Tony Khan Breaks Silence On AEW And TNA Indie Match Fallout

Tony Khan Breaks Silence On AEW And TNA Indie Match Fallout

Tony Khan has now weighed in on the growing situation involving canceled independent matches between AEW and TNA talent, offering new clarity on how things unfolded.

Speaking during the AEW Dynasty media call on April 9, 2026, Khan admitted the situation came as a surprise. Based on what he understood, there had already been an agreement in place that would allow the scheduled appearances to go ahead without issue.

Khan also made it clear that AEW did not initiate the idea for these cross-promotional indie matches. Instead, the requests came directly from MJF and Ricochet, both of whom expressed interest in working those events. According to Khan, he had no problem approving their involvement.

This latest development adds another layer to the situation, particularly after MJF publicly blasted TNA President Carlos Silva when his planned match with Nic Nemeth was pulled. That bout had been scheduled for a Create-A-Pro show before being canceled due to TNA’s stance on talent competing against AEW-affiliated wrestlers. Ricochet was also affected, with his match against Leon Slater called off under similar circumstances.

With Khan confirming AEW had no objections and believed all sides were aligned, the issue now appears to stem from a breakdown in communication rather than a coordinated policy between the companies.

Royce Keys Set For WWE SmackDown Debut Ahead Of WrestleMania 42

Royce Keys Set For WWE SmackDown Debut Ahead Of WrestleMania 42

Royce Keys is officially set for his WWE SmackDown debut this Friday, stepping into the spotlight just under three months after his first appearance for the company.- Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Pat McAfee to appear
– Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu to appear
– Sami Zayn and Trick Williams to appear

WWE WrestleMania 42 Opening Matches Reportedly Revealed For Both Nights

WWE WrestleMania 42 Opening Matches Reportedly Revealed For Both Nights

Plans for WrestleMania 42 are starting to come into clearer focus, with early indications on how both nights could begin.

According to WrestleVotes Radio, the current expectation is that the six man tag team clash featuring Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed against The Usos and LA Knight will kick things off on night one, scheduled for April 18.

As for night two on April 19, the reported opening bout is Oba Femi going one on one with Brock Lesnar. As always, these plans are not locked in and could still be adjusted closer to the event.

There is also added interest behind Lesnar’s involvement, as it is said ESPN specifically requested his inclusion in the lineup of matches promoted across its platforms, something WWE was reportedly happy to deliver.

WrestleMania 42 will also make history as only the second time the event has taken place in the same venue in consecutive years, following last year’s show at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. John Cena is set to host both nights, while the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is scheduled for Friday, April 17.

Here is the current lineup for WrestleMania 42:

Night One , Saturday, April 18

  • Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton with Pat McAfee
  • WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill vs Rhea Ripley
  • Seth Rollins vs Gunther
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four Way: Nia Jax and Lash Legend vs Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs The Bella Twins
  • Jacob Fatu vs Drew McIntyre
  • Six Man Tag Team Match: Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed vs The Usos and LA Knight

Night Two , Sunday, April 19

  • World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk vs Roman Reigns
  • Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer vs Liv Morgan
  • WWE Women’s Championship: AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch
  • NXT Championship: Sami Zayn vs Trick Williams
  • Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar
  • Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta vs Je’Von Evans vs Dragon Lee vs JD McDonagh vs Rusev vs Rey Mysterio

TKO & UFC Announce Partnership With Nicotine Pouch Company

TKO has announced a new multi-year partnership with FRE Nicotine Pouches for sponsorship of UFC, Zuffa Boxing, Professional Bull Riders, UFC BJJ, and IMG-owned World’s Strongest Man and Formula Drift. 

The announcement on Thursday touted UFC’s audience of over 90% adults as measured by Nielsen, stating that it provides an “ideal platform for the responsible marketing of adult consumer products to current nicotine users,” with a “broader penetration of adult nicotine users” when compared to other sports media audiences according to YouGov. 

“TKO was built to partner with brands that want to show up in a big way across the world’s most passionate fan communities,” Grant Norris-Jones, TKO’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Partnerships, was quoted. “FRE is bringing a modern, differentiated product to market for the moments that matter most. This partnership unlocks a powerful platform across our industry leading assets, including our latest offering, Zuffa Boxing, and will enable FRE to reach adult customers at unmatched scale.”

“TKO and FRE share the same values: bold, performance-driven, and built for people who push themselves to compete at the highest level,” Summer Frein, FRE’s parent, Turning Point Brands’, Chief Growth officer was also quoted. “That alignment is what makes this partnership a natural fit… FRE is establishing itself as the brand of choice for adult consumers who want to Own Their Edge.”

FRE’s sponsorship is due to be kicked off at UFC 327 on Saturday, with the announcement promising exclusive fan interactions, custom content, and on-site experience for adult nicotine users. 

According to the Surgeon General, smokeless tobacco can cause mouth cancer, gum disease and tooth loss, is not a safe alternative to cigarettes, and is addictive. If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

AEW World Champion MJF Discusses Finally Being 100% For Kenny Omega Match

In the lead up to AEW Dynasty this weekend, much has been made about Kenny Omega’s health over the last few years, which saw him miss significant time due to multiple injuries, and then a life-threatening battle with diverticulitis. The latter issue played a role in Omega’s first match with AEW Men’s World Champion MJF in 2023, a match MJF won to set the record for longest AEW title reign. But as bad of shape as Omega was in at the time, it’s easy to forget that MJF himself was also dealing with woes heading into it.

Appearing on “The Adam Friedland Show” to promote his rematch with Omega this Sunday at AEW Dynasty, MJF touched upon the shoulder injury he suffered during the back half of his first World Title run. Though many had presumed that MJF had suffered the injury after the Omega match, MJF revealed that he was actually injured going into the match, meaning their upcoming Dynasty match will be the first time Omega and MJF have shared the ring and been fully healthy while doing so.

“This was a couple of years ago, the first time I held this title, and my shoulder was fried bro,” MJF said. “My AC joint was completely torn. It was before the match. I had torn it before the match in a different match, I can’t remember who it was against. And I wasn’t going to f*****g tell anybody. So I wrestled Kenny Omega with an entirely torn rotator cuff and AC joint. 

“And oddly enough, Kenny Omega was wrestling me, he was a week away from being on death’s door because of diverticulitis. And we had one of the greatest matches of all time, like, in the history of my company. And now we’re about to wrestle again, and we’re both actually 100%, which is great, and I’m going to beat the f*****g s**t out of him.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “The Adam Friedland Show” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription