Minnesota Vikings defensive back Harrison Smith (22) looks on from the sideline prior to kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks, with the scene unfolding on Aug 18, 2019 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, as Smith surveys the field and prepares mentally for preseason action at home. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports.
April is three days away, which means it’s draft month for the Minnesota and 31 NFL teams, one of the most suspenseful months on the football calendar — perhaps even more than some regular season months. Accordingly, let’s get some Vikings-themed predictions on record.
April could swing a few major Vikings storylines into focus.
The club is expected to win eight or nine games next season, which is pretty much what oddsmakers say every year about Minnesota.
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Projecting the Vikings Developments Most Likely to Hit Next
Ranked in no particular order, these are Vikings predictions for April and beyond.
Ohio State defensive lineman Kayden McDonald (DL21) appears on the SiriusXM NFL Radio set during Combine week, Feb. 25, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, as prospects rotate through interviews and media sessions while teams gather information ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
5. If Not Dillon Thieneman, the Vikings’ First Draft Pick Is a DT
There is a ghost going around, a ghost that changes every mock-drafter’s mock draft before it publishes on the internet. That ghost ghosts into the network and connects Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman to the Vikings, and the ghost is undefeated.
Yes, Thieneman to Minnesota is all over the place in late March, thanks to Thieneman’s fantabulous Combine showing.
It just seems to good to be true that every ghost has it right, so let’s predict this: if the Vikings buck the Thieneman trend, they will pick a defensive tackle in Round 1 or early in Round 2, depending on a trade, either Peter Woods (Clemson), Kayden McDonald (Ohio State), Caleb Banks (Florida), or Lee Hunter (Texas Tech).
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4. The Vikings Sign DT Christian Wilkins or D.J. Reader
Brian Flores worked with Wilkins down in Miami to start Wilkins’s career, and in fact, the very first draft pick of the Flores era was Wilkins in 2019.
ESPN reported last week that “26 teams” have called Wilkins’s agent about a 2026 contract, though that feels like agent-driven fluff. If remotely true, Minnesota has an inside track to Wilkins based on the Flores connection. Flores spoke glowingly about Wilkins as recently as last summer.
The Vikings will add Wilkins and showcase him next to Jalen Redmond this fall. If it’s not Wilkins, nose tackle D.J. Reader will be the choice because of his more affordable price tag.
The Viking Age‘s Lior Lambert noted on the prospect of Reader to Minnesota this week, “Reader is one of the biggest names left on the open market. He’d be a legitimate difference-maker for the Vikings (or any club that signs him). Plus, his arrival in Minnesota would be even sweeter knowing it comes at the expense of their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions.”
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“After spending the past two seasons with the Lions, Reader can remind them of what they’re missing and go over to the enemy. The Vikings present him with a unique opportunity to step into a meaningful role and exact revenge on Detroit twice annually. The Vikings can kill two birds with one stone by signing Reader.”
Reader is 6’3″ and 335 pounds. He’s a unit.
Lambert continued, “As a fifth-round pick in 2016 with a decade of experience in the league, Reader has seen it all. His knowledge and steady presence could do wonders for an incoming rookie. However, perhaps more notably for the Vikings, he also has plenty left in the tank from an on-field standpoint.”
“Turning 32 in July, there’s a possibility Father Time comes for Reader. Be that as it may, his 2025 efforts suggest that age shouldn’t be a problem yet, as he was PFF’s 30th-highest-graded interior defender out of 134 qualified options (68.9).”
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3. Jordan Addison’s 5th-Year Option Is Locked In
Minnesota isn’t making this mysterious.
It let Jalen Nailor leave in free agency, refusing to match the Las Vegas Raiders‘ offer of $35 million over the next three years.
The Vikings signed zilch for free-agent wide receivers.
Had the front office used just one of those maneuvers, there might be real uncertainty about Addison’s fifth-year option. But they didn’t, and it’s wildly apparent that the Vikings believe in Addison. Hell or high water.
