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One of the fastest rising stars in WWE has recently been compared to the legendary Kurt Angle. According to the star in question, these comparisons are flattering but not quite accurate.

Kendal Grey has a history of competing in amateur wrestling, similar to Kurt Angle. She was also a member of the USA National Team in 2018, which proves her skill. Kendal currently performs on the Evolve brand, where she is the brand’s reigning Women’s Champion.

The rising star recently spoke about the comparisons being made between her and Kurt Angle. Speaking on an interview on MUSCLE MEMORY with MuscleManMalcolm, she stated:

Well I definitely don’t have a gold medal at the Olympics, I will tell you that… I think being compared to him is like, obviously he’s one of the greats. So it is a cool comparison. But I try to just be different. You know I try to you know, I think for women’s wrestling in the women’s division, not many people come from an amateur wrestling background. So I would like to bring that into the Women’s division.”

When amateur wrestlers are compared to Kurt Angle 🤼â€â‚ï¸ @kendalgreywwepic.twitter.com/aE8RtfSVSv

— MuscleManMalcolm (@MalcolmMuscle) October 21, 2025

The WWE star also talked about her wrestling style

According to Kendal Grey, her amateur wrestling background has helped her stand out in her pro-wrestling career.

Adding to her previous comments about being compared to Kurt Angle, she said:

Obviously women and men, even in amateur wrestling, like they wrestle so different. So I am just you know, trying to be different and I hope that I can you know, bring my own personality into it and you know, just, I don’t know, just have fun with it. I don’t wanna be compared to someone or feel like I have to live up to someone’s, you know, experience. I just wanna have my own experience and have fun, you know.”

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Kendal Grey in WWE.

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Stephen Curry hasn’t just changed the way basketball is played — he has changed how itâ€s valued.

Spotrac released its updated list of the NBAâ€s highest career earners, and Curry currently sits third, behind Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Durant passed James for the top spot on Sunday after signing a two-year, $90 million extension with the Phoenix Suns, which includes a player option for the 2027–28 season.

Other members of the top 10 include Devin Booker, Paul George, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Damian Lillard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jayson Tatum — a mix of established stars and younger faces quickly climbing the list.

That younger wave could soon reshape the standings entirely. With Booker, Gilgeous-Alexander and Tatum all still in their late-20s and already on max extensions, theyâ€re on pace to shatter the totals set by Curry, James and Durant as new TV deals and cap increases drive salaries even higher.

Curry, though, has been at the forefront of the leagueâ€s salary evolution. In 2017, he became the first player in NBA history to sign a $200 million contract, a five-year deal worth $201 million. Two years later, he became the first to make more than $40 million in a single season.

He topped that milestone again in 2021, signing a four-year, $215 million extension that made him the first player ever to sign multiple $200 million contracts. That deal helped him become the first to earn over $50 million in 2023–24, and by 2026–27, he is set to be the first player to surpass $60 million in a single season.

Over the past few years, Curry has climbed steadily up Spotracâ€s career earnings rankings. He first appeared in the top 10 at No. 7 through 2022–23, rose to No. 4 through 2023–24, and reached No. 3 this year, where he is expected to remain for the foreseeable future as his current deal runs through 2026–27.

Curryâ€s journey into the NBAâ€s top three career earners reflects more than a decade of sustained excellence — and positions him to stay there as new deals reshape the leagueâ€s financial landscape.

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TNA Wrestling is always going through changes, and it seems that the Knockouts Division is seeing a couple big contracts expire. That being said, it is possible that the two sides may continue working together.

Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that several TNA contracts have recently expired. Among them are the deals of The IInspiration. Cassie Lee and Jess McKay are former WWE Superstars and just recently competed on TNA Wrestlingâ€s side in the ShowDown event on NXT.

Last week, it was reported that their contracts were nearing expiration, which caught many by surprise given that the duo had just won the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championships. It will be interesting to see if Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay go somewhere else, or if they stay in TNA Wrestling.

The IInspirationâ€s deals officially ended after Bound For Glory, but both sides are said to be interested in continuing the partnership. An extension is expected, so fans may not lose them on their television sets right now. If anything, their status as champions might get them more screen time.

Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay have reportedly been working under short-term contracts, a structure they are known to prefer. That is interesting, consider their notable name status coming into that deal with TNA Wrestling.

We will keep a close eye on this situation, because you never know what can happen. If anything, it certainly shows that you never know what can happen in pro wrestling, especially where contracts are concerned.

Whatâ€s your take on the IInspirationâ€s current contract situation in TNA Wrestling? Do you think they are better off staying put? Let us know what you think in the comments section!

