Category: Wrestling News

Austin Creed And Kofi React To AEW Debut, Capture World Trios Gold At All In London

Austin Creed and Kofi made an unforgettable first impression in AEW.

The duo, now competing under the name The New Level, officially debuted for All Elite Wrestling during Sunday’s AEW All In: London event at Wembley Stadium. Teaming with Swerve Strickland, the former WWE stars entered the AEW World Trios Championship Roulette Royale and left with championship gold in their very first match.

Following their victory, Creed and Kofi spoke about the significance of the moment and what it meant to begin this new chapter of their careers with such a major accomplishment.

Kofi reflected on the achievement, noting that winning championships immediately after arriving in AEW felt like validation after making the jump from another promotion.

“It feels good. It feels valid,” Kofi said. “Validation to come all the way over here from another universe. On our first night out, our first match, to be in there with such prestigious teams, and look at us now. What does that say about us?”

Their partner, newly crowned Trios Champion Swerve Strickland, had a simple answer.

According to Strickland, the trio has already established themselves as history makers and intends to operate at the highest level in the industry.

“I’ll tell you what it says: history makers,” Strickland said. “All three of us. Of this generation, of this era, of this culture. Nobody is above us. Because we’re at the highest level. The New Level.”

Speculation surrounding Creed and Kofi’s future had been growing in recent days. Strickland fueled those rumors ahead of All In when he posted a cryptic message reading “New” on social media, leading many fans to believe a major debut was imminent.

That speculation became reality when the pair arrived at Wembley and helped Strickland secure the AEW World Trios Championship.

Creed and Kofi entered free agency earlier this year after departing WWE in May. The longtime tag team stars reportedly chose not to accept reduced contract offers and instead elected to explore opportunities elsewhere.

The two previously rose to prominence as members of The New Day, one of WWE’s most successful factions alongside Big E. The group became one of the most decorated teams in company history after forming in 2014. Following Big E’s neck injury in 2022 and the eventual on-screen split of The New Day in late 2024, Creed and Kofi continued their careers together before ultimately making the move to AEW.

Now officially part of the AEW roster, The New Level has already accomplished something few wrestlers ever do—winning championship gold in their debut match.

With Strickland at their side and the Trios Championships around their waists, all eyes will be on what comes next for AEW’s newest stars.

First Annual Sycho Sid Vicious Memorial Show Announced For Memphis

Memphis legend Doug Gilbert announced on X – The First Annual Sycho Sid Vicious Memorial Show.

Professional wrestling fans will have the opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the industry’s most unforgettable stars later this month.

The First Annual Sycho Sid Vicious Memorial Show is set to take place on August 29, 2026, at Minglewood Hall in Memphis, Tennessee, honoring the memory of the late Sid Vicious while supporting a cause that was close to his heart.

Presented by the Eudy family and TWO (The Wrestling Order), the inaugural event honors the legendary career of Sid Eudy (Sycho Sid / Sid Vicious). All proceeds from the event directly support local animal shelters in honor of Sid’s love for animals.

Event To Benefit Local Animal Shelters

Organizers announced that 100% of the proceeds from the event will be donated to local animal shelters.

Sid was known for his love of animals, making the charity component a fitting tribute to the wrestling icon’s legacy outside the ring.

150+ Wrestlers Scheduled For Massive Battle Rumble

The centerpiece of the event will be a massive Battle Rumble featuring more than 150 wrestlers, making it one of the most unique wrestling attractions of the year.

In addition to the oversized rumble, organizers have also announced that the show will feature at least four additional matches.

Wrestling Legends And Stars Announced

A number of notable names from across wrestling history have already been confirmed for the memorial event, including:

  • Carlito
  • Dan Spivey
  • Jonathan Gresham
  • Dangerous Doug Gilbert
  • Wildfire Tommy Rich
  • Reggie B. Fine
  • Jordynne Grace

Promoters have also teased that many more wrestling stars and legends will be announced leading up to the show.

Event Information

First Annual Sycho Sid Vicious Memorial Show

📍 Minglewood Hall – Memphis, Tennessee

📅 August 29, 2026

🕓 Meet & Greet: 4:00 PM

🔔 Bell Time: 6:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets: ticketsource.com/two

Honoring A Wrestling Legend

Sid Vicious remains one of the most recognizable stars of the 1990s, competing in WWE, WCW, ECW, USWA, and numerous other promotions throughout his Hall of Fame career.

