Category: AEW

AEW to Honor Steve “Mongo” McMichael at Beach Break with Ric Flair in Attendance

AEW is set to pay tribute to the late Steve “Mongo” McMichael during the upcoming AEW Collision: Beach Break special, and the occasion will be made even more meaningful with the presence of McMichael’s longtime friend and fellow Four Horsemen legend, Ric Flair.

McMichael, who passed away in April at the age of 67 following a lengthy battle with ALS, left a lasting impact both on the football field and in the world of pro wrestling. AEW confirmed during this week’s Collision that a special tribute segment will air as part of next Saturday’s Beach Break broadcast, which will take place in McMichael’s hometown of Chicago.

Flair, who wrestled alongside McMichael during their time in WCW as members of the iconic Four Horsemen stable, will be in the building to pay his respects. Following McMichael’s passing, Flair posted an emotional tribute on social media, calling him “an amazing friend and athlete.” Their friendship extended far beyond the ring, and Flair’s involvement in the upcoming tribute ensures it will be as heartfelt as it is historic.

Before stepping into the squared circle, McMichael carved out a legendary career in the NFL — including a Super Bowl win with the Chicago Bears. He later made the jump to professional wrestling in 1995, becoming a regular presence on WCW Monday Nitro and eventually competing in matches from 1996 to 1999. Known for his charisma, toughness, and unmistakable swagger, McMichael became one of WCW’s most memorable crossover stars.

AEW Collision: Beach Break will be taped on April 14 — the same day as AEW Dynamite — and will air on Saturday, April 17. The show is already shaping up to be an emotional and action-packed night, with the returns of Skye Blue and Zach Gowen already confirmed. Now, the inclusion of a tribute to one of wrestling’s most unique figures adds a powerful dose of legacy to the card.

Fans in Chicago — and across the wrestling world — will no doubt be tuning in to remember Mongo and the mark he left on both sports and sports entertainment.

Skye Blue Announces She Will Return at AEW Beach Break: “I’m Back, and I’m a Violent Little Thing”

After months of speculation and silence, Skye Blue is officially on her way back to AEW — and she’s coming home to do it.

During Thursday’s episode of AEW Collision, Blue made a surprise appearance via video package following the hard-hitting bout between Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale. The vignette, set to a moody, defiant tone, featured a montage of Blue dishing out punishment in the ring — from her signature Code Blue finisher to powerbombs, superkicks, and her Dragon Sleeper submission. It ended with a clear message and a chilling smile from the Chicago native herself:

“Next week, Beach Break. AEW is back in Chicago, and so am I. I’m back, and I’m a violent little thing.”

It was the kind of return tease that immediately grabbed attention — both for its timing and the edge in Blue’s voice. It also brings to an end a lengthy absence from in-ring action. Blue has been on the sidelines since suffering a broken ankle during a match against Hikaru Shida on the July 20, 2024 episode of Collision. The match had to be stopped due to the severity of the injury, and Blue has been rehabbing ever since.

Fans had been hopeful for a return earlier this year, especially after reports in February suggested she was close to being cleared. But AEW played it close to the vest, with no official timeline until now.

AEW Dynamite: Beach Break already promises to be a stacked card with the return of Zach Gowen and a potential showdown between him and Ricochet, and now Skye Blue’s homecoming adds another layer of anticipation. Given the tone of her promo, it looks like Blue is coming back with a much more aggressive edge — and she’s not here to just blend into the background.

Will this be a new chapter for Skye Blue as a major player in the AEW women’s division? Or will her return simply mark the beginning of another uphill battle? One thing’s for sure — next week in Chicago, all eyes will be on the “violent little thing.”

Are you ready for Skye Blue 2.0?

Zach Gowen Makes Surprising TV Return After 22 Years on AEW Collision, Set for In-Ring Clash With Ricochet Next Week On Dynamite: Beach Break

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.

Following the segment, Gowen took to social media to reflect on his return to the spotlight.

“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 Collision Preview 5/8/2025

AEW Collision airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Lee Johnson
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico
  • Daniel Garcia vs. Cash Wheeler OR Dax Harwood

Thekla Is All Elite: Former STARDOM Star Signs with AEW After Weeks of Teasers

After weeks of cryptic teases and online speculation, AEW fans finally have their answer — Thekla is officially All Elite.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Thekla has signed a deal with All Elite Wrestling following a lengthy period of behind-the-scenes negotiations and preparations for her U.S. transition. The former STARDOM standout had reportedly been in talks with AEW for some time before the deal was locked in.

