AFW Magazine News Update May 17th

• Page 1 -The John Cena classic the good the bad and the ugly (2 parts)

• Page 2 -Swerve Strickland by any means necessary

• Page 3 -What’s next for Auska?

• Page 4 - Brian Cage Returns!

• Page 5 WWE Tag Belts need to unified!

• Page 6 Jon Moxley from hated to loved

• Page 7 Headlines

Part 1 The Good (by Kimster)

Ever since John Cena shook the wrestling world at Backlash with the news of the John Cena Classic, I have not been able to stop thinking about it. The main thing that has me completely locked in is the mix of different stars it promises, putting the top main roster names from Raw and SmackDown directly against the hungry, fast-moving talent from NXT. Seeing these two worlds collide is exactly what I want as a fan. It gives a massive chance for the next generation to test themselves against the best in the business, and the thought of seeing those fresh, surprising matchups is easily the most exciting part of this entire concept.

Outside of the ring action, the real hook for me is the massive mystery around how this whole thing will actually work. Knowing that we as fans hold the power to vote and pick the winners introduces a wild dynamic, but the exact details of how that voting will happen in real time without being messed up remain a giant question mark. There are still so many open questions about how the tournament will physically take place and how the wins and losses will tie into our choices on the spot. This total lack of clear answers is keeping me right on the edge of my seat, and the sheer intrigue of not knowing what to expect is what has me so hooked.

Part 2 The Bad and the Ugly (By Canada F’N Dry)

The foundation of any legitimate athletic competition—even within the theatrical world of professional wrestling—relies on a clear, high-stakes framework where winning matters. The newly announced "John Cena Classic" completely upends this formula with a set of rules that defy traditional booking logic. Operating as an annual exhibition pitting WWE main-roster superstars against NXT’s rising talent, the tournament crowns its champion not through a physical bracket, but via a global fan vote at the end of the night. Compounding this format, every single participant on the card remains eligible to win the entire tournament, meaning a superstar can suffer a definitive loss in the center of the ring but still walk away as the "John Cena Classic Champion" if their hustle and performance resonate enough with the audience.

While the concept aims to embody John Cena’s legendary "Hustle, Loyalty, Respect" ethos, the execution creates a counterintuitive narrative that actively damages the talent involved. By decreeing that wins and losses do not matter, the tournament strips away the fundamental drama of the in-ring performances. If an NXT underdog pushes a main-roster veteran to the absolute limit but ultimately loses, the emotional weight of that struggle is erased if they are simply handed a trophy afterward based on a popularity contest. Conversely, a dominant wrestler who secures a clean, decisive victory can be rendered entirely irrelevant by the booking, effectively punishing characters who do their jobs successfully in favor of whoever cuts the most endearing post-match promo or satisfies a specific internet wrestling subculture.

Ultimately, this structure turns what should be a star-making showcase into a glorified popularity poll that undermines the illusion of WWE’s competitive landscape. Pitting hungry NXT prospects against established main-roster talent should be about proving who can truly step up and survive at the highest level. Instead, by making the ultimate prize dependent on a subjective global fan vote rather than physical superiority, the "John Cena Classic" risks feeling less like a prestigious tournament and more like an artificial reality television finale. This format doesn't just cheapen the victory for the eventual winner; it teaches the audience that the actual bell-to-bell matches are secondary to a digital metric, fundamentally weakening the stakes of the sport.

Beyond the flawed mechanics of the tournament itself, introducing yet another accolade exacerbates a glaring, systemic issue across the entire promotion: WWE is already suffocating under the weight of too many championships. With well over twenty active titles spanning Raw, SmackDown, and NXT—including two sets of world titles, a pair of mid-card belts for both the men and women, Speed Championships, and the Heritage Cup—the value of holding gold has plummeted. Adding an entirely new, fan-voted prize into a landscape already oversaturated with hardware does not elevate the roster; it dilutes the prestige of the existing titles and confuses the hierarchy of who truly sits at the top of the mountain.

Page 1

Swerve Strickland by any means necessary

The road to the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament is historically paved with prestige, honor, and athletic excellence. But in 2026, Swerve Strickland is mapping out a vastly different trajectory—one paved with cold utility, calculated violence, and absolute power. If anyone doubted how far the former AEW World Champion is willing to go to claim the cup, those doubts were violently erased with his ambush on Bandido.

Before the brackets could even settle, Swerve drew a line in the sand with a vicious, unprovoked attack on his first-round opponent. Bandido, a spectacular high-flyer beloved for his heart and charisma, was treated not as a respected peer, but as a stepping stone that needed to be crushed early. By taking out the luchador before they even stepped under the bright lights of television, Swerve sent a chilling reminder to the entire locker room: the artist who once captivated fans with his swagger has fully weaponized his killer instinct. This isn't just about winning a wrestling match anymore; it’s about elimination.

Following the chaos, Swerve laid out his mindset in a gripping address on AEW social media. He made it clear that his motivations have transcended standard championship gold. This is about total control over the professional wrestling landscape.

