Category: Editorials

In-depth wrestling editorials, opinion pieces, and analysis from the BodySlam writing team.

Of Dawns and Twilights: New Day’s Impact in WWE | Column

“Don’t forget to smile in any situation. As long as you are alive, there will be better things later, and there will be many.” — Eiichiro Oda

Often in stories, I appreciate the funny moments. Bright, whimsical, wholesome, and full of light amid times of darkness and harsh realities. It makes those serious moments hit harder and reinforces that they do not last. Not so long as love and joy are to be found. That’s why the shock of New Day’s departure from WWE in 2026 struck wrestling fans so hard. Their impact is undeniable. Unforgettable. And now it reaches its dawn; night came without most knowing the moon circling its eternal orbit. On May 2, 2025, BodySlam’s own Cory Hayes and Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp reported that New Day would mutually part ways with WWE.

https://x.com/Cory_Hays407/status/2050592868863987915?s=20

For over a decade, the trio of Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E entertained fans. Sure, it took them a moment to find their identity, but when they did, something magical happened. There was a chemistry, a fire in three men who forged a brotherhood that brought laughs, tears, and memories even in the darkest of times.

All three men were long-tenured. Their history is well-documented. Starting in 2014 with a gospel gimmick, New Day transitioned to a trio of goofballs who nerded out about anime, video games, and big meaty men slapping meat. Yet, they achieved greatness outside of the jokes.

Fans eventually responded to this. They chanted “New Day sucks!”, which eventually transitioned to “New Day Rocks!” Over the years, New Day became a fixture in the company, where fans formed a strong connection. Woods would take advantage of this with a trombone to add an instrument to the crowd’s lyrics. Laughter would echo with every innuendo, pun, and joke. Audiences would join in with their catchphrases.

From 2015 to 2016, the group held the WWE Tag Team Champions. Dethroning Tyson Kidd and Cesaro on the April 26 edition of the 2015 Extreme Rules became a huge moment for the stable. There, they would hold a record-breaking reign of 483 days thanks to Cesaro and Sheamus at 2016’s Roadblock: End of the Line on December 18. The Usos would surpass this reign on the November 11, 2022, episode of SmackDown. The Samoan brothers held the title for a 622-day reign.

They’d continue onward to have an exciting run as the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, with wars against The Bludgeon Brothers, The Dudley Boyz, The Bar, Gallows and Anderson, and most notably, The Usos. The future Bloodline members had an intense rivalry with E, Woods, and Kingston, with their 2017 Hell in a Cell Match at the similarly named event being a standout. When asked about memorable Hell in a Cell bouts, many fans will likely point you to this one, outside of the Attitude Era and Ruthless Aggression Eras.

Credit: WWE

Considering the high unpopularity of the 2018-2022 era WWE, it’s remarkable that New Day had incredible moments that shone through the murk of bad booking and lazy creative. These years left many with a feeling that WWE was anti-fan. Though this sentiment hasn’t changed, especially in the company’s current climate, WWE allowed fans this one hope.

KofiMania.

After a heated Gauntlet Match on February 12, 2019, the veteran Kofi Kingston took part in a six-man Gauntlet Match. Due to an injury that derailed the originally planned contender, Mustafa Ali, Kingston was slotted into what was going to be a simple Elimination Chamber Match a week later. Eliminating WWE Champion Daniel Bryan in an upset, Kingston’s hope diminished against the monstrous Samoa Joe. Squeaking by with a narrow elimination, Kingston suffered at the hands of the sore loser when AJ Styles came to his rescue.

Then, something beautiful happened.

Styles pleaded with Kingston that there would be no shame in forfeiting his spot in the gauntlet. He’d still make it to Elimination Chamber, he’d still be in the match. Kofi pushed back. Eleven years. He’d waited for this moment for eleven years. His voice quaked with something dissimilar to rage or pain; spirit coursed his very veins until the Phenomenal One acquiesced. They battled until Styles submitted him with a Calf Crusher. Ultimately, Kingston tapped in, as Big E and Xavier Woods helped him to the back.

Kingston, despite the setback, had insane, insane momentum behind him as fans roared for his achievements and booed his setbacks. To me, this was the moment KofiMania hooked me. Right there, from the get-go. The Elimination Chamber Match, the subsequent gauntlet matches, and social media promos from Big E and Xavier Woods, and the win over WWE Champion Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania 35, all from this moment.

That emotional win at Mania will stick with fans forever, especially those watching in the moment. Tears flowing from Xavier Woods, Big E beaming, Kofi overwhelmed with both emotion and sweat. Even his children joined him in the ring.

The less said about how his reign was handled, let alone ended, the better.

Big E’s eventual title ascension proved to be just as hopeful and inspirational when he dashed Seth Rollins’s Money in the Bank aspirations with a Big Ending. He’d then grab the briefcase and fight to contain his emotions as he celebrated. He’d later cash it in on Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship on the September 13, 2021, episode of Raw to great success.

The less said about how his reign was handled, let alone ended, like Kingston’s, the better.

Tragedy would strike on WrestleMania 38, when he suffered a botched overhead belly-to-belly suplex from Ridge Holland. This resulted in a broken neck, with fractures to his vertebrae. To date, he’s gone on to say that he’s effectively retired from pro wrestling action.

Alone again, Kingston and Woods marched on. They’d cause a stir of controversy on the heels of 2022’s NXT Deadline. Unseating Pretty Deadly as NXT Tag Team Champions, New Day thus became WWE Tag Team Triple Crown Champions.

Over the subsequent years, Kings and Woods grew progressively at odds with each other. From Karrion Kross and The Final Testament to Oddysey Jones and the LWO, it was clear they weren’t as communicative. Week after week, they’d bicker, and things weren’t as funny or lighthearted. Woods and Kingston brought out unbridled vitriol, soon to bubble over.

The pair agreed in December to hold a 10th anniversary celebration of the team’s formation. There, they mourned Big E’s absence and stated that they’ve grown apart. Big E, who’d been mostly seen on pre-shows and interviews, joined them. The former WWE Champion begged them to stay together, that he’d join them as manager until he’s ever cleared. For Kingston and Woods, it was far, far too late. He could have come back at any moment, but he chose to leave it behind until they were about to leave it behind. No, they wouldn’t allow it. Effectively turning heel, Kingston and Woods evicted Big E from the group. Albeit this excommunication, E had small solace, knowing his brothers would remain together.

The New Day, sans Big E, won their last WWE title together at WrestleMania 41, Night One, from War Raiders. Woods and Kingston held the World Tag Team Championships for 72 days before losing them to Finn Balor and JD McDonagh of the Judgement Day on the June 30, 2025, episode of Raw.

Taking Grayson Waller under their tutelage, Kingston and Woods simply existed for a time, mostly in backstage segments, before finally departing from WWE mutually on May 2, 2026.

So ends the New Day.