2. Jonathan Greenard Gets an Extension — Not Traded
After signing Kyler Murray two weeks ago, the Vikings, through their actions, showed they’re “in it to win it” in 2026. If they were not, they would’ve let J.J. McCarthy run the show and let the chips fall on his development.
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) is brought down by Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58), Jan. 13, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, during a playoff matchup as Greenard closes quickly to limit yardage in a high-stakes postseason game. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Rondone-Imagn Images.
“In it to win it” teams don’t sell premium EDGE rushers; they actually go out of their way to hoard them. While Greenard wants a handsome extension, Minnesota will realize he is not easily replaceable and pay the man.
Unless Greenard had fundamentally soured on the Vikings as an organization, it never made any sense whatsoever to trade him.
Greenard stays.
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1. Harrison Smith Returns
These are the clues to indicate Smith’s return for Year No. 15:
He hasn’t retired yet; most retirees announce it by this point in the offseason.
Smith played his strongest ball in the final six weeks of 2025; he’s not washed.
Adam Thielen and C.J. Ham sent in retirement paperwork; Smith did not.
Kyler Murray is in the house, renewing the Vikings’ playoff and Super Bowl hopes.
The Vikings signed no safeties in free agency.
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) prepares on the field before kickoff, Oct. 20, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, ahead of a divisional matchup against the Detroit Lions as the veteran defender readies for another NFC North contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Perhaps Smith will stick around in 2026 to cross paths with the aforementioned Thieneman, the mock-draft favorite to be chosen by the Vikings at No. 18 in 25 days.
Reigning champions Bath showed their class to beat Sale 31-26 with a bonus-point victory in an entertaining Gallagher Premiership encounter at the CorpAcq Stadium.
Alex Sanderson’s hosts scored four tries through Tom O’Flaherty, Rob du Preez, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tom Roebuck, with George Ford claiming three conversions.
But an under-strength Bath side ran in five tries from Dan Frost, Louie Hennessey, Ethan Staddon, Bernard van der Linde and Alfie Barbeary to edge the win, with Santi Carreras converting three of them.
Sale were missing twins Tom and Ben Curry through injury but Bevan Rodd, Ford, Roebuck and Cowan-Dickie returned after playing their part in England’s Six Nations campaign.
They were all named in the Sharks’ starting line-up while Nathan Jibulu was deployed in the unfamiliar openside flanker position and du Preez played outside centre after filling in at fly-half in Ford’s absence.
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Bath produced a stunning performance in last Friday’s 62-15 win over Saracens at The Rec but rested Finn Russell and some of their other big names for the trip north.
That decision by Johann van Graan was taken with next Saturday’s reunion with Sarries in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup in mind. However, the visitors were still able to name 11 internationals in their matchday 23, with their bench particularly strong.
Bath enjoyed the early territory on a rain-soaked pitch and led when Frost dived over from close range for a try which Carreras converted.
(Getty Images)
Visiting winger Joe Cokanasiga was sin-binned in the 26th minute for deliberately knocking on Joe Carpenter’s pass and Sale soon scored when Du Preez’s long pass sent O’Flaherty over in the corner.
Ford converted to level the scores at 7-7 and in the 32nd minute Sale had a second when Du Preez dived over from close range.
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Ford’s second successful conversion edged Sanderson’s men 14-7 ahead and Bath lost Frost to a yellow card for his team being persistently offside.
Sale punished them again, with Cowan-Dickie forcing his way over for his 44th Premiership career try and, although Ford failed to convert, the hosts went in at half-time with a 19-7 advantage.
Five minutes after the interval, and with Frost still in the sin-bin, Bath scored their second when Hennessey went over from a line-out and Carreras converted.
(Getty Images)
In the 50th minute, Staddon had Bath’s third try when he went over from close range after good work from Hennessey in the right corner.
