After a few weeks of deliberation, the Las Vegas Raiders have presumptively hired their next head coach to replace Pete Carroll, and that man is ex-Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
It’s a leap from coordinator work into the main chair in Las Vegas for Kubiak.
The Raiders conducted an extensive search in the last few weeks, landing on Kubiak, who will run the Seattle Seahawks’ offense this Sunday in the Super Bowl.
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The Raiders Circle Klint Kubiak as Their Next Skipper
Another former Vikings coach hits paydirt.
Klint Kubiak stands on the field in his role as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator during the 2021 season, surveying pregame activity as the Vikings prepare their offensive plan, offering a snapshot of his early playcalling responsibilities before later coordinator stops reshaped his league profile within a developing staff structure and evolving expectations. Mandatory Credit: Image Courtesy of PanthersWire
Kubiak to LV
Las Vegas’s agreement with Kubiak will be formally announced after the Super Bowl.
Until then, ESPN’s Ryan McFadden wrote, “The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their next head coach after the Super Bowl, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday. A deal between Kubiak and the Raiders cannot be finalized until after the Super Bowl, in which the Seahawks will play the New England Patriots next Sunday.”
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“After meeting Saturday with the Raiders and Arizona Cardinals, Kubiak intends to work out a deal with Las Vegas, sources told Schefter. Once a deal is reached, Kubiak — the son of former Denver Broncos coach Gary Kubiak — would become the franchise’s fifth full-term coach since 2021. With Kubiak off the board, the Cardinals hired Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, the team announced.”
Some thought Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores might gain some traction for the Raiders’ top job because of his connection to Tom Brady from the New England days, but Flores never secured an interview.
Career to Date
Kubiak has a few more days to stand in the brightest possible NFL spotlight. Coordinating a Super Bowl offense has a way of reopening doors, and the Raiders were watching. It’s the same path Kevin O’Connell rode into Minnesota in 2022.
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The soon-to-be Raiders’ boss’s actual body of work lands closer to competent than commanding. Three stints calling plays have produced middle-tier results, and the offensive efficiency rankings reflect that reality without much interpretation: 17th (2021), 25th (2024), then 14th (2025) in EPA/Play. Decent offense — not stellar ones.
Seattle’s current run complicates the evaluation a bit. The defense has carried the weight, but the offense peaked at the right time. The NFC Championship performance mattered to the utmost. Sam Darnold throwing for 346 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions is the snapshot that front offices remember.
Then there’s the name. Gary Kubiak’s legacy still travels well in hiring rooms, and that association builds credibility before a single question is asked. Add Super Bowl exposure to that, and the head coaching interest becomes a no-brainer.
Mendoza + Kubiak = Raiders’ Future
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Las Vegas controls the top of the draft, and the league already assumes it points toward Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. With most of the quarterback class staying put for another year, the board thinned out fast. Mendoza stands alone as the cleanest, most immediate option. The Raiders will draft Mendoza, and that’ll be that.
That’s where Kubiak enters the picture. When the Raiders officially hand him a head coaching opportunity, it likely comes with a ready-made quarterback. Mendoza’s profile checks every early-box: polish, processing, arm talent, and production. The Heisman and National Title are evidence.
Other names exist, but they carry longer timelines. Ty Simpson still projects as a developmental bet. LaNorris Sellers and Dante Moore left the conversation by returning to school. So, it’s Mendoza or bust for the Raiders.
Klint Kubiak reacts along the sideline during pregame routines at Caesars Superdome on Sep 8, 2024, preparing New Orleans’ offense for Carolina while coordinating communication and tempo, a moment reflecting his expanding responsibilities as a playcaller ahead of kickoff in a high-profile divisional matchup under national attention and early-season scrutiny conditions. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Kubiak won’t be starting totally from scratch. He’ll be inheriting a potential franchise quarterback on Day One.
Reactions from Raiders-Themed Media
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The reviews of the Kubiak hire-to-be are pretty favorable.
