AFW Magazine Weekly news update

​A Digital Disaster for Cody Rhodes

The wrestling world is in shock as Cody Rhodes’ recent WWE Championship victory over Drew McIntyre has officially become the most disliked video in WWE YouTube history. The clip has amassed over 150,000 dislikes compared to just 25,000 likes. This is a massive backlash to the booking of QB1 at wrestlemania. have expressed significant frustration with Cody Rhodes defeating Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the March 6, 2026, episode of SmackDown, largely due to what many perceive as "stale" or "predictable" creative direction. A primary point of contention is the feeling that McIntyre’s championship run was cut short just as it was gaining momentum, with some fans online labeling the move "the booking of terror" and expressing sympathy for McIntyre being "given the short straw" again.

The backlash has been particularly visible on social media and YouTube, where the title change video received a massive wave of dislikes. Many viewers criticized the "overbooked" nature of the match—which included two referee bumps and interference from Jacob Fatu—arguing that it relied too heavily on tired tropes rather than a clean finish. Furthermore, while the win sets up a WrestleMania 42 clash between Cody and his former mentor Randy Orton, a vocal segment of the audience feels this direction is "overly safe" and lacks the fresh energy that a continued McIntyre reign or a multi-man match might have provided.

Prayers for a Legend

​The wrestling family is rallying behind Konnan this week. Reports indicate he has undergone leg amputation surgery in San Diego following a severe infection. While rumors swirled regarding his status, it is confirmed that Konnan is alive and continues to fight through this incredibly difficult health battle.

​Penta El Zero Miedo is the new WWE Intercontinental Champion. 

He made history just last week on the March 2, 2026, episode of Monday Night Raw in Indianapolis by defeating Dominik Mysterio. It was a massive moment, not just because it’s his first title in WWE, but because he is now the first Mexican-born wrestler to ever hold the Intercontinental Championship

Injury Reports & Personal Tolls

​Jordynne Grace: Suffered a legitimate ankle injury during a WWE Main Event taping against Alba Fyre. She was seen in a wheelchair following the match but maintained her trademark humor on social media.

Alexa Bliss: Her husband, Ryan Cabrera, shared the startling reality of being married to a "badass" wrestler. He noted that Bliss often returns from the ring with such significant bruising that pediatricians have pulled her aside during their daughter's appointments to ensure everything is okay at home.

Roster Shifts & Free Agency

​TNA Departure: Steph De Lander and Mance Warner have officially quit TNA. De Lander, cleared after neck surgery but blocked from competing by the promotion, is now a free agent eyeing WWE or AEW.

​WWE Signing: The company has signed Zoe Hines (niece of RFK Jr.) to the Performance Center.

​Kevin Knight: "The Jet" has officially re-signed with AEW, immediately proving his worth in a stellar world title match against MJF.

Jake Hager: The former "All-American" is trading the ring for the stage, officially signing a six-appearance deal with Power Slap.

​New Paths: MLW secured powerhouse LaBron Kozone to a multi-year deal.

​The Evolving Landscape

​Bayley recently sat down to discuss the changing face of the industry, expressing a deep desire to work in promotions like TNA and AAA. She emphasized that "you don’t want to just be one thing," noting how stars like AJ Styles and Finn Balor were shaped by their histories in other rings. This "open door" spirit is also hitting Pro Wrestling NOAH, where KENTA teased a mystery challenger with WWE experience set to join his White Raven Squad.

Quick Hits & Social Echoes

​AEW Gold: Kazuchika Okada, Kyle Fletcher, and Mark Davis are the new Trios Champions.

Darby’s Take: Darby Allin compared the industry to music, calling WWE the "Taylor Swift" of wrestling and AEW the "Slayer"—both have massive, loyal followings.

Reality Checks:

Thea Hail called out the "disgusting" toxicity from fans online, reminding the community that wrestlers are real people. Thea described the toxicity of the Internet Wrestling Community (IWC) as "exhausting." She noted that even when she wakes up happy, she sees comments treating her like the "worst human being in the world" just for having "one ounce of success." She ended her message by asking fans to take an extra 10 seconds to think before they post something negative. She challenged them to internally ask themselves: "Would you like for somebody to say this about me?" 

This has been Kimster and Canada F’N Dry

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