Tag: AEW

The IInspiration Are Officially All Elite After AEW House Rules Debut

The IInspiration are officially All Elite.

Jessie McKay and Cassie Lee made their in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling at Sunday’s AEW House Rules live event, and by the end of the night, they made it clear their arrival wasn’t a one-off appearance. The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions confirmed to the live crowd that they have signed with AEW, kicking off a brand-new chapter in their already decorated careers.

Competing in tag team action against Frankie P and Ayesha, McKay and Lee wasted little time reminding fans why they’ve been one of the most recognizable duos in women’s wrestling over the past several years. The IInspiration picked up a decisive victory before addressing the audience and proudly declaring themselves “All Elite.”

However, the celebration didn’t last long.

Moments after their announcement, The Brawling Birds — Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor — made their way to the ring, creating immediate tension. Rather than engage, The IInspiration opted for a strategic exit, but the message was clear: AEW’s women’s tag team division just gained another potential rivalry. While the official #AllElite graphic has yet to be released as of this writing, their status with the company appears to be firmly locked in.

Multi-Year Deal Finalized Following TNA Exit

According to Fightful Select, McKay and Lee quietly signed multi-year contracts with AEW nearly a month ago. The agreements reportedly came together shortly after they wrapped up their run with TNA Wrestling at the January 15 episode of iMPACT on AMC.

During that appearance, the duo dropped the Knockouts World Tag Team Championships to The Elegance Brand, closing the book on their most recent title reign. Interestingly, reports indicate their TNA contracts had technically expired around Bound For Glory last October, and they continued working without formal deals in the months that followed. Their departure from the promotion is said to have been amicable.

There had also been speculation surrounding their future earlier this year. WWE sources reportedly believed that if The IInspiration did not appear in the January 31 Royal Rumble, AEW would likely be their landing spot — which ultimately proved to be the case.

A Familiar Theme — With An AEW Connection

One intriguing detail from the report involves AEW’s Harley Cameron. Cameron is credited as the lyricist behind The IInspiration’s long-running entrance theme, a track the duo has carried with them across multiple promotions. That behind-the-scenes connection now adds another layer to their AEW arrival.

A Proven Résumé Enters AEW

McKay and Lee bring significant experience and championship pedigree to AEW’s growing women’s division. Wrestling fans first saw them rise to prominence in WWE as The IIconics, where they captured the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and built a strong following thanks to their charisma and character work.

Following their WWE release, they signed with TNA in 2021 and went on to become two-time Knockouts World Tag Team Champions. After a brief hiatus and eventual return to TNA at Against All Odds, their run officially concluded last month, paving the way for this new opportunity.

More Signings on the Way?

The IInspiration are reportedly part of a larger group of recent AEW signings that have yet to be formally unveiled. One name already making waves is Lena Kross, who debuted at Grand Slam: Australia aligned with Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford.

With McKay and Lee now in the fold, AEW’s women’s tag team division gains instant depth, personality, and star power. The teased tension with The Brawling Birds could be just the beginning, and with several emerging teams in the mix, there’s no shortage of potential storylines.

Whether they’re chasing gold or stirring up chaos, The IInspiration’s presence immediately elevates the landscape. AEW’s women’s tag team scene just got a lot more interesting.

AEW ‘Grand Slam: Australia’ Preview 2/14/2026

AEW ‘Grand Slam: Australia’ tonight at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on TNT and streaming on HBO Max! The event took place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.

  • AEW World Championship: MJF (c) vs. Brody King 
  • AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship: The Babes of Wrath (c) vs. MegaBad (“Megasus” Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford) 
  • Winner Gets AEW World Title Match at Revolution: AEW World Trios Champion “Hangman” Adam Page vs. Andrade El Ídolo
  • TNT Championship Ladder Match: “The Protostar” Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Mark Briscoe
  • AEW Continental Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs. “The Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita
  • Mixed Tag Team Tornado Hair Match (Loser of the Fall Must Have Their Head Shaven): “Timeless” Toni Storm & Orange Cassidy vs. “The Problem” Marina Shafir & Wheeler Yuta of the Death Riders

CNN Report Claims Warner Bros. Discovery Holds Minority Stake In AEW, Examines Politics In Modern Pro Wrestling

A new feature published by CNN.com examining the growing intersection between professional wrestling and political themes has sparked conversation for more than one reason.

While the article primarily focuses on what it describes as a “politically shaded rivalry” between AEW and WWE, it also makes a notable claim: that Warner Bros. Discovery — CNN’s parent company — owns a minority stake in AEW.

