Category: AEW

Motor City Machine Guns Are All Elite, Debut On Collision

After months of speculation regarding their future, the Motor City Machine Guns have officially arrived in All Elite Wrestling.

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley made their long-awaited AEW debut during the July 30 edition of AEW Collision in Detroit, Michigan, appearing just hours after officially becoming free agents following the expiration of their WWE non-compete clauses.

Hometown Heroes Receive Massive Reception

AEW opened the show with a memorable moment as the Detroit crowd welcomed Sabin and Shelley with a thunderous ovation.

The hometown fans showered the legendary tag team with chants of “Motor City,” creating an emotional atmosphere as the duo made their way to the ring.

Sabin addressed the crowd first, jokingly asking whether anyone truly believed they wouldn’t show up in Detroit. He and Shelley reflected on their long history representing the city throughout their careers and thanked the fans for supporting them over the last two decades.

The pair then turned their attention to their future.

Sabin spoke about their excitement to join AEW, while Shelley made the announcement official by confirming that the Motor City Machine Guns had signed with the company. Moments later, the familiar “All Elite” graphic appeared on the arena screens, confirming their status as AEW’s newest additions.

Motor City Machine Guns Make Immediate Impact

The duo didn’t wait long to get involved in the action.

Later in the evening, the Bang Bang Gang picked up a victory over the Death Riders in an eight-man tag team match. However, the celebration was cut short when The Dogs stormed the ring and launched a post-match attack.

That brought Sabin and Shelley back out to a huge reaction.

Armed with steel chairs, the newly signed AEW stars chased off The Dogs and evened the odds. With the heels retreating, the Gunns capitalized by laying out members of The Dogs with their finishing move, bringing the segment to a close.

The confrontation immediately hinted at a potential alliance between the Motor City Machine Guns and the Bang Bang Gang moving forward.

A Long-Awaited Arrival

While this marked their official signing with AEW, it wasn’t the first time Sabin and Shelley had appeared for the promotion.

The pair previously competed at AEW All Out 2022, teaming with longtime friend Jay Lethal in a trios match against FTR and Wardlow. Although they came up short in that contest, their performance left many fans hoping for a more permanent relationship with the company.

Rumors linking the Motor City Machine Guns to AEW intensified after their WWE departures earlier this year. Even before becoming free agents, many within the wrestling industry expected AEW to emerge as their eventual destination.

One Of Wrestling’s Most Decorated Tag Teams

Few tag teams arrive in AEW with résumés as impressive as the Motor City Machine Guns.

Throughout their careers, Sabin and Shelley have captured championships across multiple major promotions, including WWE, TNA Wrestling, Ring of Honor, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Their influence on modern tag team wrestling has earned them recognition as one of the greatest teams of their generation.

Now, with AEW officially added to their list of destinations, the focus shifts toward championship gold.

Given their track record and the immediate reaction they received from the Detroit crowd, it may not be long before the Motor City Machine Guns find themselves in the hunt for the AEW World Tag Team Championships.

For now, though, one thing is certain: after months of rumors and anticipation, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley are officially All Elite.

AEW Collision Preview 7/30/2026

AEW Collision live tonight at 8/7c on TNT and HBO Max from the Masonic Temple Theater in Detroit, Michigan.

  • Will Ospreay vs. Daniel Garcia
  • Hazuki & The Brawling Birds vs. Athena, Diamante, & Billie Starkz
  • Death Riders vs. Bang Bang Gang

Adam Copeland Confirmed For Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s Northern Rising Event

Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling has officially revealed the mystery behind its recent “Who Will Answer The Call?” promotional campaign, and the answer is a Canadian wrestling icon.

During Wednesday night’s MLP MAYHEM broadcast, it was announced that AEW World Tag Team Champion Adam Copeland will appear at Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s Northern Rising event on October 3.

Emotional Video Tribute Reveals Copeland

The announcement came through a cinematic vignette celebrating both Copeland’s career and the history of professional wrestling in Canada.

