26: News, NJPW, OVW & Power Rankings.

Greetings from the sports desk

Ed: “Good evening, wrestling fans—pull up a chair as at the sports desk we’ve got a week that’s been anything but quiet.”

Gordon: “Strategy, legacy, and a few ticking time bombs in the rumor mill—let’s get right to the headlines.”

Headlines

Matt Hardy plans to keep going after his brother hangs it up Matt has made it clear that whenever Jeff finally calls time on his in‑ring career, he doesn’t see that as his own finish line. He’s talking about continuing to wrestle, leaning on his experience, character work, and veteran savvy to stay relevant even if the Hardy Boyz tag chapter closes.
Tony Khan pushes back on criticism of ROH booking Tony has responded to fan frustration over Ring of Honor’s creative direction, defending the long‑form storytelling and the way ROH is being used as a platform for developing talent and running layered programs. He’s essentially saying the vision is deliberate, not disorganized, and that payoffs are meant to unfold over time rather than week‑to‑week shock value.
Rush hints his return might not be until next year Rush has cooled expectations about a quick comeback, suggesting that fans shouldn’t bank on seeing him back in the ring any time soon—“maybe next year” being the phrase that hangs in the air. That keeps speculation alive about where he’ll land and what shape he’ll be in when he finally re‑enters the picture.

New Japan Pro Wrestling

Results and in‑ring developments

Road to KING OF PRO‑WRESTLING 2026 – Tag 1 (October 6, 2026, Korakuen Hall)

House of Torture multi‑man dominance: The group’s five‑man unit—DOUKI, SANADA, SHO, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Yujiro Takahashi—picked up a win over El Desperado, Oleg Boltin, Taichi, Taisei Nakahara, and Yuya Uemura, reinforcing their role as the chaos agents heading into King of Pro‑Wrestling.
Junior tag and faction warfare: Unbound Co.’s Robbie X and Taiji Ishimori scored a victory over Goto Revolutionary Army’s Tatsuya Matsumoto and YOH, keeping the junior tag scene tightly contested and the faction rivalry simmering.
Trios bout – House of Torture vs. Wato/Umino/Yano: Dick Togo, Ren Narita, and Shun Skywalker defeated Master Wato, Shota Umino, and Toru Yano, a result that continues to frame Narita and Skywalker as key disruptors in the mid‑card and TV title orbit.
Tag showcase – Unbound Co. vs. United Empire: Daiki Nagai and Jeff Cobb bested Callum Newman and Zane Jay, giving Unbound Co. momentum and nudging United Empire’s younger duo back down the ladder for the moment.
TMDK vs. international trio: Kosei Fujita, Robbie Eagles, and Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Aaron Wolf, Hechicero, and Masatora Yasuda, a match that highlighted TMDK’s technical backbone and Sabre’s continued role as the cerebral anchor of the faction.
Heavy tag clash – Unbound Co. vs. TMDK: Shingo Takagi and Yota Tsuji overcame Hartley Jackson and Ryohei Oiwa, keeping Shingo hot and reinforcing Tsuji’s status as a top‑line player heading into major title defenses.
IWGP Tag Team Title – Knockout Brothers capture the gold: OSKAR and Yuto‑Ice dethroned Great‑O‑Khan and HENARE of United Empire in a lengthy, hard‑hitting bout, walking out as new IWGP Tag Team Champions. The title change is a major pivot in the heavyweight tag division and instantly elevates Knockout Brothers as a centerpiece act.

Championship landscape and fallout

Heavyweight scene: Yota Tsuji remains IWGP Heavyweight Champion after turning back Hirooki Goto at Destruction in Kobe on September 27, and the October 6 tag win keeps him looking strong as the tour rolls toward King of Pro‑Wrestling.
Global and TV titles: Gabe Kidd continues his run as IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion after defeating Drilla Moloney, while Shun Skywalker’s capture of the NJPW World Television Title from Konosuke Takeshita has reshaped the TV division into a more unpredictable, House of Torture‑flavored environment.
Tag division reset: With Knockout Brothers now holding the IWGP Tag belts, United Empire’s tag hierarchy is shaken. Great‑O‑Khan and HENARE move from defending champions to hunters, and the rest of the heavyweight tag teams—TMDK, Most Violent Players, and various Unbound Co. pairings—suddenly have a new measuring stick.

News, rumors, and direction

Faction warfare as the engine: House of Torture, United Empire, TMDK, Unbound Co., and Goto Revolutionary Army continue to define the touring cards, with multi‑man matches setting up future singles and title bouts. The October 6 show reinforces that King of Pro‑Wrestling will be built on faction pride as much as individual glory.
Young core being pushed hard: Names like Yota Tsuji, Ryohei Oiwa, Yuya Uemura, Callum Newman, OSKAR, and Yuto‑Ice are consistently featured in key spots, signaling NJPW’s commitment to a new generation while still leaning on veterans like Shingo, Sabre, Taichi, and Goto to anchor the cards.

Ed: “So from the sports desk perspective, New Japan’s week is less about volume of shows and more about the impact—one big tag title switch and a clear message that the younger core isn’t just knocking on the door, they’re already in the living room.”

Gordon: “And every multi‑man bout is a chess move toward King of Pro‑Wrestling. Nothing on those cards is accidental.”

Ohio Valley Wrestling

OVW Overdrive

Gordon: “Let’s slide stateside to Louisville and talk Overdrive.”

Format and focus: The Overdrive episode on September 29 functioned as a Fight Night 2026 recap show, built around video packages, storyline follow‑ups, and selective match replays rather than a full slate of fresh bouts. The emphasis was on reinforcing the outcomes and angles from Fight Night, clarifying feuds, and setting the table for the next cycle of TV.
Storyline direction: Champions and top contenders were spotlighted in segments and highlight reels, with ongoing rivalries pushed forward—grudge programs, title chases, and rising prospects getting screen time to keep them in the viewer’s mind heading into Rise.

RESULTS:

Janie Hartman defeated Lovely Miss Larkan (0:06 minutes) by Schoolgirl. 3-Way. Erik Surge defeated Ashton Adonis and Josh Bishop (7:26 minutes) by pinfall with the Ende All, Knee All from Adonis. Best of 5 Series, Match #3 Kal Herro defeated Colby Carter (11:12 minutes) by Small Package. Table Match – OVW Media Title Match. Meto defeated Stephen Steel (c) (7:36 minutes) – TITLE CHANGE!!!

OVW Rise TV – October 1, 2026

Ed: “And then we get to Rise—OVW’s weekly proving ground.”

Meto defeated Kirko Ky (2:50 minutes) by pinfall with the Spear
Dayami defeated Karter Cauffman (4:34 minutes) by pinfall with a Swanton Bomb
Canaan Kristopher defeated Jay Deniro (6:53 minutes) by pinfall with a Running Single Leg Dropkick
J3 defeated Tommy Boy (5:38 minutes) by pinfall with a Brainbuster
The Z-Force (Kid Colossus and Super Z) defeated The Damn OG’s (Adam Revolver and Tony Gunn) (9:30 minutes) by Sunset Flip from Super Z
Chris Cutler defeated Stephen Steel (4:43 minutes) by pinfall
Joiya Blake vs. Lovely Miss Larkan ended without a winner as a double disqualification (4 minutes) by interference from Janie Hartman and Leela Hall
Best of 5 Series, Match #5
Colby Carter vs. Kal Herro – winner unknown (9:15 minutes)

OVW news and chatter

Developmental and showcase role: OVW continues to operate as a hybrid: a developmental environment for emerging talent and a regional TV product with its own identity. The recent shows underscore that balance—giving prospects ring time while still presenting ongoing storylines that reward weekly viewers.
Roster movement and buzz: As larger promotions shuffle their rosters, OVW remains a landing spot for wrestlers looking to rebuild, rebrand, or get consistent TV exposure. That keeps the promotion in the conversation whenever fans talk about “next wave” talent or veterans trying to find a new lane.

