Category: AEW

Former WWE Star (Kayden Carter) Lacey Lane Made Debut in AEW, Answered Mercedes Moné’s Open Challenge

A familiar face made her AEW debut this week, as Lacey Lane—formerly known to WWE fans as Kayden Carter—stepped into the spotlight on AEW Dynamite to challenge reigning TBS Champion Mercedes Moné.

The match came about after Moné threw down an open challenge to any standout from Florida’s wrestling scene. Lane, who built her reputation in NXT as part of a successful tag team alongside Katana Chance, was quick to answer the call, earning a warm reaction from the crowd.

Despite being the underdog, Lane delivered an impressive showing against one of AEW’s most dominant champions. Her athleticism and striking offense kept Moné on her toes, but in the end, the “CEO” capitalized on an opening and sealed the win with the Moné Maker, extending her reign to a remarkable 500 days.

With the victory, Moné continues her reign of dominance—now boasting 22 successful title defenses since defeating Willow Nightingale at Double or Nothing 2024.

For Lane, though, her AEW debut made a lasting impression. Even in defeat, she proved she can hang with one of the company’s biggest stars—potentially setting the stage for more opportunities inside an AEW ring.

AEW Dynamite Homecoming Title Tuesday 10/7/2025

AEW Dynamite Homecoming Title Tuesday live at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TBS and HBO Max from Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, FL. It will be a 2.5 hour special!

  • TNT Championship Match: Kyle vs. Kyle 2– Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Kyle O’Reilly
  • AEW World Tag Team Double Jeopardy Eliminator Match: Brodido (Brody King and Bandido) (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada & Konosuke Takeshita. If either Okada or Takeshita win, they earn a future AEW Tag Team Title Match. However, if Bandido or Brody King win, whoever gets the pinfall challenges Okada for the AEW Unified Championship.
  • TBS Championship Open Challenge Match: Mercedes Mone’ (c) vs. someone from Florida
  • Street Fight: The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona) vs. Hurt Syndicate (MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin)
  • Orange Cassidy vs. PAC (No Death Riders, No Conglomeration – 1 on 1
  • Jon Moxley vs. Tomohiro Ishii
  • Jurassic Express in action
  • AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page and Samoa to go face-to-face

WWE Star Zoey Stark Gets Baptized Amid Injury Recovery, AEW’s Brian Cage Was There For Support

WWE Superstar Zoey Stark recently shared a major personal milestone with fans, revealing on social media that she’s been baptized in the Christian faith. In a video posted online, Stark can be seen taking part in the ceremony while wearing a shirt that read, “I have decided.”

Interestingly, the event also featured AEW’s Brian Cage, who attended alongside his family to show support. Cage shared his own post about the day, expressing how meaningful it was to witness Stark’s baptism and celebrate her commitment.

While Stark’s faith journey is just beginning, she joins a long list of wrestlers who have openly spoken about their Christian beliefs over the years. Names like Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, Sting, Kurt Angle, Chad Gable, and The Undertaker have all shared how faith has played a role in their lives both inside and outside the ring.

Stark has been out of action since May 2025, sidelined by a serious knee injury suffered during a Women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match against Kairi Sane. During the bout, Stark’s knee appeared to buckle after a mistimed missile dropkick, and reports later indicated she’d likely miss the rest of the year.

Despite her time away from the spotlight, Stark has stayed active online, debunking an AI-generated video falsely claiming she had retired. The former NXT standout has made it clear that she fully intends to return to WWE once she’s cleared to compete.

Until then, Zoey Stark seems to be focusing on healing — both physically and spiritually — as she prepares for what’s sure to be a powerful comeback story.

Tony Khan Promises AEW Will Keep Ticket Prices “Family Friendly” As WWE Costs Soar

With ticket prices for WWE events climbing higher than ever, AEW President Tony Khan is making it clear that his promotion isn’t following that path. As WWE fans voiced frustration over skyrocketing costs — especially after WrestleMania 42 seats were revealed to start at a jaw-dropping $850 — Khan reassured fans that All Elite Wrestling remains committed to keeping live events “family friendly” and financially accessible.