The video opened with footage of the legendary Maple Leaf Gardens, a venue deeply connected to Canadian wrestling history. As images of a young Copeland appeared on screen, the WWE Hall of Famer reflected on the significance of the building and his connection to it.

The segment built toward Copeland appearing on camera and asking whether the venue was ready for “one more incredible night,” officially confirming his involvement with the event.

Returning To A Historic Venue

Although Maple Leaf Gardens has since been transformed into the Mattamy Athletic Centre, the building remains one of the most iconic locations in Canadian sports and wrestling history.

According to Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling, Northern Rising will mark the first time Copeland has competed at the historic venue.

In a statement released following the announcement, Copeland spoke about the impact Maple Leaf Gardens had on him growing up.

The former AEW TNT Champion explained that much of his childhood was spent watching both Maple Leaf Wrestling and Toronto Maple Leafs games from the arena, making the opportunity to be part of Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s revival especially meaningful.

Copeland praised the promotion for helping restore a piece of Canadian wrestling history and expressed excitement about participating in what he described as a special night.

More Announcements Expected

While Copeland’s appearance has now been confirmed, Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling is not revealing all of its plans just yet.

The company stated that additional Copeland-focused vignettes will be released in the coming weeks, suggesting more details regarding his role at Northern Rising are still to come.

Whether that means a major singles match, a special attraction bout, or another surprise remains unknown.

Busy Schedule Continues For Copeland

The announcement adds another notable appearance to an already active period for Copeland.

Currently one-half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions, Copeland continues to play a prominent role on AEW programming while also taking part in select appearances outside the promotion.

His involvement with Northern Rising gives Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling a major attraction for one of its biggest events of the year and provides Canadian wrestling fans with an opportunity to see one of the country’s most accomplished performers return to a venue tied closely to his childhood memories.

As October approaches, anticipation is likely to grow regarding exactly what Copeland has planned when he steps into one of Canada’s most historic wrestling buildings.

Copeland’s appearance instantly adds star power to Northern Rising, and the combination of his Canadian roots and the history of Maple Leaf Gardens could make for one of the most memorable moments on the promotion’s 2026 calendar.

AEW Dynamite Preview 7/29/2026

  • AEW Dynamite, live tonight at 8/7c on TBS and HBO Max from the Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan.
  • Fallout from Redemption
  • AEW World Trios Championships: The Conglomeration (c) vs. The Demand
  • TBS Championship Match: Maya World (c) vs. CMLL Women’s World Champion Persephone
  • 3-Way AEW National Championship Match: Andrade El Idolo (c) vs. Nick Wayne vs. Jungle Jack Perry
  • Newly crowned AEW Women’s World Champion Willow Nightingale celebrates her victory after defeating Thekla for the title at Redemption
  • Renee Paquette sits down with the Young Bucks and AEW World Tag Team Champions Christian Cage & Adam Copeland. The Young Bucks will challenge Christian and Copeland for the tag titles at the All In pay-per-view at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday, August 30.
  • AEW World Champion Kenny Omega to speak
  • Rhino is scheduled to appear

AEW Announces Special ‘Rebel Heart Dynamite’ Event To Support ALS Research

The event, titled “AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite,” will take place on September 9 at Akins Ford Arena in Athens, Georgia, and will honor AEW personality Rebel (Tanea Brooks), who revealed in May that she had been diagnosed with ALS.

Rebel Scheduled To Appear

As part of the event, Rebel is expected to make a special appearance for fans in attendance.

AEW also announced several initiatives tied to the show that will help raise awareness and funding for ALS-related causes. According to the company’s press release, fans attending the event will receive a limited-edition Rebel trading card sheet from Upper Deck while supplies last.

In addition, AEW will make donations from the event to two organizations dedicated to supporting ALS patients and advancing research efforts: I AM ALS and Team Gleason.