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AJ Leeâ€s return has the potential to shake up WWEâ€s womenâ€s division by targeting established champions, forging nostalgic alliances, and igniting fresh rivalries. Whether aiming for Becky Lynchâ€s well-established Intercontinental title reign, challenging the reigning Womenâ€s World Champion, or reuniting with old allies, Lee can craft compelling storylines grounded in current facts and official records.

Let’s take a look at 5 things that Lee can do once she returns.

#5. Spark a Feud with ‘Daughter’ Roxanne Perez

On September 9, 2025, Roxanne Perez recreated a childhood photo with AJ Lee on social media, signaling mutual respect and nostalgia. Lee can confront Perez on RAW, acknowledging their history before questioning whether the former NXT Womenâ€s Champion truly matches up. This dynamic, Lee’s seasoned expertise against Perezâ€s emerging talent, can drive a technical showcase leading to a marquee pay-per-view match.

oh Iâ€m so good https://t.co/tRT4gW9yrwpic.twitter.com/BsOKLJweH2

— roxanne (@roxanne_wwe) September 9, 2025

Such an angle spotlights Perezâ€s rapid ascent while reaffirming Lee’s legacy as a dominant force.

#4. A Reunion with Bayley

Lee and Bayley have been close friends since their early years, and the Role Model made appearances in AJ Lee’s merch following her return, even donning CM Punk’s ‘AJ’s Husband’ jacket. A backstage segment in which Lee surprises Bayley, reminding her of their friendship since NXT, can launch a short-term alliance. Whether they target dominant heel teams or engage in six-woman tag matches along with Lyra Valkyria, their proven chemistry offers both nostalgia and fresh narrative opportunities. This direction legitimizes Lee’s involvement and bolsters the tag division.

MORE: AJ Leeâ€s Next WWE Match Revealed

#3. Joins Forces with Rhea Ripley and IYO Sky

Rhea Ripley and IYO Sky both held the WWE Womenâ€s World Championship earlier in 2025, Ripley from January to March, and Sky from March to July 2025. More recently, they became partners against Sky’s family – the Kabuki Warriors, facing them at Crown Jewel Perth. Lee can interrupt their backstage strategy session, proposing an alliance under her leadership. By playing both confidante and challenger, she creates tension within the duo, setting up six-woman tag matches, or it could even lead to the next big premium live event, Survivor Series: WarGames.

#2. Challenges Becky Lynch for the Intercontinental Championship

Lee returned to WWE after a decade to teach Lynch a lesson, who has been riding high ever since becoming the Intercontinental Champion and aligning with her husband, Seth Rollins. She already beat the Man at Wrestlepalooza by tapping her out using the Black Widow submission move. If she can do it once, she can definitely do it again and win the Intercontinental Championship.

CM PUNK AND AJ LEE WIN AFTER LEE TAPPED OUT BECKY LYNCH 😱

STREAM #WRESTLEPALOOZA LIVE ON THE ESPN APP. pic.twitter.com/qHo7IP3wDO

— ESPN (@espn) September 21, 2025

As of now, Lynch is not in any proper feud; she is currently having singles matches against Maxxine Dupri, and a proper challenger such as Lee could shake up her overconfidence, bringing her back to reality.

MORE: CM Punk Jumps Into The Arms Of Female WWE Star Amid AJ Leeâ€s Absence

#1. AJ Lee vs WWE Women’s Champion

If Lee decides that it is time for her to capture one of the two women’s championships, she could challenge the newly crowned Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, or she could take on a more experienced wrestler in the form of Tiffany Stratton. It would depend on which brand she is drafted to, but as of now, nothing is confirmed. Vaquer was recently challenged by the Eradicator Ripley, and Stratton just put the Nia Jax-Jade Cargill feud behind her, so going after the WWE Women’s Championship could cement Lee as one of the most dominant champions of all time.

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Kairi Sane may be caught in WWEâ€s most toxic on-screen partnership right now, but behind the scenes, sheâ€s getting serious respect.

On October 15, 2025, WrestleVotes reportedthat multiple sources within WWE had high praise for Kairiâ€s recent performances—specifically pointing to her emotional backstage segments with Asuka and her hard-fought match against Rhea Ripley on RAW.

According to the report, there was “high praise following her match with Rhea Ripley on RAW this past Monday & from her recent backstage segments with Asuka.†The acknowledgment comes at a pivotal moment in Kairiâ€s WWE career, as her character continues to unravel.

