia let it got and got the pin in a fun trios tag.
Post-match, Moxley demanded the microphone telling Will Ospreay it’s not nice to say mean things about people on TV. He knows Ospreay is very upset, but whatever issue he thinks he has with the Death Riders, to them, it’s nothing personal. That said, if Ospreay wants a big fat grudge match at Dynasty, you got it. Until then, don’t let your mouth get you in trouble.
Match Result: Death Riders defeated SkyFlight when Garcia pinned Darius
-Video package on The Young Bucks, who said they haven’t slept a wink since Revolution. After a big loss, you lick your wounds and come back better than ever, which is what they did last week with Jack Perry. Their goal is to become AEW Tag Team Champions for a record 4th time in 2026 and it doesn’t matter who is in their way.
Commentary told us Josh Alexander was dinged up last week in the Trios Title match on Collision, so Romero is out for revenge, as he mocked Bailey’s karate in the early going. Bailey responded with a machine gun kicks into an enzugiri, sending Romero outside. Bailey hit his Triangle Moonsault, went back inside, where Romero hid in the ropes from taking Time Adventure. Romero got in a cheap shot, did his celebration slide, not seeing Bailey coming in with a roundhouse kick. Time Adventure decks Romero, as Bailey quickly hits Ultimate Weapon for the one-sided win.
Match Result: Speedball Mike Bailey defeated Rocky Romero
-Video package of the Texas Death Match at Revolution is shown and MJF defeating Hangman Adam Page to retain the AEW World Title. We’ll hear from MJF after the break.
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MJF immediately mocks the Minnesotan accent, telling the fans to sit down, shut up and show him respect, as he’s the AEW World Champion, the man who hanged the Hangman. Their anxious millennial cowboy can never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever (about 10 more times) can be AEW World Champion again. It was the easiest match of MJF’s career, an easy dub. MJF still holds the title that every man on this planet can hope of obtaining, the one that means you’ve reached the top of the mountain top and no one deserves it more than he does. MJF hits his signature line and said he’s going to double dip catchphrases in this b*tch and does his Devil line as well, before being cut-off by Kenny Omega’s music.
Omega slowly walks out and takes the mic, excusing the way he looks and maybe smell, but he just had a match and asks what MJF’s excuse was? Omega mocks MJF calling himself the Devil and then rattles off his own nicknames saying even at the high of his bad guy-ness, he never put himself on a pedestal over others. If that’s what MJF wants to do, if he wants to be The Devil, maybe Omega needs to be The God of Pro Wrestling himself. When Omega’s body said he couldn’t go any further and medical help was needed, he never listened because he felt a respect to the fans and that was Omega’s fault. When Omega fought MJF the first time, Max was better than a 60-80% Omega, but now that he’s back, he’s really back. If fighting Swerve Strickland taught him anything, is that it’s not just what happens in the ring, but in the back and around the ring, everywhere. Losing in the fashion he did to Strickland the first time taught him he’s not falling for bullsh*t hijinks like before and Omega would go so far in saying he’s better than MJF and it’s ok if the fans know it, but the most important part is what scares Max the most, that he knows it, you son of a b*tch. If Max knows it and ain’t afraid to show it, let’s make it official and see who the better man is at Dynasty, as Omega offers a handshake.
MJF said Dynasty, The God vs. The Devil, you’re on. As far as the handshake is concerned, MJF walked out of the ring and to the back. Omega said now where are this man’s manners, but he knows they’ve heard MJF’s catchphrases enough tonight, let’s hear of his own. Omega does the Goodbye and Goodnight, bang, line and thanks everyone. The match graphic is already official.
-Renee Paquette is backstage earlier today with Adam Copeland & Christian Cage asking the message they want to send to the Tag Champs? Cage said life is about choices and FTR chose to turn their backs on Copeland, jumping them and leaving them laying at All Out and left Beth Copeland with medical issues after a spike piledriver and even worse, they chose to piledrive him. Cage walks out and Copeland said Cage is such an a**hole, but knows two bigger ones and tells the camera to zoom in. Copeland mentions Dan working at Golds Gym and told him to show Copeland his work, but years later, he chose to put his hands on Beth, after eating at their table, spending time with their children, they chose to throw this all away. Copeland said he knows taking FTR’s titles are what means the most to them, but somewhere, Copeland is going to find them and end their careers.
