Tag: kyle fletcher

Wrestling Weekly: One unlikely reunion in WWE, another coming in AEW?

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: WWE

The only thing that might be more surprising than Bronson Reed joining Seth Rollins in WWE would be Hangman Page and Swerve Strickland mending fences in AEW.

On the new Wrestling Weekly with Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa, the guys talk about the events that led to the first situation and might lead to the other one.

They look at everything that came out of last weekend’s action which included WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, AEW Double or Nothing, and the various TV shows of the past week.

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Daily Update: WWE notes, AEW Dynamite TNT title match, Walker Stewart

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Daily Update

Latest Headlines

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • Death and legacy of Sabu
  • Why WrestleMania was  moved, expected date change and how it went down
  • WWE Backlash coverage and what the Netflix number, or lack thereof, said about it.
  • Double or Nothing, Saturday Night’s Main Event, Battleground and Dean 2 looked at
  • UFC’s last two weeks of shows
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the wrestling shows, where they placed in weekly stands, time slot, competition, Netflix numbers and how close is Dynamite really to Raw
  • Updates in different court cases involving Vince McMahon, including what things Vince is trying to keep private and what argument are his lawyers using to get the Janel Grant case out of court.
  • AEW wrestlers at Arena Mexico in June with two shows including some very big matches
  • Notes on the last two weeks of Arena Mexico activity
  • Update on TripleMania Regia and those who were to be there and aren’t and who is
  • Who is the hottest new star in AAA
  • Champion Carnival finals
  • Ninja Mack becomes viral star
  • Best of the Super Juniors tournament
  • Woman wrestling legend retires
  • Kyle Snyder’s arrest, what happened, where he stands right now
  • New signees to RAF including Chael Sonnen as announcer
  • Sonnen issues apology
  • Pro wrestling legend announces independent show for his last match in a 20,000 seat arena
  • LA Park’s latest controversy
  • Maple Leaf Wrestling thoughts
  • TNA has a number of big shows
  • Jim Ross notes
  • Darby Allin’s climb
  • Collision technical issue
  • AEW doing more residencies
  • AEW and International television
  • Will Ospreay on AEW vs. WWE
  • Advance ticket sales for AEW, WWE and TNA events upcoming
  • UFC wins multiple awards
  • Lots of new major UFC fights
  • Boxing legend done with MMA
  • PFL tournament shows upcoming
  • Holly Holm signs with Jake Paul
  • What is going on with Nick Khan & Dana White’s boxing deal with Turki Alalshikh
  • WWE in Mexico
  • WWE injury and roster updates
  • New WWE signings

Wednesday Update

WWE

  • Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Pat McAfee were in attendance at last night’s Indiana Pacers victory over the New York Knicks in game four of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.
  • At his post-game press conference, Pacers superstar and WWE fan Tyrese Haliburton reacted to Levesque being at the game: “I was happy [Haliburton’s father John] was in the building, obviously Triple H was in the building. … I’m not gonna say it was more special, but Triple H being in the building was pretty fire too.”
  • WWE posted a tribute to musician Rick Derringer following his passing at 77 years old:
    • WWE is saddened to learn that Rick Derringer has passed away.
    • An accomplished musician who landed a Top 40 hit in 1973 with ‘Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,’ Derringer lent his talents to WWE in the 1980s by creating Hulk Hogan’s iconic ‘Real American” entrance theme. Collaborating with WWE Hall of Famer Jimmy Hart, Derringer also worked on the theme for legendary tag team Demolition.
    • WWE extends its condolences to Derringer’s family, friends and fans.
  • WWE uploaded the full Stephanie Vaquer vs. Jacy Jayne main event from NXT last night, where Jayne defeated Vaquer to become the new NXT Women’s Champion.
  • Amanda Saccamanno (Mandy Rose) congratulated her former Toxic Attraction stablemate on her title win: “So proud of you!!! Well f***** deserved!! Love you!!”
  • JC Mateo (Jeff Cobb) spoke to Hawaii News Now about signing with WWE: “From 2020 to 2024, I had like two or three other offers from them (WWE). It’s very fortunate in my career where I could turn them down and be fine with it, and then finally they got me.”
  • John Cena is featured on the poster for WWE’s Night of Champions PLE that’s taking place in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 28.
  • Chad Gable surprised three athletes by informing them that they’ve been selected as members of Team Minnesota for the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games.
  • Rap producer Metro Boomin tweeted that he’d love to work with WWE on creating entrance themes: “Would love to produce some WWE entrance themes. It’s a lifelong goal of mine”
  • Cody Rhodes’ “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” podcast debuted today with his wife Brandi Rhodes appearing as the first guest

Other Wrestling

  • Adam Cole vs. Kyle Fletcher for the TNT Championship has been added to the lineup for tonight’s AEW Dynamite.
  • Shelton Benjamin celebrated his goddaughter (Charlie Haas’ daughter Kayla) graduating from high school:
    • Congratulations to my goddaughter. Class of 2025. Allen H.S. You make us all proud. @realcharliehaas 1 down 3 to go, can’t wait to give the next prom date the Bad Boys treatment. Congratulations Kayla from the Godfather #graduation #classof2025 #goddaughter #goodjobchuck&jackie
  • Responding to a fan on social media who asked if she’ll be on Dynamite tonight, Deonna Purrazzo wrote: “During picture in picture, probably.” [referencing her Southern New Hampshire University commercial that often airs during the show]
  • Sting’s son Garrett Borden revealed that he and his wife Katelyn are expecting a baby this November.
  • English-language announcer Walker Stewart is now working as Stardom’s Director of Global Communications and PR in addition to his commentary duties for both NJPW and Stardom. Stewart wrote on his LinkedIn page:
    • As Director of Global PR & Communications, I lead the company’s international branding, media strategy, and fan engagement efforts. I oversee STARDOM’s English-language social media platforms, promoting live events, pay-per-views, merchandise, and our roster of world-class athletes to a global audience. In addition to managing all foreign media relations and partnerships, I guide the overall direction of STARDOM’s international division. I also spearhead the development of video, audio, and graphical content tailored for international markets—ensuring that our storytelling, presentation, and brand voice resonate across platforms and borders.
  • The IInspiration (Cassie Lee & Jessica McKay) will face Elayna Black & Bea Priestley at Prestige Wrestling’s Combat Clash in Portland, Oregon on Sunday, July 13. It’s a match with four former WWE wrestlers with the former Peyton Royce & Billie Kay facing the former Cora Jade & Blair Davenport.
  • GCW has announced Elayna Black vs. Zayda Steel for their The Top Play show in Hartford, Connecticut on Saturday, July 5.

