Tag: AEW

Tommaso Ciampa Makes AEW Debut On Dynamite

The “Psycho Killer” Tommaso Ciampa is officially All Elite.

Wednesday night’s episode of AEW Dynamite closed with a moment few fans expected so soon, as Ciampa made his surprise debut for the company and immediately set his sights on championship gold. The former WWE standout appeared moments after Mark Briscoe successfully defended the TNT Championship against El Clon, turning what seemed like a routine post-match segment into a major talking point.

After retaining the title, Briscoe grabbed a microphone and announced an open challenge for this weekend’s AEW Collision. That’s when the arena lights dropped. When they came back on, an unknown video graphic and theme music played, then Ciampa appeared on the entrance stage, drawing a loud reaction from the crowd. The two men locked eyes in a tense staredown in the ring, and it didn’t take long before AEW made it official — Ciampa vs. Briscoe for the TNT Championship is set for Saturday night’s AEW Collision.

The debut comes just days after Ciampa’s WWE departure became official. Earlier this week, his profile was quietly moved to WWE’s alumni section, ending an 11-year run with the company that began in 2015. While there had been speculation about where Ciampa might land next, AEW wasted no time positioning him as a serious player.

Ciampa leaves WWE with an impressive résumé. He is a two-time NXT Champion and held tag team gold multiple times alongside longtime rival-turned-partner Johnny Gargano as part of #DIY. Their run together defined an era of NXT, with Ciampa carving out a reputation as one of the brand’s most intense and compelling performers.

Now, Ciampa steps into a new environment with immediate momentum and a title opportunity waiting for him. Whether his AEW run becomes a short-term shockwave or the start of something long-term, his debut has already added another layer of intrigue to AEW’s ever-evolving roster — and Saturday’s Collision just became must-see television.

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/28/2026

AEW Dynamite Live on TBS and HBO Max from the H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Texas

  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Thekla
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. Jake Doyle & Mark Davis
  • TNT Championship: Mark Briscoe (c) vs. El Clon
  • Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Jon Moxley vs. Ace Austin
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • Kenny Omega vs. Rocky Romero
  • AEW World Champion MJF to appear

AEW Collision Preview 1/24/2026

AEW Collision airs tonight at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST on TNT and HBO Max taped from the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida.

  • AEW TBS Championship: Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Julia Hart
  • CMLL World Heavyweight Championship: Claudio Castagnoli (c) vs. Roderick Strong
  • Hangman Page vs. Katsuyori Shibata
  • Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita vs. Billy Gunn & Austin Gunn
  • Andrade vs. Magnus
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Isla Dawn
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. Mark Davis & Jake Doyle

AEW Dynamite Preview 1/21/2026

AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max from the Addition Arena in Orlando, FL.

  • Kenny Omega vs. Josh Alexander
  • Samoa Joe vs. “Speedball” Mike Bailey
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Kevin Knight
  • Street Fight: The Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Daniel Garcia & Wheeler Yuta) vs. The Don Callis Family (Hechicero, Lance Archer & Rocky Romero)
  • AEW World Champion MJF to appear

AEW’s Streaming Future Unclear as Netflix Pushes All-Cash Deal for WBD

AEW may soon find itself caught in the middle of a major media power struggle, as Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery continue reshaping their proposed merger. A newly revised all-cash offer has added urgency to the situation — and for wrestling fans, it raises real questions about where AEW programming could end up once the dust settles.

On January 20, Netflix and WBD confirmed they’ve restructured their merger agreement into a full cash deal, offering $27.75 per share for WBD. While the valuation hasn’t changed, the switch away from stock is a significant move. By removing equity from the equation, Netflix is clearly aiming to streamline regulatory approval and close the deal faster, limiting opportunities for rivals to interfere.

That hasn’t stopped Paramount from trying. The company has aggressively challenged the Netflix-WBD deal, filing lawsuits, launching a proxy battle, and even floating a competing bid reportedly valued at $30 per share. Paramount executives believe Netflix taking control would weaken WBD’s cable and sports assets — a category that directly includes TNT and TBS, the current home of AEW’s flagship programming.

At the heart of the issue is WBD’s planned breakup into two separate entities. Under the proposal, Warner Bros. would focus on studio and entertainment properties, while Discovery Global would house cable networks and sports. That structural split could play a decisive role in AEW’s future, especially when it comes to streaming.

Under earlier versions of the Netflix-WBD plan, live sports were not expected to remain a long-term priority on HBO Max. Instead, properties like AEW were projected to migrate to a standalone TNT Sports app. That direction appears unchanged under the new all-cash framework. While such a move might make sense from a corporate organization standpoint, it could significantly reduce AEW’s visibility compared to being featured on a major platform like Max.

