AEW must sign these 7 WWE stars in Friday’s release, including Motor City Machine Guns

On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects were released from their existing contracts in the latest round of WWE’s annual roster cuts. Some of the most notable names to be released this week were each member of the Wyatt Six, Kairi Sane, and wrestling power couple Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.

While this was bad news for those wrestlers, it does leave a group of interesting talents in pro wrestling free agency at a time when the industry is strong. All Elite Wrestling should seriously consider signing veteran performers soon. With that in mind, here are seven former WWE stars that AEW should target on the open market.

carry sen

carrie wise
Credit: WWE

AEW’s women’s division has come a long way over the years. However, that still pales in comparison to the absurd amount of talent on WWE’s roster. But WWE has just offered several talented female wrestlers that Tony Khan may want to quickly embrace. The most notable is Japanese veteran Kairi Sane.

Khan has mentioned being a fan of Sane in the past and has a clear love for the talent from the Land of the Rising Sun. While Sane may no longer be in her prime, she is still a good performer who one will have a lot of sympathy for as she was not given the chance to finish her long-running storyline with Asuka in WWE.

motor city machine gun

motor city machine gun
Credit: WWE

AEW probably has the best bell-to-bell wrestling in the world. Another thing they do well is highlight tag wrestling. This has been a weakness for WWE during the Paul “Triple H” Levesque era, and it’s why TNA legends the Motor City Machine Guns have had a disappointing run in the company.

When he hit free agency a few years ago, there were rumors that he might sign with AEW. A move back to TNA seems very unlikely, and there are far more interesting matchups for Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley in AEW as a team or singles.

alba fire

alba fire
Credit: WWE

AEW has made huge inroads among European wrestling fans. That’s why they can go to Wembley Stadium every year and perform very well. Therefore, former Women’s Tag Champion Alba Fires should be a top target in free agency.

She is a strong wrestler and gives them another talent that attracts and keeps fans in the UK. Additionally, her former WWE tag partner, Isla Dawn, is already under the AEW umbrella.

Santos Escobar

Santos Escobar
Credit: WWE

AEW has strongly embraced its working relationship with Mexico’s CMLL as well as the Spanish-speaking audience. That’s why it would be wise to capture Santos Escobar. However, unlike most of the CMLL talent performing in AEW, Escobar is fluent in English and can connect with fans in both languages.

Furthermore, he is at his best right now and despite being a strong wrestler in the ring, he is underrated on the mic.

zoey stark

zoey starks
Credit: WWE

Zoey Stark was snake bitten by injuries during her tenure in WWE, including rupturing her knee ligaments twice. However, when healthy, she was one of the most athletic and skilled female wrestlers on the roster.

His latest knee injury has likely taken away his athletic gifts. However, at just 32 years old, she feels like a perfect fit for AEW and a great addition to the women’s division.

nikki cross

nikki cross
Credit: WWE

Nikki Cross is a talented performer who was treated poorly as a member of the Wyatt Six. Since WWE had trouble booking the unique group, he did not have a single match while a part of the faction. His wild character work is always entertaining, and he’s a rock-solid worker in the ring.

Additionally, like Alba Fires, she will be an addition that will not only strengthen the AEW women’s division but also strengthen the company’s relationship with UK Wrestling.

Avatar
After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#AEW #sign #WWE #stars #Fridays #release #including #Motor #City #Machine #Guns

TNA Wrestling needs to sign these 6 WWE stars in Friday’s release, including Aleister Black

On Friday, 23 veterans and prospects were released from their existing contracts in the latest round of WWE’s annual roster cuts. Some of the most notable names to be released this week were each member of the Wyatt Six, Kairi Sane, and wrestling power couple Aleister Black and Zelina Vega.

While this was bad news for those wrestlers, it does leave a group of interesting talents in pro wrestling free agency at a time when the industry is strong. TNA Wrestling should consider signing contracts soon, including veteran performers. With that in mind, here are six former WWE stars that TNA should target on the open market.

apollo crew

apollo crew
Credit: WWE

At one time, Apollo Cruz was one of the must-see artists on the independent scene due to his impressive athleticism. More than a decade later, at the age of 38, Cruz is still an entertaining wrestler. But that was never his problem. It was always about finding a character that fans connect with and stick with for a while.

