All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has announced an expansion of its touring schedule for April 2026, bringing live episodes of its flagship programs, Dynamite and Collision, to Washington, Oregon, and Virginia. The promotion is continuing to build momentum following recent events in Australia and is gearing up for key pay-per-views like AEW Dynasty and Revolution.

The April run will see AEW capitalize on the growing popularity of its programming, offering fans across the United States the opportunity to experience the action live. Two of the announced dates will feature tapings for both Dynamite and Collision, maximizing content creation and fan engagement, although one date will be dedicated solely to a Dynamite broadcast. This strategic scheduling allows AEW to efficiently produce content for its weekly television shows while catering to diverse regional audiences.

April 2026 AEW Event Schedule

Here’s a breakdown of the confirmed dates and locations:

• Wednesday, April 15: Dynamite and Collision at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington
• Wednesday, April 22: Dynamite and Collision at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon
• Wednesday, April 29: Dynamite at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia

Tickets for all three events will go on sale to the general public next Monday, February 23, providing fans with ample opportunity to secure their place at these highly anticipated shows. Fans are encouraged to visit the official AEW website, allelitewrestling.com, for ticket information and further details.

The April 15th event in Everett, Washington, is particularly noteworthy as This proves expected to heavily feature fallout from AEW Dynasty, scheduled for April 12 in Vancouver, British Columbia. This suggests that storylines and rivalries established at Dynasty will be immediately addressed and advanced on Dynamite, providing a direct continuation of the pay-per-view narrative.

Before embarking on the April tour, AEW will continue its current road schedule. This Wednesday, Dynamite will be broadcast live from Sacramento, California, and Collision is set to take place in Oceanside, California, this Saturday. These events will serve as a bridge to the Dynasty pay-per-view and the subsequent April shows.

The promotion is also focused on building towards AEW Revolution, scheduled for March 15 in Los Angeles. This event is considered a marquee spring pay-per-view for AEW, and the upcoming episodes of Dynamite and Collision will undoubtedly feature storylines and matches designed to build anticipation for Revolution. The consistent scheduling of premium live events and weekly television broadcasts demonstrates AEW’s commitment to providing a steady stream of content for its dedicated fanbase.

AEW’s expansion into novel markets and its consistent touring schedule underscore the promotion’s continued growth and its position as a major force in professional wrestling. The company, founded by Tony Khan in 2019, has quickly established itself as a competitor to established promotions, offering a unique blend of in-ring action and compelling storytelling. TBS broadcasts Dynamite every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET, with simulcasts available on HBO Max.

Looking ahead, fans can expect continued announcements regarding future events and storylines as AEW continues to build towards its key pay-per-views and maintain its presence on weekly television. The promotion’s commitment to live events and consistent content creation suggests a continued focus on fan engagement and growth in the coming months.

What are your thoughts on AEW’s expanded touring schedule? Share your predictions for the fallout from AEW Dynasty in the comments below!

Brisbane, Australia – Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay, known collectively as The IInspiration, have officially signed multi-year contracts with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), marking a significant addition to the promotion’s growing women’s division. The duo made their highly anticipated debut at the live “House Rules” event this past weekend, confirming their status as the newest members of the AEW roster to a cheering crowd.

The signing of The IInspiration, formerly known as the IIconics during their time in WWE, has been anticipated for several weeks, according to Fightful Select. Their arrival is expected to bolster competition and provide fresh storylines within AEW’s women’s division.

Prior to joining AEW, Lee and McKay competed in TNA Wrestling, where they were a prominent tag team. Their final appearance for TNA came on the premiere episode of Impact on AMC, where they lost the Knockouts Tag Team Championships to The Elegance Brand. Reports indicated that multiple promotions were interested in signing the duo, but they ultimately chose AEW.

From WWE to TNA and Now AEW

Lee and McKay were released from their contracts with WWE in 2021. They subsequently found success in TNA, capturing the Knockouts Tag Team Titles on multiple occasions. The pair briefly stepped away from in-ring competition before returning to TNA at last year’s Against All Odds event. Their departure from TNA was reportedly amicable, allowing them to pursue opportunities elsewhere.

The IInspiration’s signing comes alongside another recent addition to the AEW women’s division. During AEW Grand Slam Australia, Lena Kross officially joined the promotion, aligning herself with Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford following a post-match attack, as reported by NoDQ.com. This influx of talent signals AEW’s continued investment in its women’s division.

What’s Next for The IInspiration?

With multi-year contracts secured, The IInspiration are poised to make a significant impact on the AEW landscape. Their experience and established fanbase from their time in WWE and TNA are expected to draw attention and elevate the level of competition within the women’s division. Fans are eager to see how AEW utilizes their skills and charisma in the weeks and months to come.

The arrival of The IInspiration adds another layer of excitement to AEW’s already dynamic roster. As they commence this latest chapter, wrestling fans can anticipate compelling matches and captivating storylines from this talented duo. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of AEW and the latest developments in professional wrestling.

What are your thoughts on The IInspiration joining AEW? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below!

The Long Game: Joe Hendry’s NXT Championship Win Signals a Shift in Wrestling’s Development Model

For years, the prevailing wisdom in professional wrestling dictated a relentless pursuit of immediate opportunity. But the ascent of Joe Hendry to the NXT Championship isn’t just a story of athletic prowess; it’s a compelling case study in the power of patience, strategic development, and a willingness to defy conventional timelines. Hendry’s recent victory, following a seven-man ladder match, wasn’t a sudden explosion onto the scene – it was the culmination of a deliberate, decade-long journey refined across multiple promotions.