Skye Blue credits Kyle Fletcher for helping her get through broken fibula recovery

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Skye Blue has opened up about that injury that kept her out of action for ten months.

In an interview with Q101 that also featured boyfriend Kyle Fletcher, the AEW star talked about her injury that took place on July 20 during an episode of Collision. She was wrestling Hikaru Shida when she broke her leg catching a dive.

“I’ve caught dives before so I didn’t think anything of it,” she recounted. “As she jumped, I could tell something was off with it. It was either her head was hitting the floor or I was gonna dive and catch her. I dove and caught her. And the second I felt it, I had rolled over to get up because I had to crawl to where I was going, I felt my foot dangling from my leg…I could feel it detached. It was the grossest feeling that I’ve ever felt.”

Blue said she ended up snapping her fibula, her first serious injury in pro wrestling that required plates and screws being inserted into her foot. During the interview, she talked about her rehab process.

“It was so much harder than I anticipated. I didn’t realize how much you use your leg for,” she said. “Even just learning how to walk again was difficult. I was butt-scooting up stairs. And when [Fletcher] had to go to work, Robbie Eagles stayed with us for a little while.”

When she was asked if she considered ending her career due to the injury, she said it crossed her mind, but credited Fletcher with helping her get through those tough times.

“It’d be like four in the morning and there was times where I would have to lay with my leg straight because if I moved it, it was just in pain,” she said. “But this one [Fletcher] was the best because he’d be like no, tell those voices to shut up. You’re going to wrestle, you’re not going to just sit on this couch and mope. And yeah, he was by far the biggest supporter I could ever ask for.”

Blue will make her in-ring return on Wednesday’s Dynamite where she’ll be part of a four way AEW Women’s title eliminator match featuring champion Toni Storm, AZM, and Mina Shirakawa.

Hangman Page vs. Kyle Fletcher Owen Hart semifinal slated for next AEW Dynamite

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The second Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament semifinals matchup is official for next week’s AEW Dynamite.

As announced during Wednesday’s show, Hangman Adam Page will face Kyle Fletcher in an Owen Hart tournament semifinal on the April 30 AEW Dynamite. The winner will advance to the tournament finals at Double or Nothing on May 25 to face Will Ospreay. The tournament winner will earn a World title shot at the All In Texas pay-per-view set for Saturday, July 12.

In a preview for next week’s contest, Fletcher and the Don Callis Family attacked Page and Ospreay in a segment on this week’s Dynamite.

Ospreay won his way into the finals by defeating Kevin Knight in the quarterfinals, and Konosuke Takeshita in the semifinals. Page bested Josh Alexander in the quarterfinals, while Fletcher topped Mark Briscoe in the quarterfinals round.

The Owen Hart Foundation women’s tournament finals are set for Double or Nothing following Wednesday’s Dynamite, with Jamie Hayter defeating Kris Statlander to advance. Hayter will face Mercedes Mone for an All In title shot at Double or Nothing next month.

The AEW Dynamite lineup for April 30:

AEW Dynamite, Wednesday, April 30 —

  • Owen Hart Foundation men’s tournament semifinals: Hangman Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher

Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher advance in Owen Hart Foundation tournament at AEW Dynasty

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: JJ Williams

Two bitter rivals and former partners both advanced in the opening bouts of the men’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament as part of AEW Dynasty.

Former AEW International Champion Will Ospreay opened up the pay-per-view with a victory over Kevin Knight in their first ever meeting. Ospreay picked up the win to end an extremely athletic bout by connecting on a Hidden Blade after Knight kicked out of both a Styles Clash and an Oscutter.

Later on the show, Kyle Fletcher won his trilogy series with former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe to also advance. Fletcher battered Briscoe throughout the match, power bombing him on the ringside floor and on the ringside barricade, later hitting back-to-back brainbusters on the ring apron and inside the ring. Fletcher survived a Briscoe offensive rally late, hitting two running kicks and a turnbuckle brainbuster for the win in a hard-hitting bout.

Ospreay now moves on to face the winner of Brody King vs. Konosuke Takeshita in the eight-man tournament while Fletcher awaits the victor of the Hangman Page vs. surprise entrant/wild card match. The dates for those bouts has yet to be announced.

The finals of the tournament will take place at May’s Double or Nothing. The tournament winner will challenge for the AEW World title at July’s All In Texas.

AEW Revolution review: Mox & Cope do their match

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The most annoying thing about Sunday’s AEW Revolution was that up until the main event, this was a surefire show of the year contender.

And you know what? Even after that nonsense, I am still going to consider it a top notch show anyway because a match like Jon Moxley vs. Adam Copeland isn’t going to drag me or this show down.

To be fair, Cope and Mox had to follow a steel cage match where Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher did literally everything under the sun in one of the craziest cage matches in recorded history. Their situation was a tough one, to be sure. But even taking that into account, I can’t understand why a match like this ended the show where the last two or three matches before it would have closed things on a high note. But that didn’t happen as Mox and Cope went out there, did their match, and it wasn’t particularly good.