Carreras missed the conversion to leave the scores finely poised at 19-19 but as the hour mark approached, Roebuck crossed in the right corner and Ford converted.
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Bath scored again in the 62nd minute when replacement hooker Kepu Tuipulotu hacked downfield for to race clear to score for a try which Carreras converted to make it 26-26.
With nine minutes remaining, Barbeary scored to edge Bath back in front and they held on for the win which lifted them to within a point of leaders Northampton.
The trainer Ciaron Maher highlighted the outstanding runs from his two competitors who produced a breathtaking battle to decide the Australian Cup at Flemington.
Maher orchestrated the first and second placings in that Group 1 2000m showdown, Light Infantry Man scraping home by a nose over beloved Pride Of Jenni last Saturday.
Pride Of Jenni grabbed the lead in her typical manner and appeared under threat as the $2.50 favourite joined her with 400m to travel.
Hardly had the shouts for the favourite subsided when Pride Of Jenni hit back to dominate proceedings before Light Infantry Man loomed large.
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The closing 100m proved electric as $21 shot Light Infantry Man ridden by Harry Coffey thrust his nose first past Pride Of Jenni ($11), with Apulia ($13) a length back in third.
Birdman lost ground approaching the finish to run fifth, three lengths shy.
Light Infantry Man, according to trainer Ciaron Maher, is an individual who must be handled just so.
Maher revealed that suspended regular Ethan Brown comprehends the gelding thoroughly and imparted tips to Coffey.
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“This horse, he’s a unique horse, in the way he has to be ridden,” Maher said.
“Browny understands him well and I asked him to pass on some of that information last start and Harry didn’t really get it until he had finished the race.
He rode him perfect today. The start is very important for him. He blasted him straight out of the gates.
I don’t know who I’m more proud of, the winner or the second horse.”
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Maher mulled over entering Sydney’s Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Randwick on the weekend, but saw the Australian Cup with Pride Of Jenni ensuring a proper gallop.
Last year’s Australian Cup saw Pride Of Jenni set a lively pace suiting Light Infantry Man perfectly, the same outcome Saturday.
“Two of his best wins are when he’s raced her,” Maher said.
“It’s such a shame for Jenni to run second again.
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I know for (owner) Tony (Ottobre), it’s a race he holds very dear to his heart. He strapped back in the day a horse for (Colin) Hayes.
It’s still a race that’s eluded her, but she’s racing in great heart, and you never know, we may be back here with her next year. She was phenomenal.
I thought it was going to be a spectacular race and to be fighting it out with two of your own, it’s pretty cool.”
From his fourth-placed ride on Light Infantry Man in Caulfield’s Peter Young Stakes (1800m), where insights were gathered, Harry Coffey benefited from Brown’s morning text.
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“This is his horse and he’s been so open and transparent in how to ride him,” Coffey said.
“He sent me a text this morning saying ‘I see it is going to be pretty wet, make sure you give him a nice warm up to the gates to let him know how open that track is. He’s a smart horse, and he’ll come to the conditions, but you have to let him know’.
“So, thank you Browny.”
Partner Declan Bates praised Pride Of Jenni as a true warrior.
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“I don’t think I have ever asked of a horse what I asked of her today,” Bates said.
“I really asked her to extend quite early and she responded so gallantly.
“Frustrating not to win, obviously, but I am delighted for Harry, and I’m really happy with my horse.”
Visit leading racing betting markets to wager on stars like Light Infantry Man and Pride Of Jenni in their next Australian Cup assignments.
Nigeria’s Samson Adamu is set to take on a major role in African football as he is expected to become the new General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football.
Reports indicate that CAF President Patrice Motsepe will confirm the appointment at a press conference in Cairo.
Adamu, who currently serves as CAF’s Director of Competitions, is well respected for his work in organising major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations, the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup.
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If confirmed, he will replace Véron Mosengo-Omba in one of the most important administrative positions in African football.
Samson Adamu is also the son of Amos Adamu, a former FIFA Executive Committee member.
