TNA Bound For Glory – Sunday October 11 – 4:30 p.m. ET – Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.
Card
TNA World Championship: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. Leon Slater
TNA Knockouts World Championship – (Special Guest Referee Mickie James): Xia Brookside (c) vs. Indi Hartwell
TNA International Championship – The Order 4-Way: Mustafa Ali (c) vs. Jason Hotch vs. John Skyler vs. Special Agent Zero
TNA X Division Championship – 6-Way: Cedric Alexander vs. KC Navarro vs. Fabian Aichner vs. Rich Swann vs. Ryan Nemeth vs. BDE vs. Amazing Red
Falls Count Anywhere Match: The Hardys vs. Syx (Joseph Sawyer & Samuel Shaw)
Call Your Shot Gauntlet: Avery Styles, Frankie Kazarian, Bear Bronson, Harley Hudson, Vincent, Dutch, Trey Miguel, Elijah, Joe Alonzo, Home Town Man, Brian Myers, and AJ Francis. More competitors TBA
Eddie Edwards vs. Ricky Sosa
TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Championship: Allie & Kiera Hogan (c) vs. Zoey Serrano & Shayna Baszler
Moose vs. Max Caster
Hall of Fame Inductions – 4 p.m. ET: ODB, Amazing Red, and Konnan
Tessa Blanchard’s complicated situation involving Major League Wrestling (MLW) and Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) appears to have reached a resolution, with the former world champion reportedly cleared to compete for MLW.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the situation has been worked out between the promotions, paving the way for Blanchard to make her MLW debut on November 7 at Saturday Night Super Fight.
Meltzer shared the update on X on Thursday morning, writing, “Tessa Blanchard headed to MLW. All worked out with CMLL.”
The latest development follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding Blanchard’s status and whether she would be permitted to wrestle for MLW while maintaining her connection with CMLL.
Tessa Blanchard’s MLW Status Takes Another Turn
Blanchard initially announced on September 1 that she had signed with MLW, seemingly confirming a new chapter in her wrestling career.
However, that announcement was followed by a clarification from CMLL just days later. The Mexican promotion stated that Blanchard had not actually signed a contract with MLW and was only scheduled to compete in a match for the company.
Now, with Meltzer reporting that the situation has been resolved and CMLL announcing Blanchard’s upcoming MLW appearance, it appears the necessary arrangements have been made for her to compete.
MLW has Blanchard scheduled for Saturday Night Super Fight on November 7, which could provide a fresh opportunity for the former Impact Wrestling Knockouts World Champion to establish herself with the promotion.
Blanchard to Represent CMLL in the Grand Prix de Amazonas
Blanchard’s upcoming MLW appearance is not the only major development involving her schedule. CMLL has also announced that she will represent the promotion in the Grand Prix de Amazonas on October 23.
She will compete alongside La Jarochita and Thunder Rosa as part of CMLL’s representation in the event.
The tournament will feature wrestlers connected to several promotions, making it an international showcase of women’s wrestling talent.
CMLL’s team will include Blanchard, La Jarochita, and Thunder Rosa, while MLW will be represented by Blackheart and Killer Kelly. Alice Crowley will represent MLP, and AEW will have Megan Bayne, Queen Aminata, and Harley Cameron competing.
The event gives Blanchard another opportunity to compete on a major international stage before her scheduled MLW appearance in November.
What Happens Next for Tessa Blanchard?
With the reported agreement between MLW and CMLL, Blanchard appears poised to work with both promotions without the scheduling dispute that previously threatened her MLW plans.
The situation also highlights the increasingly interconnected nature of professional wrestling, with talent appearing across multiple promotions and international partnerships creating opportunities for crossover matches.
For Blanchard, the next few weeks could prove important as she prepares for the Grand Prix de Amazonas before moving on to Saturday Night Super Fight.
Although the latest report indicates that the issue has been resolved, fans will be watching to see how MLW ultimately presents Blanchard and whether her November appearance leads to a more regular role with the company.
For now, her MLW debut is back on the schedule, and the apparent resolution with CMLL puts the focus back on what Blanchard can accomplish inside the ring.
Tessa Blanchard headed to MLW. All worked out with CMLL
Few names in professional wrestling are as closely associated with the independent scene and hardcore wrestling as Necro Butcher. That’s why many fans were caught off guard when the veteran brawler announced that he has officially signed a WWE Legends deal.
Necro Butcher, whose real name is Dylan Summers, shared the news through a post on Facebook, revealing that WWE approached him with an offer shortly after he left his previous job. According to Summers, the timing was unexpected, but the agreement has already opened the door for potential future projects with the company.
