AEW Dynamite live tonight at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max from the Mission Ballroom in Denver, Colorado.
AEW’s Rebel has shared a deeply emotional update on her health, revealing that her condition has worsened as she continues to battle both primary pulmonary lymphoma and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
Rebel was officially classified as disabled following her diagnosis with lung cancer and FND — a neurological condition that impacts movement and speech. Now, in a candid message to fans, she has opened up about the difficult road she’s currently facing.
According to Rebel, multiple rehabilitation efforts have not yielded the progress she had hoped for. While doctors evaluate the next steps in her treatment plan, she has checked into an inpatient rehabilitation program in an effort to regain strength and independence.
The challenges she described are significant.
Rebel revealed she is undergoing speech therapy due to difficulties with speaking, chewing, and swallowing. She is also receiving occupational therapy to address issues with her hands, explaining that they have begun to “claw,” making even simple daily tasks extremely difficult. Opening a Ziploc bag, brushing her teeth, putting on deodorant, cooking, or even handling basic hygiene routines have become physically demanding.
She described the sensation in her arms as feeling like “40-pound weights” are hanging from her wrists whenever she tries to lift them, turning everyday movements into strenuous workouts.
In addition, Rebel is participating in physical therapy to improve her gait and mobility. While she is capable of walking without assistance, she is currently using a walker due to a high risk of falling.
Despite the heartbreaking nature of her update, Rebel’s message was also one of determination. She thanked fans for their continued prayers and support, making it clear that she hasn’t given up on returning to the life she loves.
She admitted how much she misses being on the road and appearing on television, noting that her decision to commit to hospital-based rehab is driven by her goal of getting stronger. Though her speech has changed, she expressed gratitude that she is still able to communicate.
Rebel has long been a respected and well-liked presence in AEW, both on-screen and behind the scenes. This latest update underscores just how serious her battle has become — but it also highlights her resilience.
Everyone here at WrestlingNewsBlog.com continues to send positive thoughts her way as she fights to regain her strength and independence.
Tony Khan has kicked off 2026 in aggressive fashion, expanding the talent pool across both AEW and Ring of Honor — and it may be a sign that bigger structural changes are coming for ROH.
Over the past several weeks, Khan has either announced or been linked to a wave of new additions, including Alec Price, Clark Connors, Jake Doyle, Jordan Oliver, Lena Kross, Mascara Dorada, Persephone, Tommaso Ciampa, The Rascalz, and The IInspiration. With the roster growing rapidly — and rumors suggesting more moves are still in the pipeline — many have questioned what this means for Ring of Honor’s long-term direction.
According to Fightful Select, ROH is scheduled to hold a television taping on March 1 at WJCT Studios in Jacksonville, Florida. Talent had reportedly been informed about the taping plans in recent weeks.
There’s also internal belief that WJCT Studios could become the regular home for ROH television moving forward, though that hasn’t been officially confirmed.
If that ends up being the case, it would mark a significant shift in how ROH content is produced under Khan’s ownership.
Since Khan purchased ROH in March 2022, the promotion’s TV has largely been taped alongside AEW Dynamite or AEW Collision. While there have been exceptions — such as the early ROH on HonorClub episodes taped at Universal Studios in Orlando — ROH has not had a consistent, standalone home base.
Establishing a regular venue in Jacksonville would create clearer separation between AEW and ROH programming. That distinction has been something fans and industry observers have called for, especially as ROH continues its search for a traditional television deal.
A consistent studio setup could help ROH develop its own visual identity and presentation style rather than feeling like an extension of AEW tapings.
Interestingly, WJCT Studios reportedly wasn’t the original top choice. Daily’s Place — the amphitheater that served as AEW’s pandemic-era home — had long been speculated as a logical base of operations for ROH.
However, that option is currently off the table. Daily’s Place is undergoing renovations that are expected to last until at least 2027, making it unavailable for regular tapings.
That reality appears to have opened the door for WJCT Studios to emerge as a potential long-term solution.
The timing of the March 1 taping, combined with Khan’s recent signing spree, suggests ROH may be gearing up for a refreshed presentation in 2026. A deeper roster, a possible permanent venue, and a more distinct production model could all be pieces of a larger strategy — especially if a television deal remains a top priority.