Speaking with The Sportster, Khan said affordable ticketing has been a top priority since AEW launched in 2019.

“From our very first show, we wanted to make AEW something families could attend together,” Khan explained. “We’ve always kept our entry prices reasonable, and that’s been a consistent philosophy since day one. I really believe AEW is the best value in professional wrestling.”

That value-driven approach doesn’t seem to be hurting AEW’s bottom line. In fact, Khan noted that 2025 has been a record-breaking year for the company in terms of live event revenue. Major shows like All In, All Out, and Forbidden Door each generated gates exceeding $1 million, making them some of the biggest financial successes in AEW’s six-year history.

Khan credited the company’s pricing strategy as a key part of its continued growth, saying that fans have been vocal in their appreciation for AEW’s balance between affordability and quality.

“We’ve had a lot of great feedback this year,” Khan said. “People tell us all the time that AEW tickets are one of the best values in live entertainment, and that’s something we’re proud to maintain.”

Meanwhile, WWE’s rising ticket costs have sparked debate among fans about accessibility. The company’s partnership with TKO Group Holdings has brought major business moves — including record-setting revenue — but also a noticeable increase in the price to attend live shows. With entry-level WrestleMania tickets nearing $1,000 and premium seats well into the thousands, many longtime fans worry the product is moving out of reach for average families.

For Khan, AEW’s more budget-friendly approach has become part of its identity — an alternative not just in style and presentation, but in how it treats its fanbase.

Credit to The Sportster

Networks React To Revised AEW & WWE Nielsen Numbers (After Change In Way Ratings Are Calculated)

The numbers are in, and they’ve got people talking across the wrestling world. With Nielsen officially rolling out its new “Big Data + Panel” system, both WWE and AEW have seen noticeable dips in their TV ratings this week — and that’s raising a few eyebrows inside the industry.

While streaming has become a major player for both promotions — “WWE Raw” now living on Netflix and AEW airing live through HBO Max — traditional Nielsen ratings still carry major weight for networks, advertisers, and executives. The new hybrid data method, designed to more accurately reflect viewing habits across devices, has reshuffled the deck, leaving wrestling shows looking weaker on paper than before.

AEW Keeps Calm Amid The Shift

According to Fightful Select, AEW is keeping a close eye on the situation. Sources say Tony Khan understands the new methodology inside and out thanks to his well-known love of numbers and analytics. While the updated system might make week-to-week trends look rough, AEW still benefits from its simulcasts on HBO Max — even if those exact streaming figures aren’t being publicly shared. Reports suggest about 500,000 viewers tune in weekly to stream “Dynamite” and “Collision.”

A contact within Warner Bros. Discovery (AEW’s media partner) downplayed any panic, noting it’s far too early to make judgments with such a small sample size. The source also pointed out that AEW and WWE both ran head-to-head with Major League Baseball this past week, a sport that — along with college football and the NFL — has actually benefited from Nielsen’s new approach.

When asked if this change could spark talk of cancellations, the WBD insider reportedly laughed off the idea, saying that topic always comes up but is “never actually on the table.”

Interestingly, the new data system has one upside for AEW — it’s expected to end the use of “fast national” ratings, those early estimates that often circulated within hours of broadcast. Because Nielsen’s new reporting adds another day’s delay, those quick-turn numbers will no longer offer an accurate read, potentially eliminating a common talking point in the ongoing WWE–AEW ratings rivalry.

WWE’s Network Partners Weigh In

Over in WWE’s corner, USA Network and The CW are also monitoring the changes. While Raw has made the jump to Netflix, “SmackDown” remains on USA and “NXT” airs weekly on The CW — both still reliant on traditional TV numbers.

