Tag: aew

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 10/5/26: News, ROH, Stardom, wXw, NOAH, AJPW.

Fans, gather in close at the sports desk — Ed here with Gordon beside me — because we’re about to take you on a full tour of the wrestling world from Jacksonville to Tokyo to Saitama to Oberhausen. Five promotions, one global pulse, and a week that felt like every corner of the sport was shifting at once.

⭐ HEADLINES

AEW World Title to be defended in Clockwork Carnage

Ed: “We start with a headline that rattled the entire industry.” AEW announced that the World Championship will be defended in the first‑ever Clockwork Carnage Match at WrestleDream 2026 — as reported by Wrestling Inc. “The match works in two stages. A total of eight AEW stars will take part with two men starting the bout. After three minutes, another performer will enter until all eight men have entered, but if someone is pinned or forced to submit but the final man enters the match, they officially eliminated. Once the last entrant is in, the second stage of the match begins as the remaining participants compete in a 15 minute Iron Man Match where every fall counts. At the end of the 15 minutes, the man with the most falls will be victorious and leave WrestleDream as the AEW World Champion.”

Read More: https://www.wrestlinginc.com/2276735/aew-world-title-first-ever-clockwork-carnage-match-wrestledream-2026/

Jim Ross’s health update

JR shared that he continues to battle kidney and brain health complications. He’s still recording commentary in limited stretches, but he’s candid about fatigue, pain, and the long road ahead. Gordon: “The man’s voice is part of the sport’s fabric. His honesty about the struggle reminds us how much he’s given.”

Steve Maclin’s thoughts on AEW

Maclin said he’d join AEW “if the story was right,” praising the company’s locker‑room intensity but stressing he wants angles with weight — not just appearances. Ed: “That’s a veteran talking — he wants purpose, not placement.”

⭐ RING OF HONOR (ROH)

ROH TV — Episode 186 (Oct 1, 2026)

Ed: “ROH opened with a tribute to PAC, then hit the gas for nine matches.”

  • Dalton Castle & The Outrunners defeated Soloroto & Griff Garrison
  • AR Fox defeated LJ Cleary
  • Cassie Lee defeated Lady Leigh
  • MxM Collection defeated Il Cartello Grillo
  • Trish Adora defeated Rachael Ellering
  • Premier Athletes & BEEF defeated Troy Hollywood, Saieh El Sabah & Darian Bengston
  • Red Velvet defeated B3CCA — Proving Ground Match
  • Bustah & The Brain defeated Grizzled Young Veterans
  • Eddie Kingston defeated Trent Beretta — Main Event

Gordon: “Kingston’s Uraken was the exclamation point, but Fox calling out Bandido for the World Title may be the long‑term headline.”

ROH YouTube Special — Episode #14 (Sept 28, 2026)

  • Satnam Singh defeated Jacked Jameson
  • Bishop Kaun defeated Alan Angels
  • Dalton Castle & The Outrunners defeated The Supastarz
  • Queen Aminata defeated Janai Kai
  • Trish Adora defeated B3CCA
  • ROH World Title: Bandido (c) defeated AR Fox

Ed: “Fox fell short here, but that’s what fueled his challenge on Episode 186.”

⭐ STARDOM (Sept 29, 2026 — Korakuen Hall)

  • STARS & Waka Tsukiyama defeated God’s Eye
  • Syuri defeated HANAKO & Yuna Mizumori — Three‑Way
  • FWC defeated Kikyo Furusawa & Rian
  • God’s Eye (Hina & Lady C) won a Four‑Way Tag
  • Fuwa‑chan defeated Julia Hart
  • Cosmic Angels defeated HATE
  • Maika & Neo Genesis defeated Mi Vida Loca
  • Wonder of Stardom Title: Hanan (c) defeated Ruaka

Gordon: “Hanan’s reign continues to look like the backbone of Stardom’s fall season.”

MORE RESULTS

Credit: cagematch.net

(04.10.2026) Stardom – Online Stream @ Twin Messe Shizuoka in Shizuoka, Japan
Cosmic Angels (Natsupoi & Yuna Mizumori) defeat Neo Genesis (Ema Maishima & Mei Seira) (9:33)
STARS (Maika, Matoi Hamabe & Utami Hayashishita) defeat Kikyo Furusawa, Maki Ito & Rian (10:56)
HATE (Bea Priestley, Konami & Ruaka) defeat Cosmic Angels (Anne Kanaya, Aya Sakura & Saori Anou) (9:18)
Three Way Nine Man Tag Team: Neo Genesis (AZM, Miyu Amasaki & Starlight Kid) defeat Fuwa-chan & FWC (Hazuki & Koguma) and HATE (Azusa Inaba, Natsuko Tora & Rina) (12:49)
HATE (Momo Watanabe & Saya Kamitani) defeat Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane & Rina Yamashita) (12:19)
God’s Eye (Hina, Lady C, Ranna Yagami & Syuri) defeat STARS (HANAKO, Hanan, Saya Iida & Waka Tsukiyama) (13:41)
World Wonder Ring Stardom
(03.10.2026) Stardom – Online Stream @ Chunichi Hall in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Neo Genesis (Miyu Amasaki & Starlight Kid) defeat Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane & Suzu Suzuki) (10:23)
Kikyo Furusawa, Maki Ito & Rian defeat Cosmic Angels (Anne Kanaya, Natsupoi & Yuna Mizumori) (10:49)
Three Way: Rina defeats Mei Seira and Rina Yamashita (6:58)
HATE (Ruaka & Saya Kamitani) defeat Neo Genesis (AZM & Ema Maishima) (9:26)
Three Way Nine Man Tag Team: HATE (Konami, Momo Watanabe & Natsuko Tora) defeat Fuwa-chan & FWC (Hazuki & Koguma) and STARS (HANAKO, Matoi Hamabe & Waka Tsukiyama) (7:43)
Cosmic Angels (Aya Sakura & Saori Anou) defeat HATE (Azusa Inaba & Bea Priestley) (9:26)
STARS (Hanan, Maika, Saya Iida & Utami Hayashishita) defeat God’s Eye (Hina, Lady C, Ranna Yagami & Syuri) (12:55)
World Wonder Ring Stardom
(02.10.2026) Stardom – Online Stream @ Chunichi Hall in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Natsupoi defeats Matoi Hamabe (8:00)
Three Way: Ema Maishima and Waka Tsukiyama defeat Yuna Mizumori (5:33)
Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane, Rina Yamashita & Suzu Suzuki) defeat Kikyo Furusawa, Maki Ito & Rian (9:24)
HATE (Azusa Inaba & Saya Kamitani) defeat Cosmic Angels (Anne Kanaya & Saori Anou) (10:41)
Three Way Nine Man Tag Team: Neo Genesis (AZM, Miyu Amasaki & Starlight Kid) defeat Fuwa-chan & FWC (Hazuki & Koguma) and God’s Eye (Lady C, Ranna Yagami & Syuri) (11:16)
HATE (Konami, Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora, Rina & Ruaka) defeat STARS (HANAKO, Hanan, Maika, Saya Iida & Utami Hayashishita) (11:16)
Bea Priestley defeats Aya Sakura (15:22)

⭐ wXw (Westside Xtreme Wrestling)

Ed: “No matches this week — and that’s the story.”

wXw announced that Shotgun is delayed to October 8 as the roster recovers from injuries sustained during the Pro Wrestling Grand Prix 2026. To keep fans fed, Grand Prix Day 1 is free on YouTube until October 8.

Gordon: “That’s smart pacing — protect the roster, keep the audience engaged.”

⭐ PRO WRESTLING NOAH — N‑1 Victory 2026 (Tag 12, Oct 4)

  • Kotoge & Koyanagi defeated Black Menso‑re & Namiki
  • Fujita & Titus Alexander defeated CHEN & Inamura
  • Team 2000X defeated Hi69, Tsuruya, Kenoh & Yone
  • White Raven Squad defeated Passionate RATEL’S & Kondo
  • Odashima & Kouga defeated Los Tranquilos de Japon (RYUSEI & Naito)
  • BUSHI & Phantom Invader defeated HAYATA & Marufuji
  • GHC Jr Tag Titles: Team 2000X (Masaoka & YO‑HEY) defeated Alejandro & Dragon Bane — TITLE CHANGE
  • N‑1 Victory Final: OZAWA defeated Kaito Kiyomiya

Ed: “OZAWA winning the N‑1 is a tectonic shift — NOAH just crowned a new ace candidate.”

⭐ ALL JAPAN PRO WRESTLING — Raising An Army Memorial Series (Tag 1, Oct 3)

  • Sekimoto & Mashimo defeated Arashi & Aoki
  • Rising HAYATO & Yasutaka Yano defeated Omori & MUSASHI
  • HAVOC defeated Suzuki, Kono & Kimura
  • Kofuji, Anzai & Aoyagi defeated the Saito Brothers
  • Shiozaki & Miyahara defeated Ayabe & Honda
  • AJPW World Junior Title: Dan Tamura (c) defeated Seiki Yoshioka

Gordon: “Tamura’s junior title defense was a marathon — 22 minutes of pure All Japan pacing.”

⭐ NEWS & RUMORS ACROSS THE FIVE PROMOTIONS

ROH

  • AR Fox’s challenge to Bandido is expected to headline an upcoming HonorClub special.
  • Il Cartello Grillo teased a faction rebuild after their losses.

Stardom

  • Cosmic Angels’ win over HATE may set up a multi‑unit showdown at the next Korakuen doubleheader.
  • Fuwa‑chan’s upset over Julia Hart has fans buzzing about a potential cross‑promotion rematch.

wXw

  • Multiple Grand Prix injuries are being evaluated; Shotgun’s October 8 episode will reveal the updated roster status.

NOAH

  • Team 2000X’s junior tag title win signals a faction‑wide push.
  • OZAWA’s N‑1 victory positions him for a GHC Heavyweight Title shot.

AJPW

  • Miyahara & Shiozaki teaming again has sparked speculation about a future tag title run.
  • HAVOC’s win continues their rise as AJPW’s newest chaos engine.

⭐ CLOSING FROM THE SPORTS DESK

EDITOR’S NOTE: Power Rankings will be posted tomorrow.

Ed: “So in one sweep, we’ve watched ROH crown momentum, Stardom tighten its championship picture, wXw regroup after a grueling Grand Prix, NOAH elevate OZAWA to the top of the mountain, and AJPW deliver a classic Raising An Army opener.”

Gordon: “Five promotions, five different rhythms — but one truth: the sport never stops. Champions rise, factions shift, and every match writes another line in the global story.”

Ed: “From Jacksonville to Tokyo to Saitama to Oberhausen, this week showed how deep the wrestling world runs. We’ll be right here at the sports desk to call the next chapter with you.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 10/4/26: News, Collision & “There’s two types of eulogies at funerals.”

Good evening from the sports desk—Ed here alongside Gordon, and AEW has had a heavy, emotional week wrapped around big in‑ring stakes and contract questions.

Headlines

  • Scorpio Sky’s contract status: A founding AEW signee is nearing the end of his five‑year deal this month and, per recent reporting, has not yet put pen to paper on a new agreement. He’s been more visible in ROH lately than on AEW TV, picking up wins there while his future with AEW remains unresolved.
  • Ryan Nemeth hesitant to return to wrestling: After a turbulent AEW exit and legal issues involving CM Punk and Tony Khan, Nemeth says he seriously considered walking away from the business altogether. He describes TNA’s outreach as a slow, cautious conversation, only agreeing to return once he was assured he’d be part of a meaningful angle with his brother Nic, not just filler on under‑watched multi‑man matches.
  • What it would take for Thunder Rosa to do Blood & Guts: The former AEW Women’s World Champion loves the creativity of hardcore matches but says she’d only step into a Blood & Guts–style war again if the story truly demanded it—no random brawls, no “everyone bleeds” for shock value. For her, a stipulation that violent has to be the emotional peak of a deeply personal feud.

Collision – October 3, 2026 (Truist Arena, Highland Heights, KY)

Gordon: “Let’s go bell‑to‑bell, Ed—Collision was a full slate of tournament stakes, tributes, and title implications.”

Kofi vs. Lee Moriarty

  • Result: Kofi defeated Lee Moriarty in a competitive opener.
  • Highlights:
    • Lee leaned on his Pure‑style grappling, tying Kofi up in straight‑jacket holds and headscissors.
    • Kofi answered with aerial offense—big top‑rope DDT, moonsault, and finally a knockout kick Tony Schiavone dubbed the “TNT” to seal the pin.
    • Post‑match handshake underscored the respect between AEW World Trios Champion Kofi and the long‑reigning ROH Pure Champion.

Ed: “That was a statement—Kofi proving he’s not just a trios specialist, he’s a singles threat on any given night.”

The Conglomeration vs. Griff Garrison & Soloroto (Aaron Solo & Nick Comoroto)

  • Result: Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong beat Garrison, Solo, and Comoroto.
  • Highlights:
    • Classic Conglomeration structure: quick tags, double‑teams on Garrison, and Cassidy’s casual brutality.
    • Comoroto ate an Orange Punch for the decisive three‑count.
    • The Death Riders hit the ring afterward, leading to a tense three‑way stare‑down with Bang Bang Gang—Collision quietly building a trios triangle of factions.

Gordon: “You can feel it, Ed—those three units are orbiting the same championship gravity.”

Death Riders vs. Bang Bang Gang (Ace Austin & the Gunns)

  • Result: Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, and Wheeler Yuta defeated Ace Austin, Austin Gunn, and Colten Gunn.
  • Highlights:
    • Ace Austin showcased freakish strength, hoisting both Yuta and Garcia at once before the Death Riders cut him off.
    • Chaos down the stretch: Marina Shafir distraction, Juice Robinson and Gabe Kidd brawling, and all six men trading lariats in the center.
    • Garcia locked in the Dragon Tamer on Ace for the submission, giving the Death Riders a much‑needed win in the faction arms race.

Ed: “Technical precision from Garcia, brute force from Claudio, and Yuta’s grit—that trio is becoming AEW’s pressure cooker.”