After weeks of Copeland hunting down most of Mox’s crew, he proceeded to have a technical wrestling battle with Moxley. And by battle, I mean Mox sat there and did holds. Cope then sat there and did holds, and vice versa. For a match that had been built on Cope taking every single member of the Death Riders down so he could get his hands on Mox, going out there and simply doing a wrestling match felt off psychologically.

Then there was the ref bump and, what do you know, Wheeler Yuta came out. On the last episode of Dynamite, it was teased that Yuta was tired of being yelled at by Mox and it was implied he wasn’t going to help him Sunday. (Never mind this was at least the second or third time they’ve teased Yuta might turn on the Death Riders and Cope looked like an utter fool for letting him go.) So wouldn’t you know it, shock of all shocks, when the time came, Yuta in fact did not turn on the Death Riders and proceeded to lay out Cope. Wow. What a shock.

As usual with the Death Riders storyline, Suddenly A Bunch Of Stuff Happened. Jay White came out and interfered but accidentally struck Cope with the briefcase. Then Christian Cage came out and cashed in his anytime, anywhere title shot that he won back in August. And after all these months of teasing his cash in, here’s how it ended: Christian hit a spear and a Killswitch but Mox came to and put Christian in his bulldog choke. Christian cutely attempted to cover Cope, but Mox pulled him off and Christian submitted, the end. The Death Riders live on.

Swerve Strickland, who won a number one contender’s match earlier in the show, took out Mox with a dive off a balcony to end the show, so that’s kinda cool but it didn’t erase the last 30 minutes.

The ending to Revolution reminded me of those WCW shows in 1997 where you would get a great undercard but a totally abysmal main event. This wasn’t as bad as some of the worst WCW main events but, boy, was it a flat ending to an otherwise excellent show.

Here’s a rundown of the rest of the card:

  • Two things can be true about the steel cage match that took place between Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher. This was a brutal, violent, amazing spectacle full of incredible spots, something that won’t be forgotten for a long time. The problem was once they hit the high point, they continued and did so many crazy nearfalls that it bordered on parody. Once Mark Davis ran in for a second time in this cage match where there can’t be any interference, I was beginning to wonder what the finish was going to be. Would it be the really cool Oscutter off the cage? The Styles Clash onto the thumbtacks? The (multiple) screwdriver stabbings? The crazy Spanish fly off the cage? No, but all of that happened for some very close nearfalls. The answer? After all of that, Fletcher was pinned with a Tiger Driver 91. There were a lot of cool things, and I want to stress that overall, I thought the cage match was great, but there was A LOT going on, probably too much by the end.
  • Like the main event, Kenny Omega and Konosuke Takeshita had to follow a really violent spectacle in the Hollywood Ending, but unlike the main event, I thought they did a good job. I wasn’t expecting this kind of match where Omega sold and sold and sold for a long time, but they did a good job building toward the end and I enjoyed the crucifix finish. I didn’t imagine Omega winning the title but it does make sense as Takeshita got the win in their previous match.
  • Toni Storm and Mariah May had their Hollywood Ending and I must say, it was one hell of a brawl and maybe the best thing on the show in terms of overall execution. This was a fast-paced, brutal spectacle full of violence. Both women bled buckets, especially Toni. There was tons of glass and using that glass to spill more blood. Lots of piledrivers and big moves on surfaces that were not a pro wrestling ring. The aftermath of the bout where “THE END” was shown on screen as Storm continued to lie next to her former friend I thought was also a nice touch. This story kind of dragged in places, especially when Storm vanished for months, but now that it’s all said and done, I thought it was a very well done story. Who would have thought All About Eve would inspire a wrestling storyline in the 2020s?
  • The Hurt Business defeating The Outrunners was nothing special. I don’t really have anything to say about it other than The Hurt Business is probably not losing for a long time. Next!
  • There wasn’t much to Kazuchika Okada defeating Brody King either. Nothing wrong with it, I thought it was a good hard-hitting match, but it’s one of those bouts that gets lost in a sea of really great matches. Okada won, just biding time until they do the Omega match in July.
  • Swerve Strickland gained revenge over Ricochet in what I thought was an excellent back and forth match, probably the best bell-to-bell wrestling match on the show. Ricochet has found his footing as a heel and it’s helped out his matches a ton. Swerve is one of the best in the world and showcased it here yet again. Swerve is next for Moxley and while this may just be me ready to move on from the Death Riders storyline, I’m all for him to win the title again next month.
  • Momo Watanabe failed to win the TBS title from Mercedes Mone. These two had a very good, hard-hitting match. And when I mean hard-hitting, I mean Watanabe kicked Mone repeatedly. Hard. It didn’t seem fun, but Mone picked up the win after a hard battle. I’m kinda at the point where I’m wondering what the endgame is for Mone’s run with the TBS title, but she’s been consistently good so there’s no rush either, I guess.
  • Hangman Page defeated MJF in what I thought was an excellent opener, probably right there with Ricochet and Swerve. MJF’s petulant behavior, jealous over Page’s popularity, played out in full force here, particularly near the end when he started throwing a fit. Also, that Angel’s Wings spot towards the end looked like it HURT. This ended up being a very well-worked match, and with Page’s victory, he should get a World title match sooner than later.

Will Ospreay defeats Kyle Fletcher in violent cage match at AEW Revolution

Posted on by Josh Nason

The rivalry between former friends and blood rivals Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher appeared to end at Sunday’s AEW Revolution as they did battle in a steel cage match in the co-main event spot.

After hitting a Hidden Blade as Fletcher yelled obscenities at him, Ospreay picked up the victory after hitting a Tiger Driver 91 to end the violent and bloody affair.