FTR & Stokely’s music hits and they make their way to the ring. Tony Schiavone said it’s a miracle that Stokely is on his feet. Stokely said the fans shouldn’t care what Copeland & Cage have to say, instead, they should listen up to FTR. Cash Wheeler said Copeland wants to talk choices, they made a choice to dump the dead weight, refusing to carry his carcass over the finish line of his career. They made choices and look at what they have, while Copeland thought they’d live in his shadow, they take a backseat to no one. Wheeler brings up 2009 and Copeland opening doors for him, but it’s not 2009 anymore, he doesn’t need Copeland, his wife or his stupid kids. Copeland & Cage’s time is gone and FTR’s is now, they’re living legends. Dax Harwood said the tough guy act doesn’t scare him, as Copeland & Cage are a shell of their former selves, everyone knows it. Harwood loves Copeland’s wife, but what they did to her made Adam Copeland question everything. If they dropped Beth Copeland on her head, imagine what they’re willing to do to Copeland & Cage, top guys, out.
Orange Cassidy’s music hits and he walks out with official Conglomeration member Roderick Strong to the ring for their match, as Stokely shoulder bumps Cassidy, who slowly responds, so FTR shoved Cassidy down and Strong was right there to have his partners back. FTR leave, as Cassidy & Strong await their opponents.
(Solid victory here for The Dogs, who continue trading wins it seems with Cassidy and whoever his partner is. It does seem like Cassidy & Strong are going to be a regular duo going forward and even in defeat, they looked good as a tandem, so I assume they’ll get back in the win column soon. This was a needed win for Connors, who has felt like the one who’d been taking the pins whenever The Dogs would lose matches.)
Finlay didn’t have time for Cassidy’s pockets antics, as he threw one chop and that was enough for Cassidy to tag in Strong, who got a big reaction. Hard series of strikes exchanged by Strong & Finlay, who scrambled and tagged Connors, who ate chops of his own. Cassidy tagged in for some little chops, while Strong fired his full steam. The tamest Demolition Decapitation delivered by Cassidy, who climbed down from the second rope to the mat and dropped an elbow. Cassidy drove The Dogs into the top buckle and tried a top rope cross-body, was caught, rolled through and hit a double hurricanrana to the outside. Cassidy tried a dive, but was caught by Finlay and driven into the barricade, as Connors flew in with a Spear, while Strong was launched into the barricade, with The Dogs taking control.
Cassidy was isolated, as commentary talked about Finlay being estranged from his dad, who Taz talked about knowing very well, as Schiavone called Fit Finlay one bad apple. Cassidy finally was able to hit a Stundog on Finlay, ducked a Connors charge, as it’s Strong who made the hot tag and ran wild. Big time backbreaker to Finlay, as Connors ran into a dropkick and corner strikes before a running slam got a near fall. Finlay sent Cassidy off the apron, as Connors planted Strong with a snap powerslam. The Dogs wanted a high/low, Strong fought them off, as Cassidy tagged in and was used a projectile, spiking Connors with a DDT for two. Finlay leveled Strong with a comebacker lariat, but walked right into a Cassidy diving DDT off the top. Connors avoided another DDT and got an uppercut, but missed another snap powerslam attempt. Right as Strong was about to hit End of Heartache, Finlay flew in with a shoulder tackle and The Dogs hit their high/low. Cassidy was left alone, hands in pockets, as he hit a double dropkick, kip-up and swinging DDT on Finlay. Connors rolled through Beach Break, but ate a Cassidy PK, as he signaled for Orange Punch, Connors dodged, charged for a Spear, but came up limp on the leg. Finlay & Connors hit a suplex/spear combo out of the corner they call The Full Clip and pick up the victory.
Match Result: The Dogs defeated The Conglomeration when Connors pinned Cassidy
-We hear from AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions, Divine Dominion, saying greed is what cost Babes of Wrath their titles. If Willow Nightingale thought she bit off more than she could chew last time, they’re going to make her choke, while Harley Cameron will be left playing with her dolls. There are no second chances, just fatality.