Dante Martin vs. Myron Reed

  • Result: Myron Reed defeated Dante Martin.
  • Highlights:
  • Collision leaned on this match as its “stand‑by,” but it delivered like a featured attraction.
  • Speed chess: counters, roll‑ups, and apron exchanges with Christopher Daniels coaching Dante and Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz backing Reed.
  • Reed survived Dante’s high‑impact offense and hit a picture‑perfect cutter followed by a 450 splash for the win.

Gordon: “That’s the modern junior heavyweight template—risk, timing, and one mistake turning the tide.”

Divine Dominion vs. Emily Rose & Joiya Blake

  • Result: Megan Bayne and Lena Kross crushed Rose and Blake in under a minute.
  • Highlights:
    • Lariats, slams, and the Divine Intervention double‑team finished it almost as soon as it started.
    • A reminder that even after losing the Women’s Tag Titles, Divine Dominion remain a looming threat.

Ed: “That wasn’t a match, Gordon—that was a warning shot.”

Julia Hart vs. Queen Aminata

  • Result: Queen Aminata defeated Julia Hart.
  • Highlights:
    • Aminata refused Hart’s handshake and set the tone with stiff strikes and “chocolate kisses” kicks.
    • Hart’s Heartless submission nearly closed it, but Aminata powered out, hit a German suplex and a head‑kick, and scored the upset pin.
    • Post‑show, Aminata called out Mercedes Mone for a Women’s World Title shot at Grand Slam France.

Gordon: “That’s how you punch your ticket into the title conversation—beat a spooky favorite and call your shot.”

Mark Davis vs. Adam Priest

  • Result: Mark Davis defeated Adam Priest.
  • Highlights:
    • Priest targeted Davis’ leg, even locking in a half‑crab, trying to chop the big man down.
    • Davis answered with shotgun dropkicks and heavy strikes, finally flooring Priest for the three‑count despite the damaged knee.
    • Rocky Romero on commentary framed Davis as a future cornerstone of AEW’s heavyweight division.

Ed: “If you’re limping and still winning, you’re sending a message to every other big man in the locker room.”

Continental Championship Eliminator: Jon Moxley vs. Jake Doyle

  • Result: Jon Moxley defeated Jake Doyle by submission in a non‑title eliminator.
  • Highlights:
    • Doyle tried to bully Moxley with powerbombs and big impact offense, even scoring a near fall after a huge powerbomb.
    • Moxley answered with the trademark grit: biting out of a piledriver attempt, hitting his own piledriver, and finally cinching a grinding headlock that forced Doyle to tap.
    • Marina Shafir presented Moxley with the Continental Championship afterward, underscoring his role as AEW’s workhorse champion heading into Grand Slam France.

Gordon: “That’s the essence of Moxley—when the body’s failing, he leans on willpower and ring craft.”

Other AEW results since October 1, 2026

While Collision was the centerpiece, the broader week is anchored by the September 30 Dynamite: A Tribute to PAC, which sets the emotional tone for everything AEW is doing right now.

Dynamite – September 30, 2026 (Tribute to PAC)

Key results:

  • Jon Moxley vs. Orange Cassidy – Continental Title: Moxley retained, outlasting Cassidy in a hard‑fought opening event that doubled as part of the ongoing tribute to PAC’s influence on AEW’s rugged style.
  • The Elite vs. Don Callis Family & Rocky Romero/Trent Beretta: Omega and the Bucks, with Adam Page, scored a win over Callis’ crew, keeping the Elite firmly in the upper‑card mix.
  • Will Ospreay vs. Ricochet: Ospreay, flanked by Andrade El Idolo, Francesco Akira, and Mike Bailey, defeated Ricochet in a showcase of aerial precision and big‑match pacing.
  • Women’s trios bout: Hyan, Marina Shafir, and Thunder Rosa beat Dr. Britt Baker, Mercedes Mone, and Persephone, giving Rosa and Shafir momentum heading into future stories.
  • Bryan Danielson & Death Riders vs. Don Callis Family: Danielson and the Death Riders took a multi‑man victory over Doyle, Alexander, Archer, Davis, and Wardlow, reinforcing the idea that AEW’s “craftsmen” are steering the company’s in‑ring identity.

Ed: “That show wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about saying goodbye to PAC in the language he loved: high‑stakes wrestling.”

News and rumors around AEW this week

Scorpio Sky’s future

  • Contract ticking down: Sky’s five‑year AEW deal is reportedly expiring this month, with no new contract signed as of the latest update. He’s been more active in ROH, where he’s picking up singles wins and working both singles and tag divisions.

Gordon: “When a day‑one talent hits the end of a deal without a signature, that’s a crossroads—for the wrestler and the promotion.”

Ryan Nemeth’s hesitancy and TNA role

  • Post‑AEW burnout: Nemeth describes being “turned off” by wrestling after his AEW exit and legal battles, initially declining TNA’s overtures.
  • Conditions for return: He only agreed to come back once TNA pitched a storyline that treated him as a featured player, especially in tandem with Nic Nemeth, rather than a disposable undercard body.

Ed: “That’s the modern reality—talent wants creative respect as much as a paycheck.”

Thunder Rosa and Blood & Guts

  • Stipulation must matter: Rosa says she’d only do another ultra‑violent match if the story demanded a Lights Out‑level climax, not just a random street fight.
  • Legacy of violence: She points to her Lights Out war with Britt Baker and a Texas Bullrope match with Deonna Purrazzo as examples where brutality served the narrative, not the other way around.

Gordon: “When a veteran of that style says ‘make it meaningful,’ promoters should listen.”

Jon Moxley’s “two kinds of eulogies” promo (September 30, 2026)

Ed: “Now, Gordon, we’ve got to talk about the words that have echoed all week—the promo Moxley cut after All Out, replayed and reframed during the PAC tribute.”

  • Context: The promo, titled “There’s two kinds of eulogies at funerals,” was delivered after Moxley lost the AEW World Title match to Will Ospreay at All Out 2026.
  • Core message (paraphrased):
    • Moxley admits Ospreay was the better man that night, stressing that losing is part of wrestling and life.
    • He talks about how everyone will lose matches, opportunities, and people—and the only answer is to get up and give your best again because every day in the ring is a gift.
    • He contrasts two kinds of eulogies: one listing accomplishments, the other describing who a person was. Moxley says he knows which one he wants when he’s gone.
    • He frames AEW’s present as the hinge point for the future of pro wrestling, insisting that he, Ospreay, the Death Riders, and anyone brave enough to chase greatness are holding the craft’s destiny in their hands.

Gordon: “That’s not just a promo, Ed—that’s a mission statement. He’s telling the locker room that the legacy isn’t the belts, it’s the way you carry yourself when the belts are gone.”

Ed: “And when Collision closes with Mox grinding out another win, that speech is the subtext—you lose, you learn, you come back swinging.”

Closing thoughts from the sports desk

Ed: “So in one week, AEW gives us a heartfelt tribute to PAC, a Collision stacked with faction warfare and rising contenders, and a news cycle full of crossroads—Scorpio Sky’s contract, Ryan Nemeth’s second chance, Thunder Rosa’s line in the sand on violence.”

Gordon: “And threading through it all is Jon Moxley’s idea of legacy—whether you’re a champion, a veteran thinking about one more Blood & Guts, or a talent deciding if you even want to come back, the question is the same: what do you want people to say about you when the matches are over?”

Ed: “From the sports desk, that’s the story of AEW this week: a company juggling grief, opportunity, and identity, with its wrestlers deciding what kind of eulogy they’re writing every time the bell rings.”

Gordon: “We’ll be here to call the next chapter, Ed. Until then—protect the craft, respect the ring, and we’ll see you at the next show.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 10/3/26: News, MLW, WOW & Everything Indy Wrestling.

Fans, welcome back to the sports desk—where we track everything from national TV tapings to the indie heartbeat underneath it all.

Headlines

Dynamite viewership and ratings

Ed: “Let’s open with the numbers that show just how hard the wrestling world rallied this week.”

The September 30, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite—the tribute show for PAC—averaged 899,000 viewers, a 24% jump from the previous week’s 723,000 and AEW’s highest TV audience in nearly three years. The 18–49 demo hit 0.22, up 38% from 0.16 and matching the best demo number since November 2024. The show finished second in prime‑time cable for the night, underscoring how strongly fans tuned in to see how AEW would honor PAC’s legacy.

Gordon: “From a metrics standpoint, that’s a clear signal—emotion, stakes, and a unified locker room can move the needle in a big way.”

Wrestlers that inspired Zayda Steel

AEW’s Zayda Steel recently talked about the wrestlers who shaped her as a fan. Growing up, she gravitated toward the WWE Divas and Women’s Champions—AJ Lee, the Four Horsewomen, Kelly Kelly—and on the men’s side, larger‑than‑life figures like The Undertaker and even The Boogeyman, whose character work she says still “traumatizes” her in the best way. That early fandom came full circle when she wrestled Mercedes Moné on AEW Collision this past August.

Gordon: “You can see that influence in her presentation—big personality, modern women’s wrestling pace, and a taste for characters that feel larger than the ring they’re in.”

Jim Ross on Tommy End

On his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross weighed in on Tommy End’s turbulent last few years—leaving AEW in early 2025, returning to WWE later that year, and being released again after WrestleMania 42. Ross praised End as “a hell of a hand” with a unique look who can work both babyface and heel, but added that End “needs to get off the drama train” and stop dwelling on past frustrations if he wants to stabilize his career. Ross also noted that End will find work and didn’t rule out a future landing spot like TNA, even if he doesn’t regularly watch their programming.

Ed: “In other words, the talent is there—the question is whether the focus can match it.”

MLW Fusion – October 1, 2026

Ed: “Now, partner, let’s slide over to Major League Wrestling, where Fusion delivered a compact card with some big implications.”

Killer Kross, Dijak, Bishop and Riddle – opening confrontation

The show opened at the Melrose Ballroom with MLW World Heavyweight Champion Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux in the ring. Kross declared it “a beautiful day” to be champion, only to be interrupted by Donovan Dijak and Josh Bishop. Dijak dubbed himself “the captain” and Bishop “the kid,” which didn’t sit well with Bishop. Matt Riddle then hit the ring, and a four‑way brawl broke out. Kross grabbed the mic and demanded a New York City street fight, setting the tone for the heavyweight picture going forward.

Templario vs Soberano Jr.

Result: Templario defeated Soberano Jr.

The opener was a high‑end lucha showcase. They traded fast counters early, with Soberano repeatedly tugging at Templario’s mask to gain an edge. As the match escalated, they hit big spots—Canadian Destroyer, twisting press, and a barrage of near falls—before Templario finally put Soberano away with a modified backbreaker/lumbar‑check style finish.

Gordon: “That bout was a textbook example of modern lucha—mask psychology, athletic escalation, and a decisive finish that still leaves room for a rematch.”

MLW pay‑per‑view announcement

Commentary confirmed MLW’s return to pay‑per‑view with Saturday Night SuperFight on November 7 at Cicero Stadium in the Chicago area, a venue MLW has used before. The show is positioned as a major event, with street fights and title matches expected to anchor the card.

Contra and Masha Slamovich

A vignette aired confirming Masha Slamovich has officially joined CONTRA, adding a dangerous new piece to the faction and giving MLW’s women’s division a clear top‑tier threat aligned with one of the promotion’s most notorious groups.

Mark Coffey vs Beastman (Lightning Match)

Result: Mark Coffey defeated Beastman (with Kim Chee).

In a 10‑minute “lightning” match, Beastman dominated early with corner offense and a rolling cannonball. Interference from Wolfgang and Joe Coffey distracted Beastman, causing him to miss a Vader Bomb. Mark capitalized with a spin kick to the head for the tainted pin. Post‑match, he called out the Good Brothers, declaring that Gallus is coming for the MLW Tag Team Titles.

Gordon: “Classic tag‑division chess—use a singles match to send a message and set the table for a future title challenge.”

H.A.T.E (Rina & Saya Kamitani) vs Shotzi Blackheart & Lady Frost

Result: H.A.T.E (Rina & Saya Kamitani) defeated Shotzi Blackheart & Lady Frost.

The main event put Stardom’s Saya Kamitani and Rina—working under the H.A.T.E banner—against Shotzi Blackheart and Lady Frost. H.A.T.E scored the win, and the post‑match angle saw Frost and Shotzi brawling with each other, hinting at tension and possible dissolution of their alliance.

Ed: “You bring in international talent, you get international‑level fallout—partners turning on each other, factions staking their claim.”

MLW week: news and direction

  • Production and taping cadence: Fusion continues to air episodes taped earlier in the year, but the production quality at Melrose Ballroom has drawn praise, giving MLW a consistent visual identity.
  • Heavyweight scene: Kross vs Dijak vs Bishop vs Riddle is clearly the central heavyweight story, with the teased street fight likely to anchor an upcoming episode or PPV.
  • Tag division: Gallus (Mark, Joe, Wolfgang) signaling their intent toward the Good Brothers’ titles adds a European flavor to MLW’s tag picture.
  • Women’s division: Masha joining CONTRA and H.A.T.E’s win over Shotzi & Frost both point to a more defined women’s hierarchy, with faction warfare as the backbone.

Gordon: “Structurally, MLW is leaning on factions and international partnerships to differentiate itself—smart positioning in a crowded market.”

Women Of Wrestling (WOW) – latest episode and landscape

Ed: “From MLW’s hybrid style, we pivot to WOW—where the focus is squarely on superhero presentation and women’s wrestling as the main event, not the side dish.”

Latest WOW TV results (Superheroes #193–194 snapshot)

The most recent block of WOW Superheroes episodes leading into late summer reshaped the title scene:

  • WOW Superheroes #193 – Power Shift (Aug 22, 2026)
    • Gloria Glitter & Keta Rush defeated Top Tier (Coach Campanelli & Kandi Krush).
    • Miami’s Sweet Heat (Laurie & Lindsey Carlson) defeated Animal Instinct (Goldie Collins & Katarina Jinx).
    • WOW World Championship: Santana Garrett defeated Penelope Pink (with Lana Star) to become champion, marking a major title change.
  • WOW Superheroes #194 – Trios, Triumphs & Tragedies (Aug 29, 2026)
    • Top Tier (Coach Campanelli, Gloria Glitter & Kandi Krush) defeated Team Spirit (Ariel Sky, Pep Riley & Sasha Sparks).
    • WOW Trios Title: Top Tier vs Monsters And Metal (Chainsaw, Daisy Lane & Fury) ended in a no contest.
    • Full Metal Massacre – WOW Trios Title: Monsters And Metal defeated Top Tier to win the Trios Championships.