Several moments from the match, held under pin or submission only rules, grabbed ahold of social media including a Spanish Fly to Fletcher by Ospreay from the very top of the cage. Ospreay landed awkwardly on his hip/back on the landing and was favoring it after the bout which could have also been him possibly selling.

The match saw a bag of weapons get involved courtesy of Mark Davis who had had to ally himself with the Don Callis Family due a contractual issue. All three men were bloodied up with Davis taking a cage door shot to the head that sent him outside the ring.

The bag contained a barbed wire bat that both men used, causing Ospreay to yell “Bang bang!” to the camera as an homage to Cactus Jack/Mike Foley.

It also contained a bag of tacks that eventually found their way into Fletcher’s lower half after Ospreay delivered a Styles Clash onto them in a notable spot.

The two men have been at odds since Fletcher cost Ospreay the International title at last October’s WrestleDream by turning on him, nailing him with a screwdriver and fully aligning with Callis. That same screwdriver got involved Sunday with Fletcher pulling it out of the top of the cage and stabbing Ospreay with it. Fletcher also enjoyed the screwdriver to his head before the aforementioned Spanish fly.

Fletcher defeated Ospreay at November’s Full Gear with Ospreay gaining a measure of revenge with his Continental Classic semifinal win at December’s Worlds End.

Storm vs. May title rematch, Ospreay vs. Fletcher cage match official for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Matt Boone

A Women’s title rematch and a steel cage match between rivals is now set for AEW Revolution.

During Saturday’s AEW Collision, Mariah May ambushed reigning AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm and attacked her in brutal fashion as Harley Cameron was being shown during the show’s opening talent arrivals segment.

May would go on to drag Storm out by her hair to the top of the stage and demanded that her spotlight shine down on the two of them. She cradled an unconscious Storm in her arms while seated on the stage and issued the challenge for March 9th in Los Angeles. Later in the show, the match was made official.

Also set for Revolution is the addition of a steel cage match between former United Empire members and friends turned bitter rivals Will Ospreay and Kyle Fletcher.

Fletcher accepted Ospreay’s challenge (made during last Saturday’s AEW Grand Slam Australia) for a cage clash during Saturday’s Collision.

Here’s the current and expected card for the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 9th:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope
  • MJF vs. Hangman Page
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Kenny Omega*
  • AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm defends against Mariah May
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher in a steel cage match
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone defends against Momo Watanabe*
  • Big Boom AJ vs. TBA

*Not yet confirmed

Two new matches, Harley Cameron appearance part of final AEW Collision lineup

Posted on by Josh Nason

Image: AEW

The full lineup is now known for this Saturday’s AEW Collision after the events of Wednesday night.

Julia Hart will look to rebound from her late-January loss to Jamie Hayter as she faces Queen Aminata who is in search of her first AEW win since October.

The Murder Machines (Brian Cage & Lance Archer) will face two local wrestlers as they hunt down an AEW Tag Team title match.

After she was unable to win the TBS title last Saturday, Harley Cameron will share some thoughts on what’s next as will AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada after he successfully defended against Buddy Matthews.

Don Callis and Kyle Fletcher will also appear to answer Will Ospreay’s challenge for a steel cage match at Revolution.

Here’s the updated lineup, taped after Wednesday’s Dynamite:

  • ROH World Champion Chris Jericho defends against Bandido
  • AEW Trios Champions The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, PAC & Wheeler Yuta) defend against TNT Champion Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker
  • Julia Hart vs. Queen Aminata
  • The Murder Machines vs. two local talents
  • The Beast Mortos vs. Hologram
  • Gabe Kidd vs. The Butcher
  • Max Caster vs. TBA
  • Harley Cameron appearance
  • Kazuchika Okada appearance
  • Kyle Fletcher & Don Callis appearance

Daily Update: WWE Evolve, Kyle Fletcher, Mike Santana

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Daily Update

Latest News

Latest Audio

Latest Free YouTube Video

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter

  • The biggest issue of the year of the Observer came out early today.  It’s the 2024 Awards issue with the top finishers in every category, notes about the results and previous winners in all categories dating back to 1980.  
  • Wrestler of the Year, MMA MVP, Most Outstanding Wrestler, Most Outstanding Fighter, Tag team of the Year, Best on Interviews, Promotion of the Year, Best Weekly TV show, Pro Wrestling match of the year, MMA Fight of the Year, U.S./Canada MVP, Japanese MVP, Mexico MVP, Europe MVP, Junior Heavyweight MVP, Women’s MVP, Women’s MMA MVP, Feud of the Year, Best Box Office draw, Most Improved, Most Charismatic, Best Technical Wrestler, Best Brawler, Best Flyer, Most Overrated, Most Underrated, Rookie of the Year, Best non-wrestler, Best TV announcer, Worst TV announcer, Best major show, Worst major show, Best maneuver, Most disgusting promotional tactic, Worst TV show, Worst match, Worst feud, Worst promotion, Best booker, Promoter of the Year, Best gimmick, Worst gimmick, Best Pro Wrestling book and Best pro wrestling documentary.
  • The most detailed look and update on the Vince McMahon situation related to the most recent court case and evidence in that case. This talks about judges believing there is reason to believe McMahon and another person committed crimes regarding keeping information from the WWE.
  • AEW’s releases and backstory regarding them
  • Update on Chris Bey
  • Major story on WWE releases
  • Notes on the next four major AEW & WWE shows
  • Business notes and overall interest levels of the shows
  • UFC 312 coverage
  • Hirooki Goto wins IWGP title, the story behind one of the great emotional moments as well as a look at the New Japan Cup, and what may have been the best wrestling show so far this year
  • AEW fires Bear Boulder
  • The most detailed look at the ratings of all the shows held over the past week, including comparisons with a year ago and a ton of info on Raw on Netflix
  • AAA announces 2025 plans for biggest show plus a big signing and a new TV deal
  • Champion Carnival notes
  • Fantastica Mania notes
  • The death of Jamie Hemmings
  • Hall of Famer has major accusations made about them by wife
  • Death of Duane Koslowski, a major part of the 1989 U-Cosmos show in his match with Nobuhiko Takada which at the time set the all-time pro wrestling gate record and was the first-ever Tokyo Dome sellout, held the night after Mike Tyson drew a half house with Buster Douglas
  • Front office changes in TNA
  • Lots more on MAX as it relates to AEW wrestling
  • The strange story of AEW hiring Rita Chatterton
  • Update on UFC media rights
  • PFL tournament news
  • What combat sports athletes made the list of 100 top paid athletes in the world
  • Linda McMahon hearing
  • WWE stock sets records
  • Evolve tapings
  • Notes on WWE LFG shw
  • How much Smackdown helps the USA Network