Interestingly, Thekla wasn’t just on AEW’s radar — sources indicate that WWE also showed interest in signing her during their international talent scouting push last year. However, AEW ultimately secured the rising star, who brings a unique blend of charisma and in-ring ferocity to their growing women’s division.

Fans have been picking up on spider-themed hints on AEW programming in recent weeks, and now we know why. During last night’s Dynamite, a subtle but deliberate red spider graphic briefly appeared in the top left corner of the screen — a clear nod to Thekla’s “Toxic Spider” persona. It’s believed these Easter eggs are part of the build-up to her on-screen debut.

Thekla’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue to AEW’s women’s roster, especially given her gothic aesthetic, high-impact style, and international fanbase. With her official signing now confirmed, it’s only a matter of time before she makes her presence felt in the AEW ring.

Will she arrive as a lone predator or align herself with an existing faction? The web is just beginning to spin.

Rhino Makes Surprise AEW Debut in Hometown, Faces Nick Wayne for ROH TV Title

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.

AEW Dynamite Preview 5/7/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Four-Way Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford vs. Anna Jay
  • The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) and Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland, Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe
  • AEW Continental Title Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kevin Knight
  • Jamie Hayter sit-down interview with Renee Paquette
  • We will hear from Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay
  • Samoa Joe vs. Claudio Castagnoli

AEW/ROH Releases The Righteous’ Dutch and Vincent Amid Roster Shakeup

As WWE continues to make waves with its recent round of talent cuts, AEW has followed suit with a few notable departures of its own. The latest names to exit Tony Khan’s roster are Dutch and Vincent of The Righteous, a dark and enigmatic tag team best known for their work in Ring of Honor (ROH).

According to PWInsider, Dutch and Vincent were quietly released last week. While they made their initial AEW debut at Supercard of Honor 2023, the pair were better known to longtime fans of the Sinclair-era ROH, where they previously held the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships. Since AEW’s acquisition of ROH, The Righteous primarily competed on ROH on Honor Club, with occasional appearances on AEW Collision.

Their final match under the AEW/ROH umbrella came just last month, teaming with Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese to secure a win in eight-man tag action. Interestingly, that appearance also marked their first match in ROH since their December defeat in a brutal Double Bullrope match at Final Battle against Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes.

The Righteous aren’t the only ones departing AEW recently. EJ Nduka, who also worked ROH dates, confirmed his exit and appeared to take a subtle swipe at AEW leadership on the way out. Earlier in the year, bigger names like Malakai Black, Miro, Rey Fenix, and Ricky Starks also parted ways with the company, all eventually landing in WWE.

Reports from March suggest more exits may be on the horizon as contracts expire. Wrestlers like Zak Knight, Nick Comoroto, and Abadon are all rumored to be on shaky ground, and Saraya has already left following the conclusion of her deal.

As AEW continues to reshape its roster, it’s clear the promotion is entering a transitional phase—one that could have major implications across both AEW and ROH brands moving forward.

Darby Allin Sets Kickflip World Record During Mount Everest Climb

AEW’s resident daredevil Darby Allin has once again pushed the limits—this time, not in a wrestling ring, but on the slopes of Mount Everest.

Currently in the midst of a grueling climb up the world’s tallest mountain, Darby has already made history by landing a kickflip at a staggering 20,958 feet above sea level. The feat sets a world record for the highest elevation at which the move has ever been performed. Allin shared the moment on Instagram, showcasing both his signature skateboard and his unrelenting thirst for the extreme.

The climb began on April 8, with Darby joining an expedition team guided by Adventure Consultants. According to their official site, the group took a rest day at Everest Base Camp on May 3—no small feat, considering the base camp itself sits over 17,000 feet high.

While it’s unclear whether Darby will ultimately reach the summit, his commitment to pushing boundaries is already on full display. In typical Allin fashion, even an Everest expedition isn’t just about the destination—it’s about making a statement.

Known for his high-risk style in AEW, Darby has never shied away from danger. Whether diving off ladders or snowboarding through promos, the former TNT Champion blends athleticism with sheer fearlessness—and now, he’s taken that mindset to the roof of the world.

Stay tuned as Darby’s Everest journey continues. If he does make it to the summit, don’t be surprised if he finds a way to make history there, too.

You can watch Darby’s Instagram post below:

AEW Collision Preview 5/3/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TBS and Max at 8pm ET. from the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Lady Frost
  • Megan Bayne vs. Harley Cameron
  • Brody King vs. Josh Alexander