It’s been bittersweet writing this up. All of the bright moments, the levity and joy these three men brought, I’ve enjoyed reliving. The New Day’s Dragon Ball Z-inspired gear at WrestleMania 32 was forever made iconic with their giant box of Booty-O’s. Their reaction to Xavier Woods falling prey to a Stone Cold Stunner by “Stone Cold” Steve Austin at the same event. Their hilarious back-and-forth promo with The Rock. The wins, the losses, and the everything in between.

They were guaranteed smiles from crowds and viewers at home. That connection isn’t easy for most to establish, but they made it seem so effortless. Moreover, they were outspoken on their stances on current events, such as Hulk Hogan’s return to WWE or the Black Lives Matter movement. Additionally, their feuds in 2017-18 injected life into WWE’s tag team division, particularly their rivalry with The Usos.

Considering these accolades and achievements and reputation, the fact that fans wanted so much more than the company had been willing to give to New Day is a testament to the stable’s unwavering power. I attribute this to the human story of this, told through comedy, tragedy, heartbreak, and glory. In a world where things are made corporate for the sake of content, there was art, there was feeling, and damn it all to hell, there was soul.

Wherever Kofi and Xavier go, I hope they find great fun and success in it. Personally and selfishly, I’d love to see dream matches in AEW against The Young Bucks, The Rascalz, RPG Vice, and more. They are quite well-suited to the company’s PWG-esque tags and multi-man matches. Away from the lens of WWE, I’m curious to see how they’d fare. Of course, if they run the independent route, they have the means to comfortably do so. Either way, I support what they and Big E do from here on out, together or separate.

Credit: WWE

In any day’s cycle, there’s a dawn and a dusk. New Day just so happened to eclipse its twilight.

But it’s not the end, never the end. When night comes and goes, and the moon dips beneath the sea, the morning will come.

And there will come a new day, yes, it will.

May 3, 2026
When Nostalgia Becomes Wrestling’s Biggest Creative Crutch

Nostalgia has become pro wrestling’s safest crutch. Every surprise return, every familiar theme song, every legend walking back through the curtain gets a big reaction. It works almost every time. That is exactly why it keeps happening. Promotions like WWE, TNA and AEW know they can rely on the past when they need a quick win. Heck, the independent scene is littered with nostalgia. Some promotions rely on it more than the other, but they all do it.

There is nothing wrong with that on the surface. Wrestling has always been built on moments, and nostalgia creates them instantly. Fans feel something real when they see someone they grew up watching. It brings back memories and makes the show feel important. For one night, it can make everything feel bigger. I recall being a younger kid watching my dad see his childhood favorites show up and the excitement it brought up, and I couldn’t wait until I felt that joy.

The Short-Term Pop

The problem is that those moments do not always lead to anything other than that, a one time moment. A return gets people talking, some internet chatter, maybe boosts ratings for a week or two, and then things go back to normal. Meanwhile, the current roster is still trying to find its footing. The focus shifts away from building something new and goes right back to what already worked before.

It starts to feel predictable. Instead of asking who the next star will be, fans are waiting to see who might come back next. That is not a great place for a company to be, especially when there is so much talent already on the roster.

Lost in the Shuffle

There is no shortage of talent right now. Both major companies are filled with wrestlers who could be main event players if given the chance. The issue is that those chances feel limited. When legends return and take up major storylines, it pushes everyone else down the card. Back of the line for some.

You will see someone start to build momentum, get a few big wins, maybe a decent promo, and then suddenly they are in the background again. Not because they failed, but because something more familiar showed up. It creates a cycle where new stars never fully break through.

Fans Play a Role Too

It is not just on the companies. Fans are part of this as well. People react louder to what they already know. A returning star is always going to get a bigger pop than someone new, at least at first. That reaction matters in wrestling. It drives decisions, whether people want to admit it or not.

But it also creates a problem. If fans only go all-in for the past, companies will keep giving it to them. It becomes a loop that is hard to break.

Finding the Balance

Nostalgia is not the enemy. It can be a really good tool when it is used the right way. A legend coming back to help elevate a younger wrestler can work great. It can add meaning to a match or a storyline. The key is making sure it leads to something bigger than just the moment itself.

Right now, it feels like the balance is off. Nostalgia is not being used to build the future. It is being used to carry the present. It feels like an emergency technique. “Break Glass in Case of Emergency”

Looking Ahead

Wrestling does not need to stop bringing people back. That will always be part of the business. But it does need to trust its current roster more. There are too many talented wrestlers being stuck in the middle while the spotlight goes somewhere else.

If companies want to create new stars, they have to commit to them. That means giving them real stories, real wins, and real time to connect with the audience. It might not get the same instant reaction as a big return, but it is the only way to build something that lasts.

Nostalgia will always get a reaction. That is never going to change. But if it becomes the main focus, it stops being special. At some point, wrestling has to decide if it wants to keep replaying the past or start building something new.

May 1, 2026
How Tony Khan’s Renewed Focus Helped Restore the Feeling in AEW

For the last 17 months, All Elite Wrestling has been on a roll.

Why 17 months? That lines up with when the company secured its new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. The agreement was widely reported as a three-year deal, with a fourth-year option, valued at around $555 million, not including that optional year. Talk about securing the bag!

That moment feels like a turning point.

After a roller coaster 2024 filled with inconsistent booking and plenty of backstage chatter, AEW feels like it has never looked back. The shows feel finely tuned. The matches are hitting at a high level. But most importantly, the fans are back in it. Yeah, you’ll have your typical IWC trolls and grifters, but even Tony Khan has seemed to changed some of their mindsets—can’t win them all!

Ratings are up. Attendance is up. Social media buzz is up. It has not been a random spike here or there. It has been a steady climb over the past year. Similar to Darby Allin summitting Mt. Everest.

Tony Khan Back in Control

One of the biggest reasons for the shift is simple. Tony Khan is more hands-on again.

Reports last year indicated Khan was back “in the weeds,” taking a deeper role in booking. Watching the product now, it is hard to argue with that.

And honestly, it shows.

Khan never fully stepped away, but his attention was pulled in every direction. He was juggling Ring of Honor, dealing with heavy and aggressive competition from WWE and its partnerships, navigating a crowded creative process, and working to land a major TV deal. Don’t forget about his duties outside of wrestling with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Fulham FC.

That was a ton on one man’s plate.

Now, with his focus locked back in on AEW, things feel more consistent. The vision is clearer. The direction makes sense.

A Better Product Across the Board

Dynamite and Collision have felt sharper again. Dynamite will always be the flagship show, but it no longer feels like Collision is just thrown together anymore. There is purpose.

Storylines actually progress week to week. There is a better balance between established stars and younger talent trying to break through. The pacing and production of the shows has improved in a noticeable way.

Pay-per-views have always been strong, but even the key events feel bigger and stronger. But the matches? The matches have been on point, and fans are already calling this run one of the best stretches in company history.

