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The Elite Sign Long-Term Deals with AEW Ahead of the 200th Episode of ‘Dynamite’

By Michael Fairman

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Photos: AEW

Ahead of tonight’s landmark 200th episode of AEW: Dynamite live on TBS, AEW’s CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan today announced that EVPs Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), as well as “Hangman” Adam Page, have signed new long-term extensions with AEW.

This ends months of speculation that Omega may head to the WWE as well as The Young Bucks.  With this deal, it ensures that four cornerstones critical to the launch of AEW in 2019 will remain with the promotion, and helped build.

“The Elite have been so important to the launch of AEW, with the Young Bucks going all in when I first approached them in 2018 about my dream to create an international pro wrestling promotion,” said Tony Khan. “Shortly after that, their partners and closest friends Kenny Omega and Hangman Adam Page joined us to formally launch All Elite Wrestling. All four of them have been instrumental to AEW’s success from the very first episode of Wednesday Night Dynamite in 2019 through the present day. Now as we celebrate tonight’s 200th episode of AEW: Dynamite, I’m excited to share that Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks and Hangman Adam Page will all be staying in AEW for years to come! Congratulations to The Elite, and we look forward to celebrating the great news with fans around the world. See you all tonight for Episode 200 of AEW: Dynamite!”

Speaking exclusively with Sports Illustrated on staying put at AEW and why it was so important, Kenny Omega expressed: “Our original goal was to create a wrestling alternative and give a platform to talented people that we’d all felt deserved a spotlight, I feel like we did our best in that time, and hopefully some people you’d never heard of pre-AEW are folks you enjoy watching today. Or if you knew them from their previous work elsewhere, have maybe found a new appreciation for them. That feeling, combined with the feeling of knowing they can provide for themselves and their family doing what they love, was always the biggest reward of being an EVP/founder.”

As to his decision to stay put at AEW and not bounce to the rival WWE, Omega added,  “Up to this point, I’ve made the choice to sacrifice everything in the name of pro wrestling. I can’t say that family or my kids influenced the decision to stay with AEW–I’m not married and without kids–but what I can say is that I’m incredibly proud of my match catalog and the wonderful people I’ve met and continue to meet. AEW not only allows me to continue doing what I do at a high level, but allows the freedom to pursue some other passions I have in life–which, after nearly 25 years in the ring, have become more and more important to me.”

Matt Jackson shared on his and his brothers decision to stay with AEW and not go to the WWE; “We’re literally the ‘E’ in AEW.  The Elite are the main characters of this company. No matter how different AEW is now from its original inception, we are the DNA. And if you lose the foundation of your home, it eventually collapses. It’d be a lie if I said that didn’t weigh on us, when making the decision.”

Nick Jackson added:  “If we’re going to be honest the schedule was a huge part of it.  I have a wife and three young children and seeing them as much as possible was a big factor. I’m not going to lie, the money was a huge factor, too.  At this point of my life and career, I just couldn’t see myself being on the road half of the year or even more than that. I have so much respect for the guys and girls that are able to do that year after year. We for sure could’ve made memories in WWE, but what’s more important to me is making memories with my family. With the position we’re in, I’ll be able to do that and still make memories in AEW.”

As for Hangman Adam Page, who used to be a school teacher, he decided to re-up with the company sharing, “At this stage of my life the selling point was the schedule. AEW’s schedule allows me to be home with my family for the majority of the week and will ideally help my body hold up better in the long run. And the pay is good. AEW emerging as a legitimate wrestling company has helped drive up bargaining power for wrestlers and others who work in the industry. Making a long-term commitment to a still-growing AEW I felt was the best way I could help continue that progress.”

So, glad to hear that Kenny Omega, Matt and Nick Jackson and Hangman Adam Page are staying put at AEW? Are you looking forward to tonight’s 200th episode of AEW: Dynamite? Comment below.

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‘AEW All In: London’ 2026: Top Five Takeaways Including Will Ospreay’s Emotional World Title Victory in His Home Country

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Will Ospreay

This past Sunday at AEW All In: London, not only did the pro wrestling organization rock Wembley Stadium with an electrifying card and show, they also did something that often times does not occur, they sent the audience in attendance and those watching on pay-per-view around the world, home happy!

