Below are a couple of top news stories of the day, featuring AEW Grand Slam: Australia and Carmella.
• AEW Grand Slam: Australia drew 502,000 viewers, with 1 million viewers tuning in for Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay vs. Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher, which was the opening match.
According to Fightful Select, Tony Khan and AEW executives were pleased with the numbers, the strong lead-in, and the event’s momentum. AEW has previously benefited from post-College Football slots, and Warner Bros. Discovery is considering similar scheduling strategies, with Khan pushing for an NBA All-Star Weekend lead-in.
Here’s what Khan tweeted:
“Our last show, AEW Grand Slam Australia on Saturday, was one of my favorite events ever, + it did one of the biggest AEW Collision ratings ever on TNT!
The past 4
Jacksonville
Huntsville
Houston
Brisbane
are my favorite run of Collisions ever!”
• Carmella is no longer under WWE contract after her deal expired, according to Fightful Select.
The former SmackDown Women’s Champion has been sidelined due to drop foot and two herniated discs since giving birth to her son.
She last wrestled in March 2023 but was only back for six weeks after a previous absence since 2022. While her return remains uncertain, WWE is reportedly open to welcoming her back if she’s ready.
Earlier this month, Carmella gave the following update on her health on her Instagram story:
“EMGs, MRIs, Spine Specialists, Neurologists, Physical Therapy. Just a few of the things I’ve been upto lately trying to get this foot better. No one prepares you for the injuries you can sustain while giving birth. No one talks about it. But here I am, living it 14 months later.”