Just Blog Baby‘sLevi Dombro wrote, “Look, the odds of Kubiak coming to Las Vegas seem incredibly high at this point, and if the Raiders did land their top candidate, it would be a morale boost and massive schematic advantage. Pairing Kubiak with Fernando Mendoza, Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty would be a dream scenario for Raider Nation. One that the fanbase has wanted for a long time. But until pen hits paper, fans know better than to call anything ‘official, even if they look wildly likely.”
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza watches from the field during the third quarter against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov 28, 2025, processing game flow as pressure mounted, capturing a poised moment for the Hoosiers signal-caller amid rivalry intensity and late-season evaluation as scouts monitored his command and decision-making traits closely. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
SI.com‘s Ezekiel Trezevant pumped the brakes just a bit: “Only time will tell if Kubiak is the right pick. There is reason to believe in Kubiak, who has undoubtedly earned the opportunity. However, the Raiders’ head coaching position is unlike any coaching or coordinator position in the league.”
“The job will present things Kubiak was not expecting, just as it did for the previous three head coaches the Raiders have fired over the past three seasons. How Kubiak responds to the natural, unexpected twists and turns that come with the Raiders will decide his fate.”
Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain is joining the reigning NBA champion.
The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly agreed to a trade for Jared McCain, sending a 2026 Rockets first-round pick and three second-round picks, per ESPN.
McCain, who turns 22 in a few weeks, was the 76ers’ first-round draft choice in 2024 after a stellar season at Duke.
Jared McCain of the 76ers dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 29, 2026, in Philadelphia.(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
However, injuries have gotten in the way of his play early in his NBA career.
McCain tore his meniscus in his left knee on Dec. 14, 2024, and the Sixers would announce in January 2025 that he would be sidelined for the rest of the season.
Things got worse to start this season, though, as McCain underwent surgery to repair a tear in the UCL in his right thumb, forcing him to miss more time on the court.
In 37 games this season, McCain has averaged just 6.6 points after pouring in 15.3 per night in his rookie season. However, he has been getting back into a groove of late, playing more minutes for Philadelphia and seeing some stat changes.
Sixers’ Jared McCain looks to make his move against Brooklyn Nets’ Dennis Schroder, Oct. 16, 2024, in Philadelphia.(AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
He joins a Thunder team that already has a good set of guards, including the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Luguentz Dort also runs the shooting guard post that McCain has been used to.
If McCain will get playing time, it’s likely off the bench, with the Thunder using Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell in those roles.
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The Thunder picked up right where they left off from the 2024-25 season, owning a 40-11 record, which is the best mark in the NBA this season.
Jared McCain of the 76ers during the Sacramento Kings game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 29, 2026, in Philadelphia.(Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Oklahoma City made their way to the NBA Finals after posting a 68-14 regular-season record, and defeated the Indiana Pacers in seven games to notch the franchise’s first-ever Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Manchester United loaned academy prospect Sekou Kone to Ineos‑owned Lausanne Sport as a way for both clubs to assess how effective their broader multi‑club partnership could be.
Manchester United youngster Sekou Kone has made an instant impression Lausanne Sport after joining the club on loan. The 19‑year‑old will spend the rest of the season with the Swiss side as he continues his development.
According to the Daily Mail, it hasn’t taken long for the midfielder to settle in, with coaches already blown away by his technical quality on the ball. There is also genuine excitement about his ball‑winning ability.
He will be handed the opportunity to feature in Europe, as his new side are still in the UEFA Conference League. Lausanne face SK Sigma Olomouc in the upcoming play-off round.
Kone has linked up with fellow United youngster Enzo Kana‑Biyik, who is also on loan at the club. He could make his Lausanne debut against St. Gallen on Sunday.
His loan is said to be viewed as something of a litmus test for the Lausanne-United partnership, offering both clubs a chance to gauge how productive their wider multi‑club collaboration could become.