That praise is well-earned. On the RAW following Crown Jewel 2025, Kairi stepped into the ring with Rhea Ripley after being publicly berated—and slapped—by Asuka backstage. The segment drew gasps from the live crowd in Perth and set the tone for what would become a dramatic, emotionally charged match.

Kairi even reintroduced her original entrance theme, “The Next Voyage†by CFO$, sparking a wave of nostalgia among fans who associate that theme with her most memorable WWE run. While Ripley ultimately scored the victory with a brutal Riptide, Kairi left it all in the ring—fighting back with stiff offense and showing a fiercer edge than fans have seen in years.

The aftermath of the match didnâ€t cool things down. Ripley attempted to slam Asuka through the announce table, prompting Kairi to interfere with a kendo stick—only to get planted with a devastating DDT through the desk herself.

Despite the losses, Kairiâ€s performances have reignited interest in her character, and backstage officials are taking notice. Whether this leads to a solo push or a dramatic split from Asuka and Damage CTRL remains to be seen, but itâ€s clear Kairi is once again proving her value in and out of the ring.

Do you think itâ€s time for WWE to pull the trigger on a strong Kairi Sane singles run? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

October 15, 2025 11:02 pm

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Bronson Reed believes a current AEW Champion was once the Roman Reigns of NJPW.

The Tribal Thief is currently involved in a program with The OTC, with the two set to face off again in an Australian Street Fight at WWE Crown Jewel: Perth this Saturday. They previously clashed at Clash in Paris, where Reed took out Reigns after delivering multiple devastating Tsunamis.

During a recent appearance on the Battleground Podcast, WWE Superstar Bronson Reed reflected on his 2022 program with Kazuchika Okada, referring to The Rainmaker as the Roman Reigns of Japanâ€s top wrestling promotion.

“I remember when I did get released from NXT, I was like, ‘Well, Iâ€m just going to go out there and prove myself again and make sure that they know they made the wrong decision,â€â€ Reed recalled.

“I made sure that I knew I was going to get to Japan, but I didnâ€t know that I was going to have the matches I was going to have, and then how everything worked, and I got to work with, obviously, Okada, who at the time was unbeatable in Japan… You could say he was the Roman Reigns of New Japan at the time, for sure, and to beat him in the G1 and do what I did, I think it put a lot of eyes back on me.†(H/T Fightful)

Okada to compete at AEW WrestleDream

Kazuchika Okada will be in action at AEW WrestleDream.

The AEW Unified Champion teamed up with fellow Don Callis Family member Konosuke Takeshita to face Brodido (Bandido and Brody King) in an eliminator match this past Tuesday on a special edition of Dynamite.

Okada and Takeshita secured the victory, earning an opportunity to challenge Brodido for the AEW World Tag Team Championship at WrestleDream.

Fans can check out the updated card for AEW WrestleDream here. WrestleZone will provide full coverage of the event as it airs on October 18.

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For every player a fantasy manager deems worthy of reaching for in fantasy drafts, thereâ€s another theyâ€ll actively look to avoid, especially if their average draft position (ADP) is too high.

With that in mind, Rotoworld basketball analysts Cole Huff, Noah Rubin, Raphielle Johnson and Zak Hanshew each picked two players they are fading at ADP for this season. Check it out below.

On a more positive note, you can see some of our staff favorites for 2025-26 here.

Your one-stop-shop for Rotoworldâ€s fantasy basketball draft coverage.

Cole Huffâ€s picks: G James Harden (LA Clippers) and C Ivica Zubac (LA Clippers)

This is not meant to be a knock on Harden — I trust that he will continue to lead the Clippers and could record one of his more efficient seasons shooting the basketball in quite some time, due to a presumably lighter load throughout the season. Given Kawhi Leonardâ€s good health to start the season, the additions of John Collins and Bradley Beal as potential scoring boosts to the starting lineup, and an actual reliable point guard in Chris Paul now on the roster to prevent Harden from being overworked, the scoring and overall usage should probably come down a bit for the former league MVP.

This could all change quickly if age is a factor for this veteran team and Harden is forced to shoulder the load again out of necessity. But if health is not a concern, Iâ€d expect The Beard to finish more closely to a top-10 point guard finish than a top-5.

As for Zubac, Iâ€m not as high on him this season from a fantasy standpoint; Iâ€m expecting his production to dip a bit, like Harden. He cracked 30.0 minutes per game for the first time in his career last season and set career-bests in points, rebounds, and assists per game by a comfortable margin. But context is essential — Zubac missed only two games all season and saw increased opportunities (which he took advantage of) due to the rosterâ€s clear lack of a second reliable big.