Known for his intimidating presence, memorable promos, and multiple world championship reigns, Sid became a larger-than-life figure who left a lasting impact on the wrestling business.

Now, fans, wrestlers, and friends will gather in Memphis to celebrate his legacy while raising money for local animal shelters in a night that promises to be both memorable and meaningful.

With more than 150 wrestlers expected to participate and a lineup featuring legends from multiple generations, the inaugural Sycho Sid Vicious Memorial Show is shaping up to be a unique event dedicated to one of wrestling’s most iconic personalities.

http://ticketsource.com/two

Lance Anoa’i Announces Plans To Retire From Professional Wrestling In 2027

A member of the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family is preparing to step away from the ring.

Lance Anoa’i announced on Instagram that he plans to retire from professional wrestling in March 2027, bringing an end to a career that will span nearly 17 years.

The former WWE and MLW performer shared a lengthy statement reflecting on his time in the business and explaining why he has decided that the next chapter of his life will focus on family.

Lance Anoa’i Announces Retirement Plans

In his post, Anoa’i expressed gratitude to the fans, promoters, and fellow wrestlers who have been part of his journey since his debut.

“After almost 17 years in professional wrestling, I will be officially calling time on my in-ring career in March 2027, once I reach that 17-year milestone.”

Anoa’i noted that wrestling has provided him with countless memories and experiences, but he has reached a point where he wants to dedicate more of his time to his wife and children.

“For so many years, wrestling has taken up my weekends, my time, and countless moments away from the people I love most. I’ve reached a point where I want to dedicate that time to my wife and my kids and be there for the moments that matter most.”

He also praised his family members who continue to carry on the Anoa’i legacy in professional wrestling.

“I love what they’re building, I love being part of it in any way I can, and I will always support them 100% in everything they do going forward.”

While retirement is on the horizon, Anoa’i emphasized that he is not finished just yet.

“This isn’t goodbye just yet though. We still have a few months to go!”

Career Spanning Nearly Two Decades

Anoa’i made his professional wrestling debut in April 2010 and spent much of his career competing on the independent wrestling scene.

One of his most notable runs came in Major League Wrestling (MLW), where he captured the MLW World Tag Team Championship during his time with the promotion.

He also made several appearances on WWE television throughout the mid-to-late 2010s as enhancement talent before eventually signing a WWE contract in 2024.

WWE Run Cut Short By Injuries

After joining WWE, Anoa’i was expected to begin the next phase of his career within the company’s developmental system. However, multiple injuries prevented him from making an official in-ring appearance for WWE.

He was ultimately released by the company in October 2025 without ever wrestling a televised match under contract.

Following his WWE departure, Anoa’i shifted some of his focus toward Power Slap while continuing his involvement in combat sports and entertainment.

Final Year Begins

With retirement now officially planned for March 2027, Anoa’i enters what will be the final months of his wrestling career.

As a member of one of wrestling’s most famous families, he leaves behind a career that included nearly two decades of competition and contributions to promotions across the wrestling landscape.

For now, fans still have several months remaining to see Lance Anoa’i compete before he officially calls time on his in-ring career.

Former WWE Stars Kofi And Austin Creed Announced For Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and Austin Creed have been announced for Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea, marking one of their first major wrestling-related appearances since becoming free agents earlier this year.

The cruise revealed the news on social media, confirming that Kingston and Creed will be part of the event as “Super Massive Guest Captains.” The pair are also listed on the official cruise website among the featured talent scheduled to appear.

First Major Appearance Since WWE Departure

Kofi and Creed became free agents following their WWE releases in April 2026 as part of the company’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts.

Since then, speculation has continued regarding what the future holds for the longtime tag team stars and whether they will remain together wherever they land next.

Their inclusion on Jericho’s cruise marks another public appearance for the duo as fans continue to await news regarding their next move in professional wrestling.

Loaded Lineup Announced

The upcoming cruise is set to feature a number of wrestling legends and current stars.

Among those currently advertised are:

  • The Hardys
  • The Great Muta
  • Nic Nemeth
  • Harley Cameron
  • Kofi
  • Austin Creed

Additional wrestling personalities and musical acts are expected to be part of the event as well.