In an exclusive interview with Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network, the former 2016 No. 16 overall pick shared his perspective on how and why things fell apart so quickly with the Lions.
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After Decker publicly detailed how injuries and time away from his family had started to wear on him, both Decker and the Lions knew that retirement was an option for the veteran left tackle following last season. But, according to Decker in his conversation with Detroit Football Network, two things were clear in his exit interviews with Detroit: the Lions wanted him back and Decker was not interested in taking a pay cut.
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However, when both sides reconvened after Decker announced his intentions to return for an 11th NFL season, Decker said he was shocked when the team told his agent that the Lions only wanted Decker back if he agreed to a pay cut.
Decker said that he talked to Lions head coach Dan Campbell about his decision to return the day before he announced it. According to Decker, he tried to reach out to Lions general manager Brad Holmes about his decision to return, but he did not get a responding call or text.
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Holmes said last week that the only thing that could have been considered surprising was the timing of Decker’s public announcement that he was returning.
“I think a lot of those situations that happen, it all starts with communication and what you communicate with the player, what you communicate with the player’s agent, and so it starts there,” Holmes said. “There was really no surprises. Again, you don’t know when a player is going to put something out. So if you want to say there was a surprise, maybe it was that a surprise, but in terms of the decisions that he made, I wouldn’t say that that’d be a surprise.”
It’s clear that there’s some lingering frustration from Decker toward the Lions with the way things ended in Detroit. Decker is unhappy that none of Holmes, Campbell or Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley reached out after Decker requested his release.
From Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers:
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But here’s what’s driving Decker crazy. This does feel a little personal. Since talking to Campbell on Feb. 23, he hasn’t heard from team leadership. There wasn’t a follow-up from his coach, Holmes never reached out, and Decker had to make first contact with position coach Hank Fraley, a man he publicly went to bat for when Campbell was hired.
After giving everything he had to the franchise for a decade, Decker expected more. He wanted to hear from his coach, from the general manager. He just wanted a simple “thank you” on his way out the door. And, just as badly, he wanted to say “thank you” for everything the organization has meant to and given to him. – Detroit Football Network
According to Decker, former Lions offensive coordinator-turned-Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has touched base. Johnson apparently reached out to check in on Decker after hearing about his request to be released by Detroit.
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While Rogers said Decker is still undecided about playing at all next season, a few teams have expressed interest. Given the nature of the divorce between Decker and the Lions, it can be assumed that his career in Detroit is done.
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Despite the bad blood, Decker is still interested in potentially signing a one-day contract so he can ceremonially retire as a Detroit Lion.
Gervonta Davis has been one of the dominant forces at lightweight in recent years and now Shawn Porter has predicted how the hard-hitting ‘Tank’ would have fared against a prime Manny Pacquiao.
Davis knocked out Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2019 to get his hands on the WBA (Regular) lightweight title, which he defended on four occasions before being elevated to full world champion at the beginning of 2024.
Since then, the three-division world champion has defended the belt twice, halting Frank Martin and then controversially drawing with Lamont Roach Jnr, before being stripped of his title and being named as champion-in-recess earlier this year.
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Still, Davis remains undefeated and is perceived to be the man to beat in the lightweight division, but two-time welterweight ruler Shawn Porter told The PorterWay Podcast that he would have proved no match for Pacquiao, due to a lack of experience, energy and maturity.
“When you talk about a fight with ‘Tank’ Davis, respectfully to him, and Manny Pacquiao – you really don’t have a conversation at 135lbs. This is Manny, in his peak, this is the Manny that had so much energy and so much to offer, so much to give.
“Someone like Tank Davis, the number one thing that you have to understand is that, right now, Tank is still not mature enough to be in the ring with Manny Pacquiao on a fight night.
“Tank, right now, fighting a Manny Pacquiao at 135, is not mature enough, not seasoned enough, not experienced enough to get in the ring and go toe-to-toe with Manny for the course of a 12-round fight.