This Week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter Back Issue

Tuesday Update

WWE

AEW & Other Wrestling

  • Kyle Fletcher reflected on Grand Slam Australia weekend in a post on X: ”This week I got to wrestle in front of over ten thousand, countless friends and family, do interviews with the news outlets I grew up watching, test myself against some of the greatest to ever do it and just so happened to get into the best shape of my life for it. Plus I got to share my beautiful country with my beautiful life partner for the first time (and see Bodhi the golden). This entire week has felt surreal. Overwhelming at times but all worth it for one of the best days of my life. Thank you for being a part of it in any way, it will never be lost on me how blessed I am to live this life. I’m gonna be riding this high for a long time.”
  • A new Harley Cameron t-shirt is now available on ShopAEW.
  • NJPW has a documentary on this year’s Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty events on their YouTube channel.
  • New IWGP World Champion Hirooki Goto is on the cover of Weekly Puroresu.
  • Shingo Takagi is releasing an autobiography that will be out next month.
  • Sukeban has announced that they will be making their debut in Berlin, Germany on March 6. Tickets are now available here.
  • El Hijo del Vikingo will challenge Alberto El Patron for the Mega title at AAA Rey de Reyes on March 22.
  • Mike Santana recently shared he is now 2 years sober: “2/16/23 I made the decision to change my life. To look in the mirror and start learning to love the person who was looking back. I’d be lying if I said this journey was easy. But it’s the most rewarding. Life is going to test you every single day. The difference today is that I’m blessed with tools to help me through it. For those who struggle with addiction or mental health, know that you’re NEVER ALONE. There’s so much help out there. But it’s up to you to take those steps forward. You have to want it for YOURSELF. It works if you work it. But I promise you, it’ll be the best thing you’ve ever done. Today, I live a life that I look forward to waking up to every day. And that’s true success. Thank you to those who have been on this journey with me and believed since day one. Truly grateful for you all.”
  • Joe Hendry has warned against fake merchandise: “Counterfeit merch has become a serious issue. Unless you get it from me, TNA, Pro Wrestling Tees, Hot Topic or Major Bendies, it is FAKE.”
  • NXT announcer Vic Joseph commented on his wife McKenzie Mitchell signing with TNA: “Proud husband moment!”

Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay issue challenges for AEW Revolution

Posted on by Josh Nason

Following Saturday’s Grand Slam Australia, both Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay have their eyes set on next month’s AEW Revolution pay-per-view from Los Angeles with their rivals in the crosshairs.

Omega and Ospreay defeated Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher to open the broadcast from Brisbane and later on, both men issued challenges for the event.

Omega called out Takeshita for an International title match in an attempt to gain revenge for their 2023 All Out match where Takeshita picked up the win. The two feuded at different times throughout that year before Omega eventually succumbed to injuries and missed the entirety of 2024 in the ring.

A Revolution championship series was later announced where Takeshita will defend against the winner of an Orange Cassidy vs. Roderick Strong match this Wednesday on the February 26th Dynamite. The winner of that match will then defend against Omega at Revolution.

Ospreay then issued a challenge to his former partner Fletcher for a steel cage match at the PPV. Fletcher cost Ospreay the International title at October 2024’s WrestleDream and then defeated him at the next month’s Full Gear. Ospreay got a slight measure of revenge in the Continental Classic tournament, downing Fletcher in the semifinals.

Here’s the current and expected card for the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, March 9th:

  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley defends against Cope
  • AEW International Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Kenny Omega*
  • Will Ospreay vs. Kyle Fletcher in a steel cage match*
  • Big Boom AJ vs. TBA

*Not yet confirmed

Wrestling Weekly: WWE roster cuts, AEW Grand Slam Australia preview

Posted on by Victor Sosa

Image: AEW

There is lots to discuss this week on a new Wrestling Weekly with myself and Les Thatcher.

That list includes WWE roster cuts, Ricky Starks (if that is in fact his name) arriving in NXT, and a preview of AEW Grand Slam Australia.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

Kyle Fletcher: AEW Grand Slam Australia match is ‘what I dreamed of my whole life’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Returning home to Australia to wrestle for AEW is a dream come true for Kyle Fletcher.

AEW is making its Australia debut with Grand Slam Australia happening this weekend. The card includes a tag team match with Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita taking on the duo of Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay. It’s the first time Fletcher has wrestled in his home country since 2023.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia ahead of the event, the former ROH Television Champion said this is a moment he’s dreamt of his entire life. Fletcher said everything about this match feels surreal, including sharing the ring with three wrestlers as great as Omega, Ospreay, and Takeshita.

“It’s so surreal in a lot of ways, I don’t think it will probably feel real until I’m in the arena, until it’s actually happening,” Fletcher said. “I remember my mum saying to me years ago, that it will sink in for her when I get to come back to Australia and wrestle in an arena. And I don’t know if I completely agree with that, but it’s definitely a thing in my brain.