Since then, WOW has focused on building around Santana’s reign and the fallout from Top Tier’s internal drama.

Gordon: “You’ve got a new singles champion, trios belts in monster hands, and a tag division in flux—that’s a lot of moving parts for one promotion.”

Santana Garrett’s journey (Fox feature)

A recent feature highlighted Santana Garrett choosing pro wrestling over a more traditional teaching career path, emphasizing how WOW gave her a platform to become a top champion after stints in WWE, AEW, and TNA. The piece underscored her decision to commit fully to wrestling, her pride in representing WOW as world champion, and the role of Jeanie Buss in backing the promotion as a serious, women‑centered brand.

Ed: “That’s the kind of story that makes a belt feel bigger—when the champion’s journey is about risk, sacrifice, and a clear choice to bet on herself.”

WOW Official Podcast – recent episodes

The WOW podcast with Nigel Zane and David McLane has been busy:

  • Episode 27: Kandi Krush Calls the Shots – Krush reacts to the slap heard around WOW, questions Coach Campanelli’s leadership of Top Tier, and hints at going solo.
  • Episode 30: Loca Locks It Down – Loca revisits her history with Caged Heat and the early WOW tag scene, tying past eras to the current roster.
  • Episode 31: Sophia Lopez Holds Court – Sophia breaks down her role as “The World’s Greatest Attorney,” revisiting her work with Caged Heat, Serpentine, Nikki Krampus, and others, reinforcing how managers and non‑wrestling characters shape WOW’s identity.

Gordon: “The podcast is doing the heavy lifting on lore—filling in backstory, explaining alliances, and giving fans a reason to care beyond bell‑to‑bell.”

MLW & WOW – week‑long themes

  • Faction focus: CONTRA in MLW and groups like Monsters And Metal, The Enlightened, and Top Tier in WOW show both promotions leaning into units as storytelling engines.
  • International flavor: MLW’s use of Templario, Soberano Jr., Saya Kamitani, and Rina, plus WOW’s mix of U.S. and international talent, keeps both rosters feeling global rather than regional.
  • Women’s wrestling as centerpiece: WOW is built entirely around women, and MLW’s integration of women’s main events and Masha’s CONTRA role shows a broader trend toward women’s matches anchoring cards rather than filling them out.

Ed: “Taken together, you’ve got two promotions carving out distinct lanes—MLW as a hybrid, faction‑heavy battleground, WOW as a superhero‑driven women’s universe.”

Everything Indy Wrestling – Facebook group spotlight

Ed: “Before we close, let’s drop down from TV tapings to the social layer that keeps the indie world connected.”

The Everything Indy Wrestling Facebook group has been active with posts from:

  • Jeff Rich – sharing results, photos, and commentary from various independent shows, often highlighting under‑the‑radar talent and regional cards.
  • Midwest Wrestling Coalition – promoting events, talent announcements, and cross‑promotion efforts across the Midwest, giving smaller promotions a shared platform.
  • Australian Indie Wrestling – posting about shows, tours, and standout performers from Australia’s scene, reminding fans that the indie conversation is truly global.

You can find the group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1052875778065763

Closing from the sports desk

Ed: “So in one stretch of days, we’ve watched MLW roll out a Fusion built on Kross, Dijak, Bishop, Riddle, and a standout lucha bout; seen H.A.T.E and Saya Kamitani shake up the women’s scene; watched WOW settle into a new era with Santana Garrett on top and Monsters And Metal holding trios gold; heard Zayda Steel talk about the heroes who shaped her; and listened to Jim Ross challenge Tommy End to leave the drama behind.”

Gordon: “Layer that over Dynamite’s ratings surge and the chatter inside Everything Indy Wrestling, and you see the full picture: major promotions pushing stories on TV, women’s wrestling taking center stage, and indie communities keeping the pipeline alive from the Midwest to Australia.”

Ed: “From the sports desk, keep your eyes on MLW and WOW as their factions and champions define the next chapter—and don’t sleep on the indie posts that might be introducing you to tomorrow’s headliners. We’ll be right here to call the next round with you.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 10/2/26: News, TNA & Alberta.

Fans, pull up a chair—because this week in and around TNA has been busy, emotional, and quietly important for the wider wrestling landscape.

Headlines

Sheamus is a free agent

Ed: “We start with a seismic note from the global scene, partner.”

For the first time in about 19 years, Sheamus—“The Celtic Warrior”—is reportedly a free agent. His long‑time WWE deal expired in early fall after he declined a restructured extension earlier in the year. He joined WWE in 2007, became WWE Champion within two years by beating John Cena, and his last WWE match came in November 2025 teaming with Cena and Rey Mysterio against The Judgment Day before shoulder surgery took him out of action.

There’s reported interest from AEW executives and talent in bringing him aboard, but as of now, no formal talks have taken place.

Gordon: “From a strategic standpoint, a veteran with that résumé hitting the open market changes the calculus for every major promotion—including TNA, even if only indirectly.”

Major League Wrestling announces pay‑per‑view

MLW is returning to pay‑per‑view for the first time since 2019 with Saturday Night SuperFight on November 7 at Cicero Stadium in Chicago, streaming live on VEEPS. The last SuperFight PPV in 2019 was headlined by Jacob Fatu vs L.A. Park in a No DQ match for the MLW World Heavyweight Championship. Court Bauer framed this new show as the biggest event of the year, promising title decisions, rivalry blow‑offs, and a stacked card for a hot Chicago crowd.

MLW’s flagship Fusion has also landed on Tubi after a long legal detour involving WWE and FOX, and the promotion is now in a position to negotiate with additional platforms while keeping Tubi and VEEPS in play.

AEW Dynamite viewership and ratings

The September 16, 2026 episode of AEW Dynamite—less than two weeks before All Out 2026—drew 723,000 viewers, up 27% from the previous week’s 571,000, and posted a 0.16 rating in the 18–49 demo, up 60% from the prior 0.10. Compared to September 2025, viewership was up 22% and the demo rating up 17%.

The main event saw Jon Moxley, Gabe Kidd and PAC defeat Will Ospreay, Francesco Akira and Andrade El Idolo, one of PAC’s final matches before his passing. Elsewhere, Lena Kross beat Jamie Hayter, Tommaso Ciampa squashed Myles Hawkins, Chris Jericho defeated Nick Wayne, and Page/King/Bandido became #1 contenders to the AEW World Trios Titles.

Gordon: “Those numbers tell you the audience was locked in—PAC’s presence, Moxley’s title trajectory, and a stacked card all converged to lift the show.”

TNA iMPACT! – October 1, 2026 (Tribute to PAC)

Ed: “Now we turn to TNA, where this week’s iMPACT! wasn’t just another episode—it was dedicated to the memory of PAC, and the booking reflected that weight.”

Show dedication

The episode opened with the announcement that the night was dedicated to Benjamin “PAC” Satterley, setting a respectful tone before the bell ever rang.

Mr. Elegance vs BDE – X‑Division qualifier

Result: BDE defeated Mr. Elegance to qualify for the X‑Division Title match at Bound For Glory.

Gordon: “Elegance’s undefeated streak had already ended weeks earlier, so this wasn’t about breaking a record—it was about BDE finally grabbing a meaningful singles win and punching his ticket to the X‑Division title scene.”

The Great Hands & Mila Moore backstage

Jason Hotch mocked John Skyler for staying loyal to Order 4 after Mustafa Ali disrespected his family. Skyler explained he had nobody but Order 4, then revealed he’d found “his person” in Mila Moore. The tension set the stage for their later involvement with Ali and Special Agent 0.

Dude Wipes mascot segment

Deuce, the Dude Wipes mascot, appeared backstage with Hometown Man before being interrupted by Expressions and AJ Francis, who mocked the mascot and snatched the wipes. It was a comedic thread that would pay off later in the Moose vs Francis match.

Indi Hartwell vs Zoey Serrano

Zoey Serrano attacked a ringside attendant with a big boot, then used a steel chair on Indi Hartwell, causing a disqualification. After officials intervened, Xia Brookside blindsided Hartwell with the Knockouts World Championship belt.

Gordon: “TNA is clearly positioning Hartwell as the sympathetic babyface with obstacles on every side—Serrano’s brutality and Brookside’s opportunism both stack the deck against her heading into Bound For Glory.”

Mustafa Ali & Special Agent 0 vs The Great Hands (John Skyler & Jason Hotch)

Result: Mustafa Ali & Special Agent 0 defeated The Great Hands when Ali forced Skyler to tap out to a Sharpshooter.

Post‑match, Special Agent 0 flattened Hotch, then—at Tasha Steelz’s urging—leveled Skyler with a big boot. When Ali confronted them, Steelz signaled 0 to attack Ali as well, and he dropped the International Champion with a lariat. Moore entered to check on Skyler, only to be chokeslammed by 0 on Steelz’s orders. Steelz then raised the International Championship with 0 at her side.

Gordon: “That turn was the pivot of the night—Steelz emerging as the mastermind, 0 stepping into a monster role, and Ali suddenly finding himself surrounded by enemies rather than allies.”

Bound For Glory – International Championship four‑way announced

In a backstage brawl involving Ali, Hotch, Skyler and Special Agent 0, Santino Marella announced a four‑way match for the TNA International Championship at Bound For Glory, pitting all four against each other.

Moose vs AJ Francis

Result: Moose defeated AJ Francis.

Francis had Expressions set up a table at ringside and placed Dude Wipes on it, aiming to put Moose through with Down Payment. Deuce’s interference allowed Moose to boot Expressions through the table instead. Francis tried to attack Moose, but was distracted by Deuce long enough for Moose to nail him with a toilet seat lid and finish with a spear.

Ed: “You don’t often see a toilet seat lid as a turning point in a match, but here we are.”

Allie sees Rosemary

Knockouts Tag Champions Allie and Kiera Hogan walked a hallway in slow motion and encountered Rosemary without her usual makeup, wearing clothing associated with a mental health facility. Only Allie seemed to see her. Rosemary told Allie to “beware” before running off, screaming about snakes—hinting at a psychological, possibly supernatural angle.

Leon Slater vs Joe Alonzo

Result: Leon Slater squashed Joe Alonzo.

Alonzo cut a long promo burying Slater and trying to curry favor with Nic Nemeth, promising to stop Slater from even reaching Bound For Glory. As soon as the bell rang, Slater blasted him with a boot and hit the Swanton 450 for a quick win. Nemeth mocked Slater by prancing with his coat, then left his belts behind, allowing Slater to pose with them—foreshadowing their Bound For Glory clash.

Frankie Kazarian trains Avery Styles

A taped segment showed Kazarian training Avery Styles for the Call Your Shot Gauntlet at Bound For Glory, framing the match as Styles’ big chance to show the world what he can do in his TNA debut.

Elayna Black confronts The Elegance Brand

Elayna Black confronted M By Elegance and pushed her into accepting a Knockouts World Television Championship match for next week’s iMPACT!, stirring tension between M and Heather Reckless. M insisted she didn’t need her entourage and could beat Black alone.

Ricky Sosa vs Cedric Alexander

Result: Cedric Alexander defeated Ricky Sosa.

Alisha Edwards distracted the referee, Sosa confronted her, and Eddie Edwards hit Sosa with a low blow, allowing Alexander to land the Lumbar Check for the win. The interference continued the System’s issues with Sosa and set up their Bound For Glory match.

TNA celebrates 35 years of The Hardys

TNA announced a special 35 Years of The Hardys episode of iMPACT! on October 13 in Dothan, Alabama, with Matt and Jeff Hardy booking the matches themselves.

The Syx revealed and challenged

Joseph Sawyer and Samuel Shaw revealed themselves as the attackers plaguing TNA, declaring the company “rotten” and targeting the Hardys as their ultimate test. They promised that nobody in TNA is safe and framed themselves as a force that’s hard to kill.

Matt and Jeff responded, listing everything they’ve survived—tables, ladders, cages, “deletions”—and declared themselves unkillable. They challenged Syx to a Falls Count Anywhere, Anything Goes match at Bound For Glory. The lights went out and Syx vanished, leaving the Hardys searching under the ring as the show closed.

Mickie James teased for Bound For Glory

A box marked “TNA” opened to reveal a hat and items as “Hardcore Country” played, confirming Mickie James will appear at Bound For Glory.

Gordon: “Between Syx, the Hardys, Ali’s four‑way, and Mickie’s return, Bound For Glory is being built as a crossroads show—legacy acts, new monsters, and title scenes all converging.”

TNA week: news, rumors, and direction

Ed: “So what does all of this tell us about TNA’s week beyond the bell‑to‑bell?”

  • Tribute tone: Dedicating iMPACT! to PAC and weaving respectful references into commentary and presentation underscored TNA’s desire to be part of the wider grieving and honoring of his legacy.
  • International Championship picture: The four‑way announcement (Ali vs Hotch vs Skyler vs Special Agent 0) and Steelz’s turn position the International Title as a centerpiece of Bound For Glory, with layered character dynamics rather than a simple challenger vs champion setup.
  • Hardys vs Syx: The Falls Count Anywhere match and the 35‑year celebration episode show TNA leaning hard into the Hardys as emotional anchors while simultaneously trying to elevate Syx as a serious threat.
  • Knockouts focus: Hartwell’s beating, Brookside’s attack, Elayna Black’s challenge to M, and Rosemary’s eerie appearance all point to a Knockouts division with multiple overlapping stories rather than a single title feud.

Gordon: “From a booking perspective, TNA is threading tribute, nostalgia, and forward motion all at once—no small task.”

Alberta scene: Pure Power Wrestling, Love Pro Wrestling, Monster Pro Wrestling

Ed: “Before we close, let’s zoom out from the televised stage to the Alberta independents—because the ecosystem matters.”

