AFW magazine Weekly

This week’s wrestling news weekly is moving faster than a high-flyer off the top rope. Here is an expanded look at the major stories breaking across the industry.

AEW: The "Timeless" Hiatus & Title Chases

The landscape of the AEW women’s division has shifted dramatically with the news surrounding Toni Storm. While the on-screen "mystery attack" provided a storyline exit, reports indicate that AEW is prepared for her to be sidelined for the remainder of 2026, with a potential return not expected until 2027. While the company officially cites injury rehab, the lack of specific medical details has fueled heavy fan speculation regarding a pregnancy, especially given the lengthy timeline.

In the title scene, Mercedes Moné’s "Belt Collector" era is in freefall. Following her loss to Alexxis Falcon at RevPro High Stakes on March 21—where she dropped both the Bodyslam Scandinavian and Discovery Scottish titles—she is now on a four-match losing streak. Her final stand as a champion comes on March 31 in Winnipeg against Jody Threat; a loss there would leave her completely beltless for the April 1 episode of Dynamite.

Meanwhile, Darby Allin has turned his sights toward the "Big Gold." After a brutal Coffin Match victory over Gabe Kidd, Darby’s challenge to MJF signals a collision course between two of the company’s "pillars" for the world title.

WWE: WrestleMania 42 Chaos & New Blood

The "Road to Vegas" is hitting some major speed bumps:

• Bron Breakker’s Medical Race: Breakker is at the Performance Center this week for final evaluations following his February hernia surgery. WWE officials are reportedly "optimistic" about a clearance, as they have a marquee match with Seth Rollins penciled in.

• Gunther’s Opponent Void: With Rey Mysterio sidelined by a rib injury, Gunther is currently without a clear path for WrestleMania. Internal discussions have stalled, leaving the "Ring General" in a rare state of creative limbo.

• Marie Malenko: The signing of Marie Malenko is official. After a successful stint in Pro Wrestling NOAH and a standout February tryout, the daughter of "The Man of 1,000 Holds" is expected to join the NXT roster to refine her technical lineage.

The Hurt Syndicate: The Search for a Fourth

On the Battleground Podcast, MVP clarified that the group is looking for a "youthful spark" to mentor.

• Lio Rush: The heavy favorite due to his established history as Bobby Lashley’s "hype man."

• Bryan Keith: Noted for his "Bounty Hunter" persona and "true violence" style that fits the faction’s aesthetic.

It is a massive moment for wrestling history, as Dennis Rodman is officially joining the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Inducted into the Celebrity Wing, the "Worm" is being honored for his iconic run during the Monday Night Wars, most notably his high-profile alliance with the nWo and Hollywood Hulk Hogan. His induction will take place on Friday, April 17, at Dolby Live in Las Vegas during WrestleMania 42 weekend, where he joins a star-studded class that already includes Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, and the legendary tag team Demolition. It is a fitting tribute to one of the most unpredictable and influential crossovers between professional sports and sports entertainment.

In Memoriam & Legal Updates

The wrestling world lost two giants this week. Dennis Condrey, a cornerstone of the legendary Midnight Express, passed away on March 20 at age 74.

Additionally, martial arts icon and former WWE guest enforcer Chuck Norris passed away at age 86; his family confirmed he died peacefully on March 19.

On the legal front, Ted DiBiase Jr. was found not guilty on all 13 federal charges related to the Mississippi welfare fraud case on March 20. After a two-month trial, the jury deliberated for only four hours before acquitting the former WWE star.

That’s your week in wrestling

Canada F’N Dry and The Kimster

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