“You wanna talk about necessary? At this stage of my career, at this point in 2026, you want to talk about what’s necessary? I’m at the stage of any means necessary right now. The Owen is right around the corner. Bandido’s my very first opponent. Do I care if he gets back up or if he makes it to the first round? No, I don’t. By any means necessary, I’m gonna get through this Owen. I still want my power in AEW. But now it’s a little bit bigger than that. Now it’s more about power within the industry, cuz every time I seem to speak, people wanna click, people wanna talk, people wanna comment, people wanna voice their own narratives about me, about (Prince) Nana, about what we’re doing here. I don’t care if it’s in Dynamite, Collision, or even Ring of Honor. My actions will be seen and my voice will be heard. Any means necessary, we will get the job done and we will get what’s ours. 2026, power in the championship. I don’t care if we have friends in the next round. I don’t care if it’s enemies. I don’t care if it’s former Mogul Embassy people. I don’t care if it’s family. This is necessary. This is necessary.”

Swerve’s declaration exposes a dangerous evolution. Flanked by Prince Nana, he is no longer content just being a top draw or a digital ratings mover. He recognizes that his every move dictates the "narrative" of the industry, and he intends to leverage that influence across Dynamite, Collision, and Ring of Honor. By declaring that neither friends, enemies, former Mogul Embassy allies, nor family will stand in his way, Swerve has isolated himself on a throne of pure ambition. The Owen Hart Tournament is no longer just a tribute to a legend—in 2026, Swerve Strickland has reshaped it into a hostile takeover. Bandido was merely the first casualty.

With the brackets now officially unveiled, Swerve’s ruthless path has a clear, agonizingly compelling destination. If the tournament plays out the way the wrestling world anticipates, the finals at Forbidden Door in San Jose will play host to a monumental, generation-defining rematch: Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay.

A potential finals matchup between these two titans brings their bitter history full circle. Two years ago, they tore the house down at Forbidden Door, and now they find themselves on opposite sides of the bracket, representing two entirely different philosophies. While Ospreay has navigated his own chaotic battles—recently aligning with the Death Riders and facing a grueling first-round test against Samoa Joe—he remains the beloved, spectacular standard-bearer forecast to headline Wembley Stadium.

But Swerve has made it clear he doesn't care about fairy-tale homecomings or fan narratives. If this dream final materializes on June 28, it will be a clash of pure contrasts. You will have Ospreay, fighting with the spirit of the Aerial Assassin and the backing of the fans, standing across the ring from a cold, remorseless Swerve Strickland who has explicitly stated he will cross any line to recapture his throne. The prize at the end isn't just the prestigious Owen Hart Cup; it's a guaranteed ticket to headline All In London at Wembley Stadium. To get there, Swerve is prepared to burn down everything in his path. If Will Ospreay is the final hurdle, Swerve has already given him fair warning: by any means necessary.

Page 2

What’s next for Auska?

For over ten years, Asuka has been a major backbone of the women’s division, changing the game with a gritty, hard hitting intensity that required no microphone to control a crowd. From her legendary, undefeated streak in NXT to winning every single title on the main roster, the Empress of Tomorrow built a legacy as a true trailblazer and one of the most respected icons to ever lace up a pair of boots. Her historic run recently came to an emotional head in an all-out war against Iyo Sky at Backlash. Following a tough loss, the bitter feud shifted into a massive passing of the torch as Asuka broke character to apologize, kiss her former student on the forehead, and raise Iyo's hand in total respect.

The final piece of the story played out on Monday Night Raw, where Asuka gave a silent, poignant goodbye. Fans quickly noticed the deep meaning behind her minimal makeup, as she traded her usual bright colors for a single black line across her face, which was the exact look she started her career with years ago. This powerful visual metaphor signaled that her journey had come full circle just before she shared one last backstage hug with Iyo, telling her she was the one chosen to take her spot. With the future of the division safe, Asuka walked out of the building with suitcase in hand, leaving the wrestling world to speculate on her next move.

Her quiet exit drew immense praise from her peers, with AJ Styles declaring her a definitive future Hall of Famer and Bayley calling Asuka and Iyo two of the rarest talents in the world. Whether she is taking a long break with family in Japan or transitioning to a lighter role, Asuka has earned the right to go out on her own terms, leaving behind a legendary legacy where truly, nobody was ready for Asuka.

Page 3

Brian Cage Returns!

When the open challenge went out for the TNT Championship, nobody expected the man answering the call to be Brian Cage. After more than a year away dealing with a brutal injury rehab, he walked out and looked like he had not missed a single day. He is an absolute fine tuned machine, completely jacked and ready to destroy anyone in his path, and he had me on the edge of my seat thinking that he was going to pick up the win right then and there.