With Brook Lopez backing him up as arguably one of the best reserve centers in the NBA, and John Collins able to offer small-ball center looks, thereâ€s a good chance we see Zubac on the court less throughout the 82-game slate.

Noah Rubinâ€s picks: G Jalen Green (Phoenix Suns) and F DeMar DeRozan (Sacramento Kings)

Iâ€m happy Green is getting the opportunity to start fresh in Phoenix. I think it is the best thing for his career. However, I donâ€t know why anyone would expect a dramatic change in production in his first year away from Houston. According to NBA.com, Greenâ€s usage rate last season was 26.7, the highest mark on the Rockets. Sure, Devin Booker (28.5) and Kevin Durant (28.3) both boasted higher usage rates, and Green is set to replace Durantâ€s touches, but do we really expect Green to get the same opportunities as KD? And even if he does see a bump in usage, does that mean he will magically get more efficient or impact the game in new ways?

Iâ€m not saying Green is going to take a step back, but the idea that heâ€s worth a top-75 pick just because heâ€s in Phoenix isnâ€t something Iâ€m on board with. He certainly has a stronger case in points leagues, but Iâ€m not expecting a dramatic jump in production, and he finished 79th in Yahoo! standard scoring last season.

It might just be time for DeMar. Heâ€s been one of the more consistently available players in the league for the past decade, but his athleticism isnâ€t where it used to be. Thatâ€s entirely understandable for a 36-year-old, but it just means he isnâ€t as effective as he used to be, and heâ€s on a team with multiple ball-dominant players. One stat that showcases athleticism is rim attempts, and he only took 9.3 percent of his shots last year in the restricted area after being at 22.2 percent the year before and at least 18 percent each of the three years before that.

DeRozan is typically a player who creates most of his shots on his own. Still, he created his fewest shots per possession since 2015 and took more shots off passes from his teammates per possession than he has in any individual season for the past decade. Thatâ€s basically nerdspeak for “DeRozan is getting old.†I donâ€t see a world where heâ€s better than last season, especially with the lack of changes the Kings made, other than bringing in Dennis Schröder to take even more touches away from DeMar.

Early ADP data shows that some players are potentially being overvalued by fantasy managers.

Raphielle Johnsonâ€s picks: C Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings) and F RJ Barrett (Toronto Raptors)

Average draft position analysis can be tricky this time of year, as there isnâ€t much data to rely on. However, Sabonisâ€s first-round ADP in 12-team leagues is a bit concerning. While heâ€s undoubtedly been a fantasy stud in the past, I think his value will take another hit this season. After last seasonâ€s trade deadline, Sabonis averaged 16.4 points, 13.1 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 three-pointers per game. While the Kings have addressed the point guard position by adding Dennis Schröder, Sabonis will still have to exist in a lineup that includes two ball-dominant perimeter players in Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. The Kings†centerâ€s rebounding production may not suffer, but the scoring is a concern.

As for my other pick, there are also ADP concerns regarding Barrett. As of Tuesday night, he had an ADP of 82.4 in Yahoo! leagues. Barrett has never been a top-100 fantasy player in totals or per-game value, and heâ€s had just one top-150 season in his NBA career. For him to have an ADP comfortably within the top 100 at this juncture is wild. And even though Barrett looked good in Torontoâ€s preseason opener on Monday, heâ€s in a starting lineup that will include three other players who need to have the ball in their hands in Immanuel Quickley, Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Will there be enough touches available for Barrett to threaten top-100 value, much less finish within that threshold? I say no.

Zak Hanshewâ€s picks: C Alperen Åžengün (Houston Rockets) and G Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks)

Şengün finished with 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.1 steals, 0.8 blocks and 0.3 triples while shooting 49.6% from the floor and 69.2% from the charity stripe. Despite productive numbers as a scorer, rebounder and facilitator, the points, assists, steals and shooting percentages were all steps down from his 2023-24 numbers. With Amen Thompson expected to continue his ascension as a playmaker, Kevin Durant ready to come on board as a scorer and rebounder and guys like newcomer Clint Capela and breakout candidate Tari Eason on track to eat up minutes and usage, how can Sengun be expected to take a step forward in 2025-26?

Heâ€s Nikola Jokić and Domantas Sabonis lite, but he doesnâ€t rebound as effectively as Sabonis, score as prolifically as Jokic, and pass as well as either. Sengun is being overvalued and overdrafted, and I wonâ€t be rostering him anywhere.

Brunson enjoyed another productive season in 2024-25, finishing with averages of 26 points, 2.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 0.9 steals and 2.3 triples across 34.5 minutes. The superstar guard has offered elite scoring and strong playmaking in his time with the Knicks, though his big numbers have come at the cost of heavy minutes and high usage. With Tom Thibodeau out in New York and Mike Brown in, expect the Knicks to limit minutes across the board consciously.