This is why he would be a better fit in TNA wrestling rather than battling the AEW roster for Best Match of the Night. TNA focuses a little more on character work, so if they find something that connects them with the audience, Crews could be a huge opportunity for promotion.

aleister black and zelina vega

green vega
Credit: WWE

The obvious assumption would be that, following his release, Aleister Black would return to AEW, where he found real success prior to his second stint in WWE. However, it would be wise for Carlos Silva to prioritize bringing Black and his wife Zelina Vega to TNA.

Their release this week surprised many as they were frequently used on SmackDown and seemed to be getting into a rhythm as characters. In TNA, this duo could be instantly catapulted to the top and become mainstays of the roster for the next few years, while also making some good money.

eric rowan

eric rowan
Credit: WWE

Erick Rowan has a useful talent for attacking enemies as a large monster. However, a performer like him doesn’t feel like a fit in this version of AEW. However, TNA could make better use of men like Rowan. They will be able to play to his strengths and get the most out of an artist whose prime years are still ahead of him.

Tyra Mae Steele

Tyra Mae Steele
Credit: WWE

One of the other surprise releases by WWE this week was Olympic gold medalist Tyra Mae Steele. When the company signed her three years earlier, she was introduced as a future world champion and the female version of Kurt Angle. However, they may have felt that she was not developing at the pace they needed and dropped her.

He still needs further development, but has immense potential. TNA can help her become a better professional wrestler, and having a gold medalist would be a great addition to their women’s roster.

dexter loomis

dexter loomis
Credit: WWE

Dexter Loomis has shown in the past that he can develop some strange but fun characters. Plus, he has great looks and is a very good athlete. TNA Wrestling seems like a perfect fit for a performer like Lumis, who needs time to let his character breathe. Also, rekindling their beloved history with Indi Hartwell in NXT but not in TNA would be a smart play.

Avatar
After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#TNA #Wrestling #sign #WWE #stars #Fridays #release #including #Aleister #Black

Friday’s Sweet 16 games include St. John’s vs. Duke

The 2026 edition of the men’s NCAA Tournament, aka March Madness, is underway! If you’re planning to watch matchups from the biggest and best tournament in American sports today, below you can find Friday’s games, upcoming events and other important details on March Madness, including how to watch.

NCAA tournament schedule today

dategametime (ET)tv information
27 March(5) St. John’s vs. (1) Duke7:10 pmcbs
27 March(4) Alabama vs. (1) Michigan7:35 pmTBS, TruTV
27 March(3) Michigan State vs. (2) UConn9:45 pmcbs
27 March(6) Tennessee vs. (2) Iowa State10:10 pmTBS, TruTV

How to watch the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament

If you plan to watch NCAA Tournament games on television today, they will be available on the CBS Sports family of networks. They are CBS, TNT, TBS, TruTV. You can find the times, channels and matchups for today’s games above, or scroll down for tomorrow’s pairings.

Can I watch March Madness on my phone?

Yes, you can watch March Madness games on mobile devices with the March Madness Live app. (For iPhone users).

How to watch March Madness without cable?

All March Madness games are also available on various streaming platforms. You can watch today’s matchup on YouTube TV, Paramount+, MAX, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV stream.

Which teams are in the Sweet 16?

NCAA Tournament
Junfu Han/USA TODAY Network via Imagen Images

The schools headed to the Sweet 16 are Michigan, Texas, Purdue, Iowa, Nebraska, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Houston, St. John’s, Duke, Alabama, Michigan State, UConn, Tennessee and Iowa State.

Upcoming NCAA Tournament Schedule

dategametime (ET)tv information
28 Marchtbd vs tbdtbdtbd
28 Marchtbd vs tbdtbdtbd

Who is the favorite to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament?

The popular picks to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament this month are Duke, Michigan and Arizona.

Who are the top NBA prospects in March Madness 2026?

The 2026 NBA Draft is projected to be one of the best in recent times, and several players who could be taken as early as Round 1 will be competing during March Madness. The top prospects who were on the hardwood for this year’s tournament were Duke’s Cam Boozer, BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Kansas’ Darrin Peterson and Houston’s Kingston Flemings.

Avatar
After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Fridays #Sweet #games #include #Johns #Duke

Friday’s March Madness games include Kentucky-Santa Clara

The 2026 edition of the men’s NCAA Tournament, aka March Madness, is underway! If you’re planning to watch matchups from the biggest and best tournament in American sports today, below you can check out Friday’s games, upcoming events and other important details on March Madness, including who will compete this month and future NBA Lottery selections.