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-Kyle Fletcher is backstage and talks about defeating his mentor, Robbie Eagles, on Collision this past weekend, proving he’s just as good as he says he is. Maybe Fletcher has been too narrow minded and brings up being undefeated in 2026, something Kenny Omega nor MJF can say. Fletcher isn’t happy about this business arrangement with MJF, instead saying the Don Callis Family should be fighting MJF and bringing the AEW Title to The Callis Family and he’s the man to do it. Konosuke Takeshita walks in and Fletcher said he knows he’s not a fan of Okada or ProtOkada, but Takeshita said nothing can come between them, especially Okada and reminds Fletcher that ProtoShita came first as the two hug it out.
(This was about as strong as you can have a challenger look in defeat, as Shirakawa controlled a majority of this one and had a much more serious/hard hitting attitude throughout. Of course the champ won via shenanigans, but it does give Shirakawa an out if there’s a rematch perhaps down the line.)
Shirakawa walked out with another bouquet of flowers, demanding to know who they’re from before smashing them on the steps. The secret admirer is still up in the air, as is who attacked Timeless Toni Storm last week, putting her on the shelf for the foreseeable future. Taz said it could be a man, woman, both, who knows.
Shirakawa is relentless at the opening bell, launching Thekla from corner to corner with hair mares and draping DDT off the top rope. Thekla rolls outside, but Shirakawa out after with a snap suplex and Tornillo from the apron back inside for two. Thekla put on the brakes in the ropes and caught Shirakawa with a drop toe hold and running boot to gain the advantage. Both slug it out on the apron, as Shirakawa avoided a German suplex, swept out Thekla’s legs and hit another draping DDT off the apron, screaming to the camera that she fights for Toni and herself. Thekla battled back with a double stomp to the back off the apron and mocked Shirakawa’s shimmy to the camera, as the crowd is loudly behind Shirakwa.
Commentary brings up Thekla being thrown out of Stardom for attacking the president of the company, which Taz said he respects, as there’s been many promoters he wishes he’d have choked out. Thekla charged for a Spear, but Shirakawa decked her with a flying boot and pounced on top with punches in bunches. Sling Blade connects, as Shirakawa heads to the top and hits a missile dropkick for two. Shirakawa gets a Half Crab, but Thekla got the ropes and kicked free. Thekla ducked a spinning back fist, hit a right hand, Shirakawa got in a shot of her own, charged, but Thekla hit a Spear. Thekla grabbed her belt to use, but the referee took it from her, allowing Thekla to grab brass knuckles. Shirakawa ducked a shot, hit her backfist, tried a back suplex, but Thekla waffled Shirakawa with the knucks, hid the evidence and got the win.
Post-match, the Sisters of Sin joined Thekla to celebrate her title defense.
Match Result: Thekla defeated Mina Shirakawa to retain the AEW Women’s Title
-Renee Paquette is backstage with Kenny Omega and said next week is the official contract signing for the Dynasty World Title match, but if there’s any physicality, then the match is off. Omega said it’s typical MJF to that kind of tomfoolery and said it’s been a while since he’s been in this position to challenge for the World Title. MJF brought up Omega being the God of Pro Wrestling, which Omega said it sounds silly, but if that’s what it means to take the title off MJF, so be it. Speedball Mike Bailey walks in and talked about how much he admires Omega and when he wins the World Title, he wants to be the first person in line for a title shot and to shake his hand. Omega accepts and said Bailey has got it, when he wins, Bailey can get a shot, then tells him to let go of his hand as they go to commercial.
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-The Demand are backstage, as Ricochet said he wants to apologize, as the last time they saw him, he lost his cool and apologizes to Liona, but says he’s still not sure about Kaun. Ricochet said he was never beaten for his National Title by Jack Perry. Now, there’s guys like Kenny Omega, who get title shots after one match, while Ricochet knocked Omega’s block off the one time they wrestled. They hit their go home line and Ricochet cackled.