A recent PPV, AEW Revolution 2026 stands out as a recent example. Arguably the best card of matches ever assembled, and with storytelling at an all time high. Revolution, to some, is talked about as one of the top events the company has ever produced. It seems like this has been a never ending trend since Tony dove into the weeds.

That kind of consistency matters.

Competition Brings Out the Best

It would be impossible to talk about AEW’s recent run without mentioning the level of competition right now.

WWE since 2019 has been hot, with the last two years showing a cool down. There is no denying that. With strong storytelling, major business moves, and crossover attention, the pressure has been on. But instead of folding under that pressure, AEW seems to have responded in the best way possible.

They have leaned into what makes them different. Stay in your lane, and worry about you, and the rest will take care of itself.

Rather than trying to mirror WWE, AEW has doubled down on in-ring quality, a faster pace, and giving a platform to a wider variety of wrestling styles. That contrast has helped the company stand out again instead of getting lost in the shuffle. In a tight economy, WWE has put their fanbase in a chokehold financially, and it has shown. Ticket sales have seen an increase in AEW, and that’s seems to be a culmination of things, but most importantly, it’s affordable and entertaining. You get a bang for your buck. AEW set out to be the alternative, and it’s truly stepping into that.

In a lot of ways, this is what wrestling fans always wanted. Two companies pushing each other, raising the bar, and forcing both sides to be better.

Right now, AEW is holding up its end of that deal.

A Shift in the Roster Philosophy

Another quiet but important change has been how AEW handles its roster.

The company has allowed some contracts to expire, particularly with talent who did not seem fully invested. In some cases, that included recognizable names who came over from WWE but never quite fit. Guys seeking greener pastures, but with large egos strapped to their backs and wallets.

Instead of chasing big names for the sake of it, AEW appears focused on wrestlers who actually want to be there.

That shift feels intentional.

This is no longer a company trying to prove it belongs. It already did that. Now it is about building something sustainable with the right mix of talent.

Restore the Feeling

At its core, AEW feels closer to its original identity again.

Be the alternative. Showcase where the best wrestle, and ultimately give fans something they can enjoy every week.

With Tony Khan more directly guiding the creative direction, that original energy has returned. It feels less scattered and more confident.

If this momentum continues, this stretch could end up being remembered as a defining era for AEW.

For now, one thing is clear.

The feeling is back.

April 30, 2026
Willow Nightingale: The Heart of AEW’s Women’s Division

Willow Nightingale doesn’t feel like a character trying to get over. There’s no fake act of forcing the fans to resonate with her. She feels like someone the audience already knows. In a business built on image and fierce intensity, she stands out by being genuine, and soft, connecting with fans in a way that feels immediate and real, while still being more than capable of kicking an opponents ass.

A Connection Before the Bell

There’s a certain kind of wrestler who wins you over with moves. Then there’s someone like Willow Nightingale, who wins you over before the bell even rings. To me, that’s way more important than an insane move set or gimmicky catch phrase.

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Independent Roots and Identity

Nightingale built her reputation on the independent circuit, developing a style that blended power with personality. She wrestled for several independent promotions, such as Women’s Wrestling Revolution and Shimmer Women Athletes which gave her opportunities, but it was her charisma that made her stand out. She brought energy, expressiveness and a sense of authenticity that cannot be taught.

She did not present herself as untouchable. She presented herself as real— and in this day of age, that’s rare.

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AEW Dark and Organic Momentum

That approach carried over to All Elite Wrestling, specifically on AEW Dark/Elevation, where she first connected with a broader audience. Initially used as enhancement talent, Nightingale turned every appearance into something memorable. Losses did not hurt her momentum. They strengthened it. Fans responded to her charisma, her timing and her ability to make even the smallest moments feel important. Some of my favorite memories from the beginning stages of AEW are Willow matches on YouTube. She was the star of the show!

She did not wait for a push. The audience created one for her.

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Becoming All Elite

By the time AEW officially signed her in 2022, the decision felt overdue. Nightingale had already proven she could connect with crowds and deliver in the ring. More importantly, she had shown she could make people care.

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Championships and Career Milestones

Nightingale’s résumé quickly backed that up. She captured the AEW TBS Championship, establishing herself as a legitimate singles competitor.

She also won the Owen Hart Cup in 2023, a defining achievement that solidified her rise within the company and reinforced her place as a major player in the women’s division.

Her rivalry with Mercedes Moné elevated her further, placing her in high-profile matches that tested both her skill and her presence. When she regained the TBS Championship and became a two-time champion, it confirmed what fans already believed. She belonged at the top of the division.

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Tag Team Gold and Versatility

Nightingale also made history in tag team competition, becoming one-half of the inaugural AEW World Women’s Tag Team Champions alongside Harley Cameron. The pairing went as “The Babes of Wrath”and it highlighted her versatility and her ability to thrive in different roles, whether as a singles competitor or part of a team.

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Expanding Beyond AEW

Beyond AEW, she made history internationally by becoming the inaugural NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, and also a one time CMLL World Women’s Champion, which further established her credibility on a global stage and reinforcing that her appeal travels far beyond one company.

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Changing the Culture

What makes Willow Nightingale stand out is not just what she has accomplished, but how she carries herself while doing it. She has built a reputation around positivity without it feeling performative. Her energy is naturally uplifting, but it never softens her edge as a competitor.

She has spoken often through her work and presence about the importance of authenticity, kindness, loving your body and emotional honesty in wrestling. That mindset shows in everything she does. She does not separate being joyful from being dangerous in the ring. Instead, she blends the two.

There is a deliberate balance in her character: she can feel like the most supportive, approachable person in the room, and then shift into someone who can physically kick your ass without hesitation. That contrast is what makes her compelling. She represents the idea that strength does not have to come at the expense of warmth.

In a business that often rewards distance, she closes it. In a culture that sometimes values intensity over sincerity, she proves both can exist at the same time.

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The Intangibles

What separates Nightingale is not just her list of accomplishments. It is how she carries them. She has one of the most naturally warm and approachable presences in wrestling today. She comes across as kind, genuine and easy to root for. At the same time, she is fully believable as a complete bad ass.

That balance is rare. It is also why she works.

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The Heart of the Division

In an industry that often leans on exaggeration, Nightingale feels grounded. Her rise reflects a steady progression rather than a sudden push. Fans trust her because she has earned that trust step by step.

All Elite Wrestling continues to define its identity, especially within its women’s division. Willow Nightingale has become a central part of that process. She is not just a feel good story. She is a dependable presence, a proven champion and a performer who consistently connects.

The audience saw it first.

The company followed.

Now, she stands as one of the clearest examples of how an organic connection still works in professional wrestling.

April 29, 2026
The Curious Case of HDLV

Lucha Libre has caught the attention of fans outside Mexico over the last couple years, specially when the Mexican companies where one of the few ones that continued to do shows during the Pandemic, giving people another alternatives to watch pro wrestling outside WWE, specially when AEW was just starting to build up their identity around the time, while a few prospects from Mexico caught the attention of people. Today, we will speak about the curious case of one of the top mentioned names that are still shuffling in current day: El Hijo del Vikingo.