CNN’s Ownership Claim

In the piece, CNN writes:

“The embrace of contemporary issues is part of a larger, politically shaded rivalry playing out in the industry, between the 7-year-old AEW and the industry’s ruling juggernaut for generations, WWE (Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent corporation, owns a minority stake in AEW).”

That line has raised eyebrows, as AEW President Tony Khan has consistently avoided confirming whether WBD holds any equity in the promotion. Since at least 2023, Khan has repeatedly stated that he maintains full control over AEW’s decision-making, though he has not directly confirmed or denied whether Warner Bros. Discovery owns a financial stake.

If WBD’s ownership were to exceed 10 percent, it would generally require public disclosure due to securities regulations tied to publicly traded companies. As of now, no such filing has been publicly highlighted.

It also remains unclear whether any ownership component may have been included as part of AEW’s most recent media rights agreement with WBD.

What Happens If AEW Leaves WBD?

The ownership question becomes even more interesting when considering the broader corporate landscape.

Warner Bros. Discovery has been the subject of acquisition discussions, with Paramount and Netflix both reportedly exploring different types of deals.

  • Netflix’s reported proposal would involve acquiring WB’s film studio, HBO, and HBO Max, with linear television assets potentially spun off.
  • Paramount’s reported interest is in acquiring the entire company, keeping television networks and streaming assets under one umbrella.

If WBD does in fact own a minority stake in AEW, questions naturally follow:

  • What would happen if AEW signs a future media deal outside of WBD?
  • Would ownership transfer in a corporate acquisition?
  • Could that impact AEW’s long-term television positioning?

At this point, those questions remain speculative.

Politics In Pro Wrestling: A Long History

Beyond the ownership note, the article focuses heavily on how political themes continue to surface in wrestling storylines and fan reactions.

CNN points out that wrestling has historically drawn from real-world political tensions for dramatic effect. The article references Sgt. Slaughter’s infamous Gulf War-era heel turn, in which he aligned himself with Iraqi sympathies during the height of U.S. tensions — one of the most controversial angles in WWE history.

More recently, AEW has found itself at the center of attention following politically charged chants at live events.

“F— ICE” Chants At AEW Events

The article highlights chants that occurred during recent matches involving MJF and Brody King.

At AEW Grand Slam Mexico last June, King wore an “ABOLISH ICE” shirt. Fans in attendance at AEW Grand Slam Australia reportedly chanted “F— ICE” during King’s title match against MJF. That event is scheduled to air on tape delay at 8:00 PM ET on TNT and HBO Max.

CNN also quoted Eero Laine, a theatre professor at SUNY Buffalo who studies the history of professional wrestling. Laine noted that the chants were unusual in wrestling terms:

“They are interesting in that they support a political stance associated with one of the wrestlers, but they are not necessarily directly related to what’s happening in the ring. And the chant is not part of the repertoire of standard wrestling chants.”

AEW vs. WWE: A “Politically Shaded Rivalry”?

The broader framing of the article suggests that AEW and WWE’s competition is no longer limited strictly to ratings and creative direction, but also cultural positioning. While WWE has largely avoided overt political messaging in recent years, AEW crowds — and occasionally talent — have shown a greater willingness to reference contemporary issues.

Whether that reflects company philosophy or simply organic fan behavior is open to interpretation.

What is clear is that CNN’s mention of a potential Warner Bros. Discovery minority stake in AEW is likely to fuel renewed discussion about the true nature of the partnership between the media giant and the wrestling promotion.

As of this writing, AEW has not publicly addressed the claim.

WBD and AEW Shut Down Rumors Surrounding Brody King’s Dynamite Absence

Brody King’s absence from this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite quickly sparked speculation online — but both Warner Bros. Discovery and AEW are now firmly pushing back on the rumors.

The former challenger to MJF, who demolished the outspoken star last week to secure an AEW World Championship opportunity at Grand Slam: Australia, was noticeably missing from Wednesday night’s broadcast. That absence raised eyebrows, especially after Dave Meltzer reported that King had allegedly been pulled from the show at the request of Warner Bros. Discovery. According to the report, network officials were concerned King’s appearance could trigger more anti-ICE chants from fans, similar to the “F**k ICE” chants heard before his match with MJF.

However, WBD has flatly denied the claim.

In a statement issued to Wrestling Inc., the company made it clear they had no role in King’s scheduling.

“Warner Bros. Discovery did not have any involvement in Brody King’s upcoming AEW schedule,” the statement read. “Any speculation to the contrary is categorically false. Brody is scheduled to appear during the next AEW event, which will air this Saturday on TNT and HBO Max.”

When further pressed by Voices of Wrestling regarding the wording of the statement — specifically whether “upcoming” left room for involvement in King missing Dynamite — WBD reportedly reiterated that they had no part in his absence.

