AEW Collision ‘Beach Break’ airs Saturday night on TNT and Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET taped from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
Wrestling legend and iconic commentator Jim Ross has announced he’s once again facing a battle with cancer. In a heartfelt update posted to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Ross revealed that he was diagnosed with colon cancer earlier this week and is preparing to undergo surgery within the next two weeks. The AEW announcer also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans during this difficult time.
This marks the second time Ross has had to confront cancer. In 2021, he revealed a skin cancer diagnosis, which led to successful treatment but left lingering side effects that continued to impact him for years. Despite those health challenges, Ross remained an enduring presence in professional wrestling, especially through his work with All Elite Wrestling.
Most recently, “Good Ol’ JR” was part of the commentary team at AEW Dynasty in April. While his appearances have become more sporadic in recent years, Ross has remained a valued part of AEW’s broadcast team, especially for high-profile pay-per-view events. His voice—familiar, passionate, and unmistakably authentic—has long been a staple of pro wrestling history.
Jim Ross joined AEW in 2019, lending his gravitas and decades of experience to the upstart promotion from its inception. But his legendary career started well before AEW was ever conceived. Ross began in the industry in the mid-1970s, initially working as a referee before moving behind the commentary desk. He made his name in Jim Crockett Promotions, which eventually became WCW, and by the early ’90s, Ross had become one of the most respected voices in the business.
In 1993, Ross made his WWE debut at WrestleMania IX and soon became the voice of a generation during the company’s Attitude Era. Known for his emotional storytelling, iconic catchphrases, and no-nonsense delivery, JR’s commentary was instrumental in elevating some of the biggest moments and stars in WWE history. Though his tenure with Vince McMahon’s company included several ups and downs, Ross remained a cornerstone of WWE television until his departure in 2013.
Following WWE, Ross took his talents overseas to provide English commentary for NJPW before returning for a short WWE stint, eventually finding a new home in AEW.
As Ross prepares for surgery and takes time to focus on his health, the wrestling world is rallying around him once again. His legacy is cemented, but fans and colleagues alike are hoping this Hall of Fame-caliber voice has many more chapters left to tell.
Wrestling News Blog sends their best to Jim Ross—wishing him strength, healing, and a swift recovery.
AEW Dynamite ‘Beach Break’ airs live tonight on TBS and Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET from the NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
Wrestling legend Jake “The Snake” Roberts is on the mend after undergoing successful heart ablation surgery—and if all goes well, he could be back on the road with fans before the month is out.
The WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW personality had the procedure on May 13 to address an irregular heartbeat. Roberts, who also manages chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), discovered the arrhythmia earlier this year while hospitalized for pneumonia. He first mentioned the issue on a February episode of his podcast The Snake Pit, saying:
“I got a problem with my ticker. But by going in, I caught it, and we got to go have a couple of procedures done, and it’ll be all hunky dory then.”
The heart ablation procedure—commonly used to correct arrhythmias by targeting problematic heart tissue—appears to have gone smoothly. His wife, Cheryl Roberts, shared the good news via Instagram shortly after the surgery, noting that Jake was already making strong progress and expected to be discharged soon. She added that following a week of recovery, Roberts plans to resume traveling and appearances.
Jake himself later chimed in with his own post-op update, letting fans know he’s doing well and eager to get back out there. His next scheduled appearance is at Iron City Comic Con in Birmingham, Alabama on May 31 and June 1, and all signs point to Roberts being ready to go for the event.
It’s nothing short of remarkable given Roberts’ past health battles and storied personal journey, and even more so considering he turns 70 later this month. As always, “The Snake” continues to prove he’s one of the toughest icons in wrestling history.
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.
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?
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 airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.
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.
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.
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