In his statement, Necro reflected on the significance of receiving recognition from WWE despite never having wrestled for the promotion. He emphasized that his career was built by working hard across the independent wrestling landscape rather than following the traditional path to WWE. He also assured fans that the deal would not affect his current bookings and that he intends to continue honoring his scheduled appearances.
Following the announcement, PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that WWE officials confirmed the agreement, describing it as the type of arrangement often referred to internally as a “nostalgia agreement.” These deals typically allow WWE to feature a wrestler’s likeness and legacy in various projects, including merchandise, documentaries, video games, and other content.
Necro Butcher’s profile has grown in recent years thanks in part to VICE’s Dark Side of the Ring. One episode focused heavily on his acclaimed 2005 match against Samoa Joe, a bout widely regarded as one of the most memorable matches in independent wrestling history. The documentary also highlighted Summers’ personal battle with Hodgkin lymphoma, a serious health struggle that left him using a wheelchair in 2020. Fortunately, he later announced that he had beaten cancer and was officially cancer-free.
Over the course of his career, Necro became one of the most recognizable figures on the independent circuit. He competed for a long list of promotions, including Ring of Honor, IWA Mid-South, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, Full Impact Pro, Combat Zone Wrestling, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, and Juggalo Championship Wrestling, among many others. His reputation was built on an intense, no-nonsense style that often blended brawling and deathmatch wrestling, making him a cult favorite among hardcore wrestling fans.
Outside the ring, Necro also gained mainstream exposure through his appearance in the 2008 wrestling drama The Wrestler.
While WWE Legends deals are typically associated with former WWE stars, Necro Butcher’s signing stands out because he never spent time wrestling for the company. For many fans of independent wrestling, the agreement serves as recognition of a career that left a lasting mark on the industry without ever requiring a run in WWE.
WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles made an unexpected appearance over the weekend, coming to the aid of his son Avery Styles following a match at an Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment event.
Avery, who is continuing to gain experience ahead of his upcoming TNA Bound for Glory appearance, challenged Tristan Moody for the GWC Junior Championship on Sunday. While he came up short in his pursuit of the title, the drama didn’t end when the match was over.
After the contest, Avery was confronted and attacked by members of the Palmetto Boys, who launched a post-match assault on the rising star. As the beatdown continued, the crowd erupted when AJ Styles’ entrance music suddenly hit.
“The Phenomenal One” rushed to the ring and quickly cleared out the attackers, sending the Palmetto Boys retreating. AJ then helped his son back to his feet, sharing a brief moment with Avery in the ring as the two embraced and spoke following the save.
The appearance comes at a busy time for Avery Styles, who has been building momentum on the independent wrestling scene. Since signing with TNA at Lockdown, he has competed for promotions including GCW, Juggalo Championship Wrestling, and ETU while preparing for the biggest opportunity of his young career.
Avery is scheduled to compete in the Call Your Shot Gauntlet match at TNA Bound for Glory on October 11. To help prepare for the event, he has been training under former TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian.
As for AJ Styles, the surprise run-in marked another rare wrestling-related appearance since retiring from in-ring competition. Styles officially ended his legendary career after facing GUNTHER at the Royal Rumble in January. Since then, he has transitioned into a new role as a coach at WWE’s Performance Center while also wrapping up his popular The Phenomenally Retro Podcast, which concluded last month.
While AJ’s wrestling days may be behind him, he showed he still knows how to make an impact when his son needed help.
AJ Styles made a surprise appearance tonight at Atlanta Wrestling Entertainment saving Avery Styles from a post-match beatdown!
WWE superfan Rick Achberger, known to generations of fans as the company’s beloved “Sign Guy,” has passed away at the age of 67.
The news was shared by Lance Peterson on social media, who announced that Achberger passed away on September 27.
Achberger became a familiar face to wrestling fans through his regular appearances at WWE events across the country. Often wearing his trademark blue work shirt and red hat, he could frequently be seen seated near ringside holding signs during television broadcasts and premium live events.
Over the years, Achberger earned recognition from both fans and WWE personnel for his dedication to the company, reportedly attending as many as 40 to 50 WWE events annually. His most recent appearance was at the May 1 edition of WWE SmackDown.
While never an on-screen performer, Achberger became one of the most recognizable members of WWE’s fan community, with many viewers instantly identifying him whenever he appeared in the crowd.
