Tag: AEW

Zach Gowen Makes Surprising TV Return After 22 Years on AEW Collision, Set for In-Ring Clash With Ricochet Next Week On Dynamite: Beach Break

Pro wrestling fans were in for a nostalgic shock during this week’s AEW Collision as Zach Gowen — yes, that Zach Gowen — made his first national TV appearance in over two decades. For many, it was a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment, but longtime fans of the early 2000s WWE era instantly recognized the one-legged wrestling pioneer in the crowd. And his presence wasn’t just for show — it was a set-up for something much more personal.

Gowen, who famously competed in WWE, TNA, and the original Ring of Honor, was spotted ringside during the show. Things took a dramatic turn after Ricochet’s match with Angelico. The high-flyer, fresh off a heel turn, took a detour into villainy by taunting Gowen — first with some feigned admiration, then turning full-blown disrespectful.

After mocking Gowen’s legacy, Ricochet escalated the situation by assaulting security and attempting to cut one of their hair. That’s when Gowen had seen enough. He stepped into the ring and stood his ground, even getting a few shots in on Ricochet. But the feel-good moment turned brutal when Ricochet targeted Gowen’s leg, ultimately removing his prosthetic limb in a symbolic (and shocking) act of dominance.

Following the segment, Gowen took to social media to reflect on his return to the spotlight.

“I haven’t been on a national TV wrestling program in 22 years. Thank you to those that remembered me!!! I haven’t forgotten about y’all either,” he wrote. “The magic of professional wrestling is still very much alive in my soul and I’m so grateful I get to share that once again 🙏.”

The good news? This wasn’t just a one-off nostalgia spot. AEW has confirmed that Gowen will make his official in-ring debut for the promotion next week on Dynamite: Beach Break, where he’ll square off against Ricochet in what’s shaping up to be a must-see clash.

It’s a rare chance for fans to see a full-circle moment — the return of a unique talent who broke barriers, now entering a new chapter with a chip on his shoulder and a chance to shut down one of AEW’s most dangerous new villains.

AEW Collision Preview 5/8/2025

AEW Collision airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Lee Johnson
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico
  • Daniel Garcia vs. Cash Wheeler OR Dax Harwood

Thekla Is All Elite: Former STARDOM Star Signs with AEW After Weeks of Teasers

After weeks of cryptic teases and online speculation, AEW fans finally have their answer — Thekla is officially All Elite.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Thekla has signed a deal with All Elite Wrestling following a lengthy period of behind-the-scenes negotiations and preparations for her U.S. transition. The former STARDOM standout had reportedly been in talks with AEW for some time before the deal was locked in.

Interestingly, Thekla wasn’t just on AEW’s radar — sources indicate that WWE also showed interest in signing her during their international talent scouting push last year. However, AEW ultimately secured the rising star, who brings a unique blend of charisma and in-ring ferocity to their growing women’s division.

Fans have been picking up on spider-themed hints on AEW programming in recent weeks, and now we know why. During last night’s Dynamite, a subtle but deliberate red spider graphic briefly appeared in the top left corner of the screen — a clear nod to Thekla’s “Toxic Spider” persona. It’s believed these Easter eggs are part of the build-up to her on-screen debut.

Thekla’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue to AEW’s women’s roster, especially given her gothic aesthetic, high-impact style, and international fanbase. With her official signing now confirmed, it’s only a matter of time before she makes her presence felt in the AEW ring.

Will she arrive as a lone predator or align herself with an existing faction? The web is just beginning to spin.

Rhino Makes Surprise AEW Debut in Hometown, Faces Nick Wayne for ROH TV Title

AEW fans were treated to a blast from the past on this week’s Dynamite, as former WWE and ECW star Rhino made a surprise debut — and in his hometown of Detroit, no less. The veteran powerhouse answered an open challenge for the Ring of Honor World Television Championship, setting up an unexpected showdown with rising star Nick Wayne.

The match was hyped with a cryptic tease that Wayne would face “someone from Christian Cage’s past,” adding fuel to the ongoing drama within the Patriarchy. The mystery opponent turned out to be none other than Rhino, a man whose early career was closely linked with Cage’s. Commentary was quick to remind fans that the two were once “inseparable,” making Rhino’s appearance even more compelling given Cage’s current on-screen persona.

Rhino brought his trademark intensity to the match, initially brushing off Wayne’s offense with brute strength. But the young champion showed resilience, eventually chopping the bigger man down. Outside interference nearly swung the tide — Kip Sabian jumped on the apron to distract the referee while Cage tried to trip Rhino. However, the veteran wasn’t fooled and held his own for a bit longer.

Ultimately, Wayne capitalized on the chaos and landed the Killswitch — a move notably tied to Cage himself — to retain the title.

Post-match, the Patriarchy entered the ring to celebrate, but in true Christian Cage fashion, the celebration came with a dose of passive aggression. Cage went to present Wayne with the championship belt, only to let it fall deliberately to the mat instead of placing it around Wayne’s waist — a subtle but pointed gesture that continues to build the tension in their uneasy alliance.