Background of HDV

First of all: Who’s El Hijo del Vikingo? He’s a second generation star, son of the Luchador King Vikingo, a wrestler known for his independent run on local promotions in Puebla, Mexico and a tenure on Lucha Libre AAA, company where he formed some ties that would have an impact on what would be the future for his children on the industry. King Vikingo was not a popular name for the average fan of Lucha Libre.

His names starting gaining more attention during 2025, when he was attacked by Alberto El Patron during a tv show in Mexico called Venga La Alegria in the middle of his feud with Hijo del Vikingo in AAA.

Hijo del Vikingo would make his debut in 2012 at the age of 14 and by the age of 19, he signed a full time contract with AAA in 2017, he started as a filler participant in multi man tag matches and ended up receiving a contract by Vampiro Canadiense.

Hijo del Vikingo would then become a relevant individual on the Trios Division and the Tag Team Division, working with Laredo Kid and Angelikal in a stable known as Los Jinetes del Aire and would later be joined by Golden Magic, Octagon Jr and Myzteziz Jr. He would become a 2 time World Trios Champion for the company and challenged for the Tag Team Championship several times, one being the highly acclaimed match between him and Laredo Kid against The Lucha Brothers (Pentagon Jr and Rey Fenix) at Heroes Inmortales 2021.

The Turning Point

After then reigning AAA Mega Champion, Kenny Omega, retained the championship against Andrade El Idolo at Triplemania XXIX, he randomly declared his intentions to defend the championship against Vikingo, this decision would cause hype on some cases but also a lot of criticism, as a certain sector felt that Vikingo didn’t earned the opportunity to get that chance to not only wrestle Kenny Omega, but a change to become the Mega Champion. The match would end up not happening as Omega vacated the championship due to injury. Vikingo would go on to become champion in a Five-Way match by defeating Samuray del Sol, Bobby Fish, Jay Lethal and Bandido, this match occurred thanks to the former alliance between All Elite Wrestling and Lucha Libre AAA.

Championship Run and Current Day Boos

Vikingo would start appearing on AAA programming and several promotions around the United States as champion, including MLW’s Azteca Underground, GCW and finally AEW, where he finally had his match against Kenny Omega in a match that was considered a dream for many, but a forced act for others as Vikingo never looked like a “credible champion” despite being ranked eight on PWI’s top 500, the highest a Mexican wrestler has ever been since Alberto del Rio since 2013. He would go on an vacate the AAA Mega Championship after 833 days due to injury in March 2024.

During his time way during injury, it was revealed that Hijo del Vikingo stopped paying child support to both of his children, its known that one of the kids is product of his previous relationship with female Luchadora Hades while the other child’s mother information is not of public matter, starting the slow turn of support by Mexican fans towards Hijo del Vikingo, who, apparently, never acknowledged or explained the situation legally (and publicly), causing the AAA socials filled with negative comments towards his persona. He would then return from injury, feuding with Alberto El Patron and El Ojo, but due to the negative comments of child support and the involvement of King Vikingo, who was rumoured to be vouching for his son to get a bigger importance along him on the product, Vikingo started getting constant boos on every show he presented himself in Mexico. Feuding with El Patron, who’s a beloved wrestler in the country and was the AAA Mega Champion at the time didn’t helped his case. WWE would go on and buy AAA, including Vikingo’s contract and making him the first WWE-AAA Deal to be signed, forcing the story with Alberto and El Ojo be wrapped up abruptly, beating him for the AAA Mega Championship to an immense and loud angry crowd and then beating him on a rematch inside a Steel Cage at Triplemania Regia, El Patron would go on and leave AAA after being betrayed by El Ojo, thus getting his contract terminated by WWE orders.

Hijo del Vikingo has been a prominent persona ever since AAA was purchased by WWE and still is to this day, forming a new version of El Ojo after his heel turn due to the negative of people wanting to support him along Omos and Dorian Roldan. Vikingo’s most recent chapters of his career was challenging Dominik Mysterio at Rey de Reyes, failing to become a three-time AAA Mega Champion and then challenging Penta for WWE’s Intercontinental Championship in what became the first time a WWE Championship was defended on AAA programming.

April 29, 2026
Why Wrestling Companies Must Improve Security for Talent

The opinions shared in this article belong to its author and do not reflect the consensus of the BodySlam staff.

Try these shoes on: You’re a performer, with a huge stage to apply your craft. People cheer for you. They wear clothes designed in your image. There are signs they hold up and merchandise of you that they carry. You feel good, flattered, if you’re not used to it. Alternatively, you’re almost numb to it by now, but you’re still appreciative, because these people are the reason you get to live this life. And then it happens. They cross a boundary. Swarming their golden gods, they shove photos, merchandise, and toys, demanding talents sign them. Phones are pulled out for selfies and candid photos. For professional wrestling talents, this is an encounter they face all too often across their travels.

Recently, during WrestleMania 42 weekend, that was the case. In Las Vegas, fans overwhelmed the talents. Booker T had fans follow him into the bathroom, according to his Reality of Wrestling podcast. Bayley and AJ Lee tried to share a quiet, emotional moment, likely before parting ways; Lee had an emotional title loss at the Showcase of the Immortals. CM Punk had to step in, confronting the fan and slapping the phone out of his hands.

https://x.com/TMZ/status/2046219652762567025?s=20

It’s a tale as old as time. Wrestlers post about it all the time, asking fans not to cross boundaries so they can simply go about their day. The show is over; there’s no meet-and-greet or convention. All there is is moving from one place to another or ordering something for the road. Sure, they’re happy to see viewers admire their work. A lot goes into it. For every botch, there’s a move that was executed to surgical precision. Promos are delivered in the hopes that their charisma will funnel into the fans’ subconscious, as wrestling psychologically does.

In that is a catharsis. But that line between performer and spectator is sacred, unless otherwise invited in.

Nobody wants to be made anxious about such a predicament. Going outside shouldn’t necessitate a horde of people frothing at the mouth for an interaction. Sadly, it doesn’t work that way. Having a life outside of home and the squared circle is mostly a risk, one that talents might not be fully equipped to handle.

This follows everyone. Most often, though, it happens to women.

I don’t think I need to explain how women are often overcrowded, regardless of their following. Even if they’re not trying to present themselves as someone to gaze at, it still happens, regardless of the gender assigned to the fans that follow them, mostly male. Provided the societal treatment of women since the dawn of time, this doesn’t stop at signing things or taking selfies.

Women wrestlers are often the prime targets. No matter what percentage of skin is showing, they have a line that fans should not cross. It happens anyway. They could dress modestly, outside of their gear, in ways that heavily mute the features that are subject to such ogling. It still happens anyway. Not having the autonomy to dress however one wants without worrying about the intrusive hands of unwanted hands, it’s a scary existence.