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United will be monitoring Kone’s progress closely, especially with the need for reinforcements in midfield this summer.
Casemiro confirmed earlier this month that he will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable four‑year spell at the club.
The midfielder joined the Reds for £1million from Guidars in his native Mali in 2024 and has now become the latest academy prospect to head out on loan.
During the winter window, Harry Amass, Toby Collyer, Ethan Wheatley, Gabriele Biancheri and James Scanlon all secured temporary moves to EFL clubs, while Jacob Devaney joined St Mirren until the end of the season.
On the incoming front, it was a quiet month at M16, with Michael Carrick focused on pushing for Premier League success with his current group of players.
The Reds are next in Premier League action on Saturday against Tottenham at home (12:30pm).
The pounding music and disco lights lent a sense of occasion to the first action of this year’s Games in the high-end Italian resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo.
The snow which had hammered down all day in the Dolomites had turned to sleet by the time the four matches started in front of a healthy crowd inside the 3,500-capacity arena.
But many of those spectators were cast into darkness for four or five minutes early on until someone put some change in the meter,the scoring screens flickered back into life and play resumed.
“I didn’t mind the lights going off,” said Mouat. “It was a bit of a boogie, a rave… it was like a nightclub.”
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When the dancing stopped, Norway’s husband and wife team of Magnus Nedregotten and Kristin Skaslien initially took control before the sides fell into a cagey contest.
Mouat and Dodds seized the initiative in a splendid second end – the final accounting reached after some lengthy deliberation with the measuring stick – and led 4-3 at the break after edging a tight fourth against the 2002 silver medallists.
The interval did check the momentum of the childhood friends a little, as Norway – who also won bronze in 2018 – drew level again.
Nedregotten’s flawless play was keeping Norway in it – wife Skaslien’s struggles threatening a little domestic disharmony – but even his efforts could not prevent Team GB snatching three in the sixth end thanks to a stunning Dodds throw.
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That opened a three-shot lead with two ends to play.
And, although the Norwegians invoked the powerplay to cut the deficit to one, Mouat and Dodds did likewise in the last end to close out a statement 8-6 win.
“It took us a bit of time to work out one end was curling more than the other, but once we did we took a step up in performance and took control from there,” Dodds said.
“It’s a good confidence builder to start the week.”
Players of the Rivers state handball team have sent strong messages of warning to their opponents at the forthcoming Niger Delta Games that they will be in Benin City for the Gold medal this time.
Speaking after the conclusion of the Handball trials for Edo 2026 at the Diete-Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the players that spoke were unanimous in their resolve to hit gold later this month.
It could sound unrealistic, given that their performances at the inaugural edition in Uyo last year were not up to scratch, but the players remain adamant that the experience combined with their preparations for this edition will bring them good returns.
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Fully prepared this time
Goalkeeper Richard Harrison led his male teammates in declaring their readiness to take Benin by storm, hinging his belief on his team’s good preparation.
“We are very very prepared. For me, I will say it’s a 100% for us. We have been training basically, morning and evening, so the preparation is there, just to put in the team work and I think we can go for Gold,” said Harrison.
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His teammate ThankGod David also echoed Harrison’s thoughts, adding that they have put in enough work in preparations that should see them come out tops when they face their regional opponents as from February 20.
“We are very confident in our abilities as we have put in enough efforts in our trainings. So we believe that as we are heading for the competition, we, as a team are emerging victorious,” said David.
Anticipating a better, sweeter experience
The Rivers Handball team are aware of their poor past and ready to create a new experience.
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For Godspower Idango, he says that their lacklustre performance last year has brought a renewed hunger in them ahead of this year’s competition and assures of a great outing this year.
“We are looking forward to this year’s Games. We didn’t do well last year so my teammates and I are hungry and angry so much that we are putting in much work both in the morning and evening.
“So, I want to assure you that we will come out victorious in Edo state.”