Notably, the latest public statements from Netflix and WBD avoided mentioning AEW, TNT, or sports content by name. Instead, the messaging focused on innovation, growth, and consumer choice. Still, the emphasis on splitting the company into more “focused” units strongly suggests sports will be pushed into a more isolated ecosystem — one without the massive subscriber base of Netflix or HBO Max.

For AEW, that creates a tricky situation. Streaming exposure has become a crucial part of wrestling’s modern business model, not just for weekly TV but also for special events and international reach. A move to a brand-new TNT Sports app could require fans to actively seek out the product again, rather than stumbling upon it through a familiar platform. Casual viewers, in particular, may not make that jump.

The current timeline has the Netflix-WBD merger potentially closing within 12 to 18 months, assuming regulatory hurdles are cleared and the Discovery Global spinoff is completed. Paramount’s legal challenge remains a wild card, but the all-cash structure gives Netflix a cleaner pitch to shareholders eager for certainty.

If that path wins out, AEW’s time on Max may already be on the clock. While nothing is official yet, the broader media shakeup suggests AEW will need to stay flexible — and possibly proactive — about where its content lives long-term. In an era where accessibility often determines audience growth, the outcome of this deal could have ripple effects far beyond Wall Street, directly shaping how fans watch AEW in the years ahead.

Report: Trey Miguel’s AEW Release Was Reportedly Ordered From “Up Above”

When AEW signed The Rascalz, fans were eager to see Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Dezmond Xavier, and Myron Reed bring their high-energy chemistry to All Elite Wrestling. That excitement didn’t last long, though, as Miguel was unexpectedly released before the group ever made their planned debut on Collision, leaving many scratching their heads about what went wrong.

According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Radio, the decision to part ways with Miguel didn’t originate from within AEW’s usual creative or talent channels. Alvarez reported that the move came from “up above,” stressing that it was not connected to AEW’s roster, locker room issues, or even Tony Khan himself.

Alvarez noted that while rumors are circulating, there has been very little clarity backstage. However, his understanding is that the situation stemmed from a higher level of authority outside the normal AEW structure, leading to Miguel’s sudden release.

This has led fans to speculate about possible external factors being involved. AEW has dealt with similar situations in the past, most notably with Jay Briscoe, who was kept off AEW television for an extended period due to past social media posts despite being highly regarded within the company. Because of that precedent, some believe outside oversight or network-related concerns could again be a factor here, though nothing has been confirmed.

As of now, Trey Miguel is reportedly taking time away from in-ring competition. With questions still unanswered, fans are left waiting to see if more details emerge about what truly caused such an abrupt ending to his AEW run — and what’s next for Miguel moving forward.

Trey Miguel Released From AEW After Brief Signing, Taking Hiatus From Wrestling

Trey Miguel’s time with All Elite Wrestling has come to an abrupt and unexpected end.

Earlier today, Miguel took to his Instagram Stories to announce that he’s stepping away from wrestling for the time being. In his message, Miguel thanked fans for their support and urged them to continue backing The Rascalz, fueling speculation about his status after he was noticeably absent from recent AEW programming.

That absence now has an explanation. According to Fightful Select, Miguel was officially released from his AEW contract “within the last few days.” Reports from last week had suggested that all four members of The Rascalz — Miguel, Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Reed — had signed with AEW. While Xavier, Wentz, and Reed have since been involved with the company, Miguel did not appear at the AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage tapings on January 14.

Fightful notes that despite Miguel not being backstage for the taping, sources at the time still maintained that all four had signed with AEW. Miguel’s release reportedly came just over a week after he finalized his deal, which followed the expiration of his TNA Wrestling contract at the end of 2025. The reason for AEW’s decision to part ways with Miguel has not been disclosed, but both sides are said to be on good terms.

The situation is particularly surprising given Miguel’s long-standing connection to The Rascalz. The group most recently reunited in TNA Wrestling last year, rekindling the chemistry that made them standouts earlier in their careers.

Miguel has been a cornerstone of TNA Wrestling since 2018, carving out an impressive résumé along the way. He famously opted to remain with TNA when Wentz and Xavier moved on to WWE NXT, though Miguel still made several NXT appearances during the TNA–WWE crossover in 2024 and 2025. During his TNA run, Miguel captured the X-Division Championship twice and also held the Tag Team Titles with Wentz.

For now, Miguel appears focused on taking time away from the ring, leaving his future in wrestling uncertain. Whether this hiatus is brief or leads to a new chapter elsewhere remains to be seen, but given his track record, Trey Miguel’s name is unlikely to stay off the radar for long.