AEW also denied the rumors. According to Fightful Select, company sources stated that King’s absence had nothing to do with the network or last week’s chants. In fact, some within AEW reportedly said that Meltzer’s report was the first they had heard of such speculation.

So where was Brody King?

The answer appears far less controversial. PWInsider reports that King was among several AEW talents flying from LAX to Sydney, Australia, in preparation for Grand Slam: Australia. As a result, he was never scheduled to appear on Dynamite in the first place.

With King en route to Australia and a World Championship opportunity looming, it looks like this situation may simply be a case of travel logistics — not network interference.

All eyes now turn to Grand Slam: Australia, where King will look to capitalize on the momentum he built by steamrolling MJF and attempt to shock the world on an international stage.

Report: Warner Bros. Discovery Kept Brody King Off AEW Dynamite Over Fears of Anti-ICE Chants

A surprising backstage decision reportedly kept Brody King off this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite — and it may have had far more to do with corporate politics than creative direction.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Warner Bros. Discovery made the call to hold King off the show following last week’s headline-making moment in Las Vegas. During that episode, King shocked viewers by defeating MJF in just over a minute. However, it wasn’t just the upset victory that grabbed attention. The live crowd broke into loud “F*** ICE” chants, which quickly made waves beyond the wrestling bubble.

Per Meltzer, WBD executives were concerned about a repeat of that scenario if King appeared again this week. The fear? That more anti-ICE chants could create unwanted controversy at a time when the company is reportedly navigating sensitive corporate matters — including a pending acquisition deal involving Netflix that would require regulatory approval.

Meltzer emphasized that the decision did not come from AEW President Tony Khan.

“This is from above,” Meltzer stated, noting that executives were wary of drawing negative attention that could complicate regulatory proceedings. He added that if not for the broader corporate landscape — particularly concerns about political sensitivities — the chants themselves may not have been treated as a major issue.

King has been outspoken in his criticism of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has been active in fundraising efforts to support immigrant communities. That public stance, combined with last week’s crowd reaction, reportedly made his presence a potential flashpoint for another viral moment.

The situation is particularly notable because, from a storyline standpoint, a follow-up segment between King and MJF seemed like a logical next step after last week’s decisive result. Instead, the angle was paused — at least for now.

This development highlights the increasingly complicated intersection of wrestling, corporate oversight, and political optics. AEW has often presented itself as an alternative product with a more organic crowd atmosphere, but as the company continues to operate under a major media conglomerate, those raw live reactions can sometimes create challenges at the executive level.

It remains to be seen how AEW will handle King’s return to television. If the Las Vegas crowd reaction is any indication, the issue may not simply disappear the next time he walks through the curtain.

For now, Brody King’s absence appears to be less about creative direction — and more about corporate caution.

Paramount Sweetens Hostile Takeover Bid for Warner Bros. Discovery Amid Netflix Battle – What It Could Mean for AEW

The corporate tug-of-war over Warner Bros. Discovery is heating up.

Paramount has officially submitted a revised offer in its hostile attempt to acquire WBD, aiming to counter Netflix’s existing agreement with the media giant. While the per-share price remains unchanged, the new proposal adds financial incentives designed to make the deal more attractive to shareholders — and raise the stakes in an already intense bidding war.

What Paramount Is Offering

Paramount’s amended bid keeps its original $30-per-share valuation intact but introduces a new $0.25-per-share “ticking fee.” This fee would accumulate for each quarter the deal remains unclosed after December 31 of this year, essentially rewarding shareholders if the transaction drags on.

In addition, Paramount is taking a bold step by offering to cover Netflix’s $2.8 billion termination fee should Warner Bros. Discovery walk away from its current agreement with the streaming giant.

For context, Netflix would face a massive $5.8 billion obligation if it were to back out of the deal on its own.

Paramount also claims it can address some of WBD’s financial concerns, including approximately $1.5 billion in fees tied to debt refinancing. According to the company, it has potential “solutions” in place to ease those burdens — another attempt to sway shareholders.

Where Things Stand with Netflix

Warner Bros. Discovery has responded cautiously, stating it will review Paramount’s revised proposal. However, the company is not changing its recommendation that shareholders approve Netflix’s offer.

Netflix recently adjusted its bid into a fully cash-based offer at $27.75 per share. Previously, the proposal included a combination of cash and stock options at the same valuation. The move to an all-cash deal was seen as a strategic play to strengthen Netflix’s position and reduce uncertainty.

Paramount, meanwhile, is urging shareholders to reject not only the Netflix agreement but also WBD’s planned spinoff of Discovery.