  • Pure Power Wrestling (PPW): Based out of Lethbridge, PPW runs regular shows featuring local and regional talent, often blending family‑friendly cards with old‑school storytelling. Their social presence highlights community engagement and long‑running feuds, making them a key stop for Western Canadian wrestlers looking to sharpen their craft.
  • Love Pro Wrestling: Operating with a strong storytelling and character‑driven focus, Love Pro Wrestling has built a reputation for spotlighting Canadian talent and giving them space to cut meaningful promos and work longer‑form matches. Their coverage of figures like Nattie and TJ Wilson’s Dungeon roots shows a deep respect for Canadian wrestling history.
  • Monster Pro Wrestling (MPW): Edmonton‑based MPW leans into a more traditional indie vibe—big characters, local heroes, and regular cards that keep the scene active. Their events provide a platform for Alberta talent to gain experience in front of consistent crowds and often feature cross‑pollination with other Western promotions.

Gordon: “These promotions form the backbone of the region.”

Closing from the sports desk

Ed: “So in one week, we’ve watched TNA dedicate iMPACT! to PAC, set Bound For Glory on a collision course with Syx, the Hardys, Ali’s four‑way, and Mickie James; seen Sheamus step into free agency for the first time in nearly two decades; watched MLW climb back onto pay‑per‑view; and tracked AEW’s ratings surge heading into All Out—all while Alberta’s independents keep the grassroots alive.”

Gordon: “It’s a reminder that this sport is layered—televised tributes, contract shifts, pay‑per‑view returns, and local shows in Lethbridge or Edmonton all feed into the same living tapestry. The stories we’re calling from the sports desk today are built on rings big and small.”

Ed: “Keep your eyes on TNA as Bound For Glory approaches, keep an ear on the rumblings around Sheamus and MLW, and don’t forget the Alberta rings where tomorrow’s names are learning to fall and rise. We’ll be right here at the sports desk to call the next chapter with you.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 10/1/26: News, Dynamite & History.

Sports desk greeting

Ed: “Fans, welcome back to the sports desk—where the week in All Elite Wrestling gets laid out bell‑to‑bell. I’m calling the action, my partner’s breaking it down, and together we’ll walk through a tribute‑heavy Dynamite, some sobering headlines, and the echoes of one of wrestling’s greatest retirement matches.”

Headlines

Kevin Nash on unmasking Rey Mysterio Kevin Nash recently confirmed that the call to remove Rey Mysterio’s mask in WCW was his idea. He explained that he pushed for it because he believed Rey’s face and charisma could help him break out even more, though he now recognizes how controversial that decision was given the deep cultural and personal importance of the mask.

Eddie Osbourne passes away at 43 Canadian independent veteran Eddie Osbourne has died at age 43. Known for his work across Ontario and for helping shape local scenes as both wrestler and promoter, tributes have poured in from Canadian talent and fans who credit him with giving them opportunities and guidance early in their careers.

Will Ospreay on using PAC’s Black Arrow On the AEW Dynamite: A Tribute to PAC episode, Will Ospreay finished Ricochet with PAC’s Black Arrow. Afterward, he said hitting that move was about honoring a friend and rival—someone whose style pushed him to evolve—and that he wanted the moment to feel like a salute rather than a theft.

AEW Dynamite – September 30, 2026 (A Tribute to PAC)

Ed sets the stage

“Partner, this wasn’t just another Wednesday night. This was a show built around grief, respect, and the kind of wrestling PAC lived for—high‑risk, high‑precision, and absolutely uncompromising.”

Gordon’s Breakdown — AEW Dynamite Results (Sept. 30, 2026)

Jon Moxley vs Orange Cassidy

“Moxley imposed his will from the opening bell. Cassidy fought with trademark resilience, but the champion’s pressure never relented. In the end, Moxley secured the victory and retained the Continental Championship.”

The Elite vs Don Callis Family

“The Elite operated as a unified machine—Omega directing traffic, Page anchoring the pace, and the Bucks firing off combinations. The Callis Family had moments of disruption, but cohesion won the day. The Elite emerged victorious.”

Will Ospreay vs Ricochet

“This was a showcase of precision and aerial mastery. Ricochet matched Ospreay stride for stride, but Ospreay’s closing sequence—highlighted by the Black Arrow—proved decisive. Ospreay claimed the win.”

Marina Shafir, Hyan & Thunder Rosa vs Mercedes Moné, Persephone & Britt Baker

“The trio of Shafir, Hyan, and Rosa controlled the tempo with disciplined striking and smart positioning. Moné’s team attempted to fracture their rhythm, but the technicas stayed composed. Shafir, Hyan, and Rosa earned the victory.”

Death Riders vs Don Callis Family (Wardlow, Josh Alexander, Mark Davis, Jake Doyle & Lance Archer)

“With Moxley sitting in on commentary The Death Riders welcomed Bryan Danielson back for one more match. The Death Riders approached this as a statement match—methodical, physical, and unyielding. The Callis contingent brought size and aggression, but the Riders’ collective experience carried them through. The Death Riders secured the win.”

Promo segments & backstage tributes Throughout the show, short backstage pieces aired: wrestlers recalling favorite PAC matches, travel stories, and how his intensity raised the bar in AEW’s locker room. These weren’t long monologues, but they stitched emotional context between the matches.

Gordon’s takeaway

“What stood out wasn’t just the moves—it was the intent. Every match felt like the roster trying to live up to a standard PAC set. The main event, especially, was less about rivalry and more about carrying a legacy forward.”

AEW week: news, rumors, and moving pieces

Ed on the broader picture

“Beyond the tribute show, AEW’s week has been about processing loss, stabilizing its roster, and figuring out how to move forward without one of its most distinctive performers.”

Gordon’s breakdown

  • PAC tribute merchandise AEW released PAC tribute shirts and related merch, with proceeds going to Benjamin Satterley’s family. Talent across the roster have been pushing the line on social media, turning fan support into tangible help.
  • Andrade’s written tribute Andrade El Idolo’s long written message about PAC—recounting their All Out match, the phone call from Penta, and how PAC looked strong and upbeat before heading home—has become one of the most shared pieces of the week, reinforcing how deeply PAC was respected in the locker room.
  • Locker room tone Reports and interviews suggest the AEW locker room is in a reflective mood: talent talking about safety, legacy, and how quickly things can change. The tribute Dynamite was framed internally as both closure and a starting point for honoring PAC in future shows.
  • On‑screen direction Storyline‑wise, AEW has largely kept major angles simmering rather than boiling this week, letting the tribute episode breathe. Feuds and title programs are still present, but the emotional center of the week has clearly been PAC.

Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels – the perfect farewell lens

Ed introduces the parallel

“Before we close, partner, we’ve got to talk about another moment that’s been echoing through the conversation this week: Ric Flair vs Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania XXIV—often held up as the blueprint for a retirement match.”

Gordon’s analysis

  • Story over spectacle The match worked because it wasn’t just about moves—it was about a career coming to an end in front of the world. Flair fought like a man refusing to let go; Michaels wrestled like someone torn between winning and not wanting to be the one to end a legend’s run.
  • The “I’m sorry, I love you” moment The closing sequence—Michaels whispering that line before delivering the final superkick—captured the emotional conflict perfectly. It was both a mercy and a necessary act, and it turned a finishing move into a narrative climax.
  • Legacy framing The bout allowed Flair to go out on a grand stage, with a performance that reminded fans why he mattered. It also gave Michaels another layer to his own legacy: the man trusted to close the book on one of wrestling’s greatest careers.

Ed’s connection to this week

“In a week where we’re talking about PAC’s legacy, Steven Borden’s health scare, and how fragile this whole thing can be, that match is a reminder: the way someone leaves the ring can define how we remember everything that came before.”

Closing from the sports desk

Ed: “So in one stretch of days, we’ve watched AEW build an entire Dynamite around honoring PAC, heard Kevin Nash revisit a controversial call from WCW, mourned the loss of Eddie Osbourne, and listened to Will Ospreay explain why borrowing the Black Arrow was an act of respect, not ego.”

Gordon: “And when you frame all of that next to a match like Flair vs Michaels, you see the through‑line: this sport is about careers, choices, and the way we say goodbye. Sometimes it’s a planned retirement on the biggest stage; sometimes it’s a tribute show after a sudden loss; sometimes it’s just a reassuring update that a young man like Steven Borden is okay.”

Ed: “From the sports desk, keep your eyes on the rings and your heart with the people who step between the ropes. The stories we’re calling today will be the legacies we talk about tomorrow—and we’ll be right here to call the next chapter with you.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/30/26: News, CMLL, NWA & Wrestle Talk.

Editors Note: I don’t watch much pro wrestling live nowadays as I am busy teaching my 12 year old to skateboard, working as a life coach for men in an assisted living facility and writing two books, multiple digital products and a few articles, but I made sure to watch AEW Dynamite tonight as I was putting together this edition of the blog. So if there are any mistakes my apologies. Typing with tears in your eyes is tough. RIP PAC. -Scott

Hey folks, pull up a chair at the sports desk—because the last week in wrestling has been heavy, historic, and absolutely packed.

Headlines

Tony at the desk on Steven Borden: During his tag match with Darby Allin against Kyle Fletcher and Kevin Knight, Borden attempted a top‑rope dive meant to meet Knight mid‑air. The timing was off, and he crashed hard to the mat, lying still long enough that medical staff immediately halted the match. He was stretchered out, leaving the arena in silence and concern.

Tony Schiavone addressed the situation on his podcast What Happened When, sharing what he learned after speaking directly with Borden the following Monday. According to Tony, Borden told him he felt “fine,” reporting no dizziness and no headaches, and showing no signs of a concussion. He even mentioned that despite years of college football at the University of Kentucky, he’d never experienced anything like that moment.

Tony added that Borden was more upset about the idea that he might have “ruined the pay‑per‑view” than about the injury itself. Schiavone reassured him that wasn’t the case

AEW releases PAC tribute merchandise: AEW rolled out special PAC tribute merchandise—shirts built around his “The Bastard” persona and iconic imagery from his AEW run. Every cent from those sales is earmarked for Benjamin Satterley’s family, turning fan support into direct financial help. The rollout has been promoted across AEW’s platforms, with talent encouraging fans to honor PAC by supporting the line.

Andrade El Idolo’s emotional message to PAC: Andrade El Idolo shared a long, raw tribute to PAC after learning of his passing, describing how he’d just arrived home in Miami and initially thought the news was a cruel rumor. He recounted Penta’s phone call, the flood of messages from wrestlers across promotions, and how PAC had looked strong and upbeat after their AEW All Out 2026 match—talking about heading back to London to see his family. Andrade called PAC a “special” opponent he’d chased across multiple promotions, saying he’ll never forget their final match and closing with a promise: “Forever Pac.”

CMLL week in review (September 24–29, 2026)

September 24 – Jueves Arena Coliseo (Arena Coliseo, Mexico City)

Ed: “We start south of the border, partner, where the coliseum was rocking on Thursday night!”

  • Opening tag: Los Pequeños Depredadores (Minos I & Minos II) scored the first win of the evening over Acero & Aereo, giving the mini rudo duo momentum in the division.
  • Singles bout: Blue Shark picked up a singles victory against Disturbio, a solid showcase for Shark’s athleticism.
  • 2/3 falls tag: Atrapasueños (Espíritu Negro & Rey Cometa) outlasted Okumura & Raider in a classic best‑two‑of‑three falls encounter, reinforcing their status as a crafty tecnico team.
  • 2/3 falls tag: La Fuerza Poblana (Arkalis & Guerrero Maya Jr.) defeated La Máquina de la Destrucción (El Terrible & Máquina Letal), a big win over a bruising rudo tandem.
  • Main event – 2/3 falls trios: Los Depredadores (Black Tiger & Rugido) teamed with Niebla Roja to edge out Capitán Suicida, Dragón Rojo Jr. & Neón in a competitive trios main event.

Gordon: “You can see the pattern, sports fans—Depredadores and Máquina de la Destrucción are being positioned as central pillars in CMLL’s ongoing faction warfare.”

September 25 – Noche de Campeones 2026 (Arena México, Mexico City)

Ed: “Friday night was championship night—belts on the line up and down the card!”

  • CMLL World Mini Estrella Championship: Pequeño Volador Jr. (c) vs. Galaxy Pequeño Volador Jr. retained after an 11‑minute sprint, keeping the minis title in his grasp.
  • Mexican National Middleweight Championship: Guerrero Maya Jr. (c) vs. Rey Pegasus Rey Pegasus captured the middleweight gold, dethroning Guerrero Maya Jr. in just over 11 minutes.
  • Mexican National Tag Team Championship: Los Depredadores (Black Tiger & Rugido) (c) vs. Los Viajeros del Espacio (Futuro & Max Star) The champions held serve, turning back the space‑traveling challengers and keeping the tag belts.
  • World Historic Middleweight Championship: Volador Jr. (c) vs. Villano III Jr. Volador Jr. retained in a 14‑plus minute showcase, adding another notch to his historic reign.
  • Mexican National Light Heavyweight Championship: Esfinge (c) vs. Vegas Depredador Vegas Depredador walked out with the light heavyweight title, a major elevation win.
  • World Historic Light Heavyweight Championship: Averno (c) vs. Soberano Jr. Averno kept his historic belt after a nearly 18‑minute battle that drew strong praise from fans.
  • Mexican National Women’s Tag Team Championship: Kira & Skadi (c) vs. Las Valientitas (Hera & Olympia) Las Valientitas claimed the women’s tag titles, closing the night with another championship change.

Gordon: “Multiple title shifts in one evening tell you CMLL is recalibrating its championship landscape—Pegasus, Vegas Depredador, and Las Valientitas now form a new axis of featured champions.”

September 26 – Sábado de Coliseo (Arena Coliseo, Mexico City)

  • Tag opener: Pequeño Magia & Último Dragoncito defeated Pequeño Pierroth & Pequeño Pólvora, keeping the minis division lively.
  • Lightning match: Tornado bested Cerebro Negro Jr. in the single‑fall special.
  • 2/3 falls trios (women’s focus): Johnnie Robbie, Tabata & Tessa Blanchard overcame Candela & Las Valientitas (Hera & Olympia), handing the new women’s tag champs a setback in non‑title action.
  • 2/3 falls tag: Shoma Kato & Yutani beat Los Hermanos Calavera (Calavera Jr. I & II), a strong outing for the visiting duo.
  • 2/3 falls tag – Depredadores vs. Depredadores: Black Tiger & Rugido defeated Vegas Depredador & Volador Jr. by disqualification, furthering internal tensions within the broader Depredadores camp.
  • Main event – 2/3 falls trios: Atlantis, Blue Panther & Esfinge (with KeMonito) triumphed over Los Guerreros Laguneros (Gran Guerrero, Stuka Jr. & Último Guerrero) (with KeMalito), a classic legends‑versus‑rudos clash.