A USA Network source told Fightful they’re discussing the new metrics internally, but they’re not alarmed. The feeling is that while the numbers might suggest wrestling isn’t as “hot” as it looked under the old system, the overall value of WWE programming remains undeniable. WWE content continues to deliver strong returns at relatively low costs — something USA has appreciated for decades.

The CW didn’t comment, but the network has reportedly been pleased with NXT’s performance since day one. The shift in ratings measurement isn’t expected to change that enthusiasm.

TNA’s Situation & Industry Impact

One WWE insider did note that the updated Nielsen process could make things tricky for TNA Wrestling, which is currently seeking a new television home. Even so, company president Carlos Silva told Fightful the issue hasn’t come up during negotiations, and discussions with potential partners are still moving forward.

Meanwhile, talent across the major promotions have reportedly felt little direct impact, aside from a few more tweaks to production and travel schedules than usual.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Nielsen’s overhaul is shaking up how TV success is measured, but the wrestling industry has weathered plenty of changes before. Between the rise of streaming, shifting network priorities, and a fan base that consumes content in more ways than ever, the true picture of viewership might take months — if not years — to fully understand.

For now, one thing’s clear: both WWE and AEW are still drawing millions of passionate fans every week, no matter how the math gets crunched.

Andrade El Idolo Captures The Crash Heavyweight Championship in Mexico

Andrade El Idolo made a statement in his first post-WWE appearance, returning to his roots in Mexico and walking out with gold around his waist. The former WWE Superstar headlined The Crash Lucha Libre event Friday night in Tijuana, defeating DMT Azul to claim the promotion’s Heavyweight Championship.

The win marked not only Andrade’s first match since parting ways with WWE last month but also his first championship reign since leaving the company. His victory ended Azul’s impressive near-900-day run as champion — a dominant streak that had defined The Crash’s top division for years.

This title win comes on the heels of Andrade’s surprise re-emergence in AEW earlier this week. Fans were stunned when El Idolo stormed the ring on Dynamite, ambushing Kenny Omega and revealing his allegiance to The Don Callis Family.

Now holding championship gold once again and aligned with one of AEW’s most notorious factions, Andrade El Idolo’s comeback is off to a powerful start — one that blurs the lines between international wrestling scenes and reminds the world exactly why he’s “El Idolo.”

AEW Collision Preview 10/4/2025

AEW Collision tonight at special early time of 6pm ET Coast-To-Coast (or soon after the college football game) on TNA and HBO Max.

  • Eddie Kingston vs. Dralistico
  • Kevin Knight vs. A member of FTR
  • Death Riders (Jon Moxley, & Daniel Garcia, & Claudio Castagnoli) vs Adam Priest, Tommy Billington, & Jay Lethal
  • Orange Cassidy & Paragon (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong) vs Don Callis Family (Hechicero, Lance, Archer, & Rocky Romero)
  • RUSH & Sammy Guevara vs. TBD
  • Toni Storm and Kris Statlander face-to-face
  • MxM Casting call

Andrade Returns to AEW and Aligns with the Don Callis Family

Andrade El Idolo has officially made his way back to AEW, closing the loop on one of the most unusual journeys we’ve seen in modern wrestling. After bouncing between WWE and AEW over the last few years, Andrade has now returned to Tony Khan’s promotion, making his shocking reappearance during the sixth anniversary episode of Dynamite.

The surprise came at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino when Kenny Omega was addressing the fans. Just as Omega was wrapping up a heartfelt promo, the arena lights went out. When they came back up, a masked figure was lurking behind Omega — only to unmask himself as Andrade. The former WWE and AEW star wasted no time reminding fans of his intensity, drilling Omega with his signature move, The Message. Moments later, he shook hands with Don Callis, officially joining forces with the Callis Family.

This return also marks a unique milestone: Andrade is now the first wrestler to make the jump from WWE to AEW, return to WWE, and then head back to AEW again. His career path has been anything but conventional, and this latest twist keeps him firmly in the spotlight.

What Led to His AEW Comeback?