It’s with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of WWE Sign Guy Rick Achberger, today Sunday 9/27/26. He was an absolute great guy and loved talking with fans at the shows. He tackled some health problems a couple of years ago, but last month began to go downhill rapidly.… pic.twitter.com/LPgOp1wRFe
Saddened to hear of the death of Rick Achberger, known to the WWE Universe as ‘Sign Guy.’ For decades, Rick was a fixture at events holding a sign that expressed exactly how he felt about you that given evening. He will be missed by the entire @WWE family. We send condolences to… pic.twitter.com/tunxfnorgZ
Nearly a month after leaving WWE, Ilja Dragunov’s next destination may finally be coming into focus.
According to Fightful Select, Dragunov is expected to join AEW in the near future, barring any unforeseen complications. While it remains unclear whether he has officially signed with the promotion, sources reportedly expect him to land there once outstanding issues are resolved.
That move may not happen immediately.
The report states that Dragunov is among several recently departed WWE talents from outside the United States who are currently dealing with visa-related hurdles following their exits from the company. Those issues have reportedly delayed potential appearances elsewhere, and there is no word on when they may be resolved.
Dragunov’s decision not to renew his WWE contract surprised many throughout the wrestling industry, leading to widespread speculation about where the former United States Champion would end up next.
Another question surrounding his future involves his ring name.
Because Ilja is his real first name, he would have no issue continuing to use it. The status of the “Dragunov” surname, however, is less certain. WWE filed a trademark application for “Ilja Dragunov” in 2020 during his NXT UK run, but publicly available records reportedly show no updates after October 2020, when the filing was listed as live and pending.
As a result, it remains unclear whether WWE ultimately secured rights to the name or if Dragunov will be able to continue using the identity he has competed under since 2012.
For now, the expectation is that Dragunov’s next chapter will begin once his visa situation is sorted out, though an official announcement has yet to be made.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Tessa Blanchard’s relationship with MLW appears to have reached another significant development.
Blanchard has officially been announced for a CMLL event on September 12, where she is scheduled to face Starlight Kid. The booking effectively confirms that she will not be appearing at MLW Fightland, which is scheduled for the same day.
The situation has become increasingly confusing over the past several weeks. Blanchard initially stated during an interview with TMZ Sports that she would be “starting with MLW” and spoke about her desire to compete in the promotion’s women’s division, including challenging for the MLW Women’s World Championship.
Those comments led many to believe that Blanchard had signed with MLW, particularly given the company’s working relationship with CMLL.
However, that perception quickly changed when CMLL clarified that Blanchard was not under contract with MLW and was only expected to make a single appearance. Shortly afterward, MLW removed promotional material related to Blanchard from its website, including references to her previously announced debut.
The situation became even murkier when Dave Meltzer discussed the matter on Wrestling Observer Radio, admitting that details regarding the arrangement between Blanchard, MLW, and CMLL were unclear.
With Blanchard now officially booked for a CMLL match against Starlight Kid on September 12, any possibility of her appearing at Fightland on the same day appears to be off the table.
Blanchard has remained with CMLL since departing TNA earlier this year. Following her release, she stated that she was asked to choose between continuing with TNA or remaining with CMLL and ultimately elected to stay with the Mexican promotion.
At the time, TNA maintained a working relationship with AAA, which is now owned by WWE. While Blanchard had previously been permitted to work for both TNA and CMLL, reports surfaced suggesting TNA officials were unhappy with some of her appearances for CMLL shortly before her departure.
As of now, neither MLW nor Blanchard has publicly addressed the removal of her promotional materials from the company’s website. What is clear is that Blanchard will not be appearing at MLW Fightland on September 12, as she is scheduled to face Starlight Kid for CMLL on the same date. However, whether that means her relationship with MLW has ended entirely or was only ever intended to be a one-off appearance remains unclear.
Former WWE star Kairi Sane could soon be headed to a new promotion, as a new report indicates that multiple companies are interested in bringing her in following her WWE departure earlier this year.
According to Fightful Select, several promotions have expressed interest in the former Women’s Champion, with AEW reportedly among the companies that have held discussions with Sane about a potential deal.
While talks between AEW and Kairi have reportedly taken place, no agreement has been finalized at this time.
Speculation surrounding Kairi’s future intensified in recent weeks, with some fans believing she could appear at AEW All In: London. However, the report notes that a debut at the event was never realistically in the cards, as she was not expected to be signed in time and was reportedly never included in the company’s creative plans for the show.
Interest in Kairi reportedly extends beyond North America as well. Despite that, sources familiar with the situation indicated that she is not expected to join Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion.
The report did not provide any update regarding a potential return to STARDOM, where Kairi enjoyed two successful runs during her career. She competed for the promotion from 2011 to 2017 before returning from 2022 to 2023. During her time there, she captured the World of Stardom Championship and established herself as one of the company’s top stars.