CM Punk shouldn’t have had to step in for AJ Lee and Bayley. The man who invaded the house of Daria Rae (formerly WWE’s Sonya DeVille) in Summer 2020 shouldn’t have happened. Rhea Ripley shouldn’t need to take to X and ask fans to breach her orbit to sign their stuff, or for people not to send things to her personal home address. Asuka has also reported that she’s afraid of being around fans because of the same treatment and those trying to romantically engage with her.

I recognize that many of these wrestlers are incredibly successful, and that there is a litany of other bad things happening in the world. Poverty, evil billionaires, bigotry, and global warming. That said, entertainers should not have to beg for people to recognize them as people, not idols to be worshipped.

Women in general should not have to live their lives with their heads on a swivel. Why else do would they hope to have a partner or friend in their life, so that they can turn their brain off in public? What other reason are they afraid to go out alone at night? Only then will they not need to answer “man or bear” with the latter.

And now I move onto the recent topic of Elayna Black (formerly Cora Jade of WWE), that same WrestleMania 42 weekend at WrestleCon. A man groped her without consent and attempted to walk off. She took out her phone, recorded a video of his face as she confronted him. Largely, she received support for standing up for herself.

https://x.com/KCwrestles/status/2045573510039568598?s=20

Yet others were jumping to defend her harasser. Chief among these responses were people decrying her OnlyFans career, as though that justified his actions. She, as a wrestler, is free to handle her own branding just as her male peers are.

Under no circumstances, and I mean in no uncertain terms, is it okay to touch anyone or make any comment that would make them uncomfortable. That includes performers and people in our daily lives. But it also extends to NSFW content creators, adult film stars, and dancers at strip clubs. Everyone should be free from inappropriate handling. Everyone. Yes, even you. Without enthusiastic consent, this is disgusting behavior. People, decent people, should never act like this.

In terms of sex workers or anything adjacent, once they stop performing for the screen or on a stage, that’s where it ends. The nature of their profession is not an invitation to treat them however anyone pleases. What consenting adults do with partners or people they share intimacy or desires with is their business. It’s no different from anyone who doesn’t have that career. I might add that if it weren’t for men lusting after and treating women as sexual objects in the first place, this career might not exist in the first place. Supply and demand.

If it bothers a fan so much, my advice is this: stay away from it. Turn that phone off. Block it from personal social media. But do not condone this. Otherwise, it’s all men until women can feel safe and secure around men.

This also applies to male victims and victims outside of the gender binary. No one should be made to fear their surroundings.

But I expect people to continue vehemently defending harassing and assaulting people. These are the types of people who women will cross the street just to avoid.

Returning to the message at hand, there’s a parasocial nature to interactions that creates, nurtures, and perpetuates the interactions that leave wrestlers exhausted, or worse, afraid.

Credit: @WWEAsuka, X

All of those stories about wrestlers, actors, and musicians acting grumpily, at times angrily, at fans can be attributed to the lack of space and respect. Nobody should have to see John Cena calmly, yet visibly irritatedly ask fans to respect his privacy and boundaries. Chappel Roan’s enforcement of her line between her time away from music to be mired with constant interactions with strangers should not warrant controversy.

Existing abroad in the public eye is not permission. If any celebrity, be they online, in wrestling, or in pop culture, welcomes an interaction, leave it at what they are willing to allow. Then leave it at that. If they don’t offer it, leave them alone. The interaction between performer and fan starts and stops at that moment, unless both parties agree to continue it.

In a perfect world, educating people on etiquette, on treating others respectfully, would alleviate so much of this. Unfortunately, we don’t live in such a world. Empathy is but a foreign concept for people who don’t step out of their own shoes.

Circling back to WrestleMania 42 and the flood of fans that left wrestlers with a negative experience, the last and most crucial aspect to consider is security.

Throughout that weekend, it was noted that the local security at Las Vegas’s MGM Grand wasn’t equipped for the influx of fans. When Fightful Select released their report on WWE and hotel security, they painted a dismal picture that highlights the unsafe environment of simply staying at a place to unwind and rest.

Factoring in that Vegas hotel security already has far more to deal with, it would make sense that a multi-billion-dollar corporation like TKO, and by extension WWE, would heighten security for the people who make their product work in the first place.

There’s a lot to weigh in on how fans treat talent. Many are socially unaware (either by lack of education, social conditioning, or lacking socially cognitive skills), while others are predatory. From the lustful fans to the ones who would exploit their own children to get something signed, it’s disturbing that these people operate in such a way. Additionally, some of these fans are trying to take shortcuts to meet and get things signed due to WWE’s current business model already overprices almost everything from merch to tickets to meet-and-greets.

But the company should be held responsible for the fans’ handling of talents in public. Surely, with WrestleManias and Royal Rumbles being held in Saudi Arabia from the pocket of royalty, WWE could afford this. Surely, with the high costs of being a fan, WWE could afford this. Surely, from cutting talent, WWE could feasibly afford to ensure the safety of its most essential contributors.

With the wealth the company touts, it begs the question: at what length would the company go to ensure the proper satisfaction of fans and talent alike?

Considering how they value their bottom dollar, I think I know the answer.

April 28, 2026

Combat Sports and the Regulated Betting Market: What UFC and Wrestling Fans in Canada Actually Wager On

Combat sports have always attracted a specific kind of fan – someone who watches a matchup and immediately starts forming an opinion about what will happen and why. That instinct did not change when Canada’s legal betting landscape shifted. It just found a proper outlet. Since Bill C-218 received Royal Assent in June 2021 and Ontario launched its regulated iGaming framework in April 2022, Canadian fans of UFC, boxing, and professional wrestling have had access to a licensed, competitive market where they can act on those opinions. What they are choosing to bet on, and how they are thinking about it, tells you something about how deeply these audiences already understood the sports before a regulated structure existed.

For anyone in Ontario looking to verify which platforms operate legally in the province’s regulated market, rg.org/en-ca/casinos/provinces/ontario covers AGCO-registered online casinos authorized by iGaming Ontario – with operator-by-operator breakdowns of game selection, payment methods, mobile performance, and responsible gambling tools. It is a practical reference point before committing to any platform, particularly for players who want to confirm licensed status independently rather than taking an operator’s word for it.

What UFC Bettors in Canada Actually Back

The UFC runs events almost every weekend, with no offseason, which makes it one of the most consistently active betting markets on any Canadian sportsbook. The fight winner market – a straight moneyline on who wins the bout – is the most common entry point. But experienced Canadian bettors have moved well past that.

Method of victory markets ask you to predict not just who wins but how: knockout, technical knockout, submission, or decision. This is where fight knowledge pays off. A wrestler who has never been submitted but carries a weak chin faces a different risk profile against a knockout artist than against a submission specialist. Bettors who understand grappling styles, takedown defence rates, and octagon control tendencies use these markets to find value that the headline moneyline does not offer.

