AFW Magazine News update April 6th 2026

Why Chris Jericho Chose the AEW Over a WWE Farewell

"I’m becom-, I’m becom-, I’m becoming... Judas in my mind!"

As the first chords of Fozzy’s "Judas" echoed through the arena on April 1st, the atmosphere

was electric. It had been nearly a year since the AEW faithful had serenaded the "Ocho," and the deafening roar of the crowd made one thing clear: the fans didn't just miss the man; they missed the anthem of the movement he helped build. For months, the wrestling world was held in a collective breath, wondering if the legend would finally "go home" to WWE. But as Jericho stood in the center of the ring in Winnipeg, the message was unmistakable—he is right where he belongs.

Rumors regarding Jericho’s future reached a fever pitch in early 2026. Inside sources suggested that WWE was prepared to offer Jericho a prestigious, final chapter. The reported plan? A grand retirement tour culminating at WrestleMania 43, where Jericho would have passed the torch to the most dominant force in the company: Gunther.

The narrative was enticing. A legendary career ending at the "Grandest Stage of Them All" against "The Ring General" would have been a poetic conclusion for many fans of the "Y2J" era. However, the prestige of a WWE farewell comes with a structured ecosystem. In the TKO era of WWE, storytelling is tighter, and the room for the "Demo God" to reinvent himself on a whim is naturally more restricted.

It really came down to creative Liberty vs. The Final Bow. While the allure of a WrestleMania retirement match is strong, Jericho has always prioritized evolution over nostalgia. Reports indicate that the deciding factor was creative freedom. In AEW, Jericho isn't just a performer; he is a primary architect. Whether it’s leading the Inner Circle, the Jericho Appreciation Society, or "The Learning Tree," Jericho thrives on the ability to pivot his character without the rigid approval layers of a corporate giant.

By choosing to remain with All Elite Wrestling, Jericho has signaled that he isn't ready to be a "legacy act" just yet. He isn't interested in a curated goodbye; he wants to continue being a disruptor.

The return in Winnipeg wasn't just a comeback; it was a statement of intent. While WWE offered a polished ending, AEW offers an open-ended future. Jericho’s decision to stay means more unexpected reinventions, more unscripted promos, and most importantly, more nights where thousands of fans can sing along to every word of "Judas."

The "Judas" in his mind didn't lead him back to the past—it led him right back to the front lines of the revolution he started. Jericho looked around the rafters, took a deep breath and said “I’m Home”

Pg 1

Can Copeland and Cage Turn Back the Clock at Dynasty?

Adam Copeland and Christian Cage are officially eyeing the AEW World Tag Team Championships, and the road to gold runs directly through Dynasty right here in Vancouver.

A Canadian Coronation in Vancouver?

There is no stage more fitting for this chapter than Rogers Arena. For two of Canada’s favorite sons, the upcoming Dynasty pay-per-view represents more than just a title shot; it is a homecoming. Fans are clamoring to see the duo recapture the magic of their youth—the very same chemistry they displayed while being WWE’s Edge and Christian.

Back then, they defined an entire era of tag team wrestling with their "Total Nonstop Positivity" and unmatched charisma. Now, they look to bring that same championship pedigree to a new frontier. If they can harness the Vancouver energy to overcome the current champions, it won't just be a victory—it will be a statement that the "Golden Era" has been reborn in the Pacific Northwest.

The London Horizon: A Collision of Dynasties

While Dynasty is the immediate hurdle, the wrestling grapevine is already buzzing about the endgame for late summer. Rumors are swirling that AEW leadership is eyeing a massive Ladder Match for All In London at Wembley Stadium.

Imagine the scene: Under the arch in London, the three most influential tag teams of their respective generations clashing in the match that Copeland and Cage helped pioneer. The Young Bucks: The masters of modern-day high-flying innovation.

FTR: The standard-bearers for technical excellence and "Top Guy" grit. Copeland & Cage: The legendary architects who made the TLC match a global phenomenon.

Turning Back the Clock

For Copeland and Cage, this run isn't about nostalgia; it’s about proving that their veteran savvy can outlast the speed and ego of the new guard. They aren't just resting on the laurels of their past as Edge and Christian; they are evolving. Whether it's the tactical brilliance of "The Patriarch" Christian or the explosive intensity of Copeland, they are fighting to prove that time hasn't slowed them down—it has only made them more dangerous.