“And I’m getting to come back, getting to do all this kind of stuff, chat to all the media, and everyone just being excited, to be in the ring with three of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time – and for my name to be, to not look out of place next to that, and for everyone to just be so excited for it. Like all of it, just feels so surreal.

“This is what I dreamed of my whole life, this moment, this match, this opportunity.”

Grand Slam Australia is taking place from Brisbane on Saturday (February 15). After being taped earlier in the day, the show will be broadcast on TBS later that night as a special episode of Collision. It was originally slated to be a stadium show but is now being held at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

A large group of Fletcher’s family and friends will be at the event to support him. He told Fox Sports Australia that he’s having so much fun in AEW and feels like he’s now hitting his stride as a performer.

“Before coming to AEW, I never really had to do promos, and never really had to do any of that side of stuff. So all of that is new to me, wrestling on TV, working with commercial breaks,” the 26-year-old Fletcher said. “It’s hard, but I’m now at the point where I’ve got it down pat, and I’m really starting to hit my stride with it – and I think it took a little bit of time, but when I’m out there with this whole new character, this new persona, I feel so comfortable.

“And I think part of that is just building this character that is me. And when I’m out there, I feel like I’m just myself. I can be myself, I can be a little prick, I can annoy people. That’s just me. That’s who I am in a nutshell.

“So when I’m out there, I’m just having so much fun, man. I’m really, really enjoying myself and I think that translates now and when I’m in the ring, you can tell I’m not stressed about it.”

AEW Collision live results: Three-way trios match, Bandido returns

Posted on by Suit Williams

Tonight’s live AEW Collision from Houston, Texas, will continue to build next Saturday’s Grand Slam Australia from Brisbane.

In a trios match that has been building for weeks, Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong will take on Shane Taylor & The Infantry and TNT Champion Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker.

Bandido will return to AEW in-ring action for the first time in nearly two years as he faces Bryan Keith.

In a Continental Classic rematch, Kyle Fletcher will go one-on-one with Mark Briscoe.

Ahead of their Continental title match at Grand Slam Australia, Kazuchika Okada and Buddy Matthews will have a face-to-face confrontation.

AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May will compete in an exhibition match ahead of her title defense against Toni Storm next Saturday.

The show is rounded out by former champion Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford, Dustin Rhodes in action ahead of his Dynamite match with MJF, and a live Harley Cameron concert.

**********

Collision began with promos from Mark Briscoe & Kyle Fletcher. Sir Elton John played us in to Collision from Houston, Texas. Tony Schiavone & Nigel McGuinness were on the call. They were running down the card when a security guard was flung across the screen by Marina Shafir.

AEW World Champion Jon Moxley was behind her, saying that the show began when he said it did. Moxley said that he was tired of Cope demanding a World Title match and made it clear that he called the shots. Moxley said that he had 1,000 reasons to deny Cope a title shot, but the major one was that he didn’t like Cope. Moxley said that while he wouldn’t give him a title shot, he would fight him whenever he wanted. He told Cope to bring his friend Jay White and his half-broken neck to Australia and pray that Moxley gave him the grace to walk out of Australia.

(A solid promo to start the show, with the crowd giving Moxley a ton of heat.)

Trios Three Way Match – The Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) defeated Shane Taylor Promotions (Shane Taylor, Carlie Bravo, & Shawn Dean), & TNT Champion Daniel Garcia, Angelo Parker, & Matt Menard

(A phenomenal start to the show, as this may have been the best match on AEW TV in 2025 to this point. This is the ideal version of a trios division, as singles stars teamed with their established partners/friends. This Houston crowd was red hot for everything, which helped the cause. And the turnaround the Kingdom has done since the MJF feud has been impressive. Their in-ring work has helped to rehab them all, and now they feel like a real challenge for the Death Riders come Wednesday. An excellent segment.)

Strong and Taylor started off, with Strong baiting Taylor into the Kingdom corner to get peppered with shots from him and O’Reilly. Taylor took them down with a clothesline and brought O’Reilly into the STP corner, but Menard blind tagged O’Reilly to sneak in. Quick tags were the game here as Menard pulled double duty by hopping on commentary as Garcia hit the ten punches on The Infantry. STP took control of Garcia with an apron attack as we went to commercial.

Garcia took Taylor down with a side suplex as we came back from the break, but the Infantry pulled 2.0 off the apron to keep a tag from happening. Garcia was forced to tag out to O’Reilly, with the Kingdom running wild. We got a move train with everyone getting a big shot in as the Houston crowd was rabid. More fast action saw Taylor get taken out on the floor with a Total Elimination, and Cole scored the win with The Boom on Bravo.

After the match, The Death Riders attacked everyone. Claudio Castagnoli took the mic and congratulated Cole before reminding everyone who the best trio really was. The Kingdom fought back, with O’Reilly tapping out Yuta with an ankle lock. The Death Riders fled, and on behalf of the Kingdom, Cole challenged the Death Riders to a Trios Title match on Dynamite. The match was quickly confirmed for Wednesday in Austin, Texas.

We got a video package for FTR. They said that they’ve taken a back seat for too long, and that they wanted the World Tag Team Titles for a third time.

Max Caster was backstage with Alicia Atout, who asked about Hangman Page. Caster said that how Page acted on Dynamite wasn’t very manly, and that if Page wanted a fight, he should accept his Open Challenge when it returns on Dynamite.

$200,000 Bounty Match – Bandido defeated Bryan Keith

(This Collision rocks so far. Bandido looked awesome in his return, earning the crowd even as some were behind Keith as a native Texan. That duel at high noon spot was phenomenal, and the crowd ate it up. I truly believe that with his gimmick and his work, Bandido has the upside to be the next major lucha star in America if he’s given the chance.)