Round betting and over/under rounds complete the standard set. Heavyweight fights skew toward early finishes. Lighter divisions – flyweight, bantamweight – produce more decisions. That pattern is consistent enough to be useful across cards, though individual matchups always introduce their own variables. A Canadian fighter entering a home crowd creates additional line movement as patriotic money comes in, which can push value onto the opponent side for bettors willing to look past the crowd narrative.

MMA betting handle reached $10.3 billion globally in 2024, a seventeen percent increase from the prior year. Ontario contributed significantly to that figure. In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Ontario’s regulated market generated CA$82.7 billion in total wagers across all categories, with sports betting alone producing CA$724 million in revenue. Combat sports consistently rank among the most active betting categories on Ontario’s licensed platforms during major event weekends.

How Wrestling Fans Bet Differently

Professional wrestling sits in an unusual position on a sportsbook. The outcomes are predetermined – that is not a secret to anyone who watches. Sportsbooks still offer markets on WWE and AEW events, particularly around premium live events like WrestleMania, the Royal Rumble, and AEW’s marquee pay-per-views. The question is not whether the result is scripted; it is whether you can predict what the writers have decided.

That requires a different kind of analysis. A wrestling bettor tracks storyline momentum, title reign patterns, upcoming television commitments, and backstage reporting. Someone with three years of watching Raw knows that a babyface who has been building toward a championship match does not usually lose the week before the pay-per-view in a way that would kill the story. That pattern recognition is exactly the same skill – applied to a different dataset – that a UFC bettor uses when reading a fight camp.

The crossover between these two audiences is more direct than it looks from the outside. Research published in April 2026 found that wrestling fans who move into combat sports betting tend to read fight cards more carefully, are more skeptical of short-notice line movements, and show lower short-term loss rates in their first several events compared to general new registrants. The habit of reading promotion copy with a critical eye – learned from years of parsing wrestling announcements – transfers directly to evaluating sportsbook marketing terms.

The Market Comparison: UFC, Boxing, and Wrestling Side by Side

Category	UFC/MMA	Boxing	Pro Wrestling (WWE/AEW)
Outcomes	Genuine competition	Genuine competition	Predetermined, but publicly unknown
Primary market	Fight winner (moneyline)	Fight winner + round groups	Match winner + title changes
Value markets	Method of victory, round betting	Method of victory, round groups	Futures on championship reigns
Live betting	Yes — very active in-play	Yes — round by round	Limited; varies by operator
Canadian fighter premium	High (GSP legacy, active fighters)	Moderate	Moderate (Canadian talent well-represented)
Event frequency	Near-weekly Fight Nights + PPVs	Irregular — major events monthly	Weekly TV + monthly PPVs
Market depth	Deep — most regulated sportsbooks	Moderate	Shallow — fewer operators post lines

The table reflects how each format behaves on a Canadian regulated sportsbook. UFC has the deepest markets and most consistent availability. Boxing concentrates betting action around major events and loses volume between them. Wrestling betting exists at most operators but with thinner market depth – you are more likely to find WrestleMania odds than lines on a regular Raw episode.

What the Regulated Framework Changed

Before April 2022, Canadian sports bettors outside Ontario were limited to parlay-style wagering through provincial lottery corporations, or they used offshore platforms operating outside Canadian regulatory oversight. Ontario’s regulated model brought something different: licensed private operators, AGCO oversight, clear advertising standards, and enforceable responsible gambling requirements.

The shift mattered for combat sports fans specifically because the UFC calendar produces betting opportunities every weekend of the year. A market that only existed through parlay restrictions effectively locked out serious fight bettors who wanted to make single-event wagers on method of victory or round outcomes. Bill C-218 cleared the federal obstacle. Ontario’s iGaming framework built the licensed infrastructure on top of that.

By fiscal year 2024-25, 86.4 percent of Ontario players who gambled online were doing so on regulated sites, according to an IPSOS survey commissioned by AGCO and iGaming Ontario. That figure reflects how effectively the regulated market absorbed demand that previously went to unlicensed offshore options. Alberta is currently building a similar framework, with a launch anticipated in 2026. If it follows Ontario’s trajectory, the same shift will happen for fight fans in that province.

What Canadian Combat Sports Fans Are Actually Looking For

The consistent thread across UFC bettors, boxing fans, and wrestling-crossover bettors in Canada is analytical engagement. They want markets that reward research – not just outcome guessing – and they want platforms where the terms are clear enough to compare across operators.

Ontario’s licensing structure addresses part of that. AGCO standards restrict operators from advertising inducements and bonuses to the general public, which has the effect of pushing operators to compete on product quality and odds depth rather than headline bonus numbers. For a fight fan who is going to wager regularly across the year’s event calendar, that environment is more useful than one where the entry offer is large and the underlying market quality is inconsistent.

Canada has produced some of the most technically complete fighters in MMA history. Georges St-Pierre built a generation of Canadian UFC fans by winning through wrestling-based control and intelligent game-planning – exactly the kind of measurable strategic execution that a betting market can be built around. That legacy, combined with a now-regulated betting landscape, has given Canadian combat sports fans a more coherent environment to engage with the sport they have been watching analytically for years.

April 28, 2026

The Young Bucks Changed the Game – Whether You Like It or Not
If you followed wrestling in the 2010s and after, you likely came across the Young Bucks at some point. Matt and Nick Jackson are more than another successful brother tag team. They became a focal point for what modern wrestling looks like, both in the ring and beyond. Their story goes beyond titles and standout matches. It reflects a shift in how the business itself operates.

Reinventing Modern Tag Team Wrestling

Photo Credit: Ring of Honor

Before the Bucks broke out on the independent scene, tag team wrestling in the United States had drifted into the background. It was reliable and sometimes very good, but it rarely drove ticket sales. Most matches followed a familiar structure, and fans could often predict the timing of the hot tag before the match even started.

The Bucks took that structure and reshaped it. Their matches leaned on constant movement, inventive double-team offense, and extended closing stretches that felt fast and chaotic but still controlled. Signature moments like the Meltzer Driver, More Bang For Your Buck, and the Superkick Party did more than get reactions. They introduced a new rhythm and visual style for tag wrestling. You could see other teams begin to adjust. What they were doing in PWG, ROH, and NJPW started to show up across the industry.

They also helped bring tag wrestling back into the main event conversation. For years, that idea had quietly faded. The notion that a tag match could close a major show without feeling like an exception started to feel normal again, and the Bucks played a major role in that shift.

Branding, Merch, and the Business Side of Wrestling

Young Bucks X account

One of the most important parts of the Young Bucks story has little to do with what happens in the ring. It comes down to branding. For a long time, the path for wrestlers felt straightforward. Sign with WWE, get television exposure, sell merchandise, and hope it leads somewhere. The Bucks showed there was another option.

Through Pro Wrestling Tees, they built a brand around themselves with logos, catchphrases, and designs fans actually wanted to wear. When their merchandise appeared in Hot Topic stores nationwide, it signaled something bigger. Wrestling outside the WWE system could connect with a wider audience.