Brunson finished 50th in per-game fantasy value a season ago, but thereâ€s no way he approaches that production level moving forward. With a new game plan and additional role players – Guerschon Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet, Malcolm Brogdon – look for Brunsonâ€s playing time and statistical output to decrease.

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Rusev (photo credit Wade Keller © PWTorch)

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

The following report originally published 5 years ago this week here at PWTorch.com…

AEW DYNAMITE TV REPORT
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. AT DAILYâ€S PLACE
LIVE ON TNT
REPORT BY WADE KELLER, PWTORCH EDITOR

Announcers: Jim Ross, Tony Schiavone, Excalibur, Taz

[HOUR ONE]

-Jim Ross introduced the show “from balmy Jacksonville, Florida.â€

(1) DARBY ALLIN vs. “ABSOLUTE†RICKY STARKS

As Starks came out, they showed Darby eliminating Starks in the Casino Battle Royal at All Out followed by a post-elimination attack, plus his spear of him last week. Taz joined the announcers in place of Schiavone who was pursuing an interview. As Darby began his entrance, a vignette aired with JPEGMAFIA calling Starks a bitch as he slid Darby, who was zipped up in a body bag, down a wooden ramp into a dirt landing.

Starks slapped Darby; Darby dropkicked Starks. When Starks went for a spear, Darby turned it into a front chancery. Darby suplexed Starks onto the ring apron, then dove through the ropes onto him at ringside. Brian Cage walked out. Will Hobbs ran out and yanked Cage away from the ring before he could enter. They brawled on the stage and to the back. Darby went back at Starks, but Starks yanked him off the ring apron hard to the floor.

Starks threw Darby into the ring and kicked and chopped away at him. Excalibur said both men were depleted by “this war of attrition,†but it was merely six minutes into the match. Darby came back with a sunset bomb for a near fall. Darby went for a submission, but Starks crawled to the ropes to force a break. They stood and exchanged strikes center-ring, with sweat flying with each slap. Starks speared Darby out of mid-air for a near fall. Both were slow to get up. Starks set up a move off the second rope, but Darby countered and kicked him off the top rope. Darby then landed a Coffin Drop onto Starksâ€s back for the win. Ross said it could have gone either way. Taz lamented the Starks loss on commentary.

WINNER: Darby in 10:00.

-The announcers previewed the rest of the show.

-Codyâ€s elaborate ring entrance took place. [c]

-After the break, the audience was chanting “Cody!†Dasha welcomed him back. She said his injury has been a bit of mystery, so she asked him how he is feeling. He said his trainer Al Snow told him heâ€ll always be hurt, but to never wrestle injured. He said he would have offered a retort if he knew what he knows now – which is what if the injury transcends the physical and the breaking of the body is secondary to the spirit.

Cody said pre-pandemic, everyone shook hands ad nauseum in wrestling locker rooms. He said often it is incorrectly framed as a sign of respect, but they shake hands for a different reason. He said they do it because they need each other. He said the marquee has two names on it – “you versus somebody else.â€

He said after he lost the TNT Title in 3 minutes, he got the 323 area code call that all wrestlers crave. He said it was Hollywood, and he jumped at it. He said he was sitting next to Rosario Dawson and Snoop Dogg and Jennifer Nettles, but he was the guy who got beat in 3 minutes. Dasha said heâ€s back on his feet now. Cody said his feet are planted firmly in the ground, and when he was gone, his ear was as well.

He said he heard people talking about being the Ace. He said AEW has been around a year, and heâ€d like to say thatâ€s him. He said it can only apply to Full Metal Champ Hikiru Shida, Jon Moxley, or Brodie Lee. Dasha asked if he accepts Brodieâ€s challenge for a dog collar match. He said optics in wrestling are incredibly important, and for a match as bloody and violent and unsafe as that, as the executive V.P., his answer must be no. The audience gasped. Cody turned and left. He made it to the stage, but then turned back to the ring and said, “No, as in no regrets, as in no looking back.†He yelled it will happen next week. “I accept!†he yelled emphatically.