Gordon: “From the sports desk, OVW’s week is about continuity—making sure Fight Night isn’t a one‑and‑done, but a launchpad.”

Ed: “Exactly. Overdrive reminds you what mattered, Rise shows you who’s ready to move up the board.”

Wider news and rumor context

Matt Hardy’s future beyond Jeff: His comments about continuing after Jeff retires frame him as a veteran who sees value in his singles and character work independent of the iconic tag team. That opens the door to more mentor‑style roles, special attraction matches, and possibly creative contributions behind the scenes.
Tony Khan and ROH’s long game: By defending his booking, Tony is signaling that ROH is meant to be a layered, patient product—one where titles, factions, and character arcs are built over months, not just hot‑shotted for quick social media buzz. That philosophy affects how talent is rotated between AEW and ROH and how fans should interpret slow‑burn angles.
Rush’s delayed return: “Maybe next year” keeps the door open but pushes expectations down the road. It suggests that when he does come back, it’ll likely be framed as a big moment—either a surprise return or a heavily promoted re‑debut, with fans already primed by this extended absence.

Power Rankings

Jon Moxley (AEW Continental Champion) 2-0 AEW
Trish Adora 2-0 ROH
Queen Aminata 2-0 AEW, ROH
War Dragons (Drilla Moloney & Shingo Takagi) NJPW 2-0 NJPW
Los Depredadores (Black Tiger, Rugido (Mexican National Tag Team Champion)) 2-0 CMLL
Volador Jr. (World Historic Middleweight Champion) 2-0 CMLL
Dalton Castle & The Outrunners 2-0 ROH
Los Bestia del Diablo (Akuma, Gemelo Diablo 1 & 2) 2-0 CMLL
Yota Tsuji (IWGP Heavyweight Champion) 1-0 NJPW
Mark Davis 1-0 AEW
Bandido (ROH World Champion) 1-0 ROH
Eddie Kingston 1-0 ROH
Bustah & The Brain 1-0 ROH
Red Velvet (ROH Women’s TV Champion) 1-0 ROH
Premier Athletes & BEEF 1-0 ROH
Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) 1-0 AEW
Myron Reed 1-0 AEW
Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta) 1-0 AEW
Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli, Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta, Gabe Kidd (IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion) & Bryan Danielson) 1-0 AEW
Gabe Kidd (IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion) 1-0 NJPW
Shingo Takagi 1-0 NJPW
Shun Skywalker (NJPW World Television Champion) 1-0 NJPW
Callum Newman 1-0 NJPW
Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr. 1-0 NJPW
Daiki Nagai, OSKAR & Yuto‑Ice 1-0 NJPW

Closing from the sports desk

Ed: “So when you put it all together—from New Japan’s tag shake‑up to OVW’s steady grind, and the big‑picture chatter about veterans, bookers, and absent stars—you get a wrestling landscape that’s shifting under our feet, but never standing still.”

Gordon: “Titles change hands, tours roll on, TV shows reset the board, and the rumor mill keeps humming. That’s the beauty of this business—every week is another chapter, and the story never really ends.”

Ed: “Stay tuned, keep watching those Power Rankings, and we’ll be right back at the sports desk when the next bell rings.”

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 9/20/26: News, AEW Collision & The Pipe Bomb.

Opening from the sports desk

Ed: “Fans, welcome back to the sports desk. AEW’s been running hot —Dynamite in Norfolk rolled straight into Collision, title defenses, and a lot of chatter around the wider wrestling world. Before we get into Collision and the week’s results, let’s hit the headlines that framed everything.”

Headlines

Jake Hager’s emergency eye surgery

Jake Hager underwent emergency eye surgery after suffering damage during a Power Slap event. Doctors found a detached retina and other issues that required immediate attention, and he’s now in recovery with his in‑ring future uncertain while he focuses on healing.

Rob Conway praised by Vince McMahon

Rob Conway recalled a moment in WWE when Vince McMahon told him he was “the most underrated guy on the roster,” praising his reliability and professionalism. Conway said that kind of feedback meant a lot, even if it didn’t always translate into a sustained top‑card push.

Jim Ross’ mixed feelings on Sami Zayn as world champion

Jim Ross admitted he has mixed feelings about Sami Zayn winning a WWE world title—respecting Zayn’s talent and connection with fans, but questioning whether the company will fully commit to him as a long‑term top guy. He framed it as a case where the audience clearly believes, but the booking history makes him cautious.

Gordon: “Health scares, old‑school praise, and questions about how far a fan favorite can really go—that’s the backdrop for AEW’s week.”

Scott: Mr. Conway is one of my favorites from my time writing for NWAringside.com, at the time the official website of the National Wrestling Alliance where Mr. Conway was one of the best Worlds Champions, often touring as champ with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

AEW — sports desk rundown

AEW Collision — September 19, 2026

National Championship: Andrade El Ídolo (c) vs. Daniel Garcia

Result: Andrade retains

Ed: “This was all about whether Garcia could turn his recent momentum into gold.”

Garcia targeted Andrade’s leg and neck, chaining submissions and suplexes, while Andrade leaned on counters, rope‑running, and his trademark double‑knees. Late in the match, Garcia nearly stole it with a sharpshooter and a dragon screw combo, but Andrade escaped, hit his running double knees in the corner, and finished with a hammerlock DDT to keep the National Title.

Gordon: “Garcia looked like he belonged in that spot. Andrade, though, is in that champion groove where he can absorb a lot and still close the show.”

Thekla vs. Zayda Steel

Result: Thekla wins, earns a shot at Mercedes Moné

Thekla and Zayda fought for the right to challenge Mercedes Moné at WrestleDream. Zayda tried to slow things down with strikes and grinding offense; Thekla answered with speed, rope‑assisted attacks, and submissions. The finish saw Thekla counter a big swing from Zayda into a modified crossface, forcing the tap and punching her ticket to face Moné once The CEO is cleared.

Tag and trios action

Collision filled out with multi‑man matches and tags:

A showcase trios bout featuring New Level shaking off the previous Dynamite ambush and reasserting themselves.
A hard‑hitting tag match with The Dogs continuing their rise in the mid‑card, leaning on brawling and double‑team offense.

Results kept the All Out build intact—no shock title changes, but plenty of momentum shifts.

Full Results

Credit: Cagematch.net

(19.09.2026) AEW Collision #162 – TV-Show @ Charleston Coliseum in Charleston, West Virginia, USA
AEW TNT Title: Darby Allin (c) defeats Myron Reed (11:23)
Thekla defeats Zayda Steel (11:18)
PAC defeats Adam Priest (4:17)
AEW National Title: Andrade El Idolo (c) defeats Daniel Garcia (13:24)
Mike Bailey defeats Wheeler Yuta (11:18)
Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata defeat Emily Jaye & Georgia South (2:46)
AEW Continental Title Eliminator: Jon Moxley [c] defeats Zachary Wentz (9:19)

AEW news & rumors

Ed: “Beyond the bell, here’s the chatter around AEW’s orbit.”