While nothing has been formally announced regarding a new broadcast partner, the infrastructure moves behind the scenes indicate that Khan is positioning ROH for something more stable and potentially more visible.
For a promotion that has spent the past few years searching for footing under new ownership, establishing a home base could be the clearest sign yet that ROH is preparing for its next chapter.
AEW Collision live tonight at 8/7c on TNT and HBO Max from the Frontwave Arena in San Diego, California.
ROH TV tonight at 7/6c on #HonorClub at WatchROH.com 7/6c
AEW Dynamite live tonight at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max from the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento, California.
WWE sent fans into theory mode on the February 16 episode of RAW thanks to a backstage tease that immediately got people talking.
A large crate marked “Deliver to WWE” with instructions not to open it until 2/28/26 was shown during the broadcast. With Elimination Chamber set for that exact date, speculation ran wild about what — or who — could be inside. Among the more popular guesses circulating online? A surprise return from Chris Jericho.
As intriguing as that idea might be, new reporting suggests fans shouldn’t get their hopes up.
According to Fightful Select, Jericho is still under contract with All Elite Wrestling. Sean Ross Sapp reports that the general belief within AEW — as well as among those close to Jericho — is that his deal was effectively frozen when he stepped away in 2025.
Jericho’s original AEW agreement was believed to expire in 2025, but there are several potential reasons it may now extend beyond that point. Contract freezes due to time off, injury-related extensions, or even a quiet renewal could all be factors. Without access to the specifics of the deal, the exact situation remains unclear — but the key takeaway is that Jericho is not currently a free agent.
Adding to that, Jericho is still listed on AEW’s official roster page, which is typically a strong indicator that talent remains under contract. Fightful also noted that no internal communication has been distributed regarding his departure, something that usually occurs when a wrestler exits the company.
Interestingly, the report does mention that Jericho hasn’t completely closed the door on WWE. He has reportedly told people he would consider a return to the company at some point. However, there are outside projects and ventures he would have to weigh carefully if a WWE deal were on the table.
For now, the crate remains an unanswered question — but it likely doesn’t contain “The Learning Tree.”
While WWE clearly wants fans speculating ahead of Elimination Chamber, a Chris Jericho comeback on February 28 doesn’t appear to be in the cards.
The IInspiration are officially All Elite.
Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee made their in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling at Sunday’s AEW House Rules live event, and by the end of the night, they made it clear their arrival wasn’t a one-off appearance. The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions confirmed to the live crowd that they have signed with AEW, kicking off a brand-new chapter in their already decorated careers.
Competing in tag team action against Frankie P and Ayesha, McKay and Lee wasted little time reminding fans why they’ve been one of the most recognizable duos in women’s wrestling over the past several years. The IInspiration picked up a decisive victory before addressing the audience and proudly declaring themselves “All Elite.”
However, the celebration didn’t last long.
Moments after their announcement, The Brawling Birds — Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor — made their way to the ring, creating immediate tension. Rather than engage, The IInspiration opted for a strategic exit, but the message was clear: AEW’s women’s tag team division just gained another potential rivalry. While the official #AllElite graphic has yet to be released as of this writing, their status with the company appears to be firmly locked in.
According to Fightful Select, McKay and Lee quietly signed multi-year contracts with AEW nearly a month ago. The agreements reportedly came together shortly after they wrapped up their run with TNA Wrestling at the January 15 episode of iMPACT on AMC.
During that appearance, the duo dropped the Knockouts World Tag Team Championships to The Elegance Brand, closing the book on their most recent title reign. Interestingly, reports indicate their TNA contracts had technically expired around Bound For Glory last October, and they continued working without formal deals in the months that followed. Their departure from the promotion is said to have been amicable.
There had also been speculation surrounding their future earlier this year. WWE sources reportedly believed that if The IInspiration did not appear in the January 31 Royal Rumble, AEW would likely be their landing spot — which ultimately proved to be the case.
One intriguing detail from the report involves AEW’s Harley Cameron. Cameron is credited as the lyricist behind The IInspiration’s long-running entrance theme, a track the duo has carried with them across multiple promotions. That behind-the-scenes connection now adds another layer to their AEW arrival.
