26: Smackdown vs Dynamite, AEW, Swerve vs. Hangman.

Good Evening, Wrestling Fans!

Welcome back to the sports desk for a complete look at All Elite Wrestling since October 22, 2026, including the fallout from Collision, the road to Blood & Guts and Full Gear, and the major developments from AEW Dynamite: Fright Night on October 28, 2026.

HEADLINES

SmackDown And Dynamite Scheduled To Go Head-To-Head On New Year’s Day

Ed: Wrestling fans are already talking about January.

Gordon: Reports this week indicate that WWE SmackDown and AEW Dynamite are expected to run opposite one another on New Year’s Day, setting up another direct battle for viewership and attention.

Ed: Given the competitive nature of both promotions, many observers are already speculating about special attractions and major matches being announced for that holiday showdown.

Tommaso Ciampa Tries To RKO AEW Star

Gordon: One of the more unusual stories circulating this week involves Tommaso Ciampa.

Ed: Ciampa reportedly teased an RKO-style attack on Randy Orton in a return to an bit he did in WWE.

Gordon: It turned out to not be Orton but Kyle Fletcher.

D-Von Dudley Comments On TNA Releasing Max Caster

Ed: Meanwhile, Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley weighed in on TNA’s decision to part ways with Max Caster.

Gordon: Dudley offered his perspective on the situation while discussing the realities of today’s wrestling business and roster management.

Ed: Dudley said, and I quote, “You go back to the Attitude Era, you go back to the Hogan and Andre Era, even the Bruno Sammartino Era. Things that were said in the promos, nowadays [it] would get you kicked off the air, would get you silenced, would get you excommunicated from everything. And it seems to me that society has gotten soft. Now, they hit home. You know, they’ll talk about your wife, your kids, your dog, you know, hell, even you dying, them pi**ing on your grave.”.

AEW DYNAMITE: FRIGHT NIGHT

October 28, 2026

From St. Louis, Missouri.

Dark match: Griff Garrison defeats Jake Parnell

The Cut vs. Death Riders

Jay White & David Finlay

vs.

Jon Moxley & Daniel Garcia

Winners: The Cut

Outside interference proved critical, allowing White to score the deciding fall. Afterward, chaos erupted between both factions before Moxley challenged The Cut to Anarchy In The Arena at Full Gear.

Kyle Fletcher vs. Jack Perry

Winner: Kyle Fletcher

Fletcher continued his tremendous run and immediately shifted focus to AEW World Champion Will Ospreay, declaring he intends to defeat Ospreay again at Full Gear.

Best-of-Five Series

Match #3

Motor City Machine Guns vs. FTR

Winners: Motor City Machine Guns

The Guns moved ahead two matches to one in the series.

After The Match

FTR appeared willing to shake hands before Stokely’s interference sparked another attack, escalating the feud further.

Tommaso Ciampa Segment

Ciampa continued pursuing the National Championship and was confronted by Ilja Dragunov.

Dragunov challenged him directly, but Ciampa declined an immediate fight, leaving unfinished business between the two men.

Marina Shafir vs. Rachel Armstrong

Winner: Marina Shafir

Shafir dominated and picked up another submission victory.

The situation quickly escalated into another confrontation involving Death Riders and The Cut.

AEW TNT Championship

Darby Allin (c)

vs.

Josh Alexander

Winner: Darby Allin retains

Despite interference attempts from the Don Callis Family, Allin escaped with the championship thanks in part to assistance from Steven Borden.

AEW TBS Championship

Persephone (c)

vs.

Queen Aminata

Winner: Queen Aminata

NEW TBS CHAMPION

Ed: One of the biggest moments of the week.

Gordon: After months of pursuing championship gold, Aminata finally captured the TBS Championship in the main event. The celebration included numerous members of the women’s division joining her in the ring.

SWERVE STRICKLAND VS. HANGMAN PAGE

TEXAS DEATH MATCH SPOTLIGHT

Ed: Folks, if there’s one rivalry that continues to haunt AEW, it’s Swerve Strickland and Hangman Page.

Gordon: During Fright Night, discussion of Texas Death Matches became impossible to ignore. Hangman openly warned others about the lasting effects such matches can have after his own wars with Swerve.

The situation became even darker when footage aired showing a bloodied Bandido while Swerve stood over him holding Bandido’s mask. Strickland then made it clear that a normal match at Full Gear was no longer enough and demanded another Texas Death Match-style confrontation.

Ed: Whenever those two names appear in the same conversation, fans know things are about to become violent.

Gordon: Their previous encounters helped define modern AEW, and this latest chapter appears determined to push things even further.

AEW NEWS & RUMORS

The Cut Continue Rising

The alliance led by Jay White and David Finlay has quickly emerged as one of AEW’s most important acts, earning a victory on Dynamite while targeting the Death Riders.

Full Gear Main Events Taking Shape

Several major directions became clearer this week:

Jon Moxley’s challenge for Anarchy In The Arena.
Kyle Fletcher pursuing Will Ospreay.
The Don Callis Family war continuing.
Women’s Blood & Guts preparations.
Trios Championship tensions involving The New Level, Swerve, Hangman, Brody King, and Bandido.