The reason is simple. The home country’s own Will Ospreay won the main event and the AEW World Heavyweight Championship before his friends, rivals, family and more. Ospreay was finally crowned the kingpin of AEW by defeating Kenny Omega to close out the show.

With All In being AEW’s version of WWE WrestleMania. in that it’s the organizations biggest event of the year, this one did not disappoint. and even didn’t feel as long (even though it clocked in at roughly 4 hours 15 minutes) for the main show as per usual with Tony Khan pay-per-views, but that’s not including the matches in the buy-in.

New Level

Photo: AEW

AEW All In truly felt like the culmination of a year’s worth of story and build, plus brought stunning returns and debuts to bring fresh blood to the roster. Throughout the night: four new champions were crowned, we got the debut of the New Level (formerly WWE’s New Day) when Kofi and Austin Creed showed up with Swerve Strickland to win the AEW Trios Championship!

Britt Baker

Photo: AEW

In addition, Britt Baker DMD, who had not been seen in over two years, finally returned during the buy-in aiding Persephone defeat Maya Ward for the TNT Women’s Championship.  Let’s take a look at the Top Five Takeaways from All In London, a pay-per-view that going into the fall is definitely the number #1 wrestling show so far in 2026.

WILL OSPREAY ENTRANCE WAS A FIVE-HANKIE MOMENT

The AEW segment producers out did themselves with a very emotional and creative video package proceeding Ospreay’s entrance for his title bout. The package was narrated by Ospreay’s mother. She tells the story complete with retro footage of how she never thought her son would make money as a wrestler, but encouraged him to continue his dream and how proud she was of the man he has becomes. The package was cut to The Who’s “Baba O’Riley” a perfect choice from one of the all-time greatest rock bands from the UK.

However, it was Ospreay taking the long walk backstage at Wembley Stadium through the curtain to the ring ramp, and to the ring, that provided the most emotional moment of the night.

Will Ospreay wins title

Photo: AEW

As the “Aerial Assassin” does his final walk in preparation for battle, Will passes old rivals and friends including: Zack Sabre Jr., Ricochet, Kyle Fletcher, gets a kiss from his wife, one half of the new AEW Women’s Tag Champion, Alex Windsor, then passes Callum Newman and the United Empire, and finally, Jon Moxley, who meets him at the curtain and hands him the British flag. Then, once Ospreay’s own theme music plays and the chants of “Ospreay, Ospreay” fill Wembley Stadium, it was clear this had to be his night!

As for Omega, his entrance was done in Japanese paying homage to his historic past in all the top wrestling organizations throughout the world. It was also one of the best we have ever seen for an AEW main event. During the match, Omega became a violent heel, decimating and bloodying Ospreay early on, and doing anything he could to retain his title. Meanwhile, counters and near pins were the order of the day with Ospreay coming back and rising up from what appeared to be a 20-minute beatdown. Ospreay rallied with one final hidden blade on Omega after a second One Winged Angel and a Tiger Driver 91, and cried as he received the title belt, and had his hand raised in England to the roar of the crowd!

A BROKEN NOSE AND THE TITLE THAT ALLUDED THE CEO

The woman showed up big time in their title bout with the champion Willow Nightingale defending with a legitimate broken hand against what would become a legit broken nose for her challenger, Mercedes Moné. The AEW World Women’s Championship is something up till now that has alluded the multi-belts Moné.

Mercdes

Photo: AEW

This was another drama-filled match with plenty of back and forth. Things took a turn when after the referee Audrey Edwards was knocked out, and she missed the count where Willow had pinned Mercedes. Eventually, Moné applied the Statement Maker, and then had Willow so wrapped up with her arm around her own neck that the champion passed out.

Finally, Mercedes Mone won the only major singles title she’s never held in her three-year plus run in AEW.