That incredible comeback makes his interview on the All FN Wrestling podcast look brilliant. He told everyone on our show that he was going to keep his return a total shock to the fans. And boy, did he ever! He caught the entire arena off guard and instantly reminded the roster what he can do. Speaking on the grueling road back, he stated, "I just got cleared fully from everyone to be able to come back so then, there's the hopes of that too, of like, okay, this is a perfect way to press restart and start new and come back and re-debut in a good way, in a new way, bigger way, whatever, and make the best of a bad situation." As a podcast that has hosted him, seeing him bring that level of impact back to the ring makes us incredibly proud to represent his journey.

He is literally the blueprint of a jacked wrestling machine, showing the entire world that his power and presence are unmatched and proving he is still a top threat to the entire division. Seeing him mix it up in the ring again brings so much excitement back to television. We are so excited to see him back, and hopefully he can come back on the podcast soon to discuss his return.

Page 4

WWE Tag Belts need to unified!

For decades, tag team wrestling has been the backbone of some of the most memorable eras in WWE history, relying on intense division depth and a singular goal to chase. Currently, however, splitting the tag team gold between Raw and SmackDown has achieved the exact opposite effect, leaving both brands feeling diluted. The time has come for WWE to pull the trigger and permanently unify the tag team championships into one undisputed crown.

The most glaring reason for unification is a simple lack of depth: there are simply not enough legitimate, established tag teams on either roster to justify separate champions. While both brands possess phenomenal individual duos, the overall landscape is starved for actual, long-term tag teams. Instead of a thriving ecosystem, fans are routinely subjected to hastily thrown-together pairings of singles stars, or the same two or three dedicated teams trading wins in repetitive, month-long loops. Attempting to stretch a shallow talent pool across two different television shows makes it impossible to build compelling, fresh contenders, forcing both divisions to spin their wheels.

Furthermore, the existence of two sets of champions actively devalues the prestige of both titles. When there is a set of belts on Raw and an identical set on SmackDown, neither pair can truly claim to represent the best in the world. It turns what should be a coveted prize into a mere prop to fill television time or satisfy a brand split metric. A championship only holds value if the journey to secure it feels exclusive and grueling; by doubling the availability of the gold, WWE has inadvertently signaled that the titles are easily attainable, stripping away the aura of elite status that should surround the champions.

By unifying the championships, WWE can instantly inject urgency and prestige back into the tag team division. A single, undisputed set of tag titles would allow the champions to float between Raw and SmackDown, defending against the absolute best that both rosters have to offer. This would make every single title match feel like a major premium live event attraction, force the creative team to focus on building meaningful, long-term divisions, and ensure that whoever holds the gold is universally recognized as the undisputed top team in the entire industry.

Page 5

Jon Moxley from hated to loved

Not long ago, Jon Moxley was the most polarizing figure in wrestling, ruling as the cold leader of the Death Riders intent on purging the roster through hypocrisy and violence. However, in 2026, the aura of the untouchable villain cracked when he did the unthinkable: he tapped out. Whether it was the shock of submitting to Darby Allin or the high-stakes losses that followed, the world finally saw a desperate, human side to the monster. This physical and mental defeat shattered his invincibility, triggering a slow burn of respect from the fans who saw a man realizing his iron fist was failing. In that raw vulnerability, a new antihero was born.

The shift in the crowd has been undeniable, transforming boos into guttural respect for the grittiest veteran in the building. Moxley hasn't gone soft or started cutting traditional hero promos; instead, his current bond with Will Ospreay highlights his new role as the battle-hardened conscience of the locker room. By taking Ospreay under his wing and mentoring him through the shark-infested main event scene, Moxley is no longer a villain trying to destroy the world. He is the authentic wild card training the next generation to fight back, and the audience is fully prepared to follow him into the fire.

Page 6

 Headlines

#𝘼𝙉𝘿𝙉𝙀𝙒…

Tiffany Nieves is the new NWA World Women’s Champion! On Saturday’s 𝙉𝙒𝘼 𝙋𝙊𝙒𝙀𝙍𝙍𝙍 on Comet, “La Princesa” cashed in her Burke Invitational Gauntlet “anytime, anywhere title shot” to unseat Natalia Markova. Natalia Markova is sure to have somthing to say about reclaiming her Gold.

Buddy Matthews Shocks the World Down Under

Sidelined since 2025, Buddy Matthews made a surprise WSW appearance, attacking Donovan Dijak and promising a full return from injury by October for MegaMania.

Piper Niven Gives Crucial Recovery Update

Piper Niven revealed she underwent successful neck surgery in California, expressing optimism for her eventual WWE Raw return after a nine-month absence from the ring.

Stadium Stampede Explodes to Unprecedented Scale

AEW's Double or Nothing will host a massive fourteen-man Stadium Stampede match, adding Andrade, Finlay, and Connors to the chaotic, anything-goes stadium battle.

Mason Rook Faces Intense Internet Scrutiny

NXT newcomer Mason Rook is facing heavy online backlash from critics who believe his sudden main event television push is moving too fast for his experience.

That’s it for today’s News update see you next week.

Canada F’N Dry and The Kimster Out!