Brodie Lee came out to the ring and went after Cody. The ring filled almost instantly with wrestlers who pulled them apart. Cody broke free and dove at Brodie in the opposite corner. Brodie broke free and was held back at ringside by Dark Order members. Brandi Rhodes ran out and flip dove onto a crowd of Dark Order and Brodie at ringside. Anna Jay attacked Brandi from behind. Other women pulled them apart. Five referees ran out. Nyla Rose joined in the fight. Brodie returned to the back as dust began to settle at ringside. Ross said Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine had the most famous dog collar match of all time. Brodie returned and got in a few more shots at Cody before they were separated again. As things seemed to settle, Brodie returned a third time. Taz said dog dollar matches are extreme brutal and violent. Ross said heâ€s maybe called merely five or six in his career.

(Kellerâ€s Analysis: Cody continues to broadcast star power and confidence. The whole scene made their match next week feel like a big deal.)

-Backstage Schiavone interviewed Tully Blanchard and FTR. Cash Wheeler said the Best Friends arenâ€t at their level and werenâ€t at their best last week. He called them glorified backyard wrestlers and “participation trophy guys.†He said SCU, though, are two of the best in the world and the first-ever AEW Tag Team Champions. He said they have to beat SCU to cement their legacy. Schiavone asked about the Young Bucks. Dax Harwood said The Young Bucks have blown their opportunities, so other than Dave Meltzer throwing them a bunch of stars, they arenâ€t deserving. Matt Jackson then superkicked Schiavone from off camera. He feigned innocence and asked if they interrupted something. “Hey Nick, wait up,†he said. (There remains no sign of Nick actually being there.) Dax told them to kick them instead.

-They went to the announcers. Ross called that reprehensible. Excalibur called it stupid and senseless and said he hates it. Taz said maybe he was sending a message. Ross replied, “Come on!†Taz admitted he felt bad for Tony.

-Dasha interviewed SCU backstage. Scorpio Sky said every once in a while opportunity knocks on your door, and itâ€s time to hop back on the train and see where it takes them. Kaz guaranteed victory. Christopher Daniels was in the background and patted them on the back. As they headed to the ring, they passed Shawn Spears who wished them good luck in a creepy way.

-SCU made their way to the ring. Ross noted Kaz guaranteed victory. Excalibur noted the 20 minute time limit. [c]

(2) FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood) vs. SCU (Scorpio Sky & Kaz w/Christopher Daniels) – AEW Tag Team Title match

“Hangman†Adam Page joined the announcers at ringside. He had a glass of whiskey and was all smiles. Excalibur plugged “Friends & Family Pods†are available for $25 per event with a Dynamite season pass. (If you attend a Dynamite TV event in person, let me know: wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com). Excalibur asked Page about Kenny Omegaâ€s comments about wanting to leave tag wrestling. Page hopefully said he hasnâ€t wrestled a singles match yet, so heâ€s not sure if itâ€s a sure thing at this point.

Cash faked being tripped by Daniels at ringside, so the ref tossed Daniels from ringside. Page called for Daniels to get him another drink. He also said FTR are great manipulators. When Ross asked Page for his thoughts on Matt Jackson superkicking Schiavone, he said everyone is losing their mind around there. Sky dove onto FTR at ringside when they were pursuing Kaz at ringside. Dax yanked Sky out of the ring by his boot. Cash then hit him from behind. They cut to a break, but stayed with the action on split-screen. [c/ss]

Sky was fighting out of FTRâ€s corner after the break. Sky had Dax down with a small package, but Cash distracted the ref so he didnâ€t make a count. Kaz got the hot-tag and rallied. Dax sunset flipped Kaz off the top rope and Cash dropkicked him to add momentum to the roll-up, leading to a near fall. Ross talked about the humidity after the 15 minute time announcement. Excalibur plugged Full Gear on Nov. 7.

Kaz fought free a minute later and tagged in Sky. Sky scored a near fall on Dax. Sky scored a near fall after a Cutter. Excalibur asked how embarrassing itâ€d be for FTR to lose on their first title defense. Page said itâ€s never embarrassing to lose to a team of SCUâ€s caliber. The action picked up with both teams trading advantages and near falls. Tully held onto Cash to stop Sky from pulling him to center ring, thwarting his momentum. A minute later, Tully tripped Sky mid-suplex and then held his foot to prevent him from kicking out as the ref counted three.

WINNERS: FTR in 18:00 to retain the AEW Tag Team Titles.

-They went to the announcers at ringside who announced there will be an eight-man tournament at Full Gear, with the winner getting a shot at Mox. He said they know three wrestlers already: Jungle Boy, Rey Fenix, and Kenny Omega. They cut to Page, who reacted as if he was betrayed and it had sunk in that Kenny really was abandoning their team to purse singles wrestling. He got up and left, looking like he was going to cry. Taz told Excalibur he should have told him privately first. [c]

(3) ISIAH KASSIDY (w/Marq Quen, Matt Hardy) vs. “DEMO GOD†CHRIS JERICHO (w/Sammy Guevara, Santana, Ortiz, Jake Hager)

The audience sang Jerichoâ€s song. Jericho smiled. The announcers talked about the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the start of Jerichoâ€s career next week.