Cruise Sets Sail In November

Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea is scheduled to take place from November 7-11, 2026.

The cruise will depart from Miami, Florida, and travel to Bimini, Bahamas, offering fans several days of wrestling-themed entertainment, live performances, meet-and-greets, and special events featuring some of the biggest names in the industry.

While Kofi and Creed’s long-term wrestling futures remain unknown, their appearance on the popular wrestling cruise is sure to fuel further discussion about what’s next for the former WWE stars.

Jim Ross Undergoes Successful Brain Surgery, Recovery Underway

There is encouraging news regarding WWE Hall of Famer and legendary wrestling commentator Jim Ross.

Ross’ longtime podcast co-host Conrad Thompson shared an update on social media, revealing that the procedure was successful and that JR is expected to return home later this week.

“Happy to report that our pal Jim Ross had a successful procedure this morning!

I heard from his lovely daughter this morning that everything went well and good ole JR is expected to be back home by Friday!

Please keep JR in your prayers as we hope for a speedy recovery!”

According to details that have emerged regarding the surgery, doctors drilled a small hole in Ross’ skull in order to insert a shunt. The tube will run from his brain to his stomach and is designed to help drain excess fluid and relieve pressure.

The procedure marks another health challenge for the beloved broadcaster, who has been open with fans about various medical issues in recent years. Fortunately, the initial reports following the operation have been overwhelmingly positive.

Ross remains one of the most respected voices in professional wrestling history. Over the course of a career spanning decades, he became synonymous with some of the industry’s biggest moments through his work in WWE, WCW, Mid-South Wrestling, and most recently AEW.

Following Thompson’s update, fans, wrestlers, and industry figures quickly flooded social media with messages of support and well wishes for Ross as he begins the recovery process.

With the surgery reportedly going as planned and JR expected to return home by Friday, the focus now shifts to rehabilitation and recovery.

Everyone at the wrestling community continues to wish Jim Ross a speedy recovery.

WWE Hall Of Famer Dory Funk Jr. Passes Away At Age 85

The professional wrestling world is mourning the loss of one of its most respected legends.

According to the Ocala Gazette, WWE Hall of Famer Dory Funk Jr. passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85. The report cited Funk’s wife, Marti Funk, who stated that her husband died while under hospice care.

News of Funk’s passing quickly led to tributes from across the wrestling industry, with fellow wrestlers, organizations, and fans honoring his remarkable career and lasting influence on the business.

Wrestling World Pays Tribute

The Cauliflower Alley Club was among the first organizations to publicly honor Funk, sharing a memorial graphic on social media and remembering him as:

“A champion, a teacher, a gentleman, and an ambassador for our great sport.”

WWE Hall of Famer Brian Blair also paid tribute on social media, sharing memories of his longtime friend and reflecting on Funk’s impact on professional wrestling.

A Legendary Career Spanning More Than Six Decades

Dory Funk Jr. began his wrestling career in 1963, working for his father Dory Funk Sr.’s Western States Sports promotion.

Over the following decades, Funk built a reputation as one of the sport’s premier technical wrestlers, competing throughout the United States and internationally. His success in Japan helped establish him as one of the most respected performers of his era.

One of the defining accomplishments of his career came in February 1969 when he captured the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. Funk held the title for more than four years, making him the second-longest reigning NWA World Heavyweight Champion behind only Lou Thesz.

Success Around The World

Throughout his career, Funk competed for numerous major promotions, including:

  • All Japan Pro Wrestling
  • ECW
  • WCW
  • WWF/WWE
  • WWC

His relationship with All Japan Pro Wrestling was particularly notable, with multiple runs for the promotion spanning from the 1970s through the 2010s.

Although he officially retired in 2017, Funk continued making occasional appearances. His final match took place in August 2024 when he teamed with Osamu Nishimura in a victory.

Teacher And Mentor To Generations

Beyond his accomplishments inside the ring, Funk was widely respected for his work training future wrestlers.

In later years, he operated the Funking Conservatory in Ocala, Florida, where he helped develop aspiring talent and passed along decades of wrestling knowledge to the next generation.

Funk’s death comes less than three years after the passing of his younger brother, wrestling icon Terry Funk, who died on August 23, 2023.