Lily Emmanuel is a young lady who spoke on behalf of the women’s team and she believes the team is ready and equipped to make the state proud this year.
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“I wasn’t actually proud of the experience last year but this year, we are going prepared. We are going to win, we are not coming to dull or fail. We are Team Rivers and we are going to make Rivers state proud.
“We’ve been training from like the beginning of January intensively with consistency. We’ve been able to do endurance trainings that has given us greater strength so, the result will be different this time,” said Lily.
The Rivers state trials for Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games continued on Wednesday with Volleyball and Taekwondo taking centre stage.
In-form Ishan Kishan continued his red-hot form with a rapid half-century as India secured a 30-run win over South Africa in their only warm-up match ahead of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday at DY Patil Stadium. The wicketkeeper-batter raced to 53 off just 20 balls, smashing seven sixes and two boundaries, cementing his spot in the top order alongside Abhishek Sharma. The Indian batters collectively posted a daunting 241 for five on a flat track, with Ishan and Abhishek putting on an explosive 80-run partnership inside the powerplay. Abhishek contributed 24 off 17 balls before retiring, allowing Ishan to continue his onslaught and retire unbeaten after reaching his fifty, ensuring both got a final hit ahead of India’s opener against the USA on February 7.
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India rotated their bowling arsenal, using nine different bowlers, including Abhishek Sharma, who picked up 2/32 in three overs, to restrict the Proteas to 210/7. Harshit Rana, however, was forced to leave after just one over due to discomfort in his run-up. South Africa’s experimental opening pair of George Linde (0) and Aiden Markram (38 retired out) failed to make an impact, with Linde dismissed for a duck by Arshdeep Singh. Ryan Rickelton top-scored for the visitors with 44 off 21 balls, while Jason Smith contributed 35 off 23. Dewald Brevis fell cheaply, but Tristan Stubbs provided resistance with a 21-ball 45 not out, including four sixes. Other notable performances for India included Tilak Varma, who made a quick 45 off 19 balls before being bowled by Marco Jansen, and Suryakumar Yadav, who struck 30 off 16 balls. Vice-captain Axar Patel added 35 off 23, while Hardik Pandya finished with a fiery 30 from just 10 deliveries. Rinku Singh contributed 16 before being hit on the helmet. India’s batting dominance, combined with disciplined bowling, ensured a comfortable 30-run victory in their final warm-up ahead of the tournament. Brief scores: India 240/5 in 20 overs (Ishan Kishan 53, Tilak Varma 45; Marco Jansen 1/18) beat South Africa 210/7 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickelton 44, Tristan Stubbs 45*; Abhishek Sharma 2/32) by 30 runs.
The defending NBA Champions are adding to their roster.
McCain has experienced a sophomore slump in his second year in the NBA, after bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2024-25.
The 21-year-old is averaging 6.6 points, two rebounds and 1.7 assists on 38.5 per cent shooting through 37 games this season.
Last campaign, he was a Rookie of the Year favourite before going down with a torn meniscus. McCain averaged 15.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists on 46 per cent shooting in 23 games in 2024-25.
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McCain became expendable in Philadelphia after the 76ers drafted VJ Edgecombe third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The move also provides them with the flexibility to bring Quentin Grimes back in free agency and convert two-way guard Dominick Barlow, per Charania.
Former world heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder opens up about his mental health struggles, and says he’s now “at peace” before his fight against Derek Chisora on 4 April at London’s O2 Arena.
Naoya Inoue remains as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound superstars and the Japanese phenomenon may finally move up to featherweight this year. There, each of the 126lb champions are hoping to be selected as his opponent, but none more so than a newly crowned titleholder from the United States.
Inoue has ruled at light-flyweight, super-flyweight, bantamweight and super-bantamweight over the course of his 32-fight career, becoming undisputed at both 118lbs and 122lbs as one of just three multi-divisional undisputed champions in the four-belt era.