“He just don’t have the experience for that, that kid’s engine ain’t ran in enough different directions for him to be in the ring with Manny Pacquiao.”
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Pacquiao was last in action in July when he fought to a draw in a WBC welterweight title fight against Mario Barrios, and the Filipino icon is set to return in September when he faces former rival Floyd Mayweather at The Sphere in Las Vegas.
Tudor was brought in as a short-term option to replace former manager Thomas Frank who was sacked in January but his appointment has been a disaster.
Taking charge for just seven games, Tudor has overseen four Premier League defeats in five games as well as Spurs’ exit from the Champions League after they were beaten 7-5 on aggregate by Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham now sit 17th in the table and are just one point above West Ham United with seven matches of the season remaining.
Announcing Tudor’s departure the club released a statement which reads: “We can confirm that it has been mutually agreed for Head Coach Igor Tudor to leave the Club with immediate effect.
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“Tomislav Rogic and Riccardo Ragnacci have also left their respective roles of Goalkeeping Coach and Physical Coach.
“We thank Igor, Tomislav and Riccardo for their efforts during the past six weeks, in which they worked tirelessly. We also acknowledge the bereavement that Igor has recently suffered and send our support to him and his family at this difficult time.
“An update on a new Head Coach will be provided in due course.”
Tudor took charge of seven games but only won one leaving the club 17th in the Premier League table (John Walton/PA Wire)
The appointment of Tottenham’s next head coach will be crucial for the long-term stability of the club and there are plenty of candidates to take over from Tudor.
It remains to be seen whether the Spurs hierarchy will appoint another manager on a short-term basis or if they will choose a long-term option whose first goal will be to avoid dropping out of the English top-flight.
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Rumoured names to take over include former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is currently in charge of the US men’s national team, Harry Redknapp and Sean Dyche.
Senegal on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy they have been ordered to return before beating Peru 2-0 in a friendly at the Stade de France in Paris.
On Saturday, Senegal captain Kalidou Coulibaly and his teammates came onto the pitch with the AFCON trophy for a lap of honour after a pre-match concert by Senegalese superstar Youssou Ndour.
Coulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy went up to the stadium’s presidential box to place the trophy there in front of Abdoulaye Fall, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, among others.
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The AFCON final descended into chaos when Senegal players walked off in protest after the hosts were awarded a penalty late in second-half stoppage time.
The players were coaxed back onto the pitch by captain Sadio Mane. After Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, Pape Gueye scored in extra time to gave Senegal a 1-0 victory.
CAF ruled that Senegal’s players had broken the rules by leaving the field without the referee’s permission.
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The Senegalese Football Federation lodged an appeal against the CAF decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday and has not given up on keeping the title.
‘Welcome to Saint-Denis’
A crowd of 70,000 was expected for the match at 1600 GMT on Saturday. Thousands of Senegalese supporters, sprinkled with Peruvian fans, were already in the Stade de France by the time the players showed off their trophy.
Earlier, nearly 200 Senegal supporters gathered in front of the nearby Basilica of Saint-Denis before making their way to the Stade de France to the sound of traditional drums and percussion.
Bally Bagayoko, the new-elected mayor of Saint-Denis, briefly joined the procession.
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“Welcome to Saint-Denis,” said the mayor. “I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative.”
“You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. We have often been discriminated against and often looked down upon.”
“You are showing that you are capable, at such an important moment, of coming together. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.”
The friendly against Peru was due to be the Lions of Teranga’s first match since the Africa Cup of Nations final.
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They are preparing for the World Cup where they have been pitted in a group with France, Norway and either Bolivia or Iraq.
Their squad on Saturday was almost identical to the one that competed in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Welcome along to the latest rendition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at stories involving major All Elite Wrestling stars, including Jon Moxley, among others.