Rebel currently serves as a spokesperson for I AM ALS, an advocacy organization focused on finding treatments and improving quality of life for those affected by the disease.

Connection To ALS Research Community

The location of the event carries additional significance.

Akins Ford Arena serves as the community home of the University of Georgia’s Regenerative Bioscience Center (RBC), where researchers are actively working on developing new therapies for ALS while also training the next generation of scientists in the field.

By hosting the event in Athens, AEW is helping shine a spotlight on the ongoing research efforts taking place within the local community.

Tony Khan Comments On The Event

AEW President Tony Khan issued a statement following the announcement, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting the cause.

Khan said AEW is proud to present Rebel Heart Dynamite and looks forward to honoring Rebel while raising both awareness and financial support for organizations working to combat ALS and assist those living with the disease.

The AEW President also praised the efforts of the charities involved and highlighted the importance of continuing the fight for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

Additional Fundraising Efforts Underway

The September event is part of a larger effort by AEW to support ALS-related initiatives.

The company is currently selling Rebel Heart t-shirts and bracelets, with 100% of proceeds benefiting I AM ALS and Team Gleason.

Khan has also previously expressed interest in reviving AEW’s Fight for the Fallen concept as a platform for raising awareness and funds for ALS research.

Meanwhile, the Ice Bucket Challenge has experienced a resurgence in recent months, with several AEW personalities taking part. Among those participating was Britt Baker, who has a longstanding on-screen association with Rebel.

AEW is also encouraging fans to get involved through donations, awareness campaigns, and participation in fundraising efforts.

Wrestling Community Rallies Around Rebel

Since revealing her diagnosis earlier this year, Rebel has received an outpouring of support from wrestlers, fans, and members of the broader wrestling community.

The announcement of Rebel Heart Dynamite represents another example of that support, with AEW using one of its flagship television programs to celebrate Rebel while helping advance the fight against ALS.

As September approaches, the event is expected to serve as both a tribute to Rebel and an opportunity to bring greater attention to the ongoing efforts to support those affected by the disease.

The special edition of Dynamite is set to combine wrestling and philanthropy, giving fans an opportunity to celebrate Rebel while contributing to organizations working to improve the lives of ALS patients and fund critical research.

AEW Redemption 2026 Results

Buy In (Pre-Show)

Celebrating 80 Years of the Rougeau Wrestling Dynasty

“Daddy Magic” Matt Menard is in the ring to introduce the Fabulous Rougeaus.

Raymond and Jacques Rougeau come out and they cut promos, mostly in French which I do not speak, but Ray’s is obviously nice and friendly while Jacques is more brusque and talks a lot about “le hateurs.” Eventually he leads the crowd in holding their phones to the sky in memory of his dad and so on–

Enter Rocky Romero.

He steps to the Fabulous Rougeaus and says the only family that matters in wrestling is the Don Callis Family but Jacques hauls off on him and holds him in place for a kick to the gut from Ray before he and Menard send Romero packing over the ropes and to the floor!

Redemption

AEW World Trios Championship

The Conglomeration (c) def. Lethal Twist

Orange Cassidy, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong retained the AEW World Trios Championships in an action-packed opener. Despite several near falls from Jay Lethal and company, Cassidy secured the victory after The Conglomeration hit their trademark combination offense, allowing him to pin Lethal.

Winners: The Conglomeration (retain AEW World Trios Championships)

AEW International Championship No. 1 Contender’s Ladder Match

“Speedball” Mike Bailey def. Beast Mortos, El Clon, Jack Perry, Komander, and Nick Wayne

A chaotic six-man ladder match opened the main card. Highlights included multiple table spots, a moonsault off a ladder on the entrance stage, and Komander’s trademark aerial offense.

In the end, Bailey climbed the ladder and retrieved the contract to earn a future AEW International Championship match.