(My goodness did Allin get his ass kicked in this one, which, we know Allin takes a beating almost all the time, but Rush really brought it tonight, even in defeat, as Allin just squeaked out a win. It was Rush’s first singles match on Dynamite, ironically, since facing MJF back in June of 2024. The irony being that the post-match, set the stage for The Callis Family making good on their transaction from MJF by beating Allin down mercilessly. Mark Davis especially looked like a monster in that beatdown.)
Rush wasted no time attacking Allin during his entrance and violently slamming him head first against the railing and punting him in the ribs. Rush re-positions the steps, giving Allin a chance to fight back, but ate a stiff forearm before being wildly launching Allin over the steps, causing a flip bump against the railing. Allin was able to fight back by trapping one leg of Rush in the ring apron, but Rush broke free right as Allin was going for his low Tope and Allin landed horribly. We get loud F*ck ICE chants from the Minnesota crowd, as Allin & Rush briefly slug it out on the apron, until Rush just ragdolls Allin by hitting an overhead belly-to-belly causing Allin, again, to go thud on the outside, causing the doctor to check on him. Referee Paul Turner had to keep Rush away, as Allin is bleeding from the forehead. Rush takes a victory lap and Taz’s water bottle, as Taz said they go way back, he’s cool with it.
Rush continued to batter a bloodied Allin, hitting his signature charge, put on the brakes and boot to the face, as Rush did the LFI pose, but Allin exploded up and pounced on top Rush with punches. Allin rakes at the back of Rush on the apron, drapes him over the top and hits a Coffin Drop, sending Rush crashing to the floor. Allin gives him about 2 seconds to recover before he’s right out with a low Tope. Allin sat Rush on a chair and hit a top rope missile dropkick, as Allin tore off a piece of the broken chair. Taking it back inside, Rush kicked out at one and started no selling, daring Allin to hit him, so Allin delivered a combo into a Code Red for two. Allin charged, but Rush hit an overhead belly-to-belly into the corner before shoving referee Paul Turner away. Allin kept calling for more and you don’t have to ask Rush twice like Taz said, as Rush signaled for the Bulls Horns, but Allin dodged, rolled through into a jackknife pin and got the flash victory.
Post-match, we’re told this is 7 wins in a row for Allin, as Mark Davis walks out with the Don Callis Family and spiked Allin with a piledriver. Andrade is having words with Don Callis, as Davis, Rocky Romero, Trent Beretta & Lance Archer put the boots to Allin in the ring. Archer planted Allin with a choke slam, as the show ends with Callis laughing on the aisle, with Andrade not impressed that The Family is helping MJF, taking money to help fend off challengers like Allin.
Match Result: Darby Allin defeated Rush
In a new interview, Swerve Strickland discussed his approach to matches and feuds in AEW, how that approach differs from his WWE tenure, and key aspects in what led to his reinvention and overall physical change.
Talking to Simon Miller (seen below), Strickland was asked about his approach going into AEW matches especially with his high stakes, bloody matches against Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin and his All In Texas match against The Young Bucks with Will Ospreay in his corner.
“I would definitely say it’s always instinctual. The opponent always changes up my approach to certain things. It changes up my approach to how I’m going to look, how I’m going to do the promos going in, the lead-ups, the TV, the match itself. It’s not even just about the ability, it’s about the motive. Why am I going these routes with these different opponents?” stated Strickland.
Strickland will rematch Kenny Omega this Wednesday on AEW Dynamite in a match where Strickland’s number one contender status is up against Omega’s executive vice president role.
“The Young Bucks: we had something on the line as far as the EVP status, and me and Will Ospreay not being able to challenge for the title for a year. The time, the year before, that All In with Bryan Danielson’s career on the line, my World Championship. So, those stakes always change how I’m going to approach a match and fans feel that every kick out is, could be the last they’ll ever see of this person, or see him in that light. So, that changes a lot of the intensity that I bring.”
“It changes the mindset of the opponent, and I always like to showcase those things to the fans. The fans see that Swerve is thinking and of something, he’s planning something, and Danielson is a different approach to the Bucks, which the Bucks is a different approach to Sting and Darby (Allin), I think that’s the fun of pro wrestling.”
Strickland also talked about his in-ring presentation, his physical transition as an athlete, and how fans expect more from wrestlers.