Ospreay and Moxley’s build: Their rivalry continues to anchor TV—promos, stare‑downs, and multi‑man tags all pointing toward a high‑pressure All Out main event.
New Level’s growing presence: Swerve, Kofi, and Austin Creed are being framed as a long‑term trio project, with their theme, presentation, and challengers all getting significant TV time.
Women’s division focus: Thekla’s win and Mercedes Moné’s recovery keep the upper card of the women’s division in motion, with Willow Nightingale and others hovering around the title picture.

Gordon: “AEW’s week is less about surprise twists and more about tightening the screws on stories they’ve already set in motion.”

Closing segment — the July 11, 2011 RAW promo (CM Punk & John Cena, “pipe bomb”)

Ed: “Let’s close by stepping back into one of the most famous promos of the modern era—the night the word ‘pipe bomb’ became part of wrestling’s vocabulary.”

On July 11, 2011, CM Punk sat cross‑legged on the RAW stage and cut a promo that blurred the line between storyline and reality—calling out WWE management, criticizing how talent was used, and framing himself as the outsider who knew exactly how the machine worked. At one point he said:

“In anybody else’s hands, this is just a microphone. In my hands, it’s a pipe bomb.”

John Cena was the champion and the company’s standard‑bearer, and Punk’s words turned their match into more than a title bout—it became a referendum on who really represented the future of wrestling. The promo’s legacy is that it opened the door for more meta, self‑aware storytelling and showed how powerful a single, well‑aimed monologue could be.

Gordon: “It’s the kind of moment that still echoes through how fans talk about wrestling today—every time someone grabs a mic and starts blurring those lines, you can feel the shadow of that pipe bomb.”

Ed: “And that’s your week from the sports desk—AEW’s Collision, the headlines around Hager, Conway, and Zayn, and a look back at the promo that changed how a lot of people hear a microphone in this business.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/17/26: News, AEW Dynamite & RVD vs. Jerry Lynn.

🟦 Ed Welcomes Us to the Sports Desk

Ed: “Fans, welcome back to the sports desk. AEW has been moving at full throttle, and tonight we’re breaking down every match, every rivalry, and every headline that shaped the week. Before we dive into Dynamite and the fallout heading into All Out, let’s start with the stories everyone’s been talking about.”

📰 Headlines

Swerve Strickland on New Level’s theme song

Swerve revealed that New Level’s entrance theme—now one of AEW’s most recognizable tracks—was approved just 24 hours before All In. He said the group wanted something that felt “alive, loud, and unmistakably theirs,” and the last‑minute approval added to the adrenaline of debuting it on such a massive stage.

Jeff Jarrett wants to work in CMLL

Jarrett expressed interest in becoming a semi‑regular presence in CMLL, praising the promotion’s tradition and its connection to AEW. He said he’d love to bring his “global outlaw” persona to Arena México and mix it up with luchadores on their home turf.

Matt Hardy on the death of Andy “The Butcher” Williams

Hardy spoke emotionally about The Butcher’s passing, calling him “a gentle powerhouse” and “one of the most genuine men in the locker room.” He said AEW’s tribute show captured the spirit of a man who gave everything to wrestling and music, and that the loss is still being felt across the industry.

Gordon: “Three stories, three different angles—presentation, ambition, and grief. That’s the backdrop for AEW’s week.”

🟦 AEW — Sports Desk Rundown

We’ll look at the September 16 Dynamite from Norfolk, Virginia.

🔵 AEW Dynamite — September 16, 2026 (Chartway Arena, Norfolk)

Christian Cage, Adam Copeland, Darby Allin & Steven Borden vs. FTR, Kyle Fletcher & Kevin Knight

Winners: Christian, Copeland, Allin & Steven Borden

Ed: “This was the Steven Borden showcase. Eight men in the ring, but the kid stole the spotlight.”

The match opened with Christian and Allin arguing over who would start, Steven hit a gorgeous dropkick on Dax, and chaos broke out before the commercial. The heels isolated Allin, but Steven’s hot tag flipped the momentum. Christian nailed Dax with a hidden chair shot, Cope followed with a Spear, and Allin/Steven sealed it with a Scorpion Death Drop–Coffin Drop combo.

Gordon: “AEW is clearly positioning Steven as a future pillar. The crowd’s already there.”

Chris Jericho vs. Nick Wayne

Winner: Chris Jericho

Wayne pushed the pace, hitting a Destroyer off the steps and a Senton Atomico on the apron. Jericho answered with a Codebreaker and Walls attempt. The finish came when Jericho ripped Wayne’s puka necklace, distracting him long enough to score a leg‑trap pin.

Post‑match, Wayne snapped—kicking the ropes into Jericho’s groin and blasting him with chair shots.

Ed: “Jericho’s working hard to elevate Wayne, and the kid’s fire after the bell showed he’s ready for the next step.”

Hangman Page, Bandido & Brody King vs. The Conglomeration (Cassidy, Strong, O’Reilly)

Winners: Hangman, Bandido & King — earn Trios Title shot

This was nonstop motion. Hangman’s hot tag sequence was electric, King threw bodies like furniture, and Bandido hit a delayed military press cutter. Strong saved Orange from King but walked straight into a Buckshot Lariat.

Gordon: “Hangman and Brodido are locked in. This trios title match at All Out is going to be a war.”

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Myles Hawkins

Winner: Ciampa

A quick squash—running knee, pin, done. The real story was after the bell: Swerve and New Level were ambushed by Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona, setting up a heated confrontation for next week.

Jamie Hayter vs. Lena Kross

Winner: Lena Kross

Kross jumped Hayter before the bell, powerbombed her on the apron, and dominated early. Hayter rallied with a flying clothesline and German suplex, but Megan Bayne’s distraction allowed Kross to use a crowbar and hit a Jackhammer for the win.

Ed: “Dirty finish aside, Kross looked like a future singles champion.”

Will Ospreay, Andrade El Ídolo & Francesco Akira vs. The Death Riders (Moxley, Pac, Gabe Kidd)

Winners: Moxley, Pac & Kidd — submission

Akira shined early with wild dives, but the Death Riders isolated him. Ospreay and Andrade turned the tide until Yuta’s distraction let Mox hit a King Kong Lariat. Kidd dropped Ospreay with a Gotch Piledriver, Pac spiked Andrade with a Poisonrana, and Mox finished Akira with multiple Paradigm Shifts and a Bulldog Choke.

Post‑match, The Dogs attacked Andrade, and Ospreay saved Akira with Hidden Blades.

Gordon: “That main event was molten. Ospreay vs. Mox is the centerpiece of All Out, but Andrade’s looming challenge feels just as big.”

🟦 AEW News & Rumors

Collision fallout

The tribute to Andy “The Butcher” Williams continues to resonate. AEW aired another video package on Dynamite honoring his legacy.

International Championship picture

Ciampa publicly declared he wants Okada next. Okada mocked him backstage, only to get dropped by Ciampa later in the night.

National Championship

Andrade will defend against Daniel Garcia on Collision.

🟦 Sports Desk Closing Segment — Rob Van Dam vs. Jerry Lynn (ECW Living Dangerously, March 21, 1999)

Ed: “Before we wrap, let’s revisit a classic—one of the matches that defined an era.”