NCAA tournament schedule today

dategametime (ET)tv information
20 March(10) Santa Clara vs. (7) Kentucky12:15 pmcbs
20 March(12) Akron vs. (5) Texas Tech12:40 pmtruTV
20 March(16) Long Island University vs. (1) Arizona1:35 pmtnt
20 March(14) Wright State vs. (3) Virginia1:50 pmtbs
20 March(15) Tennessee State vs. (2) Iowa State2:50 pmcbs
20 March(13) Hofstra vs. (4) Alabama3:15 pmtruTV
20 March(9) Utah State vs. (8) Villanova4:05 pmtnt
20 MarchTBD vs. (6) Tennessee4:25 pmtbs
20 March(9) Iowa vs. (8) Clemson6:50 pmtnt
20 March(12) Northern Iowa vs. (5) St. John’s7:10 pmcbs
20 March(10) UCF vs. (7) UCLA7:25 pmtbs
20 March(15) Queens University vs. (2) Purdue7:35 pmtruTV
20 MarchTBD vs. (1) Florida9:25 pmtnt
20 March(13) Cal Baptist vs. (4) Kansas9:45 pmcbs
20 March(15) Furman vs. (2) UConn10:00 PMtbs
20 March(10) Missouri vs. (7) Miami10:10 pmtruTV

How to watch the 2026 Men’s NCAA Tournament

If you plan to watch NCAA Tournament games on television today, they will be available on the CBS Sports family of networks. They are CBS, TNT, TBS, TruTV. You can find the times, channels and matchups for today’s games above, or scroll down for tomorrow’s pairings.

Can I watch March Madness on my phone?

Yes, you can watch March Madness games on mobile devices with the March Madness Live app. (For iPhone users).

How to watch March Madness without cable?

All March Madness games can also be found on various streaming platforms. You can watch today’s matchup on YouTube TV, Paramount+, MAX, Hulu + Live TV and DirecTV stream.

What time is the first game tomorrow?

The first game on Wednesday’s NCAA Tournament schedule begins at 12:15 p.m. ET/9:15 p.m. PT and features Santa Clara vs. Kentucky.

Upcoming NCAA Tournament Schedule

dategametime (ET)tv information
21st MarchTBD vs. (1) Michigantbdtbd
21st March(9) TCU vs. (1) Duketbdtbd
21st March(6) Louisville vs. (3) Michigan Statetbdtbd
21st March(12) High Point vs. (4) Arkansastbdtbd
21st March(5) Vanderbilt vs. (4) Nebraskatbdtbd
21st Marchtbd vs tbdtbdtbd
21st Marchtbd vs tbdtbdtbd
21st Marchtbd vs tbdtbdtbd

Who is the favorite to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament?

The popular picks to win the 2026 NCAA Tournament this month are Duke, Michigan and Arizona.

Who are the top NBA prospects in March Madness 2026?

The 2026 NBA Draft is projected to be one of the best in recent times, and several players who could be taken as early as Round 1 will be competing during March Madness. Players you should keep an eye on are Duke’s Cam Boozer, BYU’s AJ DiBuntsa, Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Kansas’ Darrin Peterson and Houston’s Kingston Flemings.

Avatar
After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Fridays #March #Madness #games #include #KentuckySanta #Clara

Friday’s WBC quarterfinals, including USA vs. Canada

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic is now in the elimination round. If you’re planning to watch MLB’s World Cup of Baseball today, below you can check out Friday’s games, upcoming matchups on the World Baseball Classic schedule and other important details on this year’s WBC, including how to watch.

wbc program today

dategametime (ET)tv information
13 MarchKorea vs. Dominican Republic6:30 pmFS2
13 MarchUnited States vs. Canada8:00 pmfox

What channel is the World Baseball Classic on?

If you plan to watch the World Baseball Classic game in the United States today, e-matchups for the WBC can be found on FOX’s family of sports networks. they are channels fox, fs1, FS2, Fox Deportes (Spanish), pipe, fox sports app

Who advances to the WBC quarterfinals?

After four games of pool play, the teams that have advanced to the quarterfinals or elimination rounds of the World Baseball Classic are the United States, Korea, Dominican Republic, Canada, Puerto Rico, Italy, Venezuela, and Japan.

Upcoming WBC Events

dategametime (ET)tv information
14 MarchPuerto Rico vs. Italy