“As far as the evolution, it was like I never looked to do bigger and better. I just looked to do different and more unique. Because you can get into your head very big time as a performer, as an athlete about, ‘Oh, we got to do better. We got to do bigger. We got to do bigger and better than last time.’ Sometimes you’ll stunt the growth of the creative process and the performance itself. Fans will sniff out that you’re trying to outperform something. But if you just stay true and authentic, it has to come from (my heart) for me. If it’s not coming from here, then it shows.”
Strickland signed with WWE in 2019 and competed on NXT until 2021. This was where he formed Hit Row with Top Dolla, B-Fab and Ashante ‘Thee’ Adonis. The stable moved to the SmackDown brand in October 2021 but shortly afterward, all were released by WWE with B-Fab and Adonis eventually re-signing.
In March 2022, Strickland debuted on AEW and a couple of years later, he won the AEW World Championship.
The second-ever clash between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland will take place on next week’s AEW Dynamite but with a pair of stipulations.
After Strickland defeated Omega last month and then took him out of action, Omega made a surprise return at this past Sunday’s Revolution after Strickland’s victory over Brody King as Strickland was about to drop King on cinder blocks.
On Wednesday’s Dynamite, Omega called out Strickland for a rematch where Strickland’s number one contender status would be the line. (It was revealed later that Strickland earned the shot with his win over King, something Strickland said he later wasn’t aware of.)
Strickland then did an in-ring promo where he said he wanted Omega’s power and suggested he put up his executive vice president position which would go to Strickland if he wins. The match was later confirmed with Strickland’s title shot also on the line.
Both are former AEW World Champions.
After weeks of absence, Kenny Omega made his return at AEW Revolution.
A night of returns, the March 15th edition of AEW Revolution featured several returns and shocking appearances, including Ronda Rousey, Will Ospreay, and even Omega.
Following Swerve Strickland’s singles victory over Brody King, fans almost witnessed Strickland drop King on cinder blocks when Omega’s music hit. As Prince Nana brought the blocks to Strickland, Omega’s music hit, and he came down to the ring with a roaring Los Angeles crowd behind him.
The former World Champion returned and confronted Strickland as he ran away with Nana. Omega stood tall in the ring with King and raised his hand to close the segment.
King and Strickland delivered a hard-hitting contest, with several brutal spots. One moment in the match saw Strickland drop King with a Vertebreaker on the ringside floor, before hitting the third ‘House Call’ finisher and pinning him.
Several weeks ago, Strickland had put Omega out of action after dropping him with a verterbreaker to him through a commentary table. Omega was also recently present at the Capcom Cup in Japan.
Kenny Omega was back at Sumo Hall in Japan on Wednesday — but it wasn’t for a wrestling match.
The former AEW World Champion helped kick off Capcom Cup 12, a video game tournament for Street Fighter 6. Omega appeared in costume as the character Alex, who is being added to the game on March 17. Motion capture work for Alex was done by Omega and many of his moves and taunts will be included in the game.
Kenny oooooMEEEEEGAAAAA!! @KennyOmegamanX #CAPCOMCUP12 pic.twitter.com/4wp4RyI1RS
— Capcom Fighters (@CapcomFighters) March 11, 2026
“For the past few years, we’ve worked closely with @KennyOmegamanX on bringing Alex to life and we want to thank him for being at Capcom Cup 12!,” the official Street Fighter account tweeted. “Just a few more days before Alex releases on March 17!”
For the past few years, we’ve worked closely with @KennyOmegamanX on bringing Alex to life and we want to thank him for being at Capcom Cup 12!
— Street Fighter (@StreetFighter) March 11, 2026
Just a few more days before Alex releases on March 17! pic.twitter.com/7n352mXjYk
This appearance mean’s Omega won’t be in San Jose, California for tonight’s Dynamite episode and Collision taping. He’s been contractually scheduled to be in Tokyo for Capcom Cup from March 11-15, which would mean that Omega won’t be at Sunday’s Revolution pay-per-view either unless he was able to reach an agreement to leave before the final day.
A feud between Omega and Swerve Strickland was brewing in advance of Revolution, but they instead faced off on the February 18 edition of Dynamite with Strickland getting the victory. Omega did not want to be in a position where he was being teased for Revolution while his status for the show was in doubt.
