Category: AEW

Darby Allin Reportedly Set to Begin Mount Everest Climb on April 15

AEW star Darby Allin is officially gearing up for one of the most dangerous challenges of his life—climbing Mount Everest. After his plans were postponed last year due to a foot injury, the former TNT Champion is now set to begin his ascent on April 15, according to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

A Risky Undertaking

Climbing Everest is no small feat, especially for someone without extensive mountaineering experience. The journey to the summit typically takes around two months, though unpredictable weather and other challenges can extend the timeframe. With over 340 recorded fatalities on the mountain, Everest remains one of the most treacherous climbs in the world.

One of the most haunting aspects of the mountain is Rainbow Valley, a section near the summit known for the brightly colored clothing of fallen climbers whose bodies remain frozen in place. Another infamous landmark is Green Boots, the body of an unidentified climber who perished in 1996 and has since become a grim marker for those making the climb.

What’s Next for Darby?

Allin has never shied away from extreme challenges, whether inside the ring or in his personal life. He’s previously expressed his desire to push his limits beyond professional wrestling, and this Everest climb is the latest example of that mindset.

As he embarks on this dangerous mission, AEW fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on his progress. If successful, Allin will join a rare group of individuals who have conquered the world’s tallest peak. However, given the risks involved, this journey will undoubtedly test his endurance and determination like never before.

Stay tuned for updates on Darby Allin’s Everest expedition as he takes his daredevil persona to new heights—literally.

Tony Khan Open to Moving “AEW Collision” from Saturday Nights

AEW CEO Tony Khan has addressed speculation surrounding AEW Collision possibly moving to a different night in the future. While Khan remains confident in the show’s performance on Saturdays, he acknowledged that any potential change would depend on AEW’s network partner, Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

Khan Praises Collision’s Growth on Saturdays

Speaking about Collision, Khan expressed pride in how the Saturday night program has developed its audience.

“I think we have a great thing on Saturdays,” Khan said. “We’ve consistently been one of the top shows in our time slot, and we’ve been building a great audience. ‘Collision’ is having a great year.”

He also pointed out how the show has performed well relative to other cable programs and believes it has built strong momentum heading into 2025.

Could Collision Move to a Different Night?

Despite his satisfaction with Collision’s current schedule, Khan made it clear that he’s open to change if WBD suggests it.

“I would be open to basically anything within reason the network asked me to do. I am really very proud of the run we’re having,” Khan explained.

This flexibility could come into play once WBD’s current deal with the NBA expires, as the network will likely reassess its programming strategy. AEW has benefited from sports lead-ins in the past, and Khan acknowledged that these have helped boost Collision’s success.

What’s Next for AEW Collision?

For now, Khan is focused on maintaining Collision’s momentum and ensuring its long-term success, much like Dynamite, which has been a major player for WBD since 2019. While nothing is set in stone regarding a potential schedule change, the AEW boss remains committed to working with the network to make the best decision for the company’s future.

With AEW’s media rights negotiations on the horizon, the placement of Collision could become a key discussion point. Whether it stays on Saturdays or moves to another night, it’s clear that Khan and AEW are ready to adapt.

AEW Star Orange Cassidy Reportedly Sidelined with Serious Injury

It looks like AEW’s “Freshly Squeezed” Orange Cassidy might be facing a significant setback. According to a report from Fightful Select, Cassidy is dealing with a serious injury that has forced him off television. While AEW sources couldn’t confirm specifics, there is speculation that he may have suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

At this point, there’s no word on whether the injury will require surgery or how long Cassidy could be out of action. However, given the nature of a potential pec tear, it could be a lengthy absence, meaning fans might not see the laid-back fan favorite in the ring for quite some time.

When Did the Injury Happen?

The exact moment Cassidy sustained the injury remains unclear, but many believe it happened during the AEW International Championship Eliminator Tournament Final on March 19. That match, which also featured Mark Davis, was ultimately won by Ricochet and “Speedball” Mike Bailey.

Cassidy had only just returned to AEW television earlier this year after taking a brief hiatus. Upon his return, he participated in the AEW International Championship Contender Series, securing a win over Roderick Strong before falling to Konosuke Takeshita. He was also in action at AEW Revolution on March 9, appearing on the Zero Hour pre-show. Teaming with Mark Briscoe and Big Boom AJ, Cassidy picked up a win against Johnny TV and the MxM Collection, thanks in part to ringside interference from Big Justice.

What’s Next for Cassidy?

With Cassidy now on the shelf, AEW will have to adjust its plans for him moving forward. The AEW International Championship scene has been heating up, and his absence could open the door for new contenders to step up. Whether or not he’ll need surgery remains to be seen, but if a torn pec is indeed the diagnosis, fans should prepare for an extended recovery period.

For now, AEW has yet to make an official statement regarding Cassidy’s condition. Stay tuned for more updates as we learn more about his status and potential return timeline.