Keith threw his duster in Bandido’s face to sneak a boot in, but Bandido quickly came back and dropped Keith with a dropkick. Keith caught a diving Bandido with a forearm as he came off the ropes before we went to a commercial break. After the break, Bandido came back with a step-up tornillo and a one-armed gorilla press for a nearfall.

Keith cut off a 21-Plex with a lariat, then stunned Bandido with a rising headbutt. Keith took Bandido off the top rope with an exploder suplex. The two traded strikes before they stood back-to-back. The two men faced off at high noon by taking ten paces to the corner before taking each other down with boots. Bandido got Keith on his shoulders to hit the X-Plex, then hit the 21-Plex to score the win in his return match.

Powerhouse Hobbs was backstage with Lexy Nair. He told Big Bill that his boy wasn’t able to collect the bounty, and that he would be in Texas all week for a fight. He said that he would be in Austin on Tuesday, which is when Dynamite is being taped next week.

La Faccion Ingobernable (Rush, Dralistico, & The Beast Mortos) defeated Ares Alexander, Jay Alexander, & Brick Savage

(Another great segment with AEW taking advantage of their location this week by highlighting the lucha stars on their roster. I was worried about Hologram’s momentum drying up after getting hurt a few months back, but the crowd was still into him as he made the save for Komander to possibly form a new team.)

LFI got a quick win, with Rush getting the pin after the Bull’s Horns. They beat down the locals after the match before Komander made the save. He took down Mortos with a springboard poisonrana, but the numbers were too much for him. LFI went to unmask him before Hologram made his return to AEW to get revenge on the men that put him on the shelf. Hologram and Komander posed before they hit big dives on LFI and brawled to the back.

In the meantime, Rush was threatening a referee with a chair. Other referees tried to hold him back, but Rush shoved them away and laid one out with a big forearm as the announcers said that big fines were headed Rush’s way.

Lexy Nair attempted to interview Megan Bayne, who stonewalled her. Thunder Rosa turned the corner and tried to welcome her to AEW, but Bayne stonewalled her too. Rosa took over the interview as Bayne went on her way, excited to be back in Texas to take on Penelope Ford tonight.

Harley Cameron, Live In Concert

(This segment had a real chance to bomb, but this was as good as you could hope a segment like this could be. This felt straight out of a 2015 episode of NXT in all the right ways. The crowd has really taken to Harley Cameron, and Mone was a great foil here for her to set up her next title defense.)

Cameron had Puppet Mercedes Mone in tow and kicked off by singing about she wanted to ride the Mone Train. She was quickly cut off by Mercedes Mone, who asked if Cameron was stupid or dumb. Mone was about to call Cameron a loser again, but Cameron cut her off to sing another song about Mone feeling the wrath. She got the crowd to chant Feel The Wrath, but Mone cut her off again.

Mone called Cameron a loser and told her to leave the ring, but the crowd chanted for Harley. Cameron said that she wanted to be where Mone was and wouldn’t stop until she got a shot at the title in her hometown. Cameron said that the most entertaining Mone had ever been was when she was a puppet. Mone slapped Cameron, but Cameron bonked her with the mic to send her to the floor. Mone accepted Cameron’s challenge and promised to embarrass Cameron in her hometown.

Buddy Matthews was sat backstage with Lexy Nair. They were scheduled for a sitdown interview with both Matthews and Kazuchika Okada, but Okada hadn’t arrived yet. Okada burst in late and asked for a water, but Matthews decided to cut to the chase. He wasn’t falling for Okada’s comedy schtick and knew what he was capable of, but didn’t think he knew what Matthews was capable of. Okada called Matthews a bitch, and Matthews feigned a swing to make Okada jump. Matthews left, and Okada threw his water down in anger.

Dustin Rhodes defeated Izzy James

This was not the old Bayley fan Izzy, in case I needed to make that clear. Dustin hit his moves and won in the time it took for me to write this down.

After the match, Rhodes took the mic and said MJF wasn’t the devil. Rhodes had looked the devil in the eyes, knocked his teeth out, and dragged his way out of hell. Rhodes said that everything MJF was planning to do to Rhodes had already been done, and that he would make sure MJF met the devil on Dynamite.

The Death Riders were in the back. PAC said that they had been Trios Champions for what felt like an eternity with no challengers and credited the Undisputed Kingdom for stepping up. Castagnoli gave the Kingdom credit for having teeth and promised to pull them all out. PAC and Castagnoli left, leaving Yuta by himself. All he did was give a little smirk, and the people booed him.

Thunder Rosa (w/ Toro The Mascot) defeated Penelope Ford

(I don’t know if Ford got dinged up or got gassed at some point, but there was clearly a point where these two were stalling for Ford to get her bearings. We seem to have Megan Bayne’s first program set with a former Women’s World Champion.)

Toro is the Houston Texans mascot, for those wondering. Rosa scored a nearfall with a sliding lariat before Ford forced her back into the corner. Ford sent Rosa to the apron before hitting a knee drop as we went to commercial.

Ford got a nearfall with a gutbuster after we came back from the commercial break. Rosa avoided a handspring charge into the corner and fired up, hitting a hesitation dropkick and a suplex for a nearfall. Ford came back with a Muta back handspring elbow and a boot across the face. Ford went to the top, but Rosa avoided the moonsault and got a nearfall. Ford hit a shotgun dropkick, but Rosa caught her with a victory roll for a nearfall. Rosa caught Ford with strikes, but Ford Matrix-ducked a lariat and hit a cutter for a nearfall. Rosa hit a backstabber and the Tijuana Bomb for the win.

After the match, Megan Bayne came out and went face-to-face with Rosa. Ford was still in the ring and jumped Rosa from behind, leaving Bayne to pick the scraps and leave Rosa laying with an F-5.