Young Bucks

Photo: AEW

THE MEN’S TAG TEAM DIVISION MAKES A STATEMENT

In a great tag team match, The Young Bucks continued to showcase just how incredible they are as a team. However in the end, the real-life brothers lost their chance at winning the AEW Tag Team titles from the crafty veterans Christian Cage and Adam Copeland. It was odd seeing Copeland also act the heel, while we could expect that from Cage.

Late in the match, Cage faked out the referee while grabbing a metal object into his wrist brace. He later used it on Matt Jackson. Next, Copeland delivered the spear for the win. But the celebration for Cage and “Cope” ended quickly when in succession, The Motor City Machine Guns, the returning FTR and New Level all came down to the ring staking their claim that they are coming after the tag title belts.

It’s rare you see such a showcase of talent in the ring at one time; a clever move to let the industry and the fans know that if you want tag team action, AEW will be the place to find it!

LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

Darby Allin and Kevin Knight met in a Falls Count Anywhere match, which would not be complete without Allin climbing the stage scaffolding and delivering one of the longest free-falling Coffin Drop’s we have ever seen on Knight, who later was on the receiving end of yet another Coffin Drop as he was being stretchered out of the match.

However, it was the moment that will now forever live in wrestling history that will be remembered from this match. When Don Callis Family members, Brian Cage and Jake Doyle, attacked Darby in the ring and taped his hands behind his back, it was none other than Sting’s son, Steven Borden who entered the fray to save Allin. However, Cage threw Borden into a table in the turnbuckle.

Sting and Steve Borden

Photo: AEW

With things not looking so good, the lights went out in Wembley! Suddenly the icon, Sting, came down the ring ramp with his signature bat in hand to even the odds. Sting’s arrival garnered one of the biggest pops of the night.

Then, as Sting and his son each climbed up the ladder inside the ring, they met at the top, where the younger Borden told his dad, “I’ve got this.” Next thing you know, beating on his chest just like his legendary father, Borden flew from the ladder to hit the heels with a crossbody to the floor.

Steven Borden has such a bright future ahead of him now that he is in AEW, and we predict VERY big things for the young man. Just you wait and see!

CASINO GAUNTLET GONE WILD

If you thought MJF would secure the victory to become the number one contender for the AEW World Heavyweight Championship, after holding the belt for a good portion of the year, ya better think again.

Looks like AEW is banking on Andrade El Idolo, who is finally having a major run! In the Casino Gautlet, which also brought into the match the likes of Chris Jericho, and the the big blooper of the night. That occurred when ring announcer Justin Roberts mixed-up entering Luchadors: Komander as Mistico, and then a mere few minutes later the real Mistico appeared!

Andrade

Photo: AEW

Andrade, who is already the AEW National Champion, was able to steal the Gautlet by pinning Nick Wayne, much to the chagrin of MJF. Something tells us that Andrade may have his title shot upended somehow by MJF, but we shall see.

GRADE OVERALL: AEW All In London – A

So, what did you think of AEW All In London? Happy to see Will Ospreay capture the AEW World Heavyweight Championship? Let us know via the comment section below.

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AEW Honors Ted Turner with 10-Bell Salute

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Ted Turner, the billionaire businessman, who turned a struggling Atlanta news station into a media empire with first 24-hour news channel, CNN, died on Wednesday, May 6 at the age of 87.  Turner died reportedly ‘surrounded by his family.”

However, Turner’s impact is felt far and wide with how he revolutionized cable television as we know. One such way is how Turner believed in professional wrestling, when other network executives didn’t. Turner, who helped launch TNT and TBS, and purchased World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the late 1980s and gave it a primetime slot.

Through his leadership, the landscape of pro wrestling was changed forever, leading to the infamous Monday Night Wars” between the WWE and WCW with their flagship shows, Monday Night Nitro vs. Monday Night Raw. Since 2019, wrestling has been back on TNT and TBS in a big way with AEW’s Dynamite and AEW Collision.

Photo: WCW

TED TURNER BELIEVED IN PRO WRESTLING

Last night, All Elite Wrestling opened its broadcast with a tribute to Turner, which led to the 10-bell salute, which is given to someone from the world of professional wrestling had passed on.

