Welcome along to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are covering stories involving top pro-wrestling stars, including Tony Khan and Cody Rhodes, among others.
A popular AEW star announced their departure from a major wrestling show. Meanwhile, Tony Khan faced a major setback ahead of Redemption 2026, and Cody Rhodes received a challenge from someone he is close to. We’ve got some exciting news stories coming out of All Elite Wrestling today, so without further delay, let’s get this roundup underway.
#5. AEW and Tony Khan hit with low ratings for go-home Dynamite episode ahead of Redemption
Tony Khan and AEW have suffered a major setback just days before the company’s highly anticipated Redemption 2026 pay-per-view. The promotion’s flagship weekly show, Dynamite, has seen its viewership fluctuate over the past couple of years. However, the program had recently gained major momentum, largely credited to Tony Khan’s match-booking skills, which have successfully brought back older fans of the product.
For example, the Beach Break special edition of Dynamite drew an impressive 773,000 viewers, one of the show’s highest numbers in months. The very next week, the program surpassed that milestone, drawing 786,000 viewers. Unfortunately, the momentum did not carry over to the official go-home edition of Dynamite before Redemption. According to the latest data from Wrestlenomics, the broadcast drew only 706,000 viewers, falling short of expectations and suggesting a potential dip in audience excitement heading into the pay-per-view.
#4. Dustin Rhodes nominates Cody Rhodes for Ice Bucket Challenge
AEW veteran Dustin Rhodes has been on a lengthy road to recovery after undergoing double knee replacement surgeries back in August 2025. While he continues his rehabilitation, the veteran recently resurfaced online to participate in a viral campaign to support one of his long-time colleagues. Dustin took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and mobilize resources for Rebel, who shared a heartbreaking health update in May revealing that she had been diagnosed with terminal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
After being nominated by Sting, Dustin Rhodes posted a video showing himself being doused in freezing ice water on three separate occasions. In the clip, The Natural sent a touching message of support and prayers to Rebel, while directing fans to donate to her through the non-profit organization I Am ALS. To keep the momentum going, Dustin officially nominated several prominent figures to take the challenge next, including Diamond Dallas Page and his brother, Cody Rhodes.
“Ok, here we go!!!! #RebelsIceBucketChallenge . Seriously guys, if you can help out @RebelTanea and want to give as much as you can. I know she would appreciate it. Go to aewtogether.org/rebelheart . We love you baby girl, our prayers to you for your healing and comfort baby girl. #RebelHeart I nominate – @dakotarunnels22 – @the_jael – @diamonddallaspage – @americannightmarecody #ALS #ALSiceBucketChallenge iamals.org,” wrote Dustin Rhodes in the caption.
A clip of Dustin taking the challenge can be seen below:
#3. Thunder Rosa announces departure from Busted Open Radio
Thunder Rosa has officially confirmed her departure from a major media role. The former AEW Women’s World Champion expanded her career in 2022 by joining the regular panel on SiriusXM’s popular Busted Open Radio show. Over the past four years, fans of La Mera Mera have thoroughly enjoyed her insights and analysis on various wrestling segments and matches.
However, the show is set to undergo significant structural changes as SiriusXM officially partners with WWE to launch WWE Radio, which will bring a substantial increase in WWE-focused content for listeners. Because Thunder Rosa is currently under a full-time contract with AEW, continuing her role on a WWE-branded platform was no longer viable. Rosa announced her official exit from the panel in a heartwarming Instagram post.
“After four unforgettable years, it’s time to turn the page. Some chapters in life change you forever, and this has been one of them. Being part of Busted Open has been so much more than sitting behind a microphone….I’m especially grateful to Tony Khan for believing in me, trusting me to represent AEW, and allowing me to contribute my voice to one of the most respected wrestling shows in our industry. To Dave LaGreca, Tommy Dreamer, Bully Ray, Mark Henry, the producers, and everyone behind the scenes…,” wrote Rosa.
#2. Mercedes Moné gives herself a new moniker
Mercedes Moné has continued to make major waves both inside and outside the ring ahead of the Redemption 2026 pay-per-view. The CEO recently achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first wrestler to win the Owen Hart Cup back-to-back, securing victories in both the 2025 and 2026 editions of the tournament. This prestigious victory officially guaranteed Moné a shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In 2026, which is scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium in London.
With her championship opportunity secured, Moné spent time in her hometown of Boston during AEW’s recent television tapings. She shared a brand-new nickname with her followers on her Instagram Stories, declaring herself the “Boston Baddie.”
“Leave a B for the Bosston Baddie 🤑,” Mone wrote in her IG story post.
#1. Tony Khan asks fans to “stay tuned” regarding Swerve Strickland
Tony Khan has provided a major update on the current status and television absence of Swerve Strickland. The former AEW World Champion has been absent from All Elite Wrestling programming since last month’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view, where he was defeated by Will Ospreay in the finals of the 2026 Men’s Owen Hart Cup. During the Redemption media call, Khan clarified that Strickland has been working on several non-wrestling projects outside the industry.
Khan reassured fans that the former champion remains in excellent standing with the promotion. He revealed that he is scheduled to appear with Strickland at the San Diego Comic-Con and urged fans to “stay tuned” on television for the exact return date of The New Flavor to AEW programming.
“I’m going to be with Swerve at the Comic-Con this weekend. I’m really looking forward to that. Swerve has been out of action since his last match and has been working on some things outside of wrestling. He’s in very good standing with AEW, and I’d be happy to answer more about it after AEW Redemption. But we’ll see Swerve certainly as part of the San Diego Comic-Con tomorrow. And as far as when you’ll see Swerve next on AEW TV, stay tuned,” said Khan. [H/T: WrestlePurists]
It will be interesting to see what Swerve Strickland will get up to once he returns to All Elite Wrestling.
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Edited by Karan Raj