Andrade’s WWE comeback earlier this year was short-lived. Reports suggest he was released in mid-September after disciplinary issues, despite still having significant time left on his contract. With no non-compete clause in play, AEW was able to bring him back immediately. According to Fightful Select, Andrade has signed on full-time with AEW, meaning fans can expect to see him regularly on Dynamite and Collision moving forward.

His first AEW run ended somewhat chaotically, with rumors of a backstage altercation with Sammy Guevara and speculation he was pushing to leave early. Despite that, Tony Khan spoke highly of him upon his 2023 departure, leaving the door open for a return — a door Andrade has now walked back through.

Andrade vs. MJF Brewing?

The timing of Andrade’s comeback is also interesting considering his recent online back-and-forth with MJF. What started as a playful exchange about meeting up in Mexico quickly escalated, with Andrade challenging Friedman to a potential Mask vs. Hair match. MJF brushed it off, but not before throwing some personal jabs Andrade’s way, referencing his divorce from Charlotte Flair and past backstage conflicts.

With Andrade now standing alongside Don Callis, who has been staking claims against the Hurt Syndicate (MJF’s crew), it feels inevitable that these two will cross paths sooner rather than later.

What’s Next for El Idolo?

Outside of AEW, Andrade is also booked for House of Glory’s Superclash on November 15th, though his opponent has yet to be announced. With AEW and TNA talent also set to appear at the event, his schedule looks busier than ever.

One thing is clear: Andrade’s latest AEW run isn’t just a cameo — it’s the start of a new chapter. And with Don Callis in his corner, it might be the most dangerous version of Andrade El Idolo we’ve seen yet.

AEW Dynamite 6th Anniversary Preview 10/1/2025

AEW Dynamite’s 6-Year Anniversary 2.5 hour special airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

  • TNT Championship Match: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
  • Mixed Tag Team Tornado Match: Darby Allin & AEW Women’s Champion Kris Statlander vs. Wheeler Yuta & Marina Shafir of the Death Riders
  • Trios Match: Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Daniel Garcia & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, Powerhouse Hobbs & Samoa Joe
  • Trios Match: Josh Alexander & The Young Bucks vs. AEW World Tag Team Champions Brodido (Brody King & Bandido) & Kenny Omega 
  • Jurassic Express Returns (“Jungle Boy” Jack Perry & Luchasaurus)
  • “Timeless” Toni Storm to appear live

Sting’s Son Steven Borden Preparing for First Wrestling Match This October

The Borden family legacy looks set to continue inside the squared circle. Steven Borden, the son of WWE Hall of Famer Sting, is reportedly preparing to make his in-ring debut this October.

Fans last saw Steven earlier this year at AEW Revolution 2024, where he and his brother Garrett paid tribute to their father during Sting’s emotional retirement match. Dressed in one of Sting’s classic looks, Steven even got physical, hitting the Young Bucks with his dad’s iconic Stinger Splashes in a memorable moment that had the wrestling world buzzing.

Now, according to PWInsider Elite, Steven is moving beyond cameos and stepping fully into the ring. His debut is scheduled for shows at New York’s 52 Walker gallery space on October 3 and October 10.

Training Under Darby Allin

What makes this debut even more fitting is who’s helping Steven prepare — none other than Darby Allin, Sting’s final tag team partner and one of the men most influenced by The Icon’s legendary career.

Allin reportedly began working with Steven shortly after Revolution, easing him into wrestling after the younger Borden had been reluctant to follow in his father’s footsteps. Earlier this year, Allin noted that Steven “has big shoes to fill” but emphasized that their training journey has been about respect, legacy, and giving back to Sting, who became both a mentor and friend to him in AEW.

A New Chapter for the Bordens

While Steven Borden made his mark as a football player at the University of Kentucky, his decision to step into the wrestling world is a significant moment. It’s not just about carrying the Sting name — it’s about seeing if the next generation can carve its own path.

With Darby Allin guiding him and the wrestling world watching closely, Steven’s debut this October will be one of the most intriguing stories to follow this fall.