AEW commentator Tony Schiavone said at the top of the special three-hour Dynamite and Collision episode. “Ted Turner believed in pro wrestling. He believed in you, the fans, and he believed that pro wrestling belonged on national television.” Schiavone who was also a commentator for WCW noted that it was because of Turner’s vision that pro wrestling found a home on TBS and later in the 90s with TNT, sharing, “Generations of fans around the world knew that we were destination viewing.”

Schavione recalled, “I knew that firsthand. I began in the studio in TBS in 1985. Decades later, because of the foundation that was laid by Ted Turner, we still survive today through the leadership of Tony Khan in AEW, through the leadership of Warner Discovery, wrestling still survives.”

STING RECALLS TED TURNER STANDING UP TO EXECS

Suddenly, in a special appearance, pro wrestling and WCW legend, Sting, came to the ring and addressed the crowd in Charleston, South Carolina and at home. “Can you imagine having an all-in billionaire who absolutely loved pro wrestling? I can’t believe what (Turner) did for us. He was completely committed to us, devoted to us in every conceivable way.”

Sting went on to tell the story of how Turner stood up to the executives at CNN Towers.  ‘We don’t know about this whole pro wrestling thing. I think it’s time to cut them off because we’re always in the red, Ted would share. “I’d look at all of them and say, you wrestlers just keep on doing what you’re doing because I got some deep pockets.’”

“There wouldn’t be a TNT title, there wouldn’t be a Sting. There wouldn’t be a Darby Allin. There wouldn’t be a Tony Schiavone here tonight. You wouldn’t be here tonight. So, thank you, once again, Ted,” Sting said as he concluded his comments. Moments later came the emotional ten-bell salute (you can watch it below)

Earlier on Wednesday, AEW president Tony Khan shared his own tribute on X, expressing, “It’s a very sad day in the world of television and certainly in the world of professional wrestling. The man who gave us this platform, the man who created TBS and TNT and so many great television channels and so many great concepts in the field of television, the late great Mr. Ted Turner has passed.”

So, what are your thoughts on the passing of Ted Turner? How without the billionaire’s love of pro wrestling, WCW and now AEW would not have had the platform they have to bring fans around the world the sports entertainment shows that they love? Comment below.

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Chris Jericho Returns After Year-Long Absence on ‘AEW Dynamite’ Ending WWE Speculation

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After month of rumors and reports, Chris Jericho is home on AEW.  The moment occurred on last night’s April 1 episode of AEW Dynamite live from Winnipeg, Canada.

Jericho, the pro wrestler/actor/musician has been off AEW programming since a year ago in April, amid speculation he would be returning for one final run in the WWE.

However, last night was a homecoming for Chris, who has been with AEW from the very beginning in 2019. His signing with the company made him one of its top stars out of the gate and he became the inaugural AEW world champion.

Photo: AEW

In the set-up on ‘Dynamite’ Jericho kicked-off the show as he interrupted Tony Schiavone, who was in the ring getting ready to bring out MJF and Kenny Omega for their AEW World Championship Match contract signing ahead of AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view next weekend

As Jericho came out to his theme song from his band Fozzy, “Judas” the chants of the chorus got louder.  Once he was in the ring, Jericho simply addressed the crows by saying,“Winnipeg … AEW … I’m home.” Then, he dropped the mic and made his exit.

After the show, Jericho took to his Instagram account and showed how he was in the parking garage at the MTs Centre in Winnipeg and how in 50 minutes he was going to shock the world with his return on ‘Dynamite’

Chris was last his ‘The Learning Tree’ faction, but it disbanded soon after he lost the Ring of Honor World Heavyweight Championship to Bandido at last year’s AEW Dynasty pay-per-view.

As an actor, Jericho was seen last week on CBS’ Tracker as villain Virgil Dean and will be seen in the new AppleTV+ series, Margo’s Got Money Troubles which drops on April 15.

So, what did you think of the arrival of Chris Jericho on AEW Dynamite, after a year away? Do you think Chris will be a babyface or heel for his new run on AEW? Weigh-in via the comment section. In case you missed it, and what has been all the buzz for the last 24 hours, check it out below.

 

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A post shared by Chris Jericho (@chrisjerichofozzy)

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