That moment did not go unnoticed. Independent wrestlers saw it. Talent in Japan saw it. Even people within WWE paid attention. It opened the door for wrestlers to build careers on their own terms instead of waiting for a contract to define their value. In many ways, the Bucks helped push the idea of wrestlers as entrepreneurs before that mindset became common.

A Career Filled With Championships

Via NJPW X account

Alongside their influence, the Young Bucks built a resume that stands out across multiple promotions and countries.

Ring of Honor (ROH):
- 3-time ROH World Tag Team Champions
- 3-time ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW):
- 7-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions
- 1-time IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions
- 3-time NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions
Their run in NJPW coincided with the rise of Bullet Club, which became one of the most recognizable factions in wrestling and a major force in merchandise sales.

All Elite Wrestling (AEW):
- 3-time AEW World Tag Team Champions
- 2-time AEW World Trios Champions with Kenny Omega
Few teams can point to repeated success across multiple major promotions while also contributing to each company’s growth.

Being The Elite and a New Kind of Storytelling

Being The Elie – YouTube

When the Bucks launched Being The Elite on YouTube, it felt like it was aimed at a niche audience. The show was loose, unpredictable, and often strange in a way that traditional wrestling rarely allows. It mixed travel clips, humor, cameos, and eventually full storyline development.

Wrestlers who later became central figures in AEW, including “Hangman” Adam Page and Kenny Omega, developed character arcs on the show before they reached national television. Some details were subtle, others were not, but it made the series feel essential to follow each week.

What set Being The Elite apart was how it felt. It did not come across as a polished marketing tool. It felt like a window into a group of wrestlers shaping their own presentation. Today, using YouTube or social media to advance storylines is common. At the time, it felt different. It even included moments that blurred the line between story and absurdity, like Adam Cole’s over-the-top on-screen death and return.

All In, AEW, and a Shift in the Industry

All In 2018 post show

turning point came with All In in 2018. Without backing from a major corporation, the Bucks and Cody Rhodes sold more than 10,000 tickets in minutes. For an independently driven event in the United States, that number stood out.

That success led directly to the launch of All Elite Wrestling in 2019. The impact was immediate. For the first time in nearly 20 years, two major televised wrestling promotions operated at the same time in the U.S. Wrestlers had more leverage. Contracts became more competitive. Fans had real options again.

Reactions to AEW vary, but its influence is clear. When you trace that shift back to its origins, the Young Bucks are a central part of the story.

Conclusion

(Image credit: JJ Williams)

The Young Bucks tend to divide opinion. Some view them as one of the greatest tag teams of their era. Others are not sold on their style. Either way, their impact is difficult to dispute. They changed the presentation of tag wrestling, reshaped how wrestlers approach business, and played a role in altering the structure of the industry itself.

Many wrestlers talk about changing the business. The Young Bucks followed through on it, and the effects are still being felt today.

Respect the Young Bucks.
April 27, 2026
The Top 10 Matches in AEW History, Ranked

Sometimes I forget how young AEW still is. It has not been around that long, yet it already has a backlog of matches that feel historic. These are the kinds of matches you rewatch on a random weeknight on HBO Max or send to a friend with a simple message: you have to see this.

Once Forbidden Door became an annual event, the number of dream matches only grew. This is not a technical breakdown or star-rating list. This is a fan list. Some matches are left off, and that’s okay, they are still great. These are the matches people still talk about, rewatch, post clips of and hold onto years later.

Let’s count it down.

10. Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Will Ospreay,
Forbidden Door 2024

This one can get overlooked because Forbidden Door cards are always loaded, but it delivers. Two elite athletes move at full speed with no hesitation. Once Ospreay arrived in AEW, this matchup felt inevitable, and it delivered.

Each sequence builds on the last, faster and more intense. By the end, it feels unreal. It also felt like a preview of AEW’s main event scene for the next decade.

9. MJF vs. CM Punk
Dog Collar Match, Revolution 2022

Pure hatred defined this match. Chains, blood and old-school callbacks made it feel deeply personal. Not storyline personal. Real personal.

This was also the night MJF cemented himself as a top star. After this, there was no denying it.

8. Mariah May vs. Toni Storm (c)
Hollywood Ending Falls Count Anywhere, Revolution 2025

This match still feels surreal. It blended cinematic storytelling with chaos. The action moved through the arena and into complete disorder, yet it never felt over the top. It felt dramatic, emotional and intense.

Storm fully embraced her Hollywood persona, while May matched her at every level. It felt bigger than a title match. It felt like the climax of a film.

It also served as a fitting sendoff for May and capped what may be the best feud in AEW history. This stands as the top women’s match in company history and proof the division can headline.

7. Kenny Omega (c) vs. Bryan Danielson,
Grand Slam 2021

A dream match that lived up to expectations. The atmosphere in New York felt massive as two of the best faced off. Danielson was fresh from leaving WWE, and the dream matches could finally come to life.

Thirty minutes of wrestling with no wasted motion. Even the draw felt right. It felt epic, like two gods testing each other.

6. Bryan Danielson vs. MJF (c)
60-Minute Iron Man Match, Revolution 2023

MJF proved himself again here. Going an hour with Danielson is a test few can pass. He did.

The pacing, storytelling and final stretch kept the crowd engaged throughout. It had a classic, old-school feel that worked perfectly.

5. Young Bucks (c) vs. Lucha Bros
Steel Cage Match, All Out 2021

One of the wildest tag matches ever. Blood, near falls and unforgettable moments defined it.

By the end, no one was sitting. I was there live and by the end I had no voice. This is the match to show anyone that doubts tag team wrestling can deliver the best matches.

4. Hangman Page vs. Swerve Strickland Texas Death Match, Full Gear 2023

This match was violent and relentless. It was not about technique. It was about damage.

Barbed wire, glass, staples and more turned it into a brutal spectacle. It also solidified Strickland as a true main event star. This match helped solidify this feud as one of the best ever.

3. Bryan Danielson vs. Will Ospreay,
Dynasty 2024

A showcase of elite wrestling. Counters, strikes and constant motion made it impossible to look away.

Danielson’s technical style blended with Ospreay’s speed and creativity. Every near fall felt significant. It is the kind of match that reminds you what peak in ring storytelling looks like when two of the best push each other to the limit.

2. Hangman Page and Kenny Omega (c) vs. Young Bucks,
Revolution 2020

For a long time, this stood at the top. It remains AEW’s best tag team match ever.

The storytelling carried everything. Friendship, tension and rivalry played out in every move. It was not just a match. It was a story that touched every emotion.

1. Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega (c),
Forbidden Door 2023

This is the one.

From start to finish, it delivered at the highest level. Ospreay entered as the outsider, while Omega defended both his championship and his ground.

The match featured constant momentum swings, creative offense and near falls that kept the crowd engaged throughout. Ospreay’s speed matched Omega’s precision, creating a near perfect balance.