Gordon: “RVD vs. Jerry Lynn at Living Dangerously wasn’t just a match—it was a statement. Two men pushing the limits of what ECW’s hybrid style could be.”

The bout blended:

lightning‑fast counters
top‑rope innovation
RVD’s unorthodox athleticism
Lynn’s crisp technical precision

The finish saw RVD retain the TV Title, but the real legacy was how both men elevated each other. It became the template for ECW’s athletic identity and remains one of the most replayed matches from the promotion’s history.

Ed: “It was the kind of match that made fans rethink what wrestling could look like. And it’s a perfect way to close out a week where AEW’s own roster is pushing boundaries in much the same spirit.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 9/3, 2026: AEW Dynamite & Sting vs Ric Flair.

🟦 Sports Desk Review — AEW Dynamite (September 2, 2026)

📍 Credit Union of Texas Event Center — Allen, Texas 📺 Post–All In fallout episode

🎙️ Sports Desk Opening

Ed: “Fans, AEW walked into Allen, Texas with the momentum of a freight train after All In — and Dynamite didn’t waste a second reminding everyone that the company is already looking ahead.”

Gordon: “This was a forward‑driving broadcast. New champions speaking their truth, divisions reshaping themselves, and All Out coming into focus.”

🟥 Will Ospreay Opens the Show

Segment grade: C+

Ospreay arrived with the AEW World Championship and a cut on his forehead — a visual reminder of the war with Omega. He promised to settle their 2–2 record “whenever The Cleaner is ready,” then challenged the entire roster to match his fire.

Ricochet interrupted, claiming he “made Ospreay” and demanding the first title shot. Gabe Kidd and Clark Connors followed with threats of their own. Ospreay’s new United Empire — Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Henare — backed him up, setting the stage for a later match.

Ed: “Ospreay soaked in the moment, but Ricochet and Kidd made sure he didn’t get too comfortable.”

🟥 World Trios Championship

Swerve Strickland & The New Level (c) def. The Rascalz

Grade: A

A frantic, high‑energy opener. The Rascalz overwhelmed Swerve early with synchronized offense, but Creed and Kofi rallied. The finish saw Swerve catch Xavier with a House Call, followed by a double‑team stomp/Big Ending combo.

Gordon: “This is what AEW’s trios division looks like when it’s firing on all cylinders — speed, creativity, and champions who feel like champions.”

The Young Bucks confronted New Level afterward, teasing future tension.

🟥 Triangle TLC Tag Match Announced for All Out

Grade: C

Adam Copeland apologized for All In; Christian Cage did not. FTR demanded a title shot. Cope announced a three‑team TLC match: C&C vs. Young Bucks vs. FTR.

Ed: “That’s a pay‑per‑view anchor if I’ve ever seen one.”

🟥 TNT Championship

Darby Allin (c) def. Mark Davis

Grade: B

Davis jumped Allin during his entrance, leading to a wild pre‑match brawl. Once the bell rang, Davis dominated with power until Allin rallied with a Code Red and two Coffin Drops.

Post‑match: Trent Beretta and Rocky Romero attacked Allin. Steven Borden made the save — only for Josh Alexander to return and flatten both men.

Gordon: “Davis looked like a monster, but Allin’s resilience remains unmatched.”

🟥 Alex Windsor vs. Megan Bayne

Megan Bayne def. Alex Windsor

Grade: C+

A physical bout that never fully found its rhythm. Lena Kross handed Bayne a title belt, allowing her to blast Windsor and hit a running powerbomb for the win.

Ed: “Divine Dominion isn’t done with the Brawling Birds — not by a long shot.”

🟥 Mercedes Moné & Thekla Face‑Off

Grade: B

Moné celebrated her historic fourth world title across four major companies, then mocked Willow Nightingale’s injuries. Thekla appeared with a drink in hand, thanking Moné for taking out Willow — before promising to take the title back.

Gordon: “Two heels, one belt, and a crowd that loves both. That’s combustible.”

🟥 Continental Championship Eliminator

Jon Moxley (c) def. AR Fox

Grade: B‑

Fox threw everything he had at Moxley — 450 splash included — but Mox shrugged it off, locked in a sleeper, and finished with a Death Rider.

Ed: “Moxley looks unstoppable. Even Ospreay hasn’t solved him.”

🟥 Main Event — United Empire vs. The Demand & The Dogs

Ospreay, Andrade, Newman, Henare & Akira def. Connors, Kidd, Ricochet, Liona & Kaun

Grade: B+

A chaotic, multi‑man showcase. Andrade hit Día de los Muertos, Ospreay landed the Hidden Blade, and the champions stood tall.

Post‑match: Kidd attacked Ospreay with a chair. Moxley made the save. Andrade dragged Kidd into the crowd. The titantron revealed the All Out main event:

Will Ospreay vs. Jon Moxley — AEW World Championship

Gordon: “That’s the match Ospreay hasn’t been able to win. And AEW knows it.”

🟦 Final Sports Desk Word

Overall Grade: B+

Ed: “AEW didn’t linger on All In — they launched straight into All Out mode. Champions spoke, challengers stepped up, and the card began to take shape.”

Gordon: “A forward‑looking Dynamite with purpose, pacing, and plenty of fire. AEW kept the train rolling.”

Ed: “We can safely say Dynamite was about one thing: making All In feel like the start of something, not just the end.”

AEW news & rumors

Gordon: “On the news and rumor front, the week after a major stadium show usually brings a familiar set of talking points.

Latest AEW Contract Rumors and Expiration Updates
Several AEW stars are currently in the spotlight for contract rumors, with some facing potential expirations and others rumored to be on the cusp of long-term deals.
Bayley (WWE) – While not in AEW, Bayley’s WWE contract is set to expire in late 2026, and recent reports suggest WWE creative is actively pitching her return to Raw within weeks. Her absence from WWE TV has fueled speculation about her future, with AEW’s Mercedes Mone and other former WWE stars adding to the buzz.
Nick Jackson (The Young Bucks) – Reports from Dave Meltzer have speculated that Nick Jackson may be on his final pro-wrestling contract. This comes after his heartfelt post-All In message thanking fans and reflecting on the evolution of AEW, which could hint at a possible exit.
Jon Moxley – AEW has publicly confirmed Jon Moxley’s contract runs through 2027, with no WWE return or Shield reunion planned. This long-term deal secures his place in the company for the foreseeable future.
Queen Aminata – AEW has triggered an extension for Queen Aminata, keeping her contract through at least February 2027.
Other AEW roster members – Multiple reports list AEW stars with multi-year deals through 2027 or later, including Adam Cole, Samoa Joe, FTR, Kota Ibushi, and The Rascalz. Swerve Strickland’s deal is at least until 2028, and Kenny Omega’s is at least through 2027.
Key takeaway – For AEW, the most active contract rumor right now is around Nick Jackson’s potential exit, while Jon Moxley’s 2027 end date is a firm confirmation. Queen Aminata’s extension and several other multi-year deals suggest stability for much of the roster, but expirations for some stars (like Bayley in WWE) could influence future AEW moves if they join the company.
If you’re tracking AEW roster changes, the next few months will be critical for anyone near the end of their current contract, as expirations could lead to signings, extensions, or departures.