Ed: “Any time Atlantis and Blue Panther are in there with the Guerreros, you’re talking about generational pride on the line, not just a win‑loss record.”

September 27 – Domingo Familiar (Arena México, Mexico City)

  • Lightning: Astral defeated Kamelot to open the family show.
  • 2/3 falls tag: Fuego & Volcano beat Estudiante Jr. & Troglodita, giving the fiery duo another notch.
  • 2/3 falls trios: Los Herederos (El Cobarde, Felino Jr. & Hijo de Stuka Jr.) overcame La Máquina de la Destrucción (El Elemental, Explosivo & Máquina Letal).
  • 2/3 falls trios: Los Bestia del Diablo (Akuma, Gemelo Diablo I & II) defeated La Fuerza Tapatía (Fugaz, Gallo Jr. & Star Black).
  • Lightning: Volador Jr. scored a quick win over Star Jr.
  • Main event – 2/3 falls trios: Los Infernales (Averno, Euforia & Mephisto) beat Galeón Fantasma (Difunto, Furia Roja & Zandokan Jr.), cementing Infernales as a top rudo trio.

Gordon: “Notice how Averno is anchoring both singles and trios programs—CMLL is clearly leaning on him as a central figure.”

September 28 – Lunes Clásico (Arena Puebla, Puebla)

  • Three‑way tag: Makro & Rey Espartano emerged victorious over Sombra Diabólika Jr. & The Tiger and Águila Egipcia & Black Ónix.
  • Three‑way singles: KeMalito won a comedic but competitive bout against Tengu and Chamuel.
  • 2/3 falls tag: Astral & Stigma defeated Virus & Disturbio, giving the tecnicos a solid win over veteran rudos.
  • Lightning: Star Black beat El Elemental.
  • 2/3 falls tag – Villanos vs. Divinos Laguneros: Los Villanos (Hijo del Villano III & Villano III Jr.) defeated Blue Panther Jr. & Dark Panther, continuing the Villano‑Panther rivalry.
  • Main event – 2/3 falls trios: Zandokan Jr., Último Guerrero & Bárbaro Cavernario defeated Star Jr., Dragón Rojo Jr. & Templario, a hard‑hitting main event that kept the rudo side strong.

Ed: “Arena Puebla gave us a snapshot of the next generation—Villanos and Panthers trading wins, and Zandokan Jr. stepping up in main‑event company.”

September 29 – Two‑show Tuesday

Martes de Glamour (Arena Coliseo Guadalajara)
  • Six‑woman tag: Candela, La Magnífica & Valkiria defeated Dominia, Nexy & Princesa Águila.
  • Tag match: Chamuel & Tengu beat Átomo & KeMalito.
  • 2/3 falls trios: Bestia Negra, Persa & Rugido overcame Gallo Jr., Ráfaga Jr. & Rey Pegasus, a notable loss for the new middleweight champion.
  • Relevos increíbles eight‑man tag: Dark Magic & Los Kamikazes (Optimus, Robin & Trono) defeated Brillante Jr. & Los Magníficos (Adrenalina, Explosivo & Fantástico).
  • 2/3 falls trios – Hermanos Chávez & Yutani vs. Galeón Fantasma: Ángel de Oro, Niebla Roja & Yutani beat Difunto, Furia Roja & Zandokan Jr.
  • Main event – relevos increíbles 2/3 falls trios: Averno, Bárbaro Cavernario & Star Black defeated El Sky Team (Máscara Dorada & Místico) & Soberano Jr., a big rudo win over marquee tecnicos.
Martes de Arena México (Arena México, Mexico City)
  • Tag opener: Pequeño Pierroth & Rostro de Acero defeated Aéreo & Kaligua.
  • 2/3 falls trios – Ola Negra vs. Forajidos: La Ola Negra (Espanto Jr., Raider & Gallero) beat Los Forajidos (El Coyote, Pólvora & Vaquero Jr.).
  • 2/3 falls trios – Gemelos Diablos vs. Dulce Gardenia team: Gemelos Diablos (Akuma, Gemelo Diablo I & II) defeated Dulce Gardenia, Volcano & Fuego.
  • Lightning: Dragón Rojo Jr. scored a singles win over Valiente.
  • 2/3 falls tag – Fuerza Poblana vs. Máquina de la Destrucción: Xelhua & Guerrero Maya Jr. beat El Terrible & El Elemental, a key victory for the Puebla‑rooted duo.
  • Main event – 2/3 falls trios: Neón, Titán & Esfinge defeated Los Guerreros Laguneros (Último Guerrero, Stuka Jr. & Gran Guerrero), a statement win for the tecnico trio.

Gordon: “Two venues, two very different atmospheres, but the through‑line is clear—CMLL is elevating Neón, Titán, and Esfinge as credible foils to the Guerreros.”

NWA Powerrr on the sports desk (September 26, 2026 – Comet TV)

Ed: “Now we swing back stateside to the National Wrestling Alliance, where Powerrr delivered a compact but pivotal broadcast.”

Full match results – NWA Powerrr (September 26, 2026, 2300 Arena, Philadelphia)

  • Opening promo: Nattie Neidhart promised she’d make both Paige sisters submit, dubbing herself a submission specialist ready for NWA’s spotlight.
  • Three‑way match: Nattie Neidhart vs. Kenzie Paige vs. Kylie Paige In a chaotic triple threat, the Paige sisters tried to work as a unit against Nattie, but tension over pin attempts eventually fractured their alliance. Nattie weathered the double‑team, picked her spot, and scored the decisive fall, winning her televised NWA three‑way and reinforcing her “tap‑out” reputation—even though the finish came via pin rather than a double submission.
  • Feature segments:
    • Silas Mason delivered a pre‑taped piece reflecting on his time wrestling in Japan, positioning himself as a world‑traveled champion.
    • A recap aired of Alex Taylor’s Texas Philly Street Deathmatch win over Ricky Morton, underscoring the promotion’s ongoing blend of tradition and modern violence.
  • Main event – NWA World Heavyweight Championship: “Thrillbilly” Silas Mason (c) vs. Carson Bartholomew Drake (with Aron Stevens) Mason retained the Ten Pounds of Gold after a physical title bout. Drake leaned on Aron Stevens’ ringside presence, but Mason powered through the interference and secured the victory. Post‑match, Mason laid out Stevens, signaling a serious fracture between champion and former mentor.

Gordon: “From a strategic standpoint, Mason attacking Stevens after a successful defense suggests he’s ready to stand alone—no more safety net, no more mouthpiece. That changes the calculus for every challenger eyeing the Ten Pounds of Gold.”

Company news and rumors – CMLL & NWA

CMLL

  • Championship reshuffle: Rey Pegasus, Vegas Depredador, and Las Valientitas all captured national titles at Noche de Campeones, reshaping the mid‑card and women’s tag scene. Expect Pegasus and Vegas to be tested quickly by established names like Blue Panther and Esfinge, while Hera & Olympia will likely see rematches with Kira & Skadi.
  • Faction focus: Ongoing booking continues to spotlight Los Guerreros Laguneros, Los Depredadores, Los Infernales, and La Máquina de la Destrucción. With Guerreros dropping multiple trios decisions this week, speculation is that CMLL is preparing a major stipulation match—possibly a mask‑heavy apuesta scenario—down the line.
  • International presence: Names like Tessa Blanchard, Johnnie Robbie, Shoma Kato, and Yutani appearing regularly suggest CMLL is leaning into international guest talent to freshen undercards and mid‑card programs, particularly on streamed shows.

NWA

  • World title direction: Silas Mason’s post‑match attack on Aron Stevens has fans buzzing about a full babyface turn for the champion, or at least a more independent presentation. Drake’s loss doesn’t remove him from the picture; his association with Stevens could evolve into a separate grudge program.
  • Women’s division spotlight: Nattie Neidhart’s win over Kenzie and Kylie Paige gives NWA a recognizable veteran to anchor the women’s division. Pretty Empowered’s internal friction during the match may foreshadow a split or retooling of the act.
  • Platform stability: Powerrr continuing on Comet TV with regular plugs for Tubi replays reinforces NWA’s current distribution strategy—lean, consistent, and focused on a core audience rather than chasing massive expansion.

WrestleTalk Podcast – “Remembering Pac (1986–2026), AEW All Out 2026 Review”

Ed: “Before we close, we’ve got to mention one of the most emotional listens of the week at the sports desk.”

  • Episode structure: The WrestleTalk Podcast devoted its September 28, 2026 episode to remembering PAC and reviewing AEW All Out 2026. The show opened with a detailed segment on PAC’s passing, his career highlights, and personal stories from the hosts, then transitioned into a full breakdown of All Out, including Andrade vs. PAC as the opener.
  • Tribute tone: The hosts invited listeners to share favorite PAC matches and moments, framing him as a generational talent—someone whose blend of athleticism and intensity inspired wrestlers and fans alike. They emphasized his influence on modern high‑flyers and the emotional weight of his final AEW bouts.
  • Community engagement: With Patreon comments, social media prompts, and references to memorials and tributes across the wrestling world, the episode functioned as both a show review and a communal grieving space for fans processing the loss.

Gordon: “From an analytical standpoint, that podcast captured something important—the way a single performer can alter the trajectory of an entire style. PAC’s legacy isn’t just in wins and losses; it’s in the blueprint he left behind.”

Closing from the sports desk

Ed: “So, partner, in one week we’ve seen CMLL reshuffle its championship deck, NWA tighten the screws on its world title picture, and the global wrestling community rally around the memory of PAC—while Tony reassures us that Steven Borden is healing up.”

Gordon: “It’s a reminder that this sport lives on multiple levels—titles changing hands in Mexico City and Puebla, power dynamics shifting in Philadelphia, and voices across podcasts and broadcasts stitching together the larger story. The canvas is the same, but the threads are many.”

Ed: “From the sports desk, keep your eyes on the rings, your ears on those tributes, and your heart with the performers who give everything between those ropes. We’ll be here to call the next chapter right along with you.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/29/26: News, NJPW, OVW & Saya Kamitani.

Sports desk greeting

Ed: “Fans, pull up a chair—this is your nightly swing around the rings. I’m at the sports desk, my colleague is at the analysis board, and together we’re going to thread New Japan Pro Wrestling, Ohio Valley Wrestling, and a few big-picture headlines into one tapestry of the week.”

Headlines

Tony Khan announces tribute to PAC main event

  • Match: Ricochet vs Will Ospreay has been set as a marquee singles bout for AEW Dynamite: A Tribute to PAC, positioned as a high‑profile showcase of aerial, athletic wrestling in honor of PAC’s legacy.

Update on Steven Borden’s injury

  • Status: After the injury scare at AEW All Out 2026, Steven Borden is reported to be recovering, with updates indicating he avoided the worst‑case scenarios and is on a monitored path back, though no firm in‑ring return date has been locked in.

MJF reacts to topping the PWI 500

  • Ranking: MJF has officially landed at #1 on the 2026 PWI 500, edging out Cody Rhodes, CM Punk, Mistico, and Konosuke Takeshita in the top five.
  • Quote in spirit: Asked about finally reaching the top, he essentially shrugged and said his first thought was “what took so long?”, leaning into his trademark swagger while promising to brandish that cover as proof of his self‑proclaimed greatness.

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)

September 22, 2026 – Destruction in Kobe card locked in

Ed: “On the 22nd, the promotion laid its cards on the table for Destruction in Kobe 2026. Three title bouts framed the weekend: Yota Tsuji defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Hirooki Goto, Gabe Kidd putting the IWGP Global title up against Drilla Moloney, and Konosuke Takeshita risking the NJPW World Television Championship versus Shun Skywalker.”

Gordon: “This announcement did more than list matches—it clarified the fall pecking order. Tsuji as the young champion facing a veteran, Kidd as the bruising global standard‑bearer, and Takeshita as the TV ace all set the tone for how New Japan wants its belts to feel heading into October.”

Credit: cagematch.net

(22.09.2026) NJPW Road To Destruction 2026 – Tag 10 – Online Stream @ Yotsuba Arena Tokachi in Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
Taisei Nakahara defeats Yushin Hatazawa (8:41)
Master Wato & Oleg Boltin defeat United Empire (Jake Lee & Jakob Austin Young) (7:41)
El Desperado, Mistico & Shota Umino defeat House Of Torture (DOUKI, SHO & Shun Skywalker) (w/Dick Togo) by DQ (10:02)
War Dragons (Drilla Moloney & Shingo Takagi) defeat Masatora Yasuda & Yuya Uemura (11:19)
Most Violent Players (Togi Makabe & Toru Yano) & Aaron Wolf defeat TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Kosei Fujita & Ryohei Oiwa) (9:45)
United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, HENARE & Zane Jay) defeat Unbound Co. (Daiki Nagai, Jeff Cobb, OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) (12:32)
Unbound Co. (Gedo, Robbie X, Taiji Ishimori & Yota Tsuji) defeat Goto Revolutionary Army (Hirooki Goto, Tatsuya Matsumoto, YOH & YOSHI-HASHI) (16:20)

(23.09.2026) NJPW Road To Destruction 2026 – Tag 11 – Online Stream @ Kitagas Arena Sapporo 46 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
United Empire (Jake Lee & Jakob Austin Young) defeat Tatsuya Matsumoto & Togi Makabe (6:16)
House Of Torture (Dick Togo & Shun Skywalker) defeat Masatora Yasuda & Shota Umino (9:01)
War Dragons (Drilla Moloney & Shingo Takagi) defeat Bishamontin (Oleg Boltin & YOSHI-HASHI) (11:02)
Unbound Co. (Daiki Nagai, Jeff Cobb, OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) defeat United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, HENARE & Zane Jay) (11:29)
TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Kosei Fujita & Ryohei Oiwa) defeat Aaron Wolf, Taisei Nakahara & Yuya Uemura (11:11)
Unbound Co. (Robbie X & Yota Tsuji) defeat Hirooki Goto & Master Wato (13:53)
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title: El Desperado & Mistico (c) defeat House Of Torture (DOUKI & SHO) (w/Dick Togo) (21:58)
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title: YOH (c) defeats Taiji Ishimori (w/Daiki Nagai) (22:44)

September 27, 2026 – Destruction in Kobe results

(Event held at Kobe World Hall; results as reported for the Destruction in Kobe show.)