Winner: Mike Bailey

Tag Team Match

Young Bucks def. Jon Moxley & Will Ospreay

Tensions between Ospreay and Moxley were evident throughout the match. After a hard-fought battle, the Young Bucks connected with a Superkick Party on Moxley to score the upset victory.

Following the match, Ospreay appeared frustrated with Moxley’s increasingly aggressive tactics.

Winners: Young Bucks

AEW International Championship

Kyle Fletcher (c) def. Bandido

Bandido pushed Fletcher to the limit in one of the night’s standout matches. After surviving multiple 21-Plex attempts and several near falls, Fletcher finally retained the championship with a devastating turnbuckle brainbuster.

Winner: Kyle Fletcher (retains AEW International Championship)

Double Chain Match

The Dogs def. Bang Bang Gang

Jay White and Juice Robinson battled David Finlay and Clark Connors in a brutal chain match. Outside interference from Daniel Garcia, Wheeler YUTA, and Marina Shafir ultimately tipped the scales.

Finlay finished Robinson with a shillelagh shot to secure the victory.

Winners: The Dogs

AEW TBS Championship

Maya World def. Hikaru Shida (c)

One of the night’s biggest surprises came when Maya World upset Hikaru Shida to capture the AEW TBS Championship.

Despite Shida’s relentless offense and multiple running knees, World capitalized on a distracted champion and scored the pinfall with a bridging fallaway slam.

Winner: Maya World (NEW AEW TBS Champion)

AEW World Tag Team Championship

Adam Copeland & Christian Cage (c) def. Claudio Castagnoli & PAC

Copeland and Cage successfully retained the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Death Riders members Claudio Castagnoli and PAC.

The finish came after Copeland connected with a spear on PAC for the three-count.

Afterward, the Young Bucks confronted the champions, teasing a future showdown.

Winners: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage (retain AEW World Tag Team Championships)

No Holds Barred Match

Chris Jericho def. Tommaso Ciampa

Jericho and Ciampa engaged in one of the most violent matches of the year, utilizing barbed wire, thumbtacks, broken glass, hockey sticks, and even a power drill.

After surviving nearly everything Ciampa threw at him, Jericho forced his opponent to quit after using an active power drill to the forehead.

Winner: Chris Jericho

AEW National Championship

Andrade El Idolo def. Mark Davis (c)

Andrade captured championship gold after defeating Mark Davis in a physical battle.

Following a back-and-forth contest, Andrade connected with the DM to score the pinfall and become the new AEW National Champion.

Winner: Andrade El Idolo (NEW AEW National Champion)

AEW Women’s World Championship

Willow Nightingale def. Thekla (c)

Willow Nightingale overcame interference from Skye Blue and survived Thekla’s relentless attacks on her injured ear to score a dramatic victory.

A surprise backslide secured the win and crowned Nightingale as the new AEW Women’s World Champion.

Members of The Conglomeration celebrated with Nightingale afterward, while Mercedes Moné watched from above and appeared to signal her interest in the new champion.

Winner: Willow Nightingale (NEW AEW Women’s World Champion)

Willow Nightingale becomes the first AEW Women’s Triple Crown Winner

AEW World Championship

Kenny Omega (c) def. Kevin Knight

Kevin Knight delivered the performance of his career against Kenny Omega, but it wasn’t enough to dethrone the champion.

After a competitive main event filled with near falls and championship-level drama, Omega connected with the One-Winged Angel to retain the AEW World Championship.

Winner: Kenny Omega (retains AEW World Championship)

Post-Match Chaos

Following Omega’s victory, Jon Moxley, Marina Shafir, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Daniel Garcia, and Wheeler YUTA attacked the champion.

Will Ospreay rushed to the ring to make the save and prevented Claudio from Pillmanizing Omega’s neck. Moxley then attempted to convince Ospreay to suffocate Omega with a plastic bag, but Ospreay ultimately rejected Moxley’s influence.

Instead, Ospreay struck Moxley with a Hidden Blade and stood alongside Omega.