If they can secure the titles in Vancouver, the path to London becomes a collision course. A ladder match involving The Young Bucks and FTR would be a "dream match" in the truest sense, potentially serving as the definitive chapter in the storied careers of two of the greatest to ever step inside the ropes. The clocks are turning back, and the tag team division will never be the same.

Could you imagine a triple threat ladder match at Wembley, but first they have to win the big one on home soil!

Pg 2

Pat McAfee is back. But for how long?

The wrestling world is buzzing now that we know Pat McAfee is the mystery man who has been in Randy Orton’s ear. For weeks, we saw The Viper taking those shady phone calls, and now the truth is out: Pat is the one who told Randy to "kill everything" to save the business. It was a huge shock to see Pat show up on SmackDown in Randy’s hometown and take out Cody Rhodes with a low blow. While it is great to see him back, fans are already wondering if this is just a quick stop on the way to WrestleMania. With his massive schedule over at ESPN and his big football commitments, it is hard to see him staying in a WWE ring for more than a few weeks.

Pat is definitely talking a big game for someone who might be leaving soon. He is acting like the puppet master behind the scenes, pulling the strings to make sure Randy Orton stays on top. He even made a huge bet with the fans online, saying, "I'll never be back on any wrestling television if Randy Orton loses at WrestleMania." He is putting his whole wrestling career on the line for Orton to become a 15-time champ. If Cody walks out of Vegas with the win, we might never see Pat McAfee in a Wrestling ring ever again. And did anybody else notice? He was wearing a Rock belt buckle. Is that possibly a little Easter egg for Mania?

Pg 3

Rollins Vs Gunther

The Seth Rollins and Gunther clash for WrestleMania 42 definitely feels like a "break glass in case of emergency" booking. With the Bron Breakker storyline sidelined, WWE pivoted to this "dream match" with only two weeks of TV build. It honestly feels forced just to make sure these two workhorses have a marquee spot on the Grandest Stage of Them All. The feud is basically non-existent, sparked only by Gunther returning on the March 30th Raw to put Seth in a sleeper hold while Rollins was busy with Paul Heyman.

Gunther summed up the cold nature of the match perfectly:

"I do not need a reason to be great. I only need a victim to prove it. Seth Rollins is simply the biggest mountain left to climb on the grandest stage."

Both of these guys deserve a massive spotlight, but without a real story behind it, it's hard to get invested in the beef. It’s a huge match on paper, but it definitely feels like they are just throwing them together to fill the card.

Top Ten Power Rankings for March

10. Oba Femi

9. Jack Perry

8. Trick Williams

7. Roman Reigns

6. Darby Allin

5. Kyle Fletcher

4. Kazuchika Okada

3. Swerve Strickland

2. Jon Moxley

1. MJF

Pg 4

Andrade and Darby at Dynasty right here in Vancouver?

That is a total banger! These two are going to tear the roof off Rogers Arena. MJF acting as the puppet master behind the scenes just shows how much "The Wolf" is sweating Darby’s climb to the top. Max knows Darby is the heart of this place, and he will do anything to keep that World Title out of reach.

Darby’s road to the gold just got a lot more dangerous with the Callis Family lurking, but you know that man doesn't have a "quit" button. He is going to walk into Dynasty and give Andrade everything he’s got. It is going to be a war! We will be there to watch it live and I can't wait.

Zero Belts Mone’

The Belt Collector era has officially reached its expiration date. From thirteen titles to none, Mercedes Moné is now completely goldless. The final piece of history finally fell into place on April 4th when she officially vacated her last active title, the APAC Women’s Championship.

Despite her historic run across multiple continents, the "Moné Maker" no longer has a championship to call her own. With the gold gone and only a ceremonial Owen Hart championship belt remaining in her trophy case, the landscape has shifted. One has to wonder: without the hardware to prove it, is she even the Ultima anymore?

Is anyone else blown away that Rusev is in the Intercontinental title ladder match? He has been unimpressive for months, yet he somehow qualified by beating Otis on Main Event. Since his last consistent run ended in late 2025, seeing him suddenly slotted into a WrestleMania spot feels completely out of place. Is he even relevant anymore? It feels like they are just filling a veteran seat while hungrier stars wait in the back.

That’s it for the Kimster and Canada F’N Dry this week ……

Raise your fist in the air put the Devil in a Sharpshooter and Just Keep Fighting!