Full match rundown

  1. El Desperado, Mistico, Boltin Oleg, Shota Umino & Toru Yano vs House of Torture (Dick Togo, DOUKI, Ren Narita, SANADA & SHO)
    • The babyface squad overcame House of Torture’s usual chaos, with Umino and Desperado helping steady the ship and Yano adding his trademark mischief en route to a decisive win.
  2. Master Wato, Ryusuke Taguchi & YOH vs Gedo, Robbie X & Taiji Ishimori
    • Six or Nine plus YOH out‑paced Unbound Co., using speed and double‑team offense to put away the heel trio in short order.
  3. Daiki Nagai, OSKAR & Yuto‑Ice vs Great‑O‑Khan, HENARE & Zane Jay
    • The United Empire side fell here, with Nagai’s team scoring a statement victory that nudged the newer trio up the card.
  4. Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr. vs Aaron Wolf & Taichi
    • Oiwa and Sabre combined technical precision with grit, out‑wrestling Wolf and Taichi and giving the G1 winner more momentum heading toward his title shot.
  5. Callum Newman vs Jeff Cobb
    • Newman picked up a big singles win, surviving Cobb’s power and catching him late, underscoring New Japan’s push of Newman as a rising threat.
  6. NJPW World Television Championship – Shun Skywalker vs Konosuke Takeshita (c)
    • With House of Torture‑style interference and powder to the eyes tipping the scales, Skywalker capitalized, hitting consecutive Skyfall finishers to dethrone Takeshita and walk out as the new TV champion.
  7. Shingo Takagi vs Claudio Castagnoli
    • A hard‑hitting, stylistic clash saw Takagi outlast Claudio in a physical bout, reinforcing Shingo’s status as a big‑match constant.
  8. IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship – Gabe Kidd (c) vs Drilla Moloney
    • Kidd retained in a violent encounter that spilled to ringside, including a table spot. After a piledriver sealed the win, Shota Umino confronted Kidd, sparking a post‑match brawl and setting up the next Global title direction.
  9. IWGP Heavyweight Championship – Yota Tsuji (c) vs Hirooki Goto
    • In a rematch of their G1 block clash, Tsuji survived Goto’s veteran offense and answered with repeated Fire Blaster lariats, finally putting Goto down around the 24‑minute mark to secure his first successful defense. Post‑match, Tsuji and G1 winner Oiwa faced off, verbally framing their upcoming Ryogoku title bout as champion versus surging challenger.

Gordon (Color): “This show quietly re‑shaped the board: Tsuji confirmed he’s not a transitional champion, Skywalker walked in as an outsider and walked out with NJPW‑branded gold, and Kidd’s post‑match angle with Umino gave the Global belt a clear next chapter.”

Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW)

OVW Rise TV #1415 – September 24, 2026

Match results

  1. Brendan Balling vs J3 / Jay Three
    • Balling beat J3 with a victory roll.
  2. Joiya Blake vs The Marionette Noelle
    • Blake scored a clean pin with the Plot Twist.
  3. 3‑on‑2 handicap – Ashton Adonis & Stephen Steel vs Chris Cutler, Jake Lawless & Jake Painter
    • Adonis/Steel won by disqualification.
  4. Leela Hall vs Karter Cauffman
    • Hall was awarded the win by disqualification.
  5. The Z‑Force vs The Tony Evans Family
    • Z‑Force triumphed.
  6. Erik Surge vs Meto
    • Surge beat Meto with a schoolboy roll‑up.
  7. Best‑of‑five series, match #4 – Kal Herro vs Colby Carter
    • Herro again defeated Carter.

Gordon: “Rise this week was about escalation: Herro pulling ahead in the series, Surge stealing one from Meto, and the Z‑Force versus Tony Evans Family feud getting another chapter.”

Saya Kamitani – closing spotlight

Ed: “Before we wrap, we’d be remiss not to swing over to Japan’s women’s scene and focus on one of its most dynamic figures.”

Silver Week Tour run (September 19–26, 2026)

  • Multiple HATE faction wins across the tour.
  • Kamitani teaming with Momo Watanabe in several victories.
  • A singles win over Miyu Amasaki on September 26.

Gordon: “She’s no longer just the high‑flyer with a spectacular finisher—this run shows her as a faction cornerstone, a reliable closer in tags, and still capable of headline‑level singles work.”

Closing – tying it all together

Ed: “So, in one week we’ve seen a heavyweight champion in New Japan plant his flag, an outsider seize their TV title, OVW reshuffle its mid‑card with ladders and tables, and a global women’s star quietly stack wins on tour—while MJF waves a magazine cover and AEW lines up a tribute main event.”

Gordon: “That’s the beauty of this landscape: from Kobe to Louisville to Osaka, the stories interlock. Belts change hands, factions rise, veterans test upstarts, and somewhere in the middle of it all, a performer like Saya Kamitani reminds us that the next era is already in motion.”

Ed: “Stay tuned, stay curious, and keep your eyes on the rings—because by the time we’re back at this desk, the board will have shifted again.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/28/26: News, ROH, Stardom, wXw, NOAH, AJPW & Power Rankings.

Editor: Hey there from the sports desk—tonight we’re taking a tour across the wrestling world, with two voices guiding the ride. I present to you, Ed and Gordon!

Gordon: Thank you, Scott. There is a lot going on in today’s blog. ROH, Stardom, wXw, NOAH and AJPW all have results that will factor into this week’s Power Rankings. But, first let’s take a look at the news.

Headlines

  • PAC passes away at 40: Former AEW World Trios Champion and ex-WWE star PAC has died at the age of 40, sending shockwaves through the global wrestling community. Tributes have poured in from promotions on both sides of the Atlantic, reflecting how much his intensity and creativity changed modern high‑flyer wrestling.
  • Tony Schiavone echoes a legendary call for Steven Borden: On a recent AEW broadcast, Tony reached back into history and recreated his iconic “It’s Sting!” energy—this time for Steven Borden. The idea was to underline Steven’s connection to his father’s legacy while signaling that he’s stepping into his own spotlight, not just living in the shadow of the face-painted icon.
  • Dark Side of the Ring launches Jim Cornette–focused spinoff: A new offshoot of Dark Side of the Ring has debuted, centered around Jim Cornette’s long, controversial journey through wrestling. The series promises deep dives into territory days, modern locker rooms, and the friction between old‑school philosophy and today’s product.

🟦 Sports Desk Review — ROH TV (September 24, 2026)

Credit: Fightful

⭐ Ed at the sports desk

“Partner, Ring of Honor rolled out a tight, purposeful episode this week — champions testing newcomers, factions shifting, and a trios title match that showed exactly how deep ROH’s roster runs right now.”

⭐ Gordon’s match‑by‑match breakdown

Men’s Pure Championship — Proving Ground

Lee Moriarty (c) def. Serpentico Moriarty treated this like a technical sparring session — wrist control, mat transitions, and steady pressure. Serpentico tried to break rhythm with speed bursts, but Moriarty’s composure carried him through. A clean, confident win that reinforces why he’s the Pure division’s anchor.

Women’s Pure Championship — Proving Ground

Deonna Purrazzo (c) def. Rebecca Scott Scott came in hungry, pushing tempo early, but Purrazzo’s precision shut that down fast. She worked the arm, slowed the pace, and forced Scott into defensive scrambles. A decisive victory, followed by Purrazzo reminding everyone that Emi Sakura could’ve asked for a title shot instead of blindsiding her last week.

Mark Davis def. Main Man Oro

A heavyweight collision — Davis used power and pace, overwhelming Oro with clubbing strikes and a slam‑heavy offense. Oro fired back with bursts of agility, but Davis stayed on him and closed strong. A statement win for Davis as he continues climbing the ROH singles ladder.

The IInspiration segment with Caprice Coleman

The IInspiration sat down with Caprice and made it clear: they’re done waiting and are officially targeting ROH gold. No jokes, no fluff — just intent.

Billie Starkz & Athena def. VertVixen & Viva Van

Starkz and Athena worked like a well‑oiled machine — Starkz flying around with reckless energy, Athena grounding the match with power. VertVixen and Van had moments of sharp teamwork, but the champions‑in‑spirit duo shut it down. Starkz scored the fall, and Athena’s approval afterward said plenty.

Tommy Billington def. Alan Angels

A fast, gritty bout — Angels tried to dictate pace with strikes and misdirection, but Billington’s intensity won out. He strung together tight suplexes and a nasty finishing sequence to secure the pin. Billington continues to look like one of ROH’s most dangerous rising names.

Preston Vance def. Jarett Diaz

Diaz brought speed and creativity, but Vance’s strength advantage was too much. After the match, Evil Uno and Alex Reynolds embraced Vance — but John Silver refused, planting seeds of tension inside the Dark Order.

ROH World Trios Championship

Lethal Twist (Jay Lethal, Blake Christian, Lee Johnson) def. The Dark Order (Evil Uno, John Silver, Alex Reynolds) A lively trios match with momentum swings all over the place. Lethal Twist blended veteran savvy with youthful explosiveness, while Dark Order leaned into their trademark cohesion. In the end, Lethal Twist found the opening, hit their closing sequence, and walked out with the belts — leaving the Dark Order’s internal fractures more visible than ever.

⭐ Ed’s ROH closing note

“ROH didn’t waste a second — champions sharpened their edges, contenders made noise, and the trios division delivered a main event that felt like a snapshot of everything ROH does well.”

⭐ Gordon’s ROH closing note

“Technical wrestling, faction drama, rising stars — this episode had all the ROH signatures. If this is the pace they’re setting heading into October, the rest of the field better keep up.”

Stardom – (Sept 22, 23, 26)

⭐ STARDOM WEEKLY (Ed & Gordon Sports Desk Edition)

🔥 Credit: Cagematch.

STARDOM FANS — buckle up! Your weekly Sports Desk Breakdown is here, and Ed & Gordon are calling it like only they can: sharp, authoritative, and full of that classic broadcast energy.

🎤 Ed opens the sports desk:

“Partner, Stardom’s Silver Week Tour didn’t just roll on — it roared. Every stop felt like a roster trying to outdo itself, factions tightening their grip, and champions proving why they sit at the top of the mountain.”

🎙️ Gordon’s match‑by‑match spotlight (Sept. 22–26, 2026)

09/26 — Silver Week Tour Tag 5 (Osaka)

  • Kikyo Furusawa & Rian outmaneuver HANAKO & Waka Tsukiyama in a crisp opener.
  • Cosmic Angels (Natsupoi & Yuna Mizumori) shine with fluid teamwork over Kotatsu & Ito.
  • God’s Eye (Ami Sourei & Ranna Yagami) shut down HATE’s chaos (Fukigen Death & Rina).
  • AZM & Utami Hayashishita deliver a standout win over Hina & Lady C.
  • Maika & Neo Genesis (Ema Maishima, Mei Seira & Starlight Kid) overwhelm Fuwa‑chan, Koguma & Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane & Suzu Suzuki).
  • HATE’s various units dominate the mid‑card with back‑to‑back victories. HATE (Azusa Inaba, Bea Priestley & Konami) defeat Cosmic Angels (Anne Kanaya, Aya Sakura & Saori Anou) (10:59)
  • HATE (Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora & Ruaka) defeat STARS (Hanan, Matoi Hamabe & Saya Iida) (10:21)
  • Saya Kamitani closes the night with a strong singles win over Miyu Amasaki.

09/23 — Tag 4 (Shimonoseki)

  • STARS (Hanan & Saya Iida) pick up a clean win over Furusawa & Rian.
  • Miyu Amasaki edges Matoi Hamabe in a tight singles bout.
  • HATE (Azusa Inaba & Rina) continues their faction momentum with a win over Fuwa‑chan & Hazuki.
  • AZM, Koguma, Maki Ito & Utami Hayashishita defeat God’s Eye (Ami Sourei, Lady C, Ranna Yagami & Syuri) in a fast-paced 8 woman match.
  • Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane, Rina Yamashita & Suzu Suzuki) score a decisive trios victory over Hai High Mate (HANAKO & Maika) & Waka Tsukiyama.
  • HATE’s five‑woman squad (Konami, Momo Watanabe, Natsuko Tora, Ruaka & Saya Kamitani) closes the show with a commanding win over Cosmic Angels (Anne Kanaya, Aya Sakura, Natsupoi, Saori Anou & Yuna Mizumori).

09/22 — Tag 3 (Fukuoka)

  • Neo Genesis (AZM & Amasaki) stay sharp with a win over Furusawa & Rian.
  • HANAKO & Waka Tsukiyama defeat Kanaya & Sakura.
  • HATE (Inaba, Konami, Tora) overpower God’s Eye (Ami Sourei, Lady C & Syuri).
  • Cosmic Angels (Natsupoi, Saori Anou & Yuna Mizumori) rally to beat Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane, Rina Yamashita & Suzu Suzuki).
  • Rina scores a singles win over Ranna Yagami.
  • HATE’s trio (Watanabe, Ruaka, Kamitani) beat STARS (Hanan, Matoi Hamabe & Saya Iida).
  • Maika, Maki Ito & Utami Hayashishita close with a strong trios victory over Fuwa-chan & FWC (Hazuki & Koguma).

🎤 Ed’s closing note:

“Stardom’s touring schedule is a gauntlet — and the athletes aren’t just surviving it, they’re thriving. Every faction has a statement to make, and every night feels like a chapter in a bigger war.”

🎙️ Gordon’s closing note:

“What stands out is consistency. God’s Eye, HATE, Cosmic Angels — each group is sharpening its identity. And the younger talent? They’re not waiting their turn. They’re taking it.”

🚨 PROMO CTA — SHARE THIS WITH YOUR STARDOM CREW!

