Pro wrestling fans were in for a nostalgic shock during this week’s AEW Collision as Zach Gowen — yes, that Zach Gowen — made his first national TV appearance in over two decades. For many, it was a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment, but longtime fans of the early 2000s WWE era instantly recognized the one-legged wrestling pioneer in the crowd. And his presence wasn’t just for show — it was a set-up for something much more personal.
Gowen, who famously competed in WWE, TNA, and the original Ring of Honor, was spotted ringside during the show. Things took a dramatic turn after Ricochet’s match with Angelico. The high-flyer, fresh off a heel turn, took a detour into villainy by taunting Gowen — first with some feigned admiration, then turning full-blown disrespectful.
After mocking Gowen’s legacy, Ricochet escalated the situation by assaulting security and attempting to cut one of their hair. That’s when Gowen had seen enough. He stepped into the ring and stood his ground, even getting a few shots in on Ricochet. But the feel-good moment turned brutal when Ricochet targeted Gowen’s leg, ultimately removing his prosthetic limb in a symbolic (and shocking) act of dominance.
“I haven’t been on a national TV wrestling program in 22 years. Thank you to those that remembered me!!! I haven’t forgotten about y’all either,” he wrote. “The magic of professional wrestling is still very much alive in my soul and I’m so grateful I get to share that once again 🙏.”
The good news? This wasn’t just a one-off nostalgia spot. AEW has confirmed that Gowen will make his official in-ring debut for the promotion next week on Dynamite: Beach Break, where he’ll square off against Ricochet in what’s shaping up to be a must-see clash.
It’s a rare chance for fans to see a full-circle moment — the return of a unique talent who broke barriers, now entering a new chapter with a chip on his shoulder and a chance to shut down one of AEW’s most dangerous new villains.
AEW fans were treated to a blast from the past on this week’s Dynamite, as former WWE and ECW star Rhino made a surprise debut — and in his hometown of Detroit, no less. The veteran powerhouse answered an open challenge for the Ring of Honor World Television Championship, setting up an unexpected showdown with rising star Nick Wayne.
The match was hyped with a cryptic tease that Wayne would face “someone from Christian Cage’s past,” adding fuel to the ongoing drama within the Patriarchy. The mystery opponent turned out to be none other than Rhino, a man whose early career was closely linked with Cage’s. Commentary was quick to remind fans that the two were once “inseparable,” making Rhino’s appearance even more compelling given Cage’s current on-screen persona.
Rhino brought his trademark intensity to the match, initially brushing off Wayne’s offense with brute strength. But the young champion showed resilience, eventually chopping the bigger man down. Outside interference nearly swung the tide — Kip Sabian jumped on the apron to distract the referee while Cage tried to trip Rhino. However, the veteran wasn’t fooled and held his own for a bit longer.
Ultimately, Wayne capitalized on the chaos and landed the Killswitch — a move notably tied to Cage himself — to retain the title.
Post-match, the Patriarchy entered the ring to celebrate, but in true Christian Cage fashion, the celebration came with a dose of passive aggression. Cage went to present Wayne with the championship belt, only to let it fall deliberately to the mat instead of placing it around Wayne’s waist — a subtle but pointed gesture that continues to build the tension in their uneasy alliance.
This unexpected moment not only brought Rhino into the AEW fold for the first time but also added another layer of intrigue to the slow-burn storyline between Christian Cage and Nick Wayne.
Could this be the beginning of a longer run for Rhino in AEW or just a one-night pop for the hometown crowd? Time will tell.
The landscape of All Elite Wrestling just got a lot more dangerous. Josh Alexander officially arrived on the AEW stage during the latest episode of Dynamite, entering the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament as the surprise Wild Card — and stepping right into battle with none other than “Hangman” Adam Page.
Alexander didn’t waste any time proving why he’s one of the most talked-about free agents in recent memory. He brought the fight to Page in a hard-hitting showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats. Despite coming up short, Alexander’s AEW debut was anything but forgettable.
The match itself was a near-even war of attrition, with Page narrowly escaping a late-match flurry from the former IMPACT World Champion, including a close call with the C4 Spike and a dangerous ankle lock attempt. It wasn’t pretty, but Page managed to catch Alexander in a quick cradle pin for the win, punching his ticket to the tournament semi-finals against Kyle Fletcher.
But the real drama went down after the bell.
As Don Callis and Kyle Fletcher made their way out — signaling the continuation of Callis’ interest in Fletcher’s rise — all eyes were on the standoff between Fletcher and Page. That is, until Alexander struck. In a shocking post-match twist, “The Walking Weapon” blindsided Page, seemingly at the prompting of Callis, who was caught whispering in his ear just moments before the ambush.
Alexander didn’t stick around for long. He laid Page out and then quietly exited, leaving Callis and Fletcher to soak in the heat. The segment closed with Fletcher standing tall over a fallen Page, but the bigger question was clear: is Josh Alexander officially part of the Don Callis Family?
Alexander’s debut marks a significant chapter for the Canadian standout. After finishing up his six-year run with TNA earlier this year — a tenure that included two World Championship reigns, tag team gold alongside Ethan Page, and a run as X-Division Champion — Alexander’s free agent status had been a hot topic among wrestling insiders.
With appearances in NJPW, GCW, AAA, RevPro, and ROH also under his belt, Alexander arrives in AEW with a world-class pedigree. Now, with the AEW spotlight firmly on him — and possibly a powerful (and polarizing) ally in Don Callis — it looks like “The Walking Weapon” is ready to carve out a violent new path in the company.
JOSH ALEXANDER IS THE WILD CARD! He faces Hangman Adam Page RIGHT NOW in the #OwenHartCup!