Injury notes:

Jim Ross was already preparing for brain surgery when he suffered another setback that no one knew about. The WWE Hall of Famer has now revealed that he actually broke two toes the very morning of his procedure — and didn’t realize the extent of the injury until doctors examined him at the hospital.
On the September 3 episode of Grilling JR, Ross explained that calling wrestling matches isn’t what’s keeping him off AEW programming. He believes he can still do the job, but doctors are worried about his stability and the risk of another fall.
“If it’s just watching the match, breaking it down, and calling what I see — I can do that right now. They’re just concerned about me falling again, and they want me steadier on my feet.”
Ross then revealed that he suffered another fall — separate from the frightening bedroom incident he previously discussed. This one happened on the morning of his brain surgery.
“Did I tell you what happened the morning of my surgery? I fell.”
He went through the entire procedure without knowing that both his big toe and the toe beside it on his left foot were broken. The fractures were only discovered after hospital staff took X‑rays.
“My big toe and the one next to it on my left foot — both broken. I didn’t know until they X‑rayed them at the hospital.”
Already facing a major operation involving drilling into his skull and installing a shunt to drain excess fluid, the timing of the injury shook him.
“I’m thinking, is this an omen? On the morning of my surgery, they’re going to drill a hole in my head, run a tube down into my stomach… is this my fate?”
The broken toes have made his balance issues even harder to manage. Ross has been wearing a walking boot on his injured foot and a regular shoe on the other, creating an uneven setup that makes moving around difficult — especially when doctors already want him taking things slowly.
“It’s hard to keep your balance when you’ve got a walking boot on one foot and a flip‑flop or tennis shoe on the other. Not easy to move quickly.”
That’s why Ross’ return to AEW isn’t simply about whether he feels capable of doing commentary. He wants to be there, and he says Tony Khan wants him back as soon as he’s physically able. Right now, safely making the trip is the bigger obstacle.
“If my broken toes aren’t an issue, then what else can go wrong? I’m going to be there.”
Ross emphasized that Khan has not pressured him at all. Instead, he says the AEW President has been supportive throughout his health struggles.
“Tony doesn’t expect me to be there — he wants me there if I’m able. He’s been great with everything I’m dealing with.”
Ross previously shared that he suffered another fall during recovery, crashing into a bedroom bench hard enough to rip screws out of it. Now we know he was already dealing with two broken toes from a separate fall before doctors even performed the brain surgery. JR believes he can still call matches once he’s seated at the desk — but getting to the desk safely is what his doctors want resolved first.

Ed: “AEW’s week isn’t just what happens on TV—it’s the swirl of what might happen next.”

Classic spotlight — Sting vs. Ric Flair (Clash of the Champions I, 1988)

Gordon: “This is one of those matches that lives in the DNA of modern wrestling—especially for anyone who grew up on the sports desk era.”

Event context

Date: March 27, 1988
Promotion: Jim Crockett Promotions (NWA)
Show: Clash of the Champions I
Location: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
Match: Ric Flair (NWA World Heavyweight Champion) vs. Sting
Stipulation: NWA World Heavyweight Championship, 45‑minute time‑limit

Match story

Sting was the explosive, rising babyface—power, speed, and charisma.
Flair was the established world champion—crafty, technical, and willing to bend every rule.
The match was designed to test whether Sting could hang with the very best for a full main‑event length.

Key beats

Sting used his strength early: press slams, big clotheslines, and high‑energy offense to keep Flair off balance.
Flair targeted Sting’s leg, going to his trademark strategy—chop blocks, stomps, and the Figure‑Four Leglock.
Sting fought through the leg work, repeatedly powering out of holds and firing up the crowd with comebacks.
The match went the full 45 minutes, with Sting nearly scoring the win in the closing seconds after a Stinger Splash and Scorpion Deathlock attempt.
The bell rang as Sting was on the verge of victory, resulting in a time‑limit draw. Flair kept the title, but Sting walked out a made man.

Why it matters

It cemented Sting as a top‑line star—someone who could go the distance with the world champion.
It reinforced Flair’s aura as the champion who could survive anything, even if he didn’t always win clean.
The match is still cited as one of the greatest TV title matches ever, and a blueprint for how to elevate a new main‑eventer without taking the belt off the established champion.

Ed: “That draw did more for Sting than some wins do for other wrestlers. It told the audience he belonged in the same sentence as Flair.”

Gordon: “And you can see echoes of that dynamic today—young stars trying to prove they can go the distance with the established greats.”

🟥 Sports Desk Closing

Ed: “Fans, that wraps another wild stretch across the wrestling world. AEW kept the pace blistering, the fallout from All In continued to ripple, and every division showed signs of shifting as we head toward the next big stop on the calendar.”

Gordon: “What stood out tonight wasn’t just the action — it was the intent. Champions planting their flags, challengers stepping forward, and stories tightening their grip. You can feel the momentum building, and you can feel the urgency in every segment.”

Ed: “And that’s the beauty of weeks like this. Nothing stays still. Every match, every promo, every confrontation pushes the sport forward. If tonight proved anything, it’s that the road ahead is going to be loud, fast, and full of surprises.”

Gordon: “We’ll be right here at the sports desk tracking every twist, every upset, and every breakthrough. Stay tuned — the next chapter is already lining up.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 8/20/26. AEW Dynamite & This Week In History.

🎙️ Sports Desk Intro

Ed: “Well fans, All Elite Wrestling has been running at a full sprint. The Continental Challenge Cup tightened, champions defended, factions collided, and Dynamite on August 19 delivered one of the most explosive closing angles of the summer.”

Gordon: “And when you examine the evidence, you see a promotion sharpening every blade before All In — rivalries escalating, alliances cracking, and a few wrestlers making statements that could echo for months. Let’s head to the ring.”

📺 AEW Dynamite — August 19, 2026

Baltimore, MD — Chesapeake Employers Insurance Arena

🥇 United Empire vs. Don Callis Family

Will Ospreay, Henare & Francesco Akira defeat Brian Cage, Lance Archer & Rocky Romero

Highlights:

Ospreay brought backup from New Japan, forming a tight trio with Henare and Akira.
Akira absorbed the early punishment until a hot tag unleashed Henare’s power.
Archer and Henare traded heavy shots, setting up Ospreay’s final surge.
Akira and Henare wiped out Archer and Cage with dives, leaving Romero isolated.
Romero’s trademark slide taunt backfired — Ospreay blasted him with the Hidden Blade for the win.

🏆 TBS Championship — Four-Way Match

Maya World (c) defeats Kris Statlander, Persephone & Hikaru Shida

Highlights:

Fast-paced scramble with constant momentum swings.
Statlander and Shida controlled early with power and precision.
Persephone nearly stole the match with a cradle on Shida.
Maya World snatched a roll-up at the perfect moment, retaining the title and escaping with champion’s luck.

🏆 Continental Challenge Cup — Block Matches

Jon Moxley vs. Jay White

Moxley wins via bulldog choke Highlights:

White tried to slow the pace with counters and escapes.
Moxley dragged the match into his world — grinding, suffocating, and violent.
The bulldog choke forced White to fade, giving Moxley a crucial tournament win.

Nigel McGuinness vs. Hechicero

McGuinness wins via body scissors submission Highlights:

Technical chess match from bell to bell.
Hechicero’s unorthodox grappling forced Nigel to adjust.
McGuinness trapped Hechicero in a tight body scissors, squeezing out a clean submission.