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The Sports Desk rolls on — and next, the action only gets wilder.

🟦 Sports Desk Rundown — wXw (Sept. 24–27, 2026)

Ed & Gordon calling the action from the sports desk.

⭐ Ed opens the sports desk

“Partner, wXw’s Grand Prix stretch felt like a promotion running at full throttle — tournaments tightening, titles flipping, and a weekend where every match seemed to push someone’s fate forward.”

⭐ Gordon’s match‑by‑match breakdown

📅 September 27, 2026 Credit: cagematch.net

wXw We Love Wrestling – Event @ Turbinenhalle in Oberhausen, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland
Manami defeats Stephanie Maze (6:10)
Swole Patrol (M4 & Tim Koslowski) defeat Better Together (Hadar Horvitz & Ori Gold) (7:10)
Aleksander Bellamy defeats Elliot Tyler (4:32)
BestBros (Baliyan Akki & Mei Suruga) defeat Roadkill (Aeron & Conn Kelly) (9:16)
Tag Team: CSI (Luca de Leone & Nordino) defeat Francisco Damiao & Sam Della Valle) (8:43)
Madison Marley defeats Killer Kelly by DQ (1:02)
Killer GOAT (Killer Kelly & Myron Reed) defeat Katsuya Murashima & Madison Marley (7:32)
Sinner And Saint (Judas Icarus & Travis Williams) defeat Quick And Dirty (Hugo Brand & Niklas Bock) (10:37)

📅 September 27, 2026 — Grand Prix Tag 3 (Oberhausen)

  • König der Catcher Block A: Katsuhiko Nakajima vs. Thomas Shire ends in a time‑limit draw, both men refusing to give an inch.
  • Block A: Dennis Dullnig outlasts 1 Called Manders, grinding him down for the win.
  • Block B: Dieter Schwartz advances after Axel Tischer forfeits.
  • European Title: Laurance Roman shocks Dieter Schwartz to become the new champion.
  • Block B: Elijah Blum edges Peter Tihanyi in a tight technical bout.
  • Jane Nero scores a singles win over Kay Lee Ray.
  • World Tag Team Tournament Final: Greedy Souls defeat Hyperactive to claim the tournament.
  • König der Catcher Final: Dennis Dullnig wins the entire tournament, beating Elijah Blum.
  • Femmes Fatales Final: Chihiro Hashimoto defeats Kanji to become the new wXw Women’s World Champion.

📅 September 26, 2026 — Grand Prix Tag 2 (Matinee)

  • Tag Tournament First Round: The Grind (Laurance Roman & Nick Schreier) defeat 10 10 Next Level (Aleksander Bellamy & Alex Duke).
  • Femmes Fatales First Round: Kanji beats Madison Marley.
  • Block A: Dullnig defeats Shire.
  • BestBros & Zoltan take a trios win over Quick & Dirty (Hugo Brand & Niklas Bock) & Stephanie Maze.
  • Tag Tournament First Round: Planet Gojirah (Marc Empire & Robert Dreissker) beat Better Together (Hadar Horvitz & Ori Gold).
  • Femmes Fatales First Round: Jane Nero defeats Killer Kelly.

📅 September 26, 2026 — Grand Prix Tag 2 (Evening)

  • Block A: Manders defeats Nakajima in a bruising fight.
  • Block B: Blum defeats Schwartz.
  • Hyperactive (Anita Vaughan & Safire Reed) beat Madison Marley & Manami.
  • Femmes Fatales Semis: Kanji defeats Kay Lee Ray; Hashimoto defeats Jane Nero.
  • Tag Tournament Semis: Greedy Souls(Brendan White & Danny Jones) beat The Grind.
  • Unified World Title: Ahura retains against Myron Reed in a 19‑minute main event.

📅 September 25, 2026 — Extreme Wrestling Party (11 p.m.)

  • Tornado Tag: nBo defeat FSK in a wild opener.
  • Kuro beats Leedz Lewis.
  • Kanji defeats Katsuya Murashima.
  • Hardcore Title — Falls Count Anywhere: Killer Kelly dethrones Steph De Lander to become new champion.
  • World Tag Team Title: CSI retain over Sinner & Saint.
  • Myron Reed defeats Zoltan.
  • Unified World Title — No DQ: Ahura survives Joey Janela in a 38‑minute war.

📅 September 25, 2026 — Grand Prix Tag 1

  • Block B: Axel Tischer defeats Elijah Blum.
  • Block B: Peter Tihanyi defeats Schwartz.
  • Tag Tournament First Round: Greedy Souls beat Quick & Dirty.
  • Femmes Fatales First Round: Hashimoto beats Manami.
  • Tag Tournament First Round: Hyperactive beat BestBros.
  • Femmes Fatales First Round: Kay Lee Ray beats Stephanie Maze.
  • Block A: Nakajima defeats Dullnig.
  • Block A: Thomas Shire defeats Manders.

📅 September 24, 2026 — Inner Circle 20 (Gelsenkirchen)

  • Nordino defeats Dreissker.
  • Sinner & Saint beat Roadkill.
  • Anita Vaughan defeats Emzy Allosa.
  • Murashima beats M4.
  • Better Together & Killer Kelly defeat 10 10 Next Level & Jane Nero.
  • Myron Reed beats Hugo Brand.
  • Safire Reed beats Allie Katch.
  • Greedy Souls defeat Cowboy Way.

⭐ Ed’s closing note

“From the Grand Prix brackets to the Femmes Fatales shake‑ups, wXw delivered a weekend that felt like a pressure cooker — champions tested, challengers emerging, and a roster that refuses to slow down.”

⭐ Gordon’s closing note

“The story of the week is momentum. Dullnig’s tournament run, Hashimoto’s title win, and Ahura’s iron‑man defense all point to a promotion where every division is shifting at once.”

Pro Wrestling NOAH – N‑1 Victory 2026 (Sept 22–26)

Ed: Now we’re on solid ground—NOAH’s N‑1 Victory 2026 has been roaring through Japan, and these results are locked in.

Sept 22, 2026 – Act City Hamamatsu

  • Team 2000X vs White Raven Squad: Masa Kitamiya, OZAWA and Tadasuke scored a decisive win over HAYATA, KENTA and Tetsuya Endo, giving Team 2000X momentum in the tournament.
  • Kouga & Yuto Koyanagi vs Hiroya Namiki & Manabu Soya: Kouga and Koyanagi picked up a tag victory, tightening the mid‑card race.
  • Six‑man tag – veterans vs Los Tranquilos de Japon: Katsumi Inahata, Mohammed Yone and Naomichi Marufuji toppled BUSHI, RYUSEI and Tetsuya Naito, a big feather in the cap for NOAH’s stalwarts.
  • Block A – Takashi Sugiura vs Alpha Wolf: Sugiura edged Alpha Wolf to move up in Block A.
  • Block A – Yoshiki Inamura vs CHEN: Inamura outlasted CHEN, adding crucial points.
  • Team 2000X juniors vs Alejandro’s side: Jun Masaoka, Kai Fujimura and YO‑HEY beat Alejandro, Daiki Odashima and Dragon Bane.
  • Block A – Shane Haste vs Yuki Iino: Haste continued his strong run, handing Iino another loss.
  • Block A – Kaito Kiyomiya vs Kazuyuki Fujita: Kiyomiya defeated Fujita, reinforcing his status as a tournament favorite.

Sept 23, 2026 – Korakuen Hall

  • Eight‑man tag – rising heavyweights: Atsushi Kotoge, CHEN, Yoshiki Inamura and Yuki Iino overcame Hiroto Tsuruya, Hiroya Namiki, Kaito Kiyomiya and Kazuyuki Fujita.
  • Team 2000X juniors vs Odashima’s trio: Jun Masaoka, Tadasuke and YO‑HEY again bested Daiki Odashima, Dragon Bane and Yuto Koyanagi.
  • Los Tranquilos de Japon vs Marufuji & White Raven Squad: BUSHI, RYUSEI and Naito faced Marufuji, HAYATA and Shane Haste, but the match ended in a no‑contest, adding drama to faction tensions.
  • Block B – Titus Alexander vs Tetsuya Endo: Alexander defeated Endo to climb the Block B standings.
  • Block B – Kouga vs Manabu Soya: Kouga picked up a key win over Soya.
  • Block B – KENTA vs Masa Kitamiya: KENTA finally got on the board, beating Kitamiya.
  • GHC Junior Heavyweight Title – Kai Fujimura (c) vs Alejandro: Fujimura retained after a hard‑fought match, solidifying his junior ace credentials.
  • Block B – Kenoh vs OZAWA: Kenoh prevailed over OZAWA in a lengthy battle, tightening the top of Block B.

Sept 25, 2026 – Sendai PIT

  • Ten‑man tag – mixed blocks: Hiroto Tsuruya, Kenoh, Kouga, Naomichi Marufuji and Titus Alexander defeated Black Menso‑re, Hiroya Namiki and White Raven Squad’s HAYATA, KENTA and Tetsuya Endo.
  • Team 2000X vs Los Tranquilos de Japon: Kitamiya, OZAWA and Tadasuke upset BUSHI, RYUSEI and Naito, a big statement win.
  • Block A – Alpha Wolf vs CHEN: Alpha Wolf beat CHEN to stay in contention.
  • Block A – Yuki Iino vs Kaito Kiyomiya: Iino shocked Kiyomiya, handing him a rare loss.
  • Team 2000X juniors vs Alejandro’s trio: Jun Masaoka, Kai Fujimura and YO‑HEY again defeated Alejandro, Odashima and Dragon Bane.
  • Block A – Kazuyuki Fujita vs Yoshiki Inamura: Fujita rebounded with a win over Inamura.
  • Block A – Shane Haste vs Takashi Sugiura: Haste scored a big victory over Sugiura, tightening the block race.

Sept 26, 2026 – Hachinohe Yutori Hall

  • Eight‑man tag – Kiyomiya’s squad vs White Raven Squad: Kaito Kiyomiya, Kazuyuki Fujita, Yoshiki Inamura and Yuto Koyanagi defeated CHEN, Hiroya Namiki and White Raven Squad’s HAYATA and Shane Haste.
  • Los Tranquilos de Japon vs Marufuji’s trio: BUSHI, RYUSEI and Naito beat Hiroto Tsuruya, Naomichi Marufuji and Yuki Iino.
  • Block B – KENTA vs Titus Alexander: KENTA continued his comeback, defeating Alexander.
  • Block B – Kenoh vs Manabu Soya: Kenoh added another win, besting Soya.
  • Six‑man tag – Alejandro’s side vs Team 2000X juniors: Alejandro, Daiki Odashima and Dragon Bane defeated Kai Fujimura, Tadasuke and YO‑HEY.
  • Block B – OZAWA vs Masa Kitamiya: OZAWA scored a crucial victory over Kitamiya.
  • Block B – Tetsuya Endo vs Kouga: Endo won a long main event over Kouga, keeping Block B wide open.

Credit: cagematch.net

(27.09.2026) NOAH N-1 Victory 2026 – Tag 12 – Online Stream @ Light Cube Utsunomiya in Utsunomiya, Tochigi, Japan

  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block B: KENTA [6] defeats Kouga [4] (6:27)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block A: Kazuyuki Fujita [6] defeats Yuki Iino [4] (3:58)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block B: Titus Alexander [8] defeats Manabu Soya [4] (12:05)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block A: Yoshiki Inamura [9] defeats Takashi Sugiura [6] (9:51)
  • Ryo Hoshino, Satsuki Nagao, Shoki Kitamura & Takumi Baba defeat Alejandro, Dragon Bane, Hiroto Tsuruya & Yuto Koyanagi (11:20)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block B: OZAWA [10] defeats Tetsuya Endo [8] (5:43)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block A: Shane Haste [10] defeats Alpha Wolf [8] (16:34)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block B: Masa Kitamiya [8] defeats Kenoh [8] by Count Out (16:19)
  • N-1 Victory 2026 Block A: Kaito Kiyomiya [11] defeats CHEN [4] (17:09)

All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) – Oudou Tournament 2026 (Sept 22, 2026)

Gordon: Over to All Japan, where the Oudou Tournament reached its climax on September 22 at Korakuen Hall.

Sept 22, 2026 – Oudou Tournament Tag 7

  • Oudou Tournament Semi‑Final – Ryuki Honda vs Xyon: Honda advanced by defeating Xyon in just over nine minutes, punching his ticket to the final.
  • Oudou Tournament Semi‑Final – Yuma Aoyagi vs Yuma Anzai: In a lengthy, dramatic bout, Aoyagi overcame Anzai to set up the final showdown.
  • Saito Brothers & Naruki Doi vs HAVOC & Daisuke Sekimoto: Jun Saito, Rei Saito and Naruki Doi beat Oddyssey, Shotaro Ashino and Sekimoto, giving the Saito camp a strong night.
  • Hokuto Omori, MUSASHI & Rising HAYATO vs Dan Tamura, Seigo Tachibana & Shota Kofuji: Omori, MUSASHI and HAYATO took the victory, keeping the junior scene lively.
  • Go Shiozaki, Hideki Suzuki, Timothy Thatcher & Yasutaka Yano vs Hyo Ogawa, Kento Miyahara, Kuma Arashi & Ren Ayabe: Shiozaki’s team defeated the Miyahara‑led side in a heavyweight showcase.
  • Oudou Tournament Final – Ryuki Honda vs Yuma Aoyagi: Honda capped his run by beating Aoyagi in a 25‑minute main event, winning the Oudou Tournament 2026 and positioning himself squarely in All Japan’s top mix.

News and rumor notes

Ed: Across these promotions, the week’s chatter has circled around tournaments and legacies—NOAH’s N‑1 shaping its heavyweight hierarchy, AJPW’s Oudou Tournament crowning Honda, and the broader industry reacting to PAC’s passing.

Gordon: Add in Tony’s echo of a legendary call for Steven Borden and a Cornette‑centric documentary spinoff, and you’ve got a week where history and present day are constantly colliding—old voices, new faces, and tournaments that decide who carries the next era.