Strickland will still be in action on Sunday, facing off against Brody King. The PPV is being held in Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena.
Chris Jericho feels his match with Kenny Omega led to the start of AEW.
While talking with Spencer Matthews, Jericho gave his Mt. Rushmore of wrestling opponents, first listing Dean Ambrose (Jon Moxley), The Rock, and Shawn Michaels. For his fourth, Jericho named Kenny Omega, saying that their match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 back in 2018 made history.
“We changed the business when we had our match at the Tokyo Dome, which at the time was crazy because nobody ever thought it would happen,” he said. “We’re both from the same small town in Canada called Winnipeg, and we pretty much packed the Tokyo Dome. Digital streaming was through the roof for New Japan Pro Wrestling, which then led to Tony Khan seeing and deciding that he could form AEW because there was so much demand for wrestling that was not WWE.”
Khan founded AEW in 2019, one year after their Wrestle Kingdom match. Both joined the promotion and became AEW’s top stars, with Jericho becoming the first-ever AEW World Champion. His status with the company is currently in question as reports indicate his contract has been frozen due to taking time off.
Swerve Strickland has taken to social media following his show-closing angle on AEW Dynamite.
On Sunday, Strickland wrote “This was the moment I knew what I had to do,” posting an image of himself with his back turned to Kenny Omega during their face-to-face two weeks ago that ultimately led to a brawl. Last Wednesday, Strickland was successful in defeating Omega, but took things further after the match, continuing to attack Omega after the bell. Strickland escalated matters further by giving Omega a vertebreaker through the announcer’s table, yelling “I needed this” as the show went off the air.
A follow-up on Collision revealed that AEW officials had fined Strickland $100,000 for his actions. Strickland also took time to respond to this on social media, seemingly indifferent to AEW’s punishment.
The former AEW World Champion and Omega first crossed paths during a tournament that would establish the next contender for MJF’s World Championship. After Strickland lost to Andrade El Idolo, Andrade followed that up with a win over Omega thanks to a distraction from Strickland, who grabbed the screwdriver away from Andrade. As Strickland inadvertently distracted the referee, Andrade low blowed Omega and scored the win with the DM.
Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio discussing the major stories from today’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
We went over the remaining 2025 WON Awards and then hit on other news including:
Click here to listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube
John LaRocca and I return with a brand-new Fight Game to discuss some of the most interesting topics in pro wrestling.
We gave out their thumbs up and thumbs down before focusing on the major stories of the week including two big pieces of business coming out of AEW Dynamite; the Hangman Page and MJF face-to-face, and the main event featuring Swerve Strickland beating Kenny Omega.
We also talked about Finn Balor’s presentation as the top contender for CM Punk’s belt and how it’s a little lacking.
Click Here to Listen (sub needed)
An appearance by Kenny Omega is still possible for AEW Revolution, but an agreement would need to be worked out for it to happen.
Omega is scheduled to be in Japan during the week of Revolution for Capcom Cup 2026, an annual “Street Fighter” video game tournament. There is a contractual commitment for Omega to be at the tournament, but Dave Meltzer reports that Omega is trying to reach an agreement where he could return to the United States in time for Revolution on Sunday, March 15.
“Regarding Kenny Omega, as noted two weeks ago, he is under contract to be at the Capcom event at Sumo Hall in Tokyo from 3/11 to 3/15. He is trying to make a deal where he can leave on 3/14 and be on the PPV, but as of right now he still has the commitment,” Meltzer wrote in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “He said there is a possibility he can make the date but at this point he didn’t want to be in a position where he had to be on the show or where he would be teased or advertised in case he cant make it.”
Revolution is being held in Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena. A match between Omega and Swerve Strickland would have made sense for the pay-per-view if Omega were able to wrestle at the show. Instead, they faced off on Dynamite this week with Strickland getting the win, laying out Omega, and turning heel.
The Revolution card is being headlined by MJF vs. Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship. On AEW programming recently, we’ve seen Omega attempt to get back into the World title picture. Another World title reign is something that he’s open to, but Omega believes that AEW should prioritize its future.