🥊 Andrade vs. Jonathan Cruz

Andrade wins in 13 seconds A lightning-fast knockout victory — Andrade hit his finisher immediately, sending a message to the entire roster.

🥇 The Elite vs. Mark Davis, Jake Doyle & El Clon

The Elite win via One-Winged Angel A showcase of chemistry — Davis and Doyle fought hard, but once Omega tagged in, the match shifted. The One-Winged Angel sealed it.

🎤 Backstage: Okada & Kyle Fletcher

Highlights:

Okada accused Takeshita of selfishness and warned Fletcher not to repeat his mistakes.
Okada said he’d be happy if Fletcher retained the International Title at All In — but expected Fletcher to raise his hand if the roles reversed.
Fletcher responded in-ring, declaring his reign would not end at Wembley.

📰 AEW News & Rumors

Continental Challenge Cup Favorites

Moxley and McGuinness are emerging as top contenders after strong wins.

International Title Picture

Okada vs. Fletcher vs. Takeshita at All In is being framed as a potential show-stealer.

Women’s Division Movement

Maya World’s TBS Title retention keeps her hot streak alive.
Statlander and Shida remain top contenders.

Faction Turbulence

Don Callis Family continues to antagonize both Ospreay and Omega.
United Empire’s AEW presence is increasing.

📼 This Week in Pro Wrestling History

August 19, 1996 — WCW Nitro: The Giant Retains the World Title

A pivotal moment in the early nWo era — The Giant (Big Show) held off challengers as WCW’s world title scene grew more chaotic.

August 17, 1997 — WWF SummerSlam: Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker

Bret Hart won the WWF Championship thanks to Shawn Michaels’ accidental chair shot — a turning point in the Hart/Michaels rivalry.

August 20, 2001 — RAW: The Invasion Heats Up

Stone Cold Steve Austin led a brutal assault on Team WWF, cementing his heel run during the Alliance storyline.

August 18, 2013 — WWE SummerSlam: Bryan vs. Cena

Daniel Bryan pinned John Cena clean before Randy Orton cashed in — a major chapter in the “Yes Movement.”

🎙️ Sports Desk Closing

Ed: “So from Dynamite’s international chaos to the Continental Challenge Cup tightening its grip, AEW delivered a week full of momentum shifts and emotional punches.”

Gordon: “And with All In looming, every match feels like a message — every promo like a warning. The summer heat isn’t letting up.”

Ed: “From all of us here at the sports desk — good night, good grappling, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 8/13/26: AEW Dynamite & Wrestling History.

🎙️ Sports Desk Intro

Ed: “Well fans, All Elite Wrestling has been moving at a breakneck pace. The Continental Challenge Cup rolled on, the TNT title was defended, and Dynamite on August 12 gave us a night of tournament fights, championship stakes, and a main event that left the crowd buzzing.”

Gordon: “And when you sift through the results, you see a promotion tightening its lanes — contenders rising, champions fighting to stay ahead, and rivalries sharpening as All In approaches. Let’s get to the action.”

📺 AEW Dynamite — August 12, 2026

Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort — Las Vegas, NV

🎤 Opening Segment — Ospreay & Omega Turbulence

Will Ospreay opened the show with a heartfelt promo about wrestling in Arena México and the memory of his grandfather. He called out Kenny Omega, but instead the Don Callis Family arrived — being blindsided by RPG Vice, Mark Davis, and Jake Doyle. Omega eventually hit the ring with a pipe to make the save, but made it clear this was a one‑time gesture.

Ed: “Emotional, chaotic, and just a touch uneasy — that’s how you open a Dynamite.”

Gordon: “And it sets the tone for All In. Two men circling each other with history behind them.”

🃏 Casino Gauntlet #2 Spot — Triple Threat

MJF defeats Mike Bailey & Nick Wayne

MJF stalls early, letting Bailey and Wayne tear into each other.
Bailey’s kicks and Wayne’s aerial offense shine.
MJF sneaks in, manipulates Wayne, and steals the win with an armbar.

Highlight: Wayne learns the hard lesson — never trust MJF.

🏆 Continental Challenge Cup — Block Match

Jay White defeats David Finlay

No seconds allowed — pure fight.
White sells a neck injury mid‑match, baiting Finlay.
Switchblade rallies and hits his finisher for the win.

Highlight: A rivalry renewed under tournament pressure.

🏆 Trios Title Picture — Confrontation Segment

Adam Page, Bandido, and Brody King celebrated their Trios Title win. Swerve Strickland interrupted, reminding everyone he’s beaten all three men. Ricochet, The Demand, and Lethal Swirl followed, staking claims for rematches.

Ed: “That’s how you make trios gold feel important again.”

Gordon: “Multiple teams circling the belts — that’s healthy competition.”

🏆 TNT Championship Match

Kevin Knight (c) defeats Chris Jericho

Jericho controls early with veteran savvy.
Don Callis uses a hidden screwdriver shot behind the ref’s back.
Knight escapes the Liontamer and hits a low blow + Crash Landing to retain.

Highlight: Knight continues proving he can hang with legends.

🥊 Kris Statlander vs. Viva Van

Statlander wins quickly

Short match, but both women make the most of it.
Statlander wins clean.
Mick Foley announces Statlander will enter next week’s TBS Title Fatal 4‑Way.

👭 Thunder Rosa & Maya World vs. Persephone & Hikaru Shida

Rosa & Maya World win

Shida and Rosa open with crisp exchanges.
Persephone’s power contrasts Maya’s athleticism.
Maya pins Shida with a fallaway slam variation.

Highlight: Maya World continues her rise heading into the TBS title picture.

🏆 Continental Challenge Cup — Main Event

Jon Moxley defeats Jack Perry by referee’s decision

Perry starts strong until Moxley intercepts a dive with a punch.
Perry is busted open; Moxley dominates.
Ref nearly stops the match, but Perry insists on continuing.
Moxley chokes him out for the win.

Ed: “A gritty, bloody main event — classic Moxley.”

Gordon: “And Perry showed heart, even in defeat.”

📰 AEW News & Rumors

Continental Challenge Cup Momentum

Jay White and Moxley’s wins position them as early favorites.
Jack Perry’s performance reportedly impressed management despite the loss.

Trios Division Heating Up

Multiple teams are being positioned for a multi‑team title match at All In.

TNT Title Direction

Kevin Knight’s reign is being framed as a “young ace” storyline internally.

Women’s Division Movement

Maya World’s pin over Shida is seen as a major signal.
Statlander’s Fatal 4‑Way inclusion suggests a shake‑up in the TBS title picture.

📚 This Week in Pro Wrestling History

August 12, 1999 — Chris Jericho Debuts in WWF

A countdown clock interrupted The Rock, introducing Jericho to a national audience.

August 10, 2013 — NJPW G1 Climax Finals

Tetsuya Naito wins the tournament, beginning his rise to main‑event status.

August 14, 2005 — TNA Sacrifice

Samoa Joe defeats AJ Styles in a match that helped define the X‑Division.

August 11, 1984 — Ric Flair vs. Kerry Von Erich

A classic NWA title bout that shaped the territory era.

Ed: “History reminds us — every August, something big happens.”

Gordon: “And AEW seems determined to keep that tradition alive.”

🎙️ Sports Desk Closing

Ed: “So from tournament fights to title defenses, Dynamite delivered a strong week as All In approaches.”