ARTICLE CONTINUED BELOW…

Check out the latest episode of “Wrestling Night in America,” part of the PWTorch Dailycast line-up: CLICK HERE to stream (or search “pwtorch†on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any other iOS or Android app to subscribe free)

[HOUR TWO]

Jericho palm-faced Kassidy at the bell and tried to intimidate him. Jericho turned his back. Kassidy jumped him. Taz said the Brooklyn kid knows how to fight. He went after Jericho aggressively. He scored a two count. Jericho stood up and knocked Kassidy to the mat. Ross said one of their “restaurant-quality picture-in-picture†breaks was coming up. Kassidy knocked Jericho to the floor. Jericho side-stepped him, but Kassidy backdropped him into the crowd. Luther clotheslined Jericho back over the ringside barricade to ringside. Kassidy then landed a corkscrew dive onto Hager, Sammy, and Jericho at ringside. He then landed a senton off the top rope for a two count. Excalibur noted this is Kassidyâ€s first singles match in AEW. Jericho took control and they cut to a break. [c/ss]

Jericho was in control after the break. Hager hit Kassidy as he bound into the ropes. Hager, who had a cut on the bridge of his nose, was bleeding. Kassidy avoided a Jericho charge into the corner. Kassidy scored another two count seconds later. And another a minute later. Kassidy lifted his knees on a Lionsault by Jericho, and then landed his own for a two count. He followed with a Code Breaker on Jericho for another two count. He looked exhausted. Both were slow to get up. Jericho caught Kassidy leaping at him with a Judas Effect for the win.

WINNER; Jericho in 12:00.

-Inner Circle entered and attacked Kassidy. Hardy entered quickly with a chair, so the heels fled. Jericho then got into it with Luther at ringside as Hager brawled with Serpentico. Excalibur said Jericho goes back with Luther to his time at Stu Hartâ€s Dungeon in Calgary. He said heâ€s one of his longest-running rivals.

-Kip Sabian talked with Miro about his bachelor party. They were at an arcade. Kip handed Miro balls to throw for a game. Miro said he never forgets his blue balls. They did some axe throwing and then video game playing. Miro said itâ€s a pandemic and itâ€s hard to plan a great party. Billy Mitchell offered to help.

-Dasha interviewed Orange Cassidy, Trent, and Chuck Taylor. FTR interrupted the interview and explained that their spot on the card is as comedic backyard style wrestlers. He said itâ€s okay that they arenâ€t top guys. Cassidy called them “weenies.â€

(4) ORANGE CASSIDY (w/Trent, Chucky T) vs. DARK ORDER #10 (a/k/a Preston Vance w/Colt Cabana, Alan Angels, John Silver)

Cassidy gave Silver his sunglasses. 10 attacked him from behind to take early control. Cassidy made a comeback a couple minutes in, dove onto a crowd at ringside, and then leaped at 10 in the ring. 10 caught him, but Cassidy countered and kipped up. He took off his elbow pad and delivered the Orange Punch and his Beach Break for the win.

WINNER: Cassidy in 3:00.

-MJF and Wardlow entered the Inner Circle locker room. He said he arrived with a wrapped gift. He congratulated Jericho on his big win. He presented each member with a jacket, but he ended up one short. He apologized to Sammy and he blamed Wardlow. Jericho asked what he was doing there. MJF said just to congratulate him. Jericho said he asked him before and asked him again: “Do you want to join the Inner Circle.†MJF said his question is does he want him to join. Jericho asked if he wants to. MJF asked if he wants him. They went back and forth and then told each other to stop. Wardlow and Hager took a step toward each other and things got tense in their staredown. MJF said he is so excited for Jericho surviving 30 years in this sport. He said itâ€s been legendary. MJF left and told them to enjoy the jackets. Jericho said to find Sammyâ€s. When they left, Sammy said, “What a loser!†Jericho stopped him and said maybe heâ€s not. [c]

(5) DR. BRIT BAKER (w/Reba) vs. RED VELVET

The announcers talked about this being her first match back since her injury. Velvetâ€s record of 0-7 was listed on the screen. (Thatâ€s a lot better than the Minnesota Twins playoff win/loss record the last 15 years, sadly.)

WINNER: Baker in 6:00.

(Kellerâ€s Analysis: Not sure it needed to be that long and competitive.)