The show ended on a shocking note when Omega suddenly dropped Ospreay with a One-Winged Angel after the two appeared to reconcile. The Young Bucks joined Omega in the ring as AEW Redemption went off the air.

New Champions Crowned At AEW Redemption

  • Maya World defeated Hikaru Shida to win the AEW TBS Championship
  • Andrade El Idolo defeated Mark Davis to win the AEW National Championship
  • Willow Nightingale defeated Thekla to win the AEW Women’s World Championship

Championships Retained

  • The Conglomeration retained the AEW World Trios Championship
  • Kyle Fletcher retained the AEW International Championship
  • Adam Copeland & Christian Cage retained the AEW World Tag Team Championship
  • Kenny Omega retained the AEW World Championship

Tony Khan Confirms Tay Melo Will Be Granted Her AEW Release

AEW President Tony Khan has officially confirmed that Tay Melo will be granted her release from the company following a recent request to step away from professional wrestling.

Speaking during the AEW Redemption media call, Khan addressed the growing speculation surrounding Melo’s status and pushed back on reports that claimed she had been seeking her release for more than a year.

According to Khan, while there was some truth to the rumors that Melo wanted out of AEW, the timeline that had been circulating online was inaccurate.

Release Request Came After June Collision Match

Khan revealed that the conversation took place shortly after the June 6 edition of AEW Collision.

That night, Melo teamed with Anna Jay in a losing effort against Divine Dominion’s Lena Kross and Megan Bayne. Following the match, Melo approached Khan to discuss her future with the company.

Rather than expressing interest in joining another wrestling promotion, Khan said Melo informed him that she wanted to step away from wrestling altogether.

According to Khan, Melo told him that she still had positive feelings toward AEW and the people within the organization, but felt it was time to move on from both the company and the wrestling business.

Khan Denies Long-Term Tension

The AEW President made it clear that Melo’s request was not the result of an ongoing dispute or prolonged backstage issue.

Khan stated that he was surprised when Melo approached him about leaving and emphasized that the conversation was respectful and cordial. He also noted that he had recently spoken with Melo about the rumors and that she was frustrated by reports suggesting she had been attempting to secure her release since 2025.

According to Khan, there has never been any hostility between the two sides, and he described their working relationship as consistently positive throughout her time with the company.

AEW Has Not Used Melo Since The Request

Khan also addressed claims that AEW had been preventing Melo from leaving.

He explained that since their conversation following Collision, Melo has not been brought back to television or booked for any events. Khan said he had no intention of forcing her to remain with the company and confirmed that her release would be granted.

The announcement brings clarity to months of speculation regarding Melo’s future and officially opens the door for her departure from AEW.

What’s Next For Tay Melo?

While Melo is set to leave AEW, her long-term plans remain uncertain.

Based on Khan’s comments, the former AEW star is not currently seeking opportunities with another wrestling promotion and instead appears focused on stepping away from the industry entirely.

Of course, wrestling retirements and hiatuses often prove temporary, and it remains to be seen whether Melo eventually returns to the ring down the road.

For now, however, her priority appears to be moving on from professional wrestling, ending a run in AEW that included memorable partnerships, championship pursuits, and a key role in the promotion’s women’s division.

Khan’s comments provide the clearest picture yet of Melo’s situation, confirming that her departure was a recent decision rather than a long-running conflict and that AEW intends to honor her request to leave the company.