Gordon: “And with the Continental Challenge Cup tightening, every match feels like a step toward destiny.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 7/30/26: AEW Dynamite & This Week in History

Sports Desk Intro

Ed: Welcome back to the Sports Desk, where the action never cools off—especially in the world of All Elite Wrestling. AEW has been firing on all cylinders, pushing storylines, titles, and tempers straight toward All In: London.

Gordon: The pace has been relentless. Redemption set the tone, and everything that followed this week tightened the screws. Championships shifted, alliances cracked, and Dynamite in Detroit delivered the kind of fallout that reshapes a promotion.

AEW Redemption fallout (July 26, 2026)

Ed: Redemption hit the airwaves this weekend & its consequences defined the entire week. Montreal saw belts change hands and rivalries ignite.

AEW World Championship: Gordon: Kenny Omega held onto the top prize, outlasting Kevin Knight in a high‑velocity main event. The real spark came afterward—Omega blindsiding Will Ospreay with a One‑Winged Angel, officially lighting the fuse for Wembley.
AEW Women’s World Championship: Ed: Willow Nightingale toppled Thekla, overcoming interference and becoming a Grand Slam champion. That sealed Willow vs. Mercedes Moné for All In.
AEW National Championship: Gordon: Andrade El Ídolo snatched the National Title from Mark Davis and immediately became one of the busiest champions in the company.
AEW TBS Championship: Ed: Maya World dethroned Hikaru Shida, then marched straight into a defense on Dynamite.
AEW World Tag Team Championship: Gordon: Cage & Cope—Adam Copeland and Christian Cage—beat PAC and Claudio Castagnoli, clearing the runway for a dream match with the Young Bucks at Wembley.
Other key results: Ed: Kyle Fletcher retained the International Title, Mike Bailey won a ladder match to become top contender, and the Young Bucks scored a major win over Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay—another crack in the Death Riders’ armor.

AEW Dynamite #356 – Detroit, July 29, 2026 (full card & highlights)

Ed: Detroit’s Masonic Temple Theatre hosted a Dynamite that felt like a pressure cooker—championships defended, factions splintering, and momentum shifting.

Match results

DARK MATCH: Rhino defeats Nick Comoroto

AEW National Championship – Triple threat
- Result: Andrade El Ídolo retained by pinning Jack Perry; Nick Wayne also involved.Time: ~14:19
Gordon: Andrade used the tension between Perry and Wayne to his advantage, swooping in at the perfect moment to keep the gold.
Trios match – Brodido & “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Don Callis Family
- Result: Brody King, Bandido, and Bailey defeated Brian Cage, Jake Doyle, and Kyle Fletcher.
- Time: ~13:48
Ed: The Callis camp’s internal friction showed. Brodido and Bailey capitalized on every miscue.
AEW TBS Championship – Maya World (c) vs. Persephone
- Result: Maya World retained over the CMLL Women’s Champion.
- Time: ~9:59
Gordon: Persephone pushed the pace, but Maya’s strength and timing carried her through.
AEW Continental Championship – Jon Moxley (c) vs. Komander
- Result: Moxley retained via submission.
- Time: ~12:58
Ed: Komander’s aerial bursts were dazzling, but once Moxley grounded him, the outcome felt inevitable.
AEW World Trios Championship – The Conglomeration (c) vs. The Demand
- Result: The Demand—Bishop Kaun, Ricochet, Toa Liona—won the titles.
- Time: ~10:55
Gordon: A shocker. The Demand overwhelmed the champs with power and precision, ending the Conglomeration’s run.

Key angles and segments

Death Riders confront Will Ospreay Ed: Ospreay tried to address Redemption, but Moxley’s crew cut him off. Garcia mouthed off, got dropped, and Ospreay handed back his patch—ending his time with the faction.
Hangman Page offers support Gordon: Hangman extended a hand, but Ospreay insisted on walking alone.
Omega and Ospreay face‑off Ed: Their confrontation nearly erupted. The champion framed Ospreay as dangerous and unpredictable; Ospreay promised to rewrite AEW’s hierarchy at Wembley.
Willow Nightingale celebration interrupted Gordon: Mercedes Moné and Divine Dominion crashed the party, signed the All In contract, and left Willow laid out.
Young Bucks and Cage & Cope sit‑down Ed: Respect mixed with rivalry—both teams acknowledged the magnitude of their upcoming clash.

News and rumors around AEW this week

Ed: Headlines and whispers around the wrestling world paint a clear picture of AEW’s direction.

All In: London shaping up
- Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay – World Title. Willow Nightingale vs. Mercedes Moné – Women’s World Title. Cage & Cope vs. Young Bucks – Tag Titles
Gordon: Reports suggest more matches coming soon, including potential multi‑woman bouts.
Death Riders turmoil Ed: Ospreay’s departure leaves Moxley’s group retooling around Claudio, PAC, and Garcia.
Thekla’s All In role Gordon: Speculation points to a featured match or multi‑woman showcase.
The Demand’s rise Ed: Their Trios Title win positions them as major players heading into Wembley.

This week in wrestling history

Gordon: Late July has produced some pivotal moments across wrestling’s past.

July 30, 1989 – Great American Bash (NWA) Helped define the prestige of the NWA World Title scene.
July 25–27, 1997 – Hart Foundation’s Canadian run (WWF) Crowd dynamics flipped the script—lessons AEW still applies.
Late July 2002 – WWE Vengeance Showed how multiple top belts can coexist, a structure AEW mirrors today.
Late July 2011 – Post‑Money in the Bank era Demonstrated how one storyline can redefine a company—AEW’s Omega‑Ospreay conflict aims for similar impact.

Closing thoughts

Ed: AEW spent this week turning Redemption’s outcomes into clear paths: Omega vs. Ospreay, Willow vs. Moné, Bucks vs. Cage & Cope, and a new Trios powerhouse in The Demand.

Gordon: If AEW keeps stacking weeks like this—strong matches, meaningful angles—they’ll hit Wembley with stories worthy of the stage.

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 7/23/26: AEW Dynamite and This Week In History.

🎙️ Sports‑Desk Intro

Ed: “Fans, AEW didn’t just heat up this week — it roared. Titles on the line, alliances cracking, and Redemption looming like a storm front!”

Gordon: “A most consequential interval — championship defenses, faction turbulence, and escalating hostilities ahead of the pay‑per‑view.”

🔵 AEW Dynamite — July 22, 2026 (Nashville, TN)

Full Match Results

TNT Championship: Kevin Knight (c) def. Darby Allin
Brodido (Bandido & Brody King) def. Kyle Fletcher & Kazuchika Okada
Jay White def. Clark Connors
AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship — No DQ: Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne & Lena Kross) (c) def. Sisters of Sin (Skye Blue & Julia Hart)
Trios Main Event: Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay & Jon Moxley def. Brian Cage, Hechicero & Jake Doyle (Don Callis Family)

⭐ Major Segments & Storyline Beats

Kevin Knight’s Record Defense & Omega Assault

Knight retained the TNT Title with a belt shot to Allin, then later blasted Kenny Omega with the TNT Title, leaving him bloodied ahead of Redemption.

Fletcher vs. Bandido Escalates

Kyle Fletcher announced everyone is banned from ringside for his International Title defense at Redemption — then got pinned by Bandido in the tag match.

Thekla vs. Willow Nightingale — Heated Face‑Off

Moderated by Mick Foley, the confrontation turned violent when Thekla struck Willow, only for Willow to Pounce her out of the ring.