A top AEW champion has reportedly suffered a legitimate injury. Meanwhile, a beloved tag team has broken up, and Jon Moxley has scored another major victory in his All Elite Wrestling career. This and more as we explore all the exciting news coming from All Elite Wrestling today. With that said, let’s start this roundup.
#4. Kyle Fletcher reportedly suffered a legitimate injury on AEW Collision
This week’s edition of AEW Collision witnessed a shocking moment when a top star suffered a legitimate injury during his matchup. Kyle Fletcher teamed up with fellow Don Callis family member Mark Davis to take on The Rascalz in tag team action. While Fletcher and Davis ultimately secured the victory for their team, the reigning TNT champion suffered a sprained ankle during the contest. Although it initially appeared to be a standard in-ring tweak that might not derail his momentum, recent reports suggest the injury could be a critical setback for Kyle Fletcher.
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According to Bryan Alvarez of the Wrestling Observer, The Protostar was seen leaving the arena following the show wearing a walking boot. This confirmed that the injury was legitimate, as the 27-year-old was experiencing significant problems walking under his own power. The injury comes at a terrible time, as the Aussie has been enjoying a tremendous run as a two-time TNT Champion and had recently set his sights on the AEW World Championship. Time will tell when Fletcher will be able to return to in-ring action.
#3. Babes of Wrath part ways in an emotional backstage moment on Collision
The women’s tag team division in All Elite Wrestling experienced a major shakeup on Collision this week following a highly emotional backstage segment. In October 2025, Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron, brought together by their mutual friend Kris Statlander, formed the Babes of Wrath to compete in the tournament to crown the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions. Exceeding expectations, the duo won the entire tournament by defeating the Timeless Lovebombs (Mina Shirakawa and Toni Storm) in the finals. However, their reign ended at the AEW Revolution pay-per-view when they dropped the belts to Divine Dominion (Lena Cross and Megan Bayne).
Last night on Collision, the Babes of Wrath faced their highly anticipated rematch against Divine Dominion, but they ultimately fell short of regaining the title. After the disappointing loss, Nightingale and Cameron agreed to disband their tag team and focus on their individual singles careers. Nightingale now plans to dedicate her efforts to defending her TBS Championship, while Cameron said she is going where the wind takes her. Toward the end, the duo reassured each other that their friendship remains strong and that they will always be Babes of Wrath.
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#2. Jon Moxley and Daniel Garcia of the Death Riders defeated Private Party on Collision
The Death Riders continue to assert their dominance across the Jacksonville-based promotion. This Saturday on Collision, Jon Moxley teamed up with Daniel Garcia to take on the reunited Private Party duo of Quen and Zayn. Private Party recently made their return to the promotion last month as wildcards and have a deep history with Moxley’s faction. In 2024, Private Party was part of a group of stars who rebelled against the Death Riders, and Isiah Kassidy specifically had a bone to pick with the One True King after the reigning Continental Champion broke his hand with a hammer.
Ahead of the match, Moxley challenged Private Party to prove their dedication, and throughout the bout, he tested their drive and resolve. While Quen and Zayn put up a strong fight and held their own, the Death Riders eventually got the better of them. Interestingly, Moxley opted to take a backseat in the final moments, allowing Garcia to secure the glory. Garcia landed the finishing blow on his former friends, forcing Kassidy to tap out to a Liontamer submission hold.
#1. Kevin Knight sent a message to Tony Khan following controversial loss on collision
The action-packed episode of Collision this week also featured a matchup that ended in a highly controversial way, sparking immediate online discussion. Kevin Knight challenged Kazuchika Okada for the AEW International Championship. Knight put on an incredible performance, and at several points, it looked like the JetSpeed member was about to pull off a huge upset to become the new champion. However, the Japanese star used underhanded tactics, leveraging the ropes to secure a roll-up pinfall and keep his title.
Frustrated by the screwed-up ending and the Rainmaker’s antics, Knight immediately turned to the X to send a direct message to AEW President Tony Khan. Knight wrote:
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“I appreciate the appreciation boss but Okada can’t get away with this one. We need to have a #Dialogue.”