Memorial Service Planned

According to the Ocala Gazette, a private service will be held for family members in the coming days.

A public memorial service honoring Dory Funk Jr.’s life and legacy is planned for Thanksgiving Day, with additional details expected to be announced at a later date.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, Dory Funk Jr. leaves behind a legacy that spans generations and helped shape professional wrestling around the world.

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.

Several Former WWE Stars Officially Become Free Agents Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses

A significant group of former WWE talent officially entered free agency today as the 90-day non-compete clauses tied to April’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts came to an end.

More than 20 wrestlers were released by WWE following WrestleMania 42, and many of the biggest names from that group are now free to sign with or compete for any promotion they choose.

Among the newly available talents are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis.

While some released stars have already returned to the independent wrestling scene, others have remained quiet about their future plans, leaving fans speculating about where they could surface next.

Nikki Storm And Joe Gacy Already Planning Their Next Moves

Several former members of the Wyatt Sicks faction have already begun laying the groundwork for life after WWE.

Nikki Cross, who has resumed using the name Nikki Storm, is scheduled to appear for both PROGRESS Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro in the coming weeks. Storm has also expanded her role within the industry outside the ring, as she and her husband Big Damo recently became owners of both PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.

Meanwhile, Joe Gacy has started teasing the next phase of his character. Last month, he released a video featuring imagery connected to the Wyatt Sicks persona he portrayed in WWE, suggesting a darker evolution of his character may be on the horizon.

The futures of Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis remain less clear, with none of the three having publicly announced their next destinations.

Kairi Sane Begins New Chapter

Of all the WWE departures, Kairi Sane’s release generated some of the strongest reactions from fans.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was actively involved in a storyline alongside IYO SKY and Asuka before her exit, leading many to question the timing of her departure. Reports later indicated that Sane had requested her release and was interested in returning to Japan.

On the first day of her free agency, Sane marked the occasion by sharing a photo of herself alongside a motorcycle on social media, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Motor City Machine Guns Continue To Fuel Speculation

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have also kept fans guessing about their future.

The Motor City Machine Guns recently released a video on their YouTube channel featuring a comedic skit that ended with the duo discovering a mystery contract from an unnamed wrestling promotion. While the company was never revealed, many fans immediately speculated that All Elite Wrestling could be the destination being teased.

Both wrestlers have extensive histories with multiple promotions, making them one of the most intriguing tag teams currently available on the market.

Questions Surround Aleister Black And Zelina Vega

Aleister Black remains one of the most notable free agents available.

Despite widespread assumptions that he could eventually return to AEW, no official plans have been announced. Reports have suggested there may be reservations within AEW regarding a potential reunion, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.

His wife, Zelina Vega, may already be preparing for her next wrestling chapter. Recently, she filed a trademark application for the name “Xelina” for wrestling-related entertainment services, leading to speculation that an in-ring return could be in the works.

Zoey Serrano Set For Return

Formerly known as Zoey Stark, Zoey Serrano has already lined up her first major post-WWE appearance.

She is scheduled to compete in the RevPro Women’s Grand Prix 2026, where she will face Zeuxis in the tournament’s opening round.

The appearance marks a significant milestone following the severe knee injury she suffered in May 2025 during a match involving Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley. The injury sidelined her for an extended period and raised concerns about the future of her career.

Santos Escobar Takes Aim At WWE Leadership

Santos Escobar also acknowledged his newly acquired free-agent status this week.

In a social media post, the former WWE star reflected on his six-year run with the company while also directing criticism toward WWE President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

While Escobar did not reveal where he intends to wrestle next, his comments quickly generated discussion among fans as the next stage of his career begins.

Wrestling Free Agency Heats Up

With so many recognizable names now officially available, the wrestling free-agent market has become one of the industry’s biggest stories.

Some talents appear poised for immediate returns to the ring, while others are expected to take their time evaluating offers from promotions around the world. Whether the next destination is AEW, NJPW, TNA, independent wrestling, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the coming weeks could bring a wave of major signings and surprise debuts across the wrestling landscape.

AJ Styles’ Son Avery Styles Set To Make GCW Debut

Avery Styles, Son Of WWE’s AJ Styles, Set For GCW Debut

The next generation of the Styles family is beginning to make waves on the independent wrestling scene.