-After the match, Reba gave Baker a glove and she put Velvet in the Lock Jaw. Ross said she is sending a message to all the other women that sheâ€s back.

-The announcers said next week will feature Brian Cage vs. Will Hobbs with the FTW Title belt on the line, Jericho & Hager vs. Serpentico & Luther, and Cody vs. Brodie Lee in a dog collar match for the TNT Title.

-Eddie Kingston came out with his arm around the referee Bryce Remsberg along with Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix. [c]

-Kingston said Mox put him in the bulldog choke last week, but he did not tap. He said Mox called Tony Khan afterward and told him to let him wrestle someone of Kingstonâ€s choice. He said heâ€s not feeling up to fighting Mox again after last weekâ€s battle, so he will disclose his choice momentarily who will be the man who will be kicking his ass. He asked the ref, whom he thought he was friend with for many years, why he ended the match. Remsberg said he was unresponsive. He said their families might be friends, but at work, he has to do his job, which includes protecting him from himself. Kingston didnâ€t like that. The three heels surrounded him until Moxâ€s music played. He came up through a tunnel in the bleachers with a barbed wire baseball bat. Taz sarcastically said, “Thereâ€s our hero.†The heels jumped to the floor as Mox entered the ring. Butcher approached Mox from behind as Kingston distracted him from ringside.

(6) JON MOXLEY vs. THE BUTCHER – AEW World Title match

Butcher dominated Moxley for a minute before they cut to a break. [c]

Butcher continued to dominate after the break for several minute. Mox made a comeback and hit a superplex. Butcher applied a leglock afterward mid-ring. Mox flipped out of it and landed a piledriver for a two count. Butcher came back with a crossbody for a two count. Mox DDTâ€d Butcher and applied his bulldog choke for the win. Moxley eyed Kingston, who threw a bit of a fit at ringside.

WINNER: Moxley in 8:00.

(Kellerâ€s Analysis: Giving Moxley a chance to get a clean win against a bigger foe who hadnâ€t been defined down much yet is never bad, especially as a hook for TV viewers.)

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Nigel McGuinness has been part of the AEW family for the past few years now. While he started off as a commentator, he occasionally wrestles as well and now heâ€s clarified his current AEW contractual status.

While speaking on the Wombreezy Wrestling Podcast, Nigel McGuinness was asked about his contractual status with AEW and whether his commentary work and his recent in-ring appearances are covered by separate contracts.

McGuinness clarified his AEW contract situation, explaining that both his commentary role and his recent in-ring appearances are covered under the same deal. His manager and agent handle the details while he simply signs off on it.

When AEW decided to use him for matches again, the company added an amendment to the existing contract to account for his in-ring work, but it all remains part of one agreement.

“Um, no. I think itâ€s all under the same thing. My manager and agent sort of handle all that side of things—I just sign along the dotted line. We did re-up when it became clear I was going to be getting in the ring again. Just sort of like an amendment to it, but essentially, itâ€s the same contract, I believe.

Nigel McGuinness explained that his AEW commentary work and recent in-ring appearances fall under the same contract, with only a small amendment added once he started wrestling again.â€

Nigel McGuinness†contractual situation shows that AEW is flexible with contracts, especially for veterans who can do more than one job. Since his deal covers both commentary and wrestling, McGuinness is a useful part of AEW who can add value in different roles and fans wouldnâ€t have it any other way.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.

Do you prefer Nigel Mc Guinness on commentary or in the ring? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

September 30, 2025 2:36 pm

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Buddy Matthews wrestled Kazuchika Okada at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, but he injured his ankle during his entrance before the match even started. Heâ€s been out of action since then and now his current in-ring return status has been revealed.

According to Sean Ross Sapp on the Fightful Select Q&A, Buddy Matthews isnâ€t expected to return to the AEW ring anytime soon. Sapp said Matthews will likely be out of action until at least the end of the year.

This comes after Buddy Matthews previously admitted that his ankle still wasnâ€t healing properly and that a chronic condition was a looming risk. Thatâ€s exactly why he decided to undergo surgery last month and is currently on the road to recovery.

Buddy Matthews is focusing on his long-term health instead of rushing back. Even though fans will have to wait longer to see him wrestle in AEW, taking time to fully recover should help him stay strong and perform well for years to come.

Since itâ€s unlikely fans will see Buddy Matthews back this year, weâ€ll have to wait and see when he can finally come back. With AEW returning to Australia in February 2026, perhaps that would be the ideal place for his return.

How do you think AEW should book Buddy Matthews once he returns to in-ring action? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

September 29, 2025 8:34 am

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