“It [the fight with Inoue] is very realistic now and I am super excited for what is to come. These next two years are going to be really special, we are going to be making a lot of noise and I think that it is right there, it is on the cusp of happening.
“Everything is really falling into place for me, man. I really want to be the first guy to do it, to beat Inoue, and then we are going to be on that road, superstardom level.
“[I would rather] a fight with him [than unifications], because with the unifications, I feel like I could still do that regardless, after [fighting Inoue]. I think that the fight with him is something that I want more, because it would just put me on that level.
“Me beating him would put me on a certain level, over the unification fights, honestly.”
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Carrington then went on to explain why he believes that the interest in that bout should not be one-sided, declaring that Inoue should be seeking events across the pond in order to improve on his star power.
“He should have some interest in fighting in America as well, that will make him into an even bigger fighter if he becomes more successful with more fights here and builds his name.”
Should Inoue wish to debut at featherweight in the U.S. then Carrington sticks out as the obvious candidate and with his New York roots, a clash at Madison Square Garden makes sense for both men, providing Inoue comes through his meeting with Nakatani unscathed.
Deontay Wilder stormed out of an interview on Wednesday after taking issue with a line of questioning about Tyson Fury, one of his biggest rivals, ahead of a press conference with upcoming opponent Derek Chisora.
On 4 April, Wilder will box Chisora in a heavyweight main event at London’s O2 Arena, in what is expected to be Chisora’s final fight as a professional.
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At 42, Britain’s Chisora is a seasoned veteran, while former world champion Wilder is similarly experienced at 40. But while Chisora has been enjoying a resurgence recently, winning his last three bouts, Wilder is in must-win territory after going 2-4 in his last six contests.
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The American, seen as arguably the most-devastating puncher of his generation, was on a frightening run of unanswered victories until 2018, when he secured a controversial draw with Fury. In 2020, Fury stopped Wilder to take the WBC title from the “Bronze Bomber”, before replicating that result in a third clash in 2021. Since then, Wilder has stopped Robert Helenius and Tyrrell Anthony Herndon but lost to Zhilei Zhang and Joseph Parker.
But his past with Fury cropped up again this week, when Wilder accused the Briton of having cheated during their rivalry. This was put to Wilder before Wednesday’s press conference with Chisora, as the American was questioned by TalkSport host Simon Jordan.
“I don’t want to talk about him,” Wilder told Jordan, who replied. “No, you’re going to.”
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“We’re here about Derek Chisora,” Wilder pushed back. “We’re not gonna talk about him [Fury] at all. I’m not gonna talk about him at all. Understand that.”
“No, fair enough,” Jordan said, in a bid to cool an intensifying atmosphere, with Wilder responding: “Alright then, so let’s move on. It’s all about Derek Chisora, that’s it. I’m back, baby! You all understand that? 4 April, it’s going down at the O2, you better be there or you’ll be a square.”
Deontay Wilder (right) takes on Britain’s Derek Chisora on April 4th (Getty Images)
“I understand that, I understand that,” said Jordan. “Fabulous. The only reason I mentioned it is because it’s part of the shtick that goes with you, and I missed you the first time around, when you came in here three years ago – when you were in your pomp four years ago, doing ‘Bomb Squad!’ and all that sort of stuff.
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“And I have always wanted to have a conversation with you, because you’ve made observations about Fury. I have my views on Fury, and you’ve called him a cheat.”
“The biggest in boxing!” Wilder exclaimed, before making accusations against Fury, who is due to emerge from his fifth retirement when he boxes Arslanbek Makhmudov on 11 April. Fury has always denied any accusations against him.
“But it leads me to a conclusion,” Jordan followed up. “I want to put something to you about you, and Fury just happens to be the hook for it. You talked about being cheated in that fight, you talked about water being spiked.”
“Facts,” said Wilder, before Jordan added: “You talked about your [ring walk] outfit being too heavy for you.”