Queen Aminata Breakthrough

Aminata’s title victory is being viewed as one of the biggest career achievements of her AEW run and a significant shakeup for the women’s division.

FINAL BELL

Ed: Wrestling fans, AEW exits Fright Night with a new TBS Champion, a more dangerous Cut faction, and a Full Gear card beginning to take shape.

Gordon: The Death Riders are preparing for war, Darby Allin continues surviving every challenge thrown his way, and Swerve Strickland is once again dragging everyone around him into dangerous territory.

Ed: For my broadcast partner and everyone here at the sports desk, thanks for joining us tonight.

Gordon: Keep one eye on Blood & Guts and the other on Full Gear. Neither event looks quiet.

Ed: And don’t forget to check back tomorrow for more wrestling news, more rumors, more results, and another full report from the sports desk. Good night, everybody!

Around the World of Pro Wrestling 7/19/26: Collision and Promos.

🎙️ Sports‑Desk Intro

Ed: “Fans, AEW didn’t just keep the momentum rolling this week — it blasted forward like a rocket! Collision delivered championship drama, hometown heroes, and a card stacked from bell to bell!”

Gordon: “A most eventful interval — rivalries sharpened, contenders emerged, and the path toward Redemption grew increasingly defined.”

🔵 AEW Collision — July 18, 2026 (Boston, MA)

Full Match Results

Jack Perry def. Nick Wayne
TNT Championship: Kevin Knight (c) def. AR Fox
Don Callis Family (Hechicero, Brian Cage & Jake Doyle) def. Gino Medina, Tome Filip & Nic Nolan
Will Ospreay def. Adam Brooks (referee stoppage)
Athena def. Ava Everett (submission)
The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter & Alex Windsor) def. Tiara James & Kayla Lopez
Tommaso Ciampa def. Myron Reed
ROH World Championship: Bandido (c) def. Adam Priest
TBS Championship: Hikaru Shida (c) def. Queen Aminata (with rope leverage)

⭐ Major Segments & Storyline Beats

Young Bucks Issue Massive Challenge

The Bucks challenged Jon Moxley & Will Ospreay to a tag match at Redemption.

Ciampa Escalates His Feud with Jericho

Ciampa demanded a No Holds Barred match with The Painmaker at Redemption.

Shida vs. Maya World Set for Redemption

After Shida attacked Queen Aminata post‑match, Maya World made the save — earning a TBS Title match.

Mercedes Moné Speaks

Moné declared she’s focused solely on who walks out of All In with the Women’s World Championship.

Mark Davis Attacks Andrade

A backstage assault by Davis further ignited Andrade’s pursuit of the National Title.

🎙️ Ed & Gordon Call the Action

Ed: “Jack Perry wrestled like a man trying to rewrite his entire story — sharp, confident, and absolutely locked in!”

Gordon: “A most assertive performance — momentum clearly shifting in his favor.”

Ed: “And Kevin Knight? He soared tonight — explosive offense, ironclad defense, and a TNT reign that refuses to slow down!”

Gordon: “A most commanding retention — champion’s composure evident throughout.”

Ed: “Ospreay and Brooks gave us a masterclass — speed, precision, and a finish that felt like a thunderclap!”

Gordon: “A most decisive conclusion — technique overwhelming resistance.”

📰 AEW News & Rumors

⭐ Backstage Plans for Redemption

Internal discussions suggest Andrade, Kevin Knight, and Mike Bailey were considered for Omega’s PPV challenger. Andrade viewed as strongest option.

⭐ MJF vs. Omega Plans Shifted

The originally planned Redemption main event (Omega vs. MJF) was moved to Dynamite at MJF’s request.

⭐ Willow Nightingale Temporarily Stepping Away

Willow heads to TJPW to face Mizuki, despite earning a Women’s World Title shot at Redemption.

⭐ Chris Jericho Revives The Painmaker

Jericho brings back his sadistic NJPW persona for his Redemption match with Ciampa.

⭐ Don Callis Confirms Retirement Status

Callis officially states he’s retired from in‑ring competition — though he teased “there’s always an amount of money.”

🕰️ Historical Spotlight: “And That’s the Bottom Line, ’Cause Stone Cold Said So”

I generally have a no WWE rule. But… promos and history are important things to learn about. So, here we go…

King of the Ring — June 23, 1996

The promo that changed wrestling forever.

After defeating Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Steve Austin delivered the now‑legendary Austin 3:16 speech — a moment widely credited with launching the Attitude Era and redefining WWE’s entire presentation.

Austin’s closing line — “…and that’s the bottom line, ’cause Stone Cold said so!” — became one of the most iconic catchphrases in wrestling history, fueling merchandise explosions, skyrocketing popularity, and the rise of WWE’s most influential anti‑hero.