Bang Bang Gang vs. The Dogs — Double Chain Match Set

White and the Bang Bang Gang challenged The Dogs to a brutal stipulation match at Redemption.

Backstage Chaos

PAC & Claudio Castagnoli attacked Adam Copeland & Christian Cage backstage, promising to ruin their Redemption homecoming.

🎙️ Ed & Gordon Call the Action

Ed: “Kevin Knight fought like a man chasing history — sharp, opportunistic, and absolutely ruthless!”

Gordon: “A most strategic retention — champion exploiting every permissible advantage.”

Ed: “And that main event? Omega, Ospreay, and Moxley moved like a three‑headed thunderbolt — precision, power, and pure chaos!”

Gordon: “A most formidable trio — synergy evident even amid underlying tension.”

📰 AEW News & Rumors

⭐ Young Bucks vs. Moxley & Ospreay Official for Redemption

A blockbuster tag match added to the PPV.

⭐ Jericho vs. Ciampa — No Holds Barred

The Painmaker returns for a violent showdown at Redemption.

⭐ Athena Reaches Historic Milestone

Athena surpasses Roman Reigns’ Universal Title reign — now the longest modern world champion at 1,317 days.

⭐ Tay Melo Granted AEW Release

Confirmed July 23.

⭐ Anna Jay Extends AEW Contract

Despite injury, Jay signs a new deal.

⭐ MJF’s Absence Explained

Tony Khan confirms why MJF is not on the Redemption card is due to minor injuries.

⭐ Mercedes Moné Set for DJ Debut at All In Afterparty

Moné will perform her first‑ever DJ set.

⭐ Luke Gallows Backstage at Dynamite

Not on camera, but present behind the scenes.

📺 Dynamite Highlights

Omega/Ospreay/Moxley vs. Don Callis Family

High‑speed trios action
Omega accidentally V‑Triggers Mox
Post‑match brawl erupts
Knight lays out Omega with TNT Title to close the show

Women’s Tag Title Carnage

Divine Dominion retain after chokeslamming Skye Blue through a table.

Jay White’s Return Momentum

White defeats Connors; Finlay attacks; Bang Bang Gang makes the save.

🕰️ This Week in History

⭐ July 22, 2019 — AEW’s First Major TNT Announcement

AEW officially announced its weekly TNT show, laying the foundation for Dynamite’s modern era.

⭐ July 23, 2002 — Shawn Michaels Returns to WWE

HBK’s comeback set the stage for his legendary second run.

⭐ July 20, 1998 — Goldberg vs. Hogan on Nitro

WCW’s Georgia Dome classic drew one of the largest crowds in cable wrestling history.

⭐ July 21, 1989 — Great American Bash

Ric Flair vs. Terry Funk ignited one of wrestling’s most iconic feuds.

🎙️ Sports‑Desk Outro

Ed: “Fans, AEW delivered a week packed with electricity — champions rising, tempers flaring, and Redemption shaping up to be a powder keg ready to blow!”

Gordon: “A most comprehensive chronicle — momentum shifting, rivalries intensifying, and anticipation reaching a notable crescendo.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 7/2/26: AEW Dynamite & History.

🎙️ ESPN Desk Intro

Ed: “Fans, if you thought Forbidden Door slammed shut last weekend, Dynamite proved it only cracked open a new chapter — and what a night it was in San Diego!”

Gordon: “Indeed. A most eventful broadcast — championships defended, alliances tested, and several competitors making emphatic statements as July begins.”

🔵 AEW Dynamite #352 — July 1, 2026

📍 Viejas Arena — San Diego, California

⭐ Dark Tag Team Match

Danger Ross & Steven Borden def. KM & Rosario Grillo

Ed: “They kicked off the night with a burst — Danger Ross and Borden looked like they were trying to set the pace for the whole evening!”

Gordon: “A most efficient victory — fundamentals applied with confidence.”

⭐ AEW World Championship

MJF (c) def. Mark Briscoe — 18:21

Ed: “Briscoe fought like a man possessed, but the champion found that extra gear when the moment demanded it!”

Gordon: “A most resilient defense — MJF demonstrating tactical awareness under pressure.”

⭐ AEW TNT Championship

Kevin Knight (c) def. Lio Rush — 8:43

Ed: “Knight’s speed was the story — he moved like he had lightning in his boots!”

Gordon: “A most decisive retention — Knight’s timing continues to sharpen.”

⭐ Tag Team Match

Jon Moxley & Will Ospreay def. The Swirl (Blake Christian & Lee Johnson) — 9:16

Ed: “Moxley brought the grit, Ospreay brought the flash — together they were a storm front rolling through San Diego!”

Gordon: “A most complementary pairing — intensity and precision intertwined.”

⭐ AEW TBS Championship — Survival of the Fittest Six‑Way (Vacant)

Hikaru Shida def. Harley Cameron, Kris Statlander, Maika, Persephone & Queen Aminata — 17:29 TITLE CHANGE

Ed: “That match was a kaleidoscope — bodies flying, momentum shifting, and Shida emerging like a phoenix from the chaos!”

Gordon: “A most grueling contest — Shida’s endurance proving decisive in the closing stretch.”

🔥 Highlights & Story Beats

🔹 MJF’s reign stabilizes

After the chaotic Forbidden Door cage match, MJF’s clean win over Briscoe re‑establishes him as a calculating champion.

🔹 Kevin Knight’s TNT dominance continues

Knight has now defended against Myron Reed, Dezmond Xavier, Hook, Brian Cage, and Lio Rush in rapid succession.

🔹 Shida reclaims gold

The TBS division resets with Shida atop the mountain again — and the field beneath her is stacked.

🔹 Moxley & Ospreay alliance

Their teamwork hints at future tag or trios ambitions, especially with the Death Riders and United Empire threads still active.

📰 AEW News & Rumors (June 28 – July 2)

Forbidden Door fallout continues to ripple across Dynamite and Collision.
Trios division heating up with The Conglomeration, Death Riders, and multiple factions circling.
TBS division reset expected to produce several rematches from the qualifying rounds.
Mark Briscoe’s world title pursuit may not be over — internal chatter suggests a rematch angle.
Kevin Knight’s TNT run rumored to culminate in a multi‑man match at the next PPV.
Ospreay’s momentum after winning the Owen Hart Men’s Tournament is expected to carry into a major summer program.

📅 This Day in Wrestling History — July 1

⭐ July 1, 2002 — WWE Brand Split Era Begins to Take Shape

Raw and SmackDown began defining distinct rosters, reshaping the modern wrestling landscape.

⭐ July 1, 2011 — CM Punk’s “Leaving with the Title” Angle Peaks

The Money in the Bank build reached fever pitch as Punk threatened to walk out with the WWE Championship.

⭐ July 1, 2019 — AEW Fyter Fest Fallout

Early AEW storylines began crystallizing, laying groundwork for the company’s identity.

Ed: “History doesn’t just sit on a shelf — it echoes through every match we watch today!”

Gordon: “A most instructive reflection — past and present forever intertwined.”

🎙️ Desk Outro

Ed: “From Shida’s triumph to Knight’s speed to MJF’s calculated defense, Dynamite delivered a night that felt like AEW planting its flag for the summer ahead!”

Gordon: “Indeed. A most compelling broadcast — momentum shifting, rivalries deepening, and July promising considerable excitement.”