It felt like two of the best in the world pushing each other to the limit. Every sequence raised the stakes.

When it ended, it left a lasting impression. The kind of match that defines a company. The kind you recommend every time. Only time will tell if we get a third match.

Maybe All In 2026?

April 27, 2026
Highest Paid MMA Fighter in 2026 – Who Really Earns Most?
Money is now one of the biggest talking points in MMA, and fighters are the first to feel the impact. Pay structures and sponsorships shape their careers and choices inside and outside the cage. For readers who already follow fight odds, props and major cards through sports betting, fighter earnings add just another layer of context.

The biggest earners are usually the biggest draws – names that attract audiences and influence how events are promoted. Their presence can shift attention around a card, but the foundation remains their performance. That is also why bookmaker platforms stay active during major UFC events. That financial gravity explains why the debate around the highest paid UFC fighter is very different from the debate around the best UFC fighter ever. One reflects financial pull, the other competitive legacy. But let’s get into the details.

How UFC Fighter Salary Structures Work

The UFC does not pay everyone on the same scale, and that is why salary discussions may get messy. A typical UFC salary structure can include several layers:
- Show money for appearing on the card;
- A win bonus if the contract still uses that model;
- A $50 000 performance or fight bonus on standout nights;
- Pay-per-view points for top champions and proven sellers;
- Outside income from sponsorships, appearances and businesses.
This structure explains why people who wonder how much does a UFC fighter make rarely get one clean answer. It is not just the salary, many other sources of income should be taken into account.

UFC Salary Structure Explained

Entry level UFC fighter salary contracts usually begin at around $12,000 to show and $12,000 to win. However, these figures aren’t fixed. Champions can earn a guaranteed $500,000 before bonuses, while superstars can add millions in PPV points. A fighter who loses may leave with only $12,000 before taxes and expenses.

Performance bonuses are the strongest incentive. The UFC still regularly awards $50,000 for “Fight of the Night” or “Performance of the Night”. For lower level fighters, that amount can double or even triple their total earnings.

Average UFC Fighter Salary Compared to Top Stars

Many people wonder how much the average UFC player makes. This depends on their level, experience, skills and popularity. The UFC fighter salary varies widely depending on experience and popularity. However, the average UFC salary is estimated to be based on the tier, as follows:

Entry-level $12,000 – $20,000

Mid-tier $50,000 – $120,000

Upper-tier $150,000 – $500,000

Champions $500,000 – $3,000,000

The average salary of a UFC fighter is around $150,000. But again, it depends on the player and his level. For example, Conor McGregor reportedly earned more than $20 million for some UFC fights before sponsorships and PPV points.

Fighters of that level also tend to shape betting markets, often drawing tighter and more competitive odds. All bookmakers reflect that demand, but some go further. At LEON Bet, one can also find less popular markets, along with casino games and attractive bonuses. So if you’re looking for a more complete experience, it makes sense to bet with experts.

How Much Does a UFC Fighter Make Per Fight

A low-card fighter may get $20,000 – $50,000 per fight with bonuses and more. A ranked contender often will earn six figures. Champions and PPV stars can make seven figures in just one night.

Average Earnings in MMA

Outside the UFC, earnings drop significantly. Fighter pay varies by market size and local popularity. Most athletes earn modest purses, often supplemented by sponsorships.

Average Salary of MMA Fighter in Major Promotions

Promotions like PFL, One Championship and Bellator (legacy deals) often pay more than local circuits but less than UFC stars. Typical ranges for the average salary of MMA fighter are:
- PFL tournament fighters: $50,000 to $1 million if they win the season;
- ONE Championship starts at six figures for major names;
- Regional promotions are often under $10 000 per fight.
It is difficult to give a specific number for the average salary of an MMA fighter, because it really depends. While a newbie can earn between $10,000 and $30,000 per fight, top fighters can get millions per fight, even if they lose.

How Much Do MMA Fighters Make Outside the UFC

Regional fighters in Australia or Greece may earn only $1,000 – $10,000 per bout unless they sell tickets or attract sponsors. That is why asking how much do MMA fighters make has no simple answer.

Factors That Influence MMA Fighter Salary

There are several factors that can shape the MMA fighter salary. Some of them are:
- Championship status;
- Social media following;
- PPV draw;
- Negotiation leverage;
- Sponsorship value.
Together, these factors determine how much a fighter can actually command.

Rank UFC Fighters by Career Earnings

If you rank UFC fighters by career earnings in 2026, Conor McGregor still sits comfortably at number one. Forbes estimated he earned $180 million in 2021 alone, and his total career earnings are believed to exceed $250 million. Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Georges St-Pierre and Israel Adesanya follow.

Highest Paid UFC Fighters of All Time

The highest paid UFC fighters of all time are led by Conor McGregor, whose UFC 229 against Khabib reportedly sold 2.4 million PPV buyers. Khabib earned millions from that fight and his later business ventures. Jon Jones continues earning 7 figures for major fights.

The Best UFC Fighter Ever Debate

The best UFC fighter ever debate is not about money. Jon Jones is often considered number one because of wins over elite champions across multiple eras. St-Pierre built one of the most complete resumes in MMA history. Khabib retired 29-0 undefeated. Anderson Silva defended his title 10 times and changed striking forever.

Top UFC Fighters of All Time

The top UFC fighters of all time usually are the names we know. These include:
- Jon Jones;
- George St-Pierre;
- Anderson Silva;
- Khabib Nurmagomedov;
- Demetrious Johnson;
- Amanda Nunes.
Nunes became the greatest female fighter ever. She has titles in two divisions, and this is what makes her unique.

Most Popular UFC Fighters Worldwide

The most popular UFC fighters often earn the most from sponsorships and outside businesses. McGregor, Nate Diaz, Sean O’Malley, and Israel Adesanya lead global popularity charts.

Comparing UFC Fighter Salary With Other Combat Sports

Now, let’s compare average UFC fighter salary with other combat sports. As you will see, MMA pay still trails boxing at the highest level.

Canelo Alvarez and Tyson Fury can earn $30 million or more for just one fight. UFC stars rarely reach that without PPV upside. TKO reported over $1.36 billion in revenue for 2025. Fighter salaries have grown, but many athletes still argue they deserve a larger share.

What Determines a Fighter’s Long‑Term Earnings

Long-term wealth often depends on more than just the fights. Some of the key factors include:
- Smart branding;
- PPV points;
- Sponsorship deals;
- Business ventures.
A fighter can get a good salary while fighting, but when it comes to the long-term, it is his personal branding and businesses that will make the most earnings.

FAQ

How much does a UFC fighter make?

The sum ranges from low five figures on entry contracts to millions for champions with PPV points.

What is the average UFC fighter salary?

According to information by Gold BJJ, the average UFC fighter makes $150,249, but it depends on the different incomes.

Who is the highest paid MMA fighter?

Conor McGregor remains the highest paid MMA fighter in 2026.
April 27, 2026