McKay and Lee bring significant experience and championship pedigree to AEW’s growing women’s division. Wrestling fans first saw them rise to prominence in WWE as The IIconics, where they captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and built a strong following thanks to their charisma and character work.
Following their WWE release, they signed with TNA in 2021 and went on to become two-time Knockouts World Tag Team Champions. After a brief hiatus and eventual return to TNA at Against All Odds, their run officially concluded last month, paving the way for this new opportunity.
The IInspiration are reportedly part of a larger group of recent AEW signings that have yet to be formally unveiled. One name already making waves is Lena Kross, who debuted at Grand Slam: Australia aligned with Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford.
With McKay and Lee now in the fold, AEW’s women’s tag team division gains instant depth, personality, and star power. The teased tension with The Brawling Birds could be just the beginning, and with several emerging teams in the mix, there’s no shortage of potential storylines.
Whether they’re chasing gold or stirring up chaos, The IInspiration’s presence immediately elevates the landscape. AEW’s women’s tag team scene just got a lot more interesting.
AEW ‘Grand Slam: Australia’ tonight at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on TNT and streaming on HBO Max! The event took place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
A new feature published by CNN.com examining the growing intersection between professional wrestling and political themes has sparked conversation for more than one reason.
While the article primarily focuses on what it describes as a “politically shaded rivalry” between AEW and WWE, it also makes a notable claim: that Warner Bros. Discovery — CNN’s parent company — owns a minority stake in AEW.
In the piece, CNN writes:
“The embrace of contemporary issues is part of a larger, politically shaded rivalry playing out in the industry, between the 7-year-old AEW and the industry’s ruling juggernaut for generations, WWE (Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent corporation, owns a minority stake in AEW).”
That line has raised eyebrows, as AEW President Tony Khan has consistently avoided confirming whether WBD holds any equity in the promotion. Since at least 2023, Khan has repeatedly stated that he maintains full control over AEW’s decision-making, though he has not directly confirmed or denied whether Warner Bros. Discovery owns a financial stake.
If WBD’s ownership were to exceed 10 percent, it would generally require public disclosure due to securities regulations tied to publicly traded companies. As of now, no such filing has been publicly highlighted.
It also remains unclear whether any ownership component may have been included as part of AEW’s most recent media rights agreement with WBD.
The ownership question becomes even more interesting when considering the broader corporate landscape.
Warner Bros. Discovery has been the subject of acquisition discussions, with Paramount and Netflix both reportedly exploring different types of deals.
If WBD does in fact own a minority stake in AEW, questions naturally follow:
At this point, those questions remain speculative.
Beyond the ownership note, the article focuses heavily on how political themes continue to surface in wrestling storylines and fan reactions.
CNN points out that wrestling has historically drawn from real-world political tensions for dramatic effect. The article references Sgt. Slaughter’s infamous Gulf War-era heel turn, in which he aligned himself with Iraqi sympathies during the height of U.S. tensions — one of the most controversial angles in WWE history.
More recently, AEW has found itself at the center of attention following politically charged chants at live events.
The article highlights chants that occurred during recent matches involving MJF and Brody King.
At AEW Grand Slam Mexico last June, King wore an “ABOLISH ICE” shirt. Fans in attendance at AEW Grand Slam Australia reportedly chanted “F— ICE” during King’s title match against MJF. That event is scheduled to air on tape delay at 8:00 PM ET on TNT and HBO Max.
CNN also quoted Eero Laine, a theatre professor at SUNY Buffalo who studies the history of professional wrestling. Laine noted that the chants were unusual in wrestling terms:
“They are interesting in that they support a political stance associated with one of the wrestlers, but they are not necessarily directly related to what’s happening in the ring. And the chant is not part of the repertoire of standard wrestling chants.”
The broader framing of the article suggests that AEW and WWE’s competition is no longer limited strictly to ratings and creative direction, but also cultural positioning. While WWE has largely avoided overt political messaging in recent years, AEW crowds — and occasionally talent — have shown a greater willingness to reference contemporary issues.
Whether that reflects company philosophy or simply organic fan behavior is open to interpretation.
What is clear is that CNN’s mention of a potential Warner Bros. Discovery minority stake in AEW is likely to fuel renewed discussion about the true nature of the partnership between the media giant and the wrestling promotion.
As of this writing, AEW has not publicly addressed the claim.
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