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Deontay Wilder accused Tyson Fury of cheating during their trilogy fights between 2018-2021 (Getty Images)
“I didn’t say that,” Wilder claimed. Jordan went on: “You talked about a long count [by the referee in the first fight with Fury].”
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After Wilder said “facts” once more, Jordan continued: “It sounds to me, given the character you are, that’s a little bit flaky. You lost those fights, and those fights were lost, and you saying someone like Fury cheated you in those fights is kind of disappointing to me.”
“Because I know the truth!” shouted Wilder. “I have the facts. Understand that […] Because when the documentary and everything starts to come out, I’m gonna show everything.” Earlier in the week, Wilder had similarly referenced a documentary he is apparently working on.
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“I’m not a Fury fan,” Jordan said, as Wilder stood up from his chair and walked towards the host, with security holding back the boxer.
“I don’t give a f*** about that!” Wilder shouted. “I don’t give a f*** about it! I said we didn’t want to bring him up in the first place. It ain’t got s*** to do with him!”
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Wilder’s last fight was his stoppage of Herndon in the seventh round in June, while Chisora’s was his decision win over Otto Wallin in February 2025.
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Chisora vs Wilder will mark each man’s 50th fight as a professional.
Tony Khan will present tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite from Las Vegas this week. The show will take place at the Pearl Theater at Palms Casino Resort, and fans have high expectations for it. AEW has announced a stacked lineup of stars for the show, including some big-time matches featuring top AEW names.
As of now, Tony Khan has announced four big showdowns for the event. Hangman Page will take on Mark Davis in a singles clash. Apart from that, Andrade and Kenny Omega will also square off in a big matchup. Moreover, MJF will take on Brody King in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match. Additionally, Jack Perry and Ricochet will also clash over the AEW National Title. There are several other top stars like Kris Statlander and Jon Moxley expected to appear on the show.
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In this article, let’s take a look at 3 mistakes Tony Khan must avoid on this week’s AEW Dynamite:
#3. A clear decision for the Andrade and Kenny Omega match
Andrade will face Kenny Omega tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a much-anticipated showdown between the two stars following El Idolo’s attack on The Cleaner on Dynamite’s 6th Anniversary last year. However, both stars are brimming with momentum as of late in the Jacksonville-based promotion. Besides, Andrade and Omega are top contenders for the AEW World Championship.
Therefore, Tony Khan can create a solid storyline involving the two stars down the line. However, a defeat to any one of them could destroy their momentum. Hence, instead of giving this match a clear closure, there should be a screwed ending for this showdown. It would help Khan to keep this feud open without affecting anyone’s credibility and momentum in the company.
#2. No follow-up on Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford’s title quest
Last week, on AEW Dynamite, Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford came down the aisle to give a staredown to the AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander and the AEW World Women’s Tag Team Champions Willow Nightingale and Harley Cameron. That moment alone shone a massive spotlight on Bayne and Ford, sparking interest from a lot of fans in their work down the line.
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However, if Tony Khan did not give any follow-up to that intense staredown, it would make last week’s segment meaningless. Instead, the AEW President should book Bayne and Ford in some sort of confrontation with The Babes of Wrath and Kris Statlander. Besides, fans have been clamoring to see Megan chase the AEW Women’s World Title. Therefore, it sets up a golden opportunity for AEW to build Megan Bayne to the top.
#1. Another loss to Jack Perry on AEW Dynamite
Jack Perry will challenge the champion Ricochet for the AEW National Championship tonight on AEW Dynamite. It is a rematch between the two stars after their last title match on 31 December 2025, AEW Dynamite. Perry made his return to AEW last year following a prolonged hiatus. However, he has not achieved anything big since then in the company.
He has already faced a defeat against Ricochet on Dynamite, and another loss could heavily impact his credibility. Therefore, Tony Khan should crown Perry a new National Champion tonight. The Lightskin Kingpin has already managed to have a decent run with the title. The Scapegoat has the potential to heavily elevate the prestige of the championship down the line.
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