AEW Collision Preview 7/25/2026

AEW Collision tonight at 8/7c on TNT and HBO Max taped from The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • AEW Trios Championship Match: The Conglomeration (c) vs. Dalton Castle & The Outrunners
  • AEW Redemption #1 Contenders Match Qualifying Bout: El Clon vs. Lio Rush
  • AEW Redemption #1 Contenders Match Qualifying Bout: Nick Wayne vs. AR Fox
  • Hikaru Shida & Thekla vs. Willow Nightingale & Maya World
  • The Young Bucks vs. Wheeler Yuta & Daniel Garcia
  • Zachary Wentz vs. Tommaso Ciampa
  • The Lethal Twist vs. SkyFlight
  • Persephone vs. TBA

AEW Redemption 7/26/2026 (Card)

AEW Redemption – Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

Main Card:

  • AEW World Championship Match: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Kevin Knight
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Thekla (c) vs. Willow Nightingale
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Match: Christian Cage & Adam Copeland (c) vs. Death Riders (PAC & Claudio Castagnoli)
  • AEW International Championship Match: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Bandido
  • AEW National Championship Match: Mark Davis (c) vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • AEW TBS Championship Match: Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Maya World
  • AEW International Championship #1 Contenders Ladder Match: Jack Perry vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Komander vs. Mike Bailey vs.  Nick Wayne vs. El Clon
  • No Disqualification Match: “The Painmaker” Chris Jericho vs. Tommaso Ciampa
  • Double Chain Match: Bang Bang Gang (Jay White & Juice Robinson) vs. The Dogs
  • Will Ospreay & Jon Moxley vs. The Young Bucks

The Buy In:

  • Celebration Of the Rougeau Wrestling Dynasty
  • AEW World Trios Championship Match: The Conglomeration (c) vs. The Lethal Twist

Report: Multiple Former WWE Stars Could Be AEW-Bound Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses – (At Least Seven Free Agents)

With the 90-day non-compete period for many recently released WWE talents now officially over, speculation is growing that several notable free agents could soon be headed to All Elite Wrestling.

According to a report from F4WOnline, at least seven wrestlers are currently believed to be waiting on deals with AEW. The report cites sources who indicated that multiple talents are in line for potential signings, though no specific names have been confirmed at this time.

One source reportedly told the outlet they were aware of seven individuals awaiting contracts, while another suggested the actual number could be even higher.

AEW Keeping Future Signings Under Wraps

Despite the growing rumors, AEW has not publicly revealed any upcoming additions to its roster.

The company is set to present its AEW Redemption pay-per-view from Montreal’s Bell Centre this weekend, but as of now, there have been no reports identifying which free agents could potentially debut at the event.

Fightful Select also followed up on the story, reporting that AEW sources acknowledged there are “several” wrestlers expected to either sign with or debut for the promotion in the future. However, those contacted did not provide any names.

The lack of specifics has only fueled further speculation among fans regarding which recently available stars could be joining the company.

Large Pool Of Talent Available

The current free-agent market is one of the deepest in recent memory following WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts.

Among the most recognizable names released earlier this year were Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and the members of the Wyatt Sicks faction.

Several of those names have already generated significant interest throughout the wrestling industry. The Motor City Machine Guns, for example, recently teased receiving an offer from an unnamed promotion in a video posted to their YouTube channel, leading many fans to speculate that AEW could be their eventual destination.

Meanwhile, Aleister Black has frequently been linked to a potential return to AEW due to his previous history with the promotion.

Former New Day Members Also Available

The available talent pool expanded even further after reports surfaced that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would also be leaving WWE.

According to previous reports, the longtime New Day members opted not to continue under a restructured contract that would have included a pay reduction. Their non-compete clauses are expected to expire in time for AEW’s upcoming All In: London event.

Given their status as one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history, Kingston and Woods would immediately become among the most high-profile free agents on the market.

All Eyes On All In

With All In: London approaching, many fans believe AEW could use the event as a platform to introduce new talent.

The promotion has a history of making major announcements and surprise debuts during its biggest shows, making the timing of these reports particularly noteworthy.

For now, the identities of the wrestlers reportedly waiting on AEW deals remain a mystery. However, with numerous former WWE stars now free to negotiate and compete wherever they choose, the coming weeks could bring several significant roster additions to the company.

As AEW heads toward one of its largest events of the year, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see whether any of the recently available free agents make the jump and become the promotion’s next headline-making acquisitions.