The AEW Factor

For wrestling fans, this isn’t just boardroom drama.

AEW’s future broadcast landscape is directly tied to Warner Bros. Discovery. According to recent filings, AEW would remain aligned with Discovery under the proposed spinoff structure, now referred to as Global Linear Networks. At the same time, AEW’s weekly programming and pay-per-view events are expected to continue streaming on HBO Max.

While none of the proposed corporate changes appear to immediately disrupt AEW’s current television and streaming setup, large-scale media mergers often bring long-term shifts in strategy, branding, and distribution priorities.

If Netflix ultimately acquires WBD, that could create intriguing possibilities regarding streaming integration and international reach. On the other hand, a successful Paramount takeover would reshape the media landscape in a completely different direction.

For now, AEW appears stable in its current arrangements — but the larger media chess match is far from over.

As this high-stakes battle between Paramount and Netflix unfolds, the ripple effects could extend well beyond Hollywood — and into the weekly world of professional wrestling.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/11/2026

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight at 8pm ET on TBS and HBO Max from the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Strap Match: Kris Statlander (c) vs. Thekla
  • Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland Face-To-Face Interview
  • TNT Championship Match: Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • 3-Way Tag Team No. 1 Contenders Match: The Rascalz vs. Young Bucks vs. Wild Card Team TBA

AEW Collision Preview 2/7/2026

AEW Collision tonight at 8pm ET/7pm C on TNT and HBO Max

  • Parking Lot Brawl: Eddie Kingston, Ortiz & The Rascalz vs. Grizzled Young Veterans, Bryan Keith, & Big Bill
  • AEW TNT Championship: Tommaso Ciampa (c) vs. Claudio Castagnoli vs. Roderick Strong
  • #1 Contenders Match Qualifier: Young Bucks vs. GOA
  • Kevin Knight vs. Scorpio Sky
  • Kris Statlander reveals stipulation for AEW Women’s World Championship Match
  • MJF comments on AEW Dynamite loss

AEW Dynamite Moment Goes Viral For “Fk ICE” Chants Overshadows Brody King’s Defeat of MJF – Ref Suggests He Waited To Ring Bell So Chant ‘Could Resonate’ –

On most nights, Brody King pinning AEW World Champion MJF in under two minutes would dominate the conversation coming out of AEW Dynamite. Instead, Wednesday’s show in Las Vegas is being remembered far more for what happened before the opening bell than the shock result that followed.

As MJF stood in the ring awaiting the start of the match, the crowd erupted into a loud and sustained “F**k ICE” chant aimed at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The chant immediately caught attention—not only because of its volume, but because it was allowed to continue uninterrupted until referee Bryce Remsburg finally rang the bell.

It turns out that delay wasn’t accidental.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, Remsburg responded on X to a viral clip of the moment, jokingly acknowledging his role in letting the chant breathe. “It seems like the referee may have waited to ring the bell so these could resonate longer?” Remsburg wrote. “Oh no. Whoops.”

Remsburg wasn’t the only one who appeared to step back and let the moment happen. On commentary, Tony Schiavone stopped speaking as the chant broke out, with Excalibur also staying silent until it ended. Notably, AEW made no visible effort to censor the profanity, which is often muted during live broadcasts when chants cross that line.

The chant itself reflects a broader wave of political protest that has recently surfaced within the wrestling world. ICE has faced heightened criticism following the reported deaths of two citizens in Minnesota involving ICE agents last month, and several wrestling personalities have used their platforms to speak out. WWE’s Becky Lynch previously made subtle comments aimed at the agency on social media, while former NXT General Manager Ava was far more direct in her criticism over the weekend.

Brody King, whose in-ring win was ultimately overshadowed, has been one of the most outspoken critics. He previously wore an “Abolish ICE” shirt during AEW Grand Slam: Mexico City and has helped raise funds for Minnesota families affected by ICE-related actions.

While King’s lightning-fast victory over MJF will still go down as a rare and surprising result, the night’s lasting image is the crowd-driven moment that AEW chose not to silence—adding another example of how wrestling crowds, and sometimes the performers themselves, continue to blur the line between the ring and real-world issues.

AEW referee Bryce Remsburg posted a follow up after receiving lot of attention:

“Will donate ALL proceeds from Cameos until 2/13 to Lancaster Neighbor Fund, who supports immigrants right in my city of welcome. Kindness onward.”

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/4/2026

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and HBO Max from the Pearl Concert Theater at the Psalms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  • AEW World Championship Eliminator Match: MJF (c) vs. Brody King
  • AEW National Championship: Ricochet (c) vs. Jungle Jack Perry
  • Kenny Omega vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • Hangman Adam Page vs. Mark Davis