AEW Collision ‘Maximum Carnage’ Preview 1/17/2026

AEW Collision ‘Maximum Carnage’ tonight on TNT and HBO Max, taped Wednesday night from the Arizona Financial Theater in Phoenix, Arizona.

  • AEW World Trios Championship: The Opps (c) vs. Hangman Page & JetSpeed
  • AEW National Championship #1 Contenders Match: Jack Perry vs. Anthony Bowens
  • Eddie Kingston & Ortiz vs. Grizzled Young Veterans
  • Andrade El Idolo vs. Angelico
  • Marina Shafir vs. Zayda Steel
  • SkyFlight vs. Josh Alexander, Kyle Fletcher, & El Clon

AEW’s Brody King Teams With Headlocked Comics for Charity Release Supporting Families Impacted by ICE Raids

AEW’s Brody King is once again using his platform for a cause close to his heart, teaming up with Headlocked Comics on a new charity initiative aimed at helping families affected by ICE raids.

Headlocked founder Michael Kingston announced on Wednesday that King is partnering with the company for a special release of Headlocked: Tales from the Road. The project also brings in acclaimed comic artist Daniel Warren Johnson, who will provide a special variant cover for King’s story, fittingly titled “Hardcore.”

All proceeds from the variant cover will be donated to MIRAC (Minnesota Immigrant Resource Action Committee), an all-volunteer, grassroots immigrant rights organization. MIRAC provides critical support for immigrant communities, including food assistance and access to legal aid for families impacted by immigration enforcement.

According to Kingston, fans will have three different cover options to choose from for the Tales from the Road issue, including versions that feature Brody King and options that include his autograph. While the books are expected to ship in mid-March—due to printing timelines, metal cover production, and coordinating autographs—Kingston said the decision was made to list the items immediately so funds could reach those in need as quickly as possible.

In an added bonus for supporters, Kingston confirmed that any additional items purchased from the Headlocked webstore as part of the same order will also be included in the total donation to MIRAC.

The charity variant is available now with a strict limit of one per customer.

King has been outspoken on immigration issues in the past, notably drawing mainstream attention in July after wearing an “Abolish ICE” shirt, with proceeds from that merchandise benefiting the Local Hearts Foundation. This latest effort continues a clear pattern of advocacy from the AEW star—this time blending wrestling, comics, and direct community support into one meaningful initiative.

Powerhouse Hobbs Reportedly Leaving AEW as WWE Move Looms

Powerhouse Hobbs appears to be on the verge of closing the book on his AEW run, with multiple reports indicating that a jump to WWE could be right around the corner.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Hobbs’ AEW contract was set to expire at midnight on January 14. His time with the company effectively wrapped at the conclusion of the Maximum Carnage taping of AEW Collision, which was taped last night. While fans will still see Hobbs one final time on television, his departure behind the scenes is all but official.

The possibility of WWE landing Hobbs has been discussed for quite some time. Dave Meltzer noted in last week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter that WWE interest in Hobbs has existed for years, but sources within the company now believe a deal is imminent, assuming nothing changes in the coming days. Sapp added that while rumors circulated about Hobbs potentially heading to WWE in 2025, there was reportedly no contact at that time. However, WWE had reached out several years ago during Dan Ventrelle’s tenure as Head of Talent Relations, though Hobbs ultimately chose to re-sign with AEW back then.

AEW, for its part, made a strong push to keep one of its most physically imposing homegrown stars. Contract talks reportedly stretched on for a while, with AEW presenting what internal sources described as a “huge” offer. Despite the money on the table, Hobbs opted to explore his options elsewhere. The split is said to be on excellent terms, with no animosity between Hobbs and the company.

Although Hobbs is technically free to sign with WWE this week, he still has one last AEW appearance lined up. On the Maximum Carnage edition of Collision airing this Saturday, Hobbs will defend the AEW World Trios Championships alongside Samoa Joe and Katsuyori Shibata as The Opps face Hangman Page and JetSpeed. The match was taped in advance, clearing the way for Hobbs to potentially appear on WWE programming as early as Friday night.

At this point, it’s unclear whether Hobbs would debut in WWE NXT or head straight to the main roster. What is clear is that he exits AEW with an impressive résumé, including a reign as AEW TNT Champion and a historic run as one-third of the longest-reigning AEW World Trios Champions.

If this truly is the end of Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, his next chapter could be the biggest of his career — and WWE may soon be welcoming one of the most dominant powerhouses to hit the market in years.