Kairi’s most recent WWE run began in 2023 and came to an end earlier this year. Her final appearance for the company saw her team with Asuka in a loss to Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky on Raw. Four days later, WWE released her from her contract.
Prior to that stint, Kairi spent five years with WWE between 2016 and 2021, winning multiple championships and becoming one of the company’s most popular international stars.
Back in July, reports surfaced that several promotions had shown interest in booking Kairi for non-contracted appearances, further fueling speculation about her next move.
Another notable detail is that Kairi is represented by veteran agent Barry Bloom, whose client list includes several top AEW names such as Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Chris Jericho, Will Ospreay, Josh Alexander, and Jim Ross.
For now, Kairi remains a free agent, but with interest reportedly coming from multiple promotions around the world, it appears only a matter of time before the former WWE star decides on the next chapter of her career.
The wrestling and music worlds are mourning the reported loss of Andy Williams, known to AEW fans as The Butcher, who has died at the age of 48.
According to TMZ, Williams suffered a medical emergency following a match at an Enjoy Wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. Williams was teaming with longtime tag team partner Braxton Sutter, known to wrestling fans as The Blade, when he reportedly collapsed after the bout.
Medical personnel immediately attended to Williams and performed CPR before he was transported from the venue by ambulance. The remainder of the event was canceled, and fans were asked to leave the building. Details regarding the medical emergency have not been publicly disclosed.
Before becoming known to wrestling audiences around the world, Williams built a successful career in music. His original aspirations of becoming a professional wrestler were delayed after a knee injury during training. That setback ultimately led him to help form the metalcore band Every Time I Die in 1998, where he served as bassist and became a prominent figure in the heavy music scene.
Williams eventually returned to his wrestling ambitions in the 2010s, training under former UFC Heavyweight Champion Josh Barnett. His connection with Barnett led to appearances at Bloodsport events, where his hard-hitting style quickly gained attention.
In 2017, Williams teamed with Braxton Sutter to form The Butcher & The Blade, a pairing that became a regular fixture on the independent wrestling circuit. Alongside Sutter’s wife Allie, known as The Bunny, the trio developed a unique presentation that helped them stand out wherever they performed.
The group made its surprise debut in All Elite Wrestling in November 2019 and soon became a recognizable part of the company’s tag team division. During their AEW run, The Butcher & The Blade shared the ring with many of the promotion’s top teams and were involved in rivalries with acts including The Lucha Bros.
Following Allie’s departure from AEW in 2023 and Sutter’s recovery from back surgery, the team became less active in the promotion. While there had been speculation about a potential return, Williams and Sutter ultimately departed AEW when their contracts expired in June 2026.
Williams leaves behind a legacy that extended far beyond professional wrestling. Whether performing on stage with Every Time I Die or competing inside the ring as The Butcher, he built a devoted following through his passion, intensity, and unmistakable presence.
All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher. A trailblazing musician with ETID and Atomic Rule, Williams made a successful transition into the world of professional wrestling and was incredibly respected by his peers both in and out… pic.twitter.com/FZ5WhSGsFl
Tessa Blanchard has found a new home in professional wrestling.
According to comments made during an appearance on TMZ‘s Inside the Ring podcast, Blanchard confirmed that she is set to join Major League Wrestling after departing TNA earlier this year.
“I’m going to be starting with MLW here soon, and I’m super, super excited for everything to come,” Blanchard said.
The move marks the first time in Blanchard’s career that she will compete under the MLW banner. The former TNA World Champion and Knockouts Champion indicated that she plans to make an immediate impact once she arrives, with her sights already set on the MLW Women’s World Championship, currently held by Shotzi Blackheart.
Blanchard also expressed interest in becoming a cornerstone of the promotion’s women’s division, suggesting she hopes to establish herself as one of the key faces of that roster moving forward.
An additional benefit of the deal is that it allows Blanchard to continue working with CMLL in Mexico. MLW’s working relationship with the lucha libre promotion gives her the flexibility to remain active in both organizations.
During the interview, Blanchard also addressed her departure from TNA, explaining that she was ultimately forced to choose between remaining with TNA or continuing her association with CMLL. She opted to stay with the Mexican promotion, leading to her exit from TNA.
Blanchard’s arrival adds another notable name to MLW’s growing women’s division and immediately creates a potential championship match with Shotzi.
Once regarded as one of the top female performers in North America, Blanchard’s career has experienced several highs and lows over the past several years. Despite the controversies and setbacks that impacted her career trajectory, she has remained active in professional wrestling through various promotions, including CMLL and TNA.
Now, with MLW officially in her future, Blanchard is preparing for the next chapter of her career and appears ready to make her presence felt as soon as she steps into an MLW ring.