We got footage of Ricochet beating Swerve Strickland on Dynamite, then going to a DEFY Wrestling event to gloat in front of Strickland’s hometown fans in Seattle. Strickland made a surprise appearance to attack Ricochet, with Prince Nana helping him land a House Call.

Legendary Houston rapper Bun B was backstage with Lexy Nair, promoting his Trill Burgers that they were serving in catering. Ricochet entered the frame to confront Bun B, who was friends with Swerve and was part of his Wembley entrance last year. Ricochet helped himself to a Trill Burger before spitting it out and accosting the poor guy making the burgers. Ricochet said to thank Prince Nana for the Embassy robe he stole after Dynamite.

Non-Title Exhibition Match – AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May defeated Shay Carmichael

(A good angle here with the misdirection attack on May. I’ve had my issues with this angle throughout, but they seem to have the match hot right in time for the payoff.)

May came out with a big bag, the brand of which I wasn’t privy to. May jumped Carmichael before the bell, hit her moves, and won with the Mayday.

After the match, May dressed Carmichael up like Storm and smeared lip stain on her. Luther The Butler came out with a tray, revealing the bloody shoe May used all those months ago. May took the shoe and went to attack Carmichael again, but Toni Storm was in her place and attacked May. Storm went to piledrive May on the ring steps, but May escaped through the crowd.

Backstage, The Don Callis Family were laying people out, as they do. Mark Davis was hesitant but was told to start pulling his weight and joined in the attack.

Kyle Fletcher defeated Mark Briscoe

(An excellent main event to cap off the clear-cut best episode of AEW television this year. Briscoe was phenomenal here as the never-say-die babyface against this cocky heel, and the spots playing off of the Continental Classic match brought this match up to another level. This quickly supplanted the trios opener as the best AEW match of 2025, and I cannot recommend this episode of Collision enough. Awesome, awesome show.)

Fletcher jumped Briscoe with a boot at the bell and laid the boots to him in the corner. Briscoe came back and sent Fletcher to the floor, where he followed him out with a dive. Briscoe pulled out the plunder, tossing a chair in the ring and setting up a table on the floor. Briscoe sent Fletcher to the floor again, but Fletcher caught Briscoe and lawn darted him into the ringpost. Briscoe came up bloody, and Fletcher put him down with a powerbomb into the apron as we went to a commercial.

After the commercial, an even bloodier Briscoe fired back with shots before both men laid each other out with clotheslines. Briscoe laid in chops and hit an exploder suplex for a nearfall. Fletcher fought out of a Jay Driller and hit a hanging DDT. Fletcher hit a running knee and a cradle Tiger Driver for a nearfall. Fletcher hit the Yakuza Kick, but Briscoe countered the Brainbuster with a Fisherman’s Buster for a nearfall.

Fletcher cut Briscoe off on the top rope, but Briscoe slid out of a Brainbuster and went for a Cut Throat Driver that won the first match between these two. Fletcher held onto the referee and snuck in a low blow before hitting a brainbuster for a close nearfall. Fletcher dropped Briscoe with half-and-half suplexes before he slumped to the apron. Fletcher pulled the table into position, but Briscoe knocked Fletcher off the ropes and hit a Froggy Bow off the top rope through the table to a massive pop.

Briscoe got Fletcher in the ring and hit another Froggy Bow for another nearfall. Briscoe set up another Cut Throat Driver, but Fletcher held onto the ropes. Briscoe cut Fletcher down with a chop and set up a top-rope Jay Driller, but Fletcher escaped and hit two Yakuza Kicks. Fletcher hit the top rope Brainbuster to score the win.

After the match, Fletcher took the mic and bragged to the crowd about his win and promised to do the same next week in Australia.

New matches official for AEW Dynamite, next Collision

Posted on by Josh Nason

Both this Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite and next Saturday’s AEW Collision have some updated lineups which will see a new Don Callis Family member revealed and former AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm in action.

Dynamite additions

On this Wednesday’s Dynamite from Atlanta, Georgia, former AEW International Champion Will Ospreay will take on the new mystery member of the Don Callis Family. Callis hinted last week that their ranks had grown and the new member will reveal themselves in just a few days.

The aforementioned Storm will take on Queen Aminata who is coming off a loss in a TBS title four-way eliminator bout on last week’s Collision. They two squared off a year ago with Storm picking up the win. Current AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May will be on commentary ahead of her defense against Storm at this month’s AEW Grand Slam Australia.

After scoring their first win as the Hounds of Hell, Brody King & Buddy Matthews will take on Kyle Fletcher and International Champion Konosuke Takeshita. The Don Callis Family members will face Kenny Omega and Ospreay at this month’s Grand Slam Australia.

The new additions join the previously announced Swerve Strickland vs. Ricochet match.

Here’s the updated lineup:

  • Will Ospreay vs. Don Callis Family mystery member
  • Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland
  • Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita vs. Buddy Matthews & Brody King
  • Queen Aminata vs. Toni Storm

Collision lineup

The first three bouts are official for next Saturday’s Collision from Houston, Texas.

In a rematch from last year’s Continental Classic, Kyle Fletcher will take on former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe. Fletcher said he wants to right the wrong from the tournament where Briscoe picked up the upset victory.

After challenging her to a match last Saturday, Penelope Ford will get her wish and will face former AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa.

In a three-way trios match, The Undisputed Kingdom’s Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong will take on Shane Taylor & The Infantry and Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker. This was announced following the aftermatch of Garcia’s successful TNT title defense against Lee Moriarty and O’Reilly.

Here’s the updated lineup:

  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford
  • Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong vs. Shane Taylor & The Infantry (Carlie Bravo and Shawn Dean) vs. Daniel Garcia, Matt Menard & Angelo Parker