Avery Styles, the son of WWE legend AJ Styles, is continuing to build momentum early in his wrestling career and is now set to make his debut for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) later this month.

The young prospect recently stepped into the ring for his first official match at a Squared Circle Action event, with his father accompanying him to ringside. The bout generated significant buzz among fans, eventually being elevated to the night’s main event after interest in the match continued to grow.

Avery made the most of the opportunity, picking up the victory after delivering his father’s iconic Styles Clash. Following the match, AJ Styles publicly praised both his son and opponent Ashton Martin, saying he was highly impressed by their performances.

GCW Debut Scheduled For July 31

Now, Avery is preparing for another major milestone.

GCW has announced that Styles will make his debut for the promotion on July 31 in Omaha, Nebraska. As of now, his opponent for the event has not been revealed.

However, his second appearance for the company is already set. On August 1, Styles will face Marcus Mathers at the legendary First Avenue venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mathers is a familiar name to GCW fans and has established himself as one of the promotion’s rising stars. He is also part of WWE’s ID program, making the matchup an intriguing test for the younger Styles as he continues gaining experience.

Interestingly, the August 1 event takes place on the same night as the opening night of WWE SummerSlam, which is also being held in Minneapolis.

Tag Team Match Set Before GCW Run

Before making his way to GCW, Avery will participate in another unique matchup on the independent circuit.

On July 26, he is scheduled to team with CJ Gallows, the son of Luke Gallows, at a Next Generation Wrestling event in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The duo will take on The Good Brothers, creating a matchup with strong ties to wrestling history. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson famously worked together in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as members of Bullet Club before later reuniting in WWE as part of The OC.

The bout will provide Avery with another opportunity to gain experience while sharing the ring with veteran performers who have known his family for years.

A Promising Start

While Avery Styles is still in the early stages of his wrestling journey, his first few appearances have already attracted considerable attention. Carrying one of the most recognizable names in modern wrestling naturally brings expectations, but his early performances have generated positive reviews from fans and veterans alike.

With upcoming matches in GCW and elsewhere on the independent scene, Avery appears committed to carving out his own path while learning from one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

The next few months could offer a clearer picture of how quickly the young Styles develops as he continues to gain valuable in-ring experience.

Motor City Machine Guns Tease Post-WWE Future In New Video

The Motor City Machine Guns may be getting closer to revealing their next move in professional wrestling.

Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were among the WWE talents released shortly after WrestleMania 42, and both men have remained inactive due to the standard 90-day non-compete period attached to their departures. With that restriction nearing its end, the veteran tag team has begun dropping hints about what could be next.

In a recently released video on their YouTube channel, Shelley and Sabin took a humorous approach to addressing life after WWE. The skit centered around Sabin working through the five stages of grief following the duo’s release, with Shelley acting as his guide throughout the process.

As the segment progressed toward the final stage—acceptance—Shelley revealed a box filled with wrestling contracts from a variety of promotions. The pair jokingly sorted through offers from several companies, including well-known Japanese organizations such as FMW and WAR, along with promotions connected to the CyberFight group.

The video also featured several fictional or tongue-in-cheek promotion names, leading to some comedic moments. At one point, Sabin expressed frustration that one particular unnamed company had even attempted to recruit them.

The biggest tease came at the end of the skit. After reviewing multiple contracts, the duo arrived at a final offer that was never shown on camera. Neither wrestler revealed the name of the promotion, but their reaction spoke volumes. Both appeared excited by what they saw, and Shelley declared that Sabin had finally reached the acceptance stage of grief.

The mystery has naturally fueled speculation throughout the wrestling world.

Many fans believe All Elite Wrestling is the most likely destination for the former WWE Tag Team Champions. Sabin and Shelley have previous history with AEW and were heavily linked to the company before ultimately choosing to sign with WWE in 2024.

TNA Wrestling has also emerged as a possibility given the team’s long and successful history with the promotion. Reports in recent weeks have indicated that TNA would be open to bringing the Motor City Machine Guns back into the fold if the opportunity arose.

However, according to sources close to TNA, there remains a belief that Sabin and Shelley are ultimately AEW-bound once their non-compete clauses expire.

For now, the Motor City Machine Guns are keeping fans guessing, but their latest video has only intensified speculation that a major announcement could be on the horizon.