From Raw Cameo to NXT Champion: A Delayed Ascent

Hendry’s initial brush with WWE came in 2014, a brief appearance on Monday Night Raw portraying a lawyer alongside Rusev, and Lana. While seemingly insignificant, this experience sparked a pivotal conversation with William Regal. Hendry revealed this exchange, previously undisclosed, profoundly shaped his career trajectory, guiding his decisions for years to come. Rather than immediately pursuing a full-time contract, he chose to hone his skills elsewhere.

This wasn’t a rejection of WWE, but a realistic assessment of his readiness. Even when presented with the opportunity to participate in the 2016 United Kingdom Championship Tournament in Blackpool, Hendry resisted a premature commitment. He believed he needed to “travel the world to get the skills required to perform in WWE at the highest level, and discover who I was as a performer.” This echoes a growing trend among modern wrestlers – prioritizing comprehensive skill development over simply landing a major contract.

The Value of Independent Experience

Hendry’s decision to compete in various promotions, including a notable run in TNA, wasn’t a detour, but a crucial phase of his training. This period allowed him to refine his in-ring work, develop his character, and build a stronger personal brand. This mirrors the experiences of other successful wrestlers who have benefited from extensive independent careers, such as Bryan Danielson and Kevin Owens. The independent circuit provides a testing ground for innovation and allows performers to connect with audiences on a more intimate level, fostering a deeper understanding of the craft.

NXT as a Modern Development Hub

WWE’s NXT has evolved into a sophisticated developmental system, but it’s no longer solely about raw potential. The current model increasingly values wrestlers who arrive with a pre-existing skillset and a defined identity. Hendry’s arrival in November 2025, following his departure from TNA, positioned him perfectly to capitalize on this shift. He wasn’t a project to be molded; he was a polished performer ready to contribute immediately.

The Implications for Future Talent

Hendry’s success challenges the traditional “farm system” approach to wrestling development. The industry is witnessing a growing recognition that time spent outside of major promotions isn’t wasted; it’s an investment in a wrestler’s long-term viability. This could lead to a more proactive scouting of international and independent scenes, with WWE and other organizations seeking out performers who have already demonstrated a commitment to their craft.

Hendry’s story highlights the importance of self-awareness and strategic decision-making. Wrestlers are increasingly taking control of their careers, carefully selecting opportunities that align with their development goals. This empowerment of talent could lead to a more dynamic and competitive landscape, with performers driving their own narratives.

The recent relinquishing of the NXT Championship by Oba Femi, following his debut on the main roster, further illustrates this evolving dynamic. Femi’s rapid ascent demonstrates WWE’s willingness to promote talent quickly when they are deemed ready, but also underscores the need for a strong foundation of experience and preparation – something Hendry clearly possesses.

What are your predictions for the future of NXT under Joe Hendry’s leadership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

WWE Lawsuit Signals a Turning Point in Streaming Bundles and Consumer Trust

A $5 million class action lawsuit against World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) isn’t just about wrestling fans and a $29.99 fee; it’s a bellwether for the evolving – and often frustrating – landscape of streaming bundles. The core of the dispute, centering on access to premium live events via ESPN, highlights a growing consumer concern: are promised perks of streaming subscriptions actually delivered, or are they bait in a complex web of tiered access and hidden costs?

The WrestlePalooza Fallout: What Happened?

The lawsuit, brought by New Jersey resident Michael Diesa and New York’s Rebecca Toback, alleges that WWE misled fans regarding access to events like WrestlePalooza after its move from Peacock to ESPN. Plaintiffs claim promotional materials, including statements from WWE President Nick Khan – specifically, “You subscribe to [ESPN Flagship] you get WrestleMania, SummerSlam, Royal Rumble, all of our other premium live events, with no upcharge” – created the impression that existing ESPN subscribers wouldn’t face additional charges. However, many, particularly those using Xfinity or YouTube TV, were required to pay an extra $29.99 monthly fee to view WrestlePalooza. WWE has until April 13, 2026, to formally respond to the complaint.

Strategic Omission: Why ESPN Isn’t in the Crosshairs

Interestingly, the lawsuit deliberately excludes ESPN and its parent company, Disney. This strategic move, as reported by PWInsider, aims to circumvent arbitration and class action waiver provisions embedded within Disney’s user agreements. This tactic underscores a growing legal strategy of targeting the entity perceived as having the most direct control over consumer-facing messaging and promises.

The Rise of “Subscription Fatigue” and the Promise of Bundles

This case arrives at a critical juncture. Consumers are increasingly experiencing “subscription fatigue,” overwhelmed by the sheer number of streaming services and their associated costs. Bundling – like the WWE/ESPN arrangement – was touted as a solution, offering convenience and potential savings. However, the current situation demonstrates that bundling can quickly become a source of confusion and resentment if the terms aren’t transparent and consistently applied. The promise of simplified access is undermined when subscribers discover hidden fees or restricted content.

Beyond Wrestling: Implications for Other Streaming Partnerships

The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications beyond the world of professional wrestling. Similar bundling strategies are employed across various industries, from sports and entertainment to news and education. If WWE is found liable for deceptive marketing, it could set a precedent for holding companies accountable for the clarity and accuracy of their promotional materials, particularly when those materials relate to bundled services. This could lead to increased scrutiny of marketing language and a greater emphasis on transparent pricing structures.

The Future of Streaming: Transparency and Consumer Protection

The WWE/ESPN dispute highlights a critical require for greater transparency in the streaming industry. Consumers deserve clear, concise information about what they’re paying for and what they’re getting in return. This includes a detailed breakdown of bundled services, any potential add-on costs, and the terms of access for different providers. Regulatory bodies may need to step in to establish stricter guidelines for marketing and pricing practices, ensuring that consumers aren’t misled by deceptive advertising. The focus must shift from acquiring subscribers at any cost to building long-term trust through honest and reliable service.

What are your predictions for the future of streaming bundles and consumer protection? Share your thoughts in the comments below!