Injury Status Of AEW Star Jay White

“Switchblade” Jay White’s road to AEW gold has hit an unexpected detour. The former NJPW standout had set his sights on winning the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament and challenging for the AEW World Championship at All In Texas. However, on the April 2 episode of AEW Dynamite, White was officially removed from the tournament after suffering an injury, with a backstage attack serving as the on-screen explanation for his absence.

According to a report from Fightful Select, White sustained a legitimate injury that required surgery. On Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed that White suffered a broken hand, while Bryan Alvarez added that while the injury isn’t expected to sideline him for an extended period, he will be out of action for now.

With White unable to compete, AEW has brought in its newest signing, Kevin Knight, to take his place in the tournament. Interestingly, White had just defeated Knight on the March 29 episode of AEW Collision, making Knight’s inclusion an ironic twist. Knight now steps into a high-profile first-round match against Will Ospreay at Dynasty on April 6—a bout originally scheduled to feature White.

This marks the second consecutive year that White has been forced out of action due to injury during the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. In 2024, he suffered a broken foot during a semi-final match against Hangman Page, which sidelined him for three months and caused him to miss All In London at Wembley Stadium.

While White’s tournament aspirations have once again been dashed, the focus now shifts to his recovery and eventual return. As for Kevin Knight, he has a massive opportunity ahead—one that could solidify his place in AEW if he can pull off an upset against Ospreay at Dynasty.

AEW Dynamite Preview 4/2/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the Peoria Civic Center in Peoria, Illinois.

  • AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Penelope Ford (w/Megan Bayne)
  • Cope vs. Claudio Castagnoli
  • Mixed Tag Tornado Rules Match: Jon Moxley and Marina Shafir vs. Swerve Strickland and Willow Nightingale
  • Will Ospreay returns
  • Men’s and women’s brackets for The Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament will be announced

AEW Dynamite’s Viewership Sees a Boost with Max Streaming, Averaging Over a Million Combined Viewers

Since AEW made its streaming debut on Max at the start of 2024, the promotion has gained a significant boost in total viewership—though exact numbers have been difficult to track. However, a new report suggests that AEW Dynamite has been pulling in impressive figures when factoring in its audience from both Max and TBS.

According to B.J. Bethel of SEScoops, AEW’s flagship weekly show has been averaging around 500,000 viewers on Max, on top of its traditional TV audience on TBS. When combined, this puts Dynamite’s total viewership over 1 million per episode, with some weeks reaching as high as 1.2 million viewers. Max reportedly calculates its numbers using Live-Plus-1 ratings, meaning it accounts for both live streams and those who watch within 24 hours. Additionally, Dynamite has been racking up about 60 million minutes watched per episode, even outperforming some major hockey broadcasts on the streaming platform.

AEW’s TV Ratings vs. WBD’s Perspective

While Dynamite’s cable ratings had seen a dip in recent months, the March 19 episode delivered the show’s highest TV viewership of the year. Despite internet chatter about ratings concerns, it seems Warner Bros. Discovery remains supportive of AEW’s programming. Andrew Zarian of Fightful’s Wrestling Beyond the Bell reported that WBD officials aren’t fazed by fluctuations in traditional TV ratings, saying the network remains happy with AEW’s performance.

Collision on the Rise, Thanks to Basketball Lead-Ins

Although Bethel’s report didn’t include Max numbers for AEW Collision, the Saturday night show has been making strides on TNT. The recent “Slam Dunk” special episodes, which had college basketball as a lead-in, saw Collision register its best numbers since December 2024. The strong sports crossover audience seems to have provided a temporary boost, further solidifying AEW’s growing presence on Turner networks.

With AEW continuing to expand its reach across both traditional cable and streaming platforms, the company seems to be settling into a strong and sustainable viewership model—one that may be less reliant on Nielsen ratings moving forward.

AEW Collision Preview 3/29/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT at 8/7c from the The UW–Milwaukee Panther Arena in Milwaukee, WI.

  • Jamie Hayter vs Queen Aminata
  • Top flight vs. Big Bill & “Bad Apple” Bryan Keith
  • Jay White vs, Kevin Knight
  • Wheeler Yuta vs. Dax Hardwood
  • AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Moné in action

AEW Dynamite Preview 3/26/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Brody King
  • MJF gives his answer to MVP
  • Mark Davis vs. Powerhouse Hobbs
  • Mark Briscoe vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • AEW International Champion Kenny Omega vs. Blake Christian (non-title)
  • AEW Women’s World Champion Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa vs. Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford
  • Swerve Strickland to call out AEW World Champion Jon Moxley
  • Rated FTR (Cope, Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) sit-down interview with Tony Schiavone

Mina Shirakawa Set to Leave STARDOM, Heading to AEW

Mina Shirakawa’s time in STARDOM is coming to an end, as the former multi-time champion is set to depart the promotion when her contract expires at the end of March. According to Tokyo Sports’ Kimoto Riju, Shirakawa plans to move to the United States, where she has already made a name for herself with appearances in AEW and NJPW.