Credit: cagematch.net

The promo: “Steve Austin: “The first thing I want to be done, is to get that piece of crap [Jake Roberts] out of my ring. Don’t just get him out of the ring, get him out of the WWF! Because I’ve proven, son, without a shadow of a doubt: You ain’t got what it takes anymore! You sit there and you thump your bible and you say your prayers, and it didn’t get you anywhere. Talk about your Psalms, talk about John 3:16–Austin 3:16 says: ‘I’ve just whipped your ass!’ All he has got to do, is buy him a cheap bottle of Thunderbird, and try to dig back some of that courage he had in his prime.

As the King Of The Ring, I’m serving notice to every one of the WWF Superstars. I don’t give a damn what they are, they’re all on the list–and that is Stone Cold’s list–and I’m fixing to start running through all of them. As far as this championship match is concerned [HBK vs. British Bulldog], son, I don’t give a damn if it’s Davey Boy Smith or Shawn Michaels. Steve Austin’s time has come. And when I get the shot, you are looking at the next WWF Champion. And that’s the bottom line, ’cause Stone Cold said so.”

🎙️ Sports‑Desk Outro

Ed: “Fans, AEW delivered a week packed with fire — championship battles, rising stars, and a Collision card that shook Boston to its core!”

Gordon: “A most comprehensive chronicle — shifting dynamics, escalating rivalries, and a clear trajectory toward Redemption.”

Around the World of Pro Wrestling

🎙️ AEW Rundown by Ed & Gordon

🟦 DESK INTRO

Ed: “Fans, All Elite Wrestling has been hotter than a depot stove since this past week! A new World Champion, a furious former champion, factions circling like sharks, and a Dynamite that shook Portland to its core!”

Gordon: “Indeed. A most eventful week, with championship implications and personal rivalries intertwining across the AEW landscape.”

🟩 THE WEEK IN AEW (April 16–22, 2026)

🔥 Darby Allin’s First Week as AEW World Champion

Allin’s win over MJF at the Spring Break Dynamite set the tone for a chaotic week.
MJF has spent every moment since claiming he was robbed in what he calls the “Seattle Screwjob.”
Allin vowed to be a fighting champion and immediately accepted a defense against Tommaso Ciampa.

Ed: “Fans, Allin didn’t even have time to breathe before challengers lined up around the block!”

🟥 Major Storylines Heating Up

MJF vs. Everyone: MJF interrupted nearly every segment he could, demanding his title back and insulting Kevin Knight, who confronted him with the TNT Championship.
Brody King’s Rise: After defeating Lio Rush, King declared he has his eye on the World Title.
Will Ospreay vs. Mark Davis / Don Callis Family: Ospreay’s match ended via doctor stoppage after a brutal apron piledriver, followed by the Death Riders abducting him.
Women’s Division Turmoil: Mina Shirakawa vs. Hikaru Shida escalated suspicions around Toni Storm’s backstage attack.
Tag Team Stakes: Copeland & Christian challenged FTR for Double or Nothing — with a retirement stipulation if they lose.

🟦 AEW DYNAMITE — APRIL 22, 2026 (FULL REVIEW)

📍 Veterans Memorial Coliseum — Portland, OR

🎤 Opening Segment — MJF Meltdown

MJF stormed the ring, furious about losing the title, calling last week a conspiracy and demanding Allin return the belt. Kevin Knight confronted him, leading to a teased TNT Title match that MJF backed out of.

Gordon: “A most petulant display — but effective in stirring the pot.”

🟫 Brody King def. Lio Rush

A clash of size and speed. Rush’s new unhinged persona wasn’t enough to stop King’s power. Post‑match, King declared his intentions for the World Title.

🟪 Hikaru Shida def. Mina Shirakawa

A hard‑hitting bout with storyline weight, as Mina continues to suspect Shida in Toni Storm’s attack.

🟧 Mark Davis def. Will Ospreay (Doctor Stoppage)

A brutal match between former United Empire partners. Davis spiked Ospreay on the apron, leading to stoppage. The Death Riders then abducted Ospreay.

Ed: “Fans, that was as frightening a scene as we’ve seen in some time!”

🟩 Samoa Joe def. Cody Chhun

A dominant showcase for Joe in his return from injury.

🟦 MAIN EVENT — AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Darby Allin (c) def. Tommaso Ciampa

Allin’s first defense was a gritty, emotional fight. MJF attempted to interfere verbally earlier, but Allin shut him down. After a dramatic closing stretch, Allin retained.

Gordon: “A most courageous defense — Allin proved he is no transitional champion.”

📰 AEW NEWS & RUMORS

Double or Nothing build begins: MJF likely positioning for a rematch, though Allin refuses to grant one without stakes.
Ospreay injury angle: His neck injury is storyline‑significant and may set up a major faction war.
Tag division shake‑up: Copeland & Christian’s retirement stipulation has fans buzzing.
Women’s division intrigue: Shida’s win deepens the mystery around Toni Storm’s attacker.

🎙️ DESK OUTRO

Ed: “Fans, AEW is firing on all cylinders — champions standing tall, challengers circling, and tempers hotter than ever!”

Gordon: “Indeed. A most compelling week, and the road to Double or Nothing promises even more fireworks. And with that… so long from the wrestling world.”