This unexpected moment not only brought Rhino into the AEW fold for the first time but also added another layer of intrigue to the slow-burn storyline between Christian Cage and Nick Wayne.

Could this be the beginning of a longer run for Rhino in AEW or just a one-night pop for the hometown crowd? Time will tell.

AEW Dynamite Preview 5/7/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Four-Way Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford vs. Anna Jay
  • The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) and Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland, Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe
  • AEW Continental Title Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kevin Knight
  • Jamie Hayter sit-down interview with Renee Paquette
  • We will hear from Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay
  • Samoa Joe vs. Claudio Castagnoli

AEW/ROH Releases The Righteous’ Dutch and Vincent Amid Roster Shakeup

As WWE continues to make waves with its recent round of talent cuts, AEW has followed suit with a few notable departures of its own. The latest names to exit Tony Khan’s roster are Dutch and Vincent of The Righteous, a dark and enigmatic tag team best known for their work in Ring of Honor (ROH).

According to PWInsider, Dutch and Vincent were quietly released last week. While they made their initial AEW debut at Supercard of Honor 2023, the pair were better known to longtime fans of the Sinclair-era ROH, where they previously held the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships. Since AEW’s acquisition of ROH, The Righteous primarily competed on ROH on Honor Club, with occasional appearances on AEW Collision.

Their final match under the AEW/ROH umbrella came just last month, teaming with Ariya Daivari and Tony Nese to secure a win in eight-man tag action. Interestingly, that appearance also marked their first match in ROH since their December defeat in a brutal Double Bullrope match at Final Battle against Sammy Guevara and Dustin Rhodes.

The Righteous aren’t the only ones departing AEW recently. EJ Nduka, who also worked ROH dates, confirmed his exit and appeared to take a subtle swipe at AEW leadership on the way out. Earlier in the year, bigger names like Malakai Black, Miro, Rey Fenix, and Ricky Starks also parted ways with the company, all eventually landing in WWE.

Reports from March suggest more exits may be on the horizon as contracts expire. Wrestlers like Zak Knight, Nick Comoroto, and Abadon are all rumored to be on shaky ground, and Saraya has already left following the conclusion of her deal.

As AEW continues to reshape its roster, it’s clear the promotion is entering a transitional phase—one that could have major implications across both AEW and ROH brands moving forward.

AEW Collision Preview 5/3/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TBS and Max at 8pm ET. from the Adrian Phillips Theater at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Lady Frost
  • Megan Bayne vs. Harley Cameron
  • Brody King vs. Josh Alexander

Former STARDOM Star Likely Headed To AEW

After a standout stint in Japan, Thekla is officially making her way to the United States—and she’s not coming without buzz. The former STARDOM star recently wrapped up her run with the promotion, and according to Fightful Select, she’s had her sights set on relocating to the U.S. for quite some time.

Thekla’s next move hasn’t been made public yet, but that hasn’t stopped speculation from heating up. Both AEW and WWE have reportedly been keeping tabs on her, with WWE sources noting they’ve been watching her closely. Meanwhile, AEW’s interest has reportedly grown since late last year, and insiders now believe she’s likely headed their way.

It’s not just the major leagues either—independent promotions are also in the mix, hoping to capitalize on Thekla’s unique in-ring style and international experience. For now, the mystery remains, but it’s clear that wherever Thekla lands, she won’t be short on opportunities.

Who Is Thekla?
Known as the “Toxic Spider,” Thekla is an Austrian-born wrestler who made a name for herself in Japan, particularly with World Wonder Ring STARDOM. Blending technical prowess with a hard-hitting, unorthodox style, she became a standout in the Donna del Mondo faction and developed a strong fanbase thanks to her charisma and in-ring intensity. Fluent in multiple languages and experienced across the European, Japanese, and now potentially American scenes, Thekla brings an international flair that makes her a unique asset in today’s wrestling landscape.

AEW Dynamite Preview 4/30/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max from the Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia.

  • All Star 8-Man Tag Team Match: Kenny Omega, Mike Bailey, Mark Briscoe, and Kevin Knight vs. Kazuchika Okada, Ricochet and The Young Bucks
  • AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator: “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Miyu Yamashita
  • Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal Match: Hangman Adam Page vs. Kyle Fletcher
  • Hurt Syndicate and MJF to appear

AEW Collision Preview 4/26/2025

AEW presents the AEW Collision Playoff Palooza show tonight. Tonight’s show will air immediately following the NBA Playoffs on TNT.

  • ROH World Championship Match Bandido vs. Dralistico
  • Tornado Tag Team Match: Top Flight vs. CRU
  • AEW Women’s Championship Eliminator Match: Toni Storm vs. Queen Aminata
  • FTR vs. Paragon (Kyle O’Reilly & Roderick Strong)
  • Swerve Strickland vs. Blake Christian
  • Rush vs. AR Fox
  • Anna Jay in action
  • Best Wrestler Alive Max Caster Open Challenge