I appreciate the appreciation boss but Okada can’t get away with this one. We need to have a #Dialogue
This public demand adds to Tony Khan’s existing list of managerial problems, as the CEO is also handling the unexpected departure of former Women’s World Champion Toni Storm, who is reportedly expected to be away from the ring until 2027.
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Mar 28, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexandre Carrier (45) celebrates the goal of center Alex Newhook (15) as Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg (9) skates by during the second period Gat Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens will look to extend their winning streak to five games when they visit the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday in Raleigh, N.C.
The Canadiens (41-21-10, 92 points) are coming off a 4-1 victory against the Nashville Predators on Saturday to improve to 8-3-0 in their past 11 games.
Ivan Demidov opened the scoring in the first period, and fellow rookie Oliver Kapanen joined Cole Caufield and Alex Newhook in tallying in the second to break the contest open.
Getting offense from others beyond the line of Caufield (team-leading 45 goals), captain Nick Suzuki (team-leading 64 assists and 88 points) and Juraj Slafkovsky is a boost for a Montreal squad that has leaned heavily on its top trio.
“Winning teams, you need some scoring aside from your first line,” Newhook said. “I think we know we’re capable of providing a pretty solid secondary scoring second line there, and I think we hold ourselves to that standard as well. Nice to see some results tonight but got to keep moving forward here.”
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Newhook’s goal was his second in the past four games.
Demidov and Kapanen have each scored twice in the past three contests, with their other goals coming in the Canadiens’ 5-2 win against the Hurricanes on Tuesday in Montreal. The Canadiens trailed 2-0 by the seven-minute mark of that game before scoring five unanswered goals.
“We talked about having a good start (against Nashville) and not really worrying about the game as much as worry about the first five, six minutes of the game,” said goalie Jacob Fowler, who is expected to give way to Jakub Dobes on Sunday. “I loved our start. I thought it carried us through the whole night.”
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The Hurricanes (46-20-6, 98 points), meanwhile, will look to avenge Tuesday’s loss, their lone setback over their past five games (4-1-0).
Carolina bounced back from that defeat with a 5-2 victory against the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
Trailing 1-0 after the first period, the Hurricanes scored five unanswered goals before the Devils added another late score.
“Really good 60 minutes, honestly,” goaltender Brandon Bussi said. “I think when we’re playing that tight in the neutral zone, in the offensive zone, just staying on them, making it hard for them to have time and space, we have a lot of success. It was great to kind of see that for the majority of the game.”
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They’ve also had a lot of success on the power play of late. They tallied on their lone man advantage against New Jersey, making it five straight games with at least one power-play goal. They’re 7-for-15 over that stretch, a 46.7 percent success rate.
“You do want to have a plan when you get out there, but at the same time, you’re going to see different scenarios all the time, and it’s about being creative,” forward Nikolaj Ehlers said. “When you get the puck to the net, create some chaos, get the rebound, that’s when they’re out of place. It’s been going pretty well for our power play.”
Ehlers delivered the power-play tally to reach 60 points on the season for the fifth time in his NHL career.
Elsewhere in international action, Ivory Coast cruised past South Korea 4-0 in England, while Belgium impressed with a 5-2 win over the United States in Atlanta. France are back in action on Sunday against Colombia, three days after a statement 2-1 victory over Brazil, with heavy squad rotation expected.
In Spain, Barcelona have been dealt a major blow: Raphinha is set to miss five weeks and will notably be sidelined for the Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid.
In figure skating, Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Fournier Beaudry were crowned world champions in ice dance in Prague, continuing a remarkable partnership already crowned with Olympic gold last month in Milan.
And in the NBA, San Antonio’s hot streak rolls on. The Spurs secured an eighth straight win with a dominant 127-95 victory over Milwaukee, powered by an all-around performance from Victor Wembanyama and a triple-double from Stephon Castle.
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