A Championship Legacy in STARDOM

Since joining STARDOM in 2020, Shirakawa has built an impressive résumé, capturing multiple championships:

  • Wonder of STARDOM Champion
  • Future of STARDOM Champion
  • Goddesses of STARDOM Champion
  • Two-time Artist of STARDOM Champion

Her run in STARDOM has solidified her as a major force in women’s wrestling, and her transition to the U.S. could open even more doors for her career.

AEW Bound

After months of speculation, Mina Shirakawa has confirmed that she is officially joining AEW full-time. The former STARDOM star, who has already been heavily involved in AEW storylines over the past year, announced her decision following her exit from STARDOM.

“I, Shirakawa Mina, will be leaving STARDOM,” she said in a statement. “It is only thanks to the fans who have always believed in me and supported me that I have been able to continue to pursue my dreams and pursue my career as a professional wrestler. Thank you so much. As for the future, I, Shirakawa Mina, will be joining AEW.”

A press conference is expected later this week to announce the signing, which has reportedly been in the works for quite some time.

AEW’s growing women’s division has seen a surge of international talent in recent years, and Shirakawa’s addition could be a significant boost. She has already competed for AEW in the past, and with her connections to NJPW, she could play a key role in AEW’s ongoing relationship with Japanese wrestling promotions.

Shirakawa’s AEW Journey So Far

Although not officially signed until now, Shirakawa has played a key role in AEW’s women’s division. She made her AEW debut nearly a year ago, defeating Anna Jay on an episode of Dynamite in April. From there, she became intertwined with the storyline between “Timeless” Toni Storm and Mariah May, eventually earning two AEW Women’s World Championship opportunities.

Her first title shot came at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024, where she challenged Storm but was unable to capture the gold. Later in the year, tensions rose between Shirakawa and May, culminating in another title opportunity at Winter Is Coming in December. This time, she faced May for the championship, but once again came up short.

A Rising Star on the Global Stage

Beyond AEW, Shirakawa has made waves in NJPW as well. In January, she competed against Mercedes Moné at Wrestle Dynasty in a high-stakes title match, with both Moné’s NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship and Shirakawa’s RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship on the line. While Shirakawa was unable to secure the victory, Moné expressed interest in a rematch, hinting that their rivalry may not be over.

Though Shirakawa suffered an injury during the Wrestle Dynasty bout, she has since recovered and returned to the ring, setting the stage for what could be an explosive run in AEW.

What’s Next for Shirakawa in AEW?

Now that she’s officially All Elite, Shirakawa’s next move will be closely watched. Could another clash with Mariah May be in her future? Will she cross paths with Toni Storm once again? And with Moné’s arrival in AEW seemingly imminent, a rematch between the two could be on the horizon.

One thing is for sure: Shirakawa is ready to make an impact in AEW, and her journey is just getting started.

Before her AEW debut, Shirakawa is scheduled to appear at NJPW Windy City Riot on April 11, which could serve as a preview of what’s to come. With her talent, charisma, and championship pedigree, she has the potential to be a major player in AEW’s women’s division.

Saraya Announces Departure From AEW

Former AEW star and ex-WWE Women’s Champion Saraya has officially announced her departure from All Elite Wrestling. The news was revealed exclusively through Entertainment Weekly and comes on the heels of her latest career move—launching a brand-new podcast, Rulebreakers With Saraya.

Saraya Says Goodbye to AEW

Speaking on the debut episode of her podcast, Saraya shared that her time with AEW had come to an end but emphasized that there were no hard feelings.

“I’m here to tell you that me and AEW’s relationship has come to an end,” she said. “I had an amazing time there. There’s no bad blood between us. I had such a magical time.”

Saraya’s last AEW match was back in October 2024, where she competed in a Fatal Four-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match against Willow Nightingale, Nyla Rose, and Jamie Hayter. She wrestled fewer than a dozen matches on AEW television in 2023, appearing across Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision.

Despite parting ways, Saraya expressed nothing but gratitude toward AEW and company president Tony Khan.

“Thank you, AEW. Thank you to the AEW fans—I loved my f***ing time there,”* she said. “Tony’s f***ing awesome. And anyone that goes to work there will just enjoy their time. It’s just great.”*

What’s Next for Saraya?

The timing of Saraya’s announcement has certainly raised eyebrows. Earlier this year, she told TMZ that her AEW contract was set to expire in September, making the circumstances of her departure somewhat unclear. However, with WrestleMania season in full swing, the move comes at an intriguing time.

Could WWE be in her future? The wrestling world has seen its fair share of surprise returns, particularly during major events like the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania, and SummerSlam. CM Punk’s shocking WWE comeback at Survivor Series 2023 proved that anything is possible. Similarly, Becky Lynch’s return at SummerSlam 2021 after more than a year away set a precedent for big-name stars making grand reappearances.

For now, Saraya seems focused on her podcasting venture, but wrestling fans will be watching closely to see where she lands next. Whether it’s a WWE homecoming or a fresh path in another promotion, her next chapter promises to be just as captivating as her career so far.

Would you want to see Saraya back in WWE?