Power Rankings

  1. Aaron Wolf (NEVER Openweight Champion), Taichi & Yuya Uemura 5-0 NJPW
  2. Greedy Souls (Brendan White & Danny Jones) 4-0 wXw
  3. Shane Haste 3-0 NOAH
  4. KENTA 3-0 NOAH
  5. Team 2000X (Jun Masaoka, Kai Fujimura (GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion) & YO-HEY) 3-0 NOAH
  6. Persephone (CMLL World Women’s Champion, TBS Champion) 3-0 CMLL, AEW
  7. Taisei Nakahara 3-0 NJPW
  8. Chihiro Hashimoto (wXw Women’s World Champion) 3-0 wXw
  9. Team 2000X (Masa Kitamiya, OZAWA & Tadasuke) 2-0 NOAH
  10. New Level (Kofi & Austin Creed) & Swerve Strickland (AEW World Trios Champions) 2-0 AEW
  11. Kevin Knight & Kyle Fletcher 2-0 AEW
  12. Andrade El Idolo (AEW National Champion) 2-0 CMLL
  13. Soberano Jr. 2-0 CMLL
  14. Los Hermanos Chavez (Angel de Oro & Niebla Roja) (CMLL World Tag Team Champions, NJPW STRONG Tag Team Champions) 2-0 CMLL
  15. War Dragons (Drilla Moloney & Shingo Takagi) 2-0 NJPW
  16. Unbound Co. (Robbie X, Shingo Takagi, Taiji Ishimori & Yota Tsuji (IWGP Heavyweight Champion)) 2-0 NJPW
  17. House Of Torture (Dick Togo & Shun Skywalker) 2-0 NJPW
  18. United Empire (Great-O-Khan, HENARE (IWGP Tag Team Champions, NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions), Jake Lee & Jakob Austin Young) 2-0 NJPW
  19. House Of Torture (DOUKI & SHO) 2-0 NJPW
  20. Meto (OVW Media Champion) 2-0 OVW
  21. Ryuki Honda (AJPW TV Six Man Tag Team Champion) 2-0 AJPW
  22. Kanji 3-1 wXw
  23. Ahura (wXw Unified World Wrestling Champion) 2-0 wXw
  24. CSI (Luca de Leone & Nordino) (wXw World Tag Team Champions) 2-0 wXw
  25. Kazuyuki Fujita 2-1 NOAH

Ed: From the sports desk, that’s the snapshot—tournaments decided, blocks shaken up, and the business reflecting on one of its most intense performers in PAC.

Gordon: Different rings, different countries, but the same heartbeat: competition, legacy, and the next contender waiting in the wings. When you’ve got your Power Rankings ready, we’ll be right here to call the plays all over again.

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/27/26: News, AEW All Out & “I am grateful.”

🟦 Sports desk rundown: AEW

Welcome back to the sports desk—last night AEW delivered a seismic All Out, a wave of fallout across Dynamite and Collision, and headlines that stretched far beyond the ring.

⭐ Headlines

Brian Cage defends PED use

Brian Cage addressed criticism of his physique and PED rumors by stating that responsible use exists and that he’s spent years training to maintain his look. He pushed back on the idea that PEDs automatically equal “cheating,” framing it as a nuanced topic in modern athletics.

Will Ospreay on Worlds Collide vs. All Out

After retaining the AEW World Championship at All Out, Ospreay fired a shot at WWE/AAA’s Worlds Collide running the same weekend. He said AEW “sold out on three matches alone” and declared AEW “the best pro wrestling in the world,” promising that any promotion trying to compete would be knocked down “two levels.”

Joseph Sawyer injured and walks out

Joseph Sawyer (formerly Joe Gacy) suffered a knee injury during a GCW match, losing feeling in the leg after a corner cannonball. He walked out mid‑match and later clarified the injury wasn’t catastrophic. The timing is notable, coming days after his TNA debut as part of Syx.

⭐ Ed at the sports desk

“Partner, AEW didn’t just run a pay‑per‑view—they planted a flag. Champions held strong, contenders rose, and the world champion made sure everyone knew where the center of gravity in wrestling sits right now.”

🟥 AEW ALL OUT 2026 — Full Results & Breakdown

September 26 — NOW Arena, Hoffman Estates, IL

⭐ Tailgate Brawl Pre‑Show

Jack Perry def. Katsuyori Shibata

Perry steals a win, calls out Samoa Joe, and gets flattened for his trouble.

Sisters of Sin def. Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata

Skye Blue scores the hometown pin; Julia Hart cements the duo’s momentum.

Bang Bang Gang def. Dogs & Death Riders (No DQ Tornado Brawl)

Jay White pins Wheeler Yuta in a football‑themed melee.

⭐ Main Card — Gordon’s match‑by‑match analysis

National Championship

Andrade El Ídolo (c) def. PAC A counter‑heavy match ending with Andrade slipping out of the Brutalizer and stealing the pin.

Tag Team #1 Contenders

Kyle Fletcher & Kevin Knight def. Darby Allin & Steven Borden (ref stoppage) A mid‑air collision forces the stoppage; Fletcher & Knight earn a title shot.

TBS Championship — Open Challenge

Persephone (c) def. Dani Luna Luna’s AEW debut shines; Britt Baker interference helps Persephone retain.

International Championship

Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Tommaso Ciampa Two Rainmakers finish Ciampa; Okada continues his dominant run.

Women’s Tag Team Championship — Chicago Street Fight

Brawling Birds (c) def. Divine Dominion Thumbtacks, barricades, and brutality—Birds retain in a violent showcase.

Trios Championship

Swerve Strickland & The New Level (c) def. Hangman Page, Bandido & Brody King Swerve pins Bandido; tension with Hangman simmers.

Women’s World #1 Contender’s Match

Thekla def. Willow Nightingale Targeting Willow’s injured hand leads Thekla to a decisive win.

World Tag Team Championship — Ladder Match

The Young Bucks def. Cage & Cope (c) and FTR — NEW Champions The Bucks become the first four‑time AEW Tag Champions.

AEW World Championship

Will Ospreay (c) def. Jon Moxley A layered, faction‑chaotic main event ends with Ospreay standing tall.

⭐ Ed’s AEW note

“All Out didn’t just deliver—it reset the board. Champions stayed strong, but the tag division flipped, the women’s division sharpened, and Ospreay proved he’s the axis AEW spins around.”

⭐ Gordon’s AEW note

“AEW leaned into variety—hardcore, technical, lucha, faction warfare—and the world title match tied it all together. This was a company defining its identity.”

🟦 Daniel Bryan’s “I Am Grateful” Promo (Feb 8, 2016)

⭐ Gordon at the sports desk

“That night in Seattle wasn’t just a retirement speech—it was a masterclass in sincerity. Daniel Bryan didn’t talk about championships or accolades. He talked about gratitude.”

⭐ Breakdown of the promo

  • Bryan stood in the ring and said he was grateful—for the fans, for the locker room, for the chance to wrestle around the world.
  • He spoke about his father, about how wrestling gave him purpose, and how the fans made him feel alive.
  • He acknowledged the heartbreak of retiring due to medical issues, but emphasized that gratitude outweighed sadness.
  • He thanked the crowd for letting him live his dream and closed with the simple, powerful refrain: “I am grateful.”

⭐ Ed’s note on Bryan

“Partner, that promo still echoes today. Every wrestler chasing a dream, every fan who’s ever felt connected to a moment—they all felt that speech. It’s a reminder that wrestling isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about people.”

🟦 Closing — tying it all together

From Ospreay’s defiant world title defense to Daniel Bryan’s timeless message of gratitude, this week showed the full spectrum of what wrestling can be—loud, chaotic, emotional, and deeply human. AEW delivered spectacle, the news cycle delivered perspective, and Bryan’s words delivered heart. In every arena, from Chicago to Seattle, the story remains the same: wrestling moves fast, but the moments that matter stay with us.

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/26/26: News, MLW, WOW & Everything Indy.

Sports desk weekly rundown: MLW & WOW

Welcome back to the sports desk—tonight we’re splitting the spotlight between Major League Wrestling and Women Of Wrestling, then zooming out to the indie radar.

Headlines

Ric Flair shares son’s addiction story Flair recently opened up about his son Reid’s addiction, describing in painful detail how he watched Reid struggle, relapse, and ultimately pass away. He framed it as a warning about how fast things can spiral and how important it is to take substance issues seriously, even in a culture that often glorifies excess.

Christy Hemme shares research paper on hazards of pro wrestling Former TNA star Christy Hemme released a research paper examining the physical and psychological risks of pro wrestling—head trauma, chronic pain, mental health strain, and the long‑term impact of the grind. She’s using it to push for better protocols, more education, and a more honest conversation about what wrestlers absorb over a career.

Kevin Nash says he wouldn’t travel to Saudi Arabia Kevin Nash stated that he wouldn’t go to Saudi Arabia for a show like Crown Jewel, citing personal comfort, political concerns, and the feeling that at this stage of his life he doesn’t need to take that kind of trip. It’s another veteran voice weighing in on the ethics and realities of international event deals.

Major League Wrestling (MLW)

Ed at the sports desk

“Partner, MLW’s latest Fusion felt like a compact, heavy‑hitting hour—lucha, open challenges gone sideways, and a main event where trust evaporated in real time.”

MLW Fusion – September 24, 2026 (Fightland episode)

Gordon’s match‑by‑match breakdown

  • Templario def. Black Tiger Templario and Black Tiger opened with smooth lucha exchanges—roll‑throughs, counters, and rope work. Black Tiger leaned into mask‑untying and rule‑bending, drawing heat, but Templario answered with dives through the ropes, a Code Red, and a flurry of offense. He eventually tied Black Tiger’s arms behind his back and forced a submission, giving the CMLL standout a decisive win on MLW turf.
  • Good Brothers segment with Glasgow Boys On Top On the stage, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson returned as the Good Brothers, with Doc’s son CJ Gallows introduced as the guy “helping set up chairs”—a little jab at past colleagues. They were interrupted by Glasgow Boys On Top (Wolfgang & Mark Coffey), who jawed at them before backing off, planting seeds for a future collision without throwing a single punch.
  • Lady Frost’s open challenge hijacked; Masha Slamovich def. Lady Frost Lady Frost issued an open challenge, and Clara Carter answered—until Masha Slamovich attacked Clara on the way to the ring, choking her on the apron. Joined by Josef Samael, Masha effectively declared allegiance to CONTRA. Frost then faced Masha instead, and the match turned into a showcase of Masha’s aggression: heavy strikes, relentless pressure, and a decisive win that made the CONTRA connection feel very real.
  • Killer Kross & Josh Bishop def. Austin Aries & Mistico Backstage, Killer Kross and Josh Bishop teased tension—Bishop’s violent streak vs. Kross’s need for control. In the ring, they faced Austin Aries & Mistico in what MLW billed as a “Taboo Tangle.” Aries took a beating and ended up trapped in Kross’s choke, while Mistico chose not to save him, walking away as Aries faded. Despite Bishop nearly costing them the match with his recklessness, the team still pulled out the win, but the closing visual was Bishop blasting Kross—proof that this alliance is a powder keg.

Ed’s MLW note

“Templario staking a claim, Masha tying herself to CONTRA, and Bishop dropping Kross after a win—that’s a lot of fault lines in one hour. MLW’s using Fusion to make every segment feel like a turning point.”

Women Of Wrestling (WOW)

Gordon at the sports desk

“If MLW is about factions and fractures, WOW this week was about trust—who you can rely on, and what happens when your coach decides you’re better off on the bench.”

Coach Campanelli benches Kandi Krush

From the WOW site’s feature, the central story is Coach Campanelli deciding to bench Kandi Krush, questioning her focus and readiness. The piece frames it as a tough‑love move: Campanelli believes Kandi’s head isn’t fully in the game and that sitting her down might jolt her back into form.

  • Tag team tension: The benching angle plays directly into the WOW tag division, where chemistry and trust are everything. Kandi’s frustration and Coach’s insistence on discipline set up a future payoff—either reconciliation or a full‑blown split.
  • WOW Superheroes episode: Credit: wowe.com.
  • “THIS WEEKEND ON WOW – WOMEN OF WRESTLING
  • Championship Dreams And Nightmares
  • Follow the journey of the WOW World Championship Title as WOW Superheroes fight to claim this prize and cement their legacy forever. The championship becomes more than gold, it becomes an obsession. Every challenger steps into the ring willing to sacrifice everything for the chance to hold the title high, knowing one mistake could cost them their dream. In the end, only one will rise above the chaos, etching her name into history while the rest are left to chase redemption.”

Ed’s WOW note

“WOW’s leaning hard into character‑driven stories—Coach vs. student, discipline vs. emotion. Even without a belt on the line, those dynamics can carry a show.”

Everything Indy Wrestling (Facebook)

Gordon’s overview

Everything Indy Wrestling is a Facebook group dedicated to independent wrestling news, flyers, and fan chatter.

It functions as a bulletin board for upcoming shows, talent announcements, and local buzz—especially useful if you’re trying to track what’s happening beyond TV.

Three sample posts about upcoming shows

  1. Midwest Mania – October 12, 2026 (Des Moines, IA) “Flyer drop! Midwest Mania hits Des Moines on 10/12—featuring ACH vs. Mike Bennett, plus a four‑team tag scramble. Doors at 6, bell at 7. Front row almost gone—grab tickets now!”
  2. Pacific Pro – October 19, 2026 (Tacoma, WA) “Pacific Pro returns to Tacoma! Main event: Nick Wayne vs. Titus Alexander, with VertVixen in a featured women’s bout. All‑ages, family‑friendly, meet‑and‑greet at 5 PM before the show.”
  3. Dakota Clash – October 26, 2026 (Fargo, ND) “Dakota Clash brings indie heat to Fargo—Below Zero Wrestling talent mixing with out‑of‑state guests. Announced: Tommy Lee Curtis vs. Bobby Brennan, plus a six‑woman showcase. Tickets available at the door and online.”

Closing

From MLW’s Fusion, where alliances crumble and CONTRA grows stronger, to WOW’s coach‑and‑student drama, to the grassroots energy of Everything Indy Wrestling, the past week shows how wrestling lives on multiple levels at once. National shows refine their stories, women’s promotions push character and agency, and indie groups keep the pipeline humming with new cards and new faces. Taken together, it’s one ecosystem—every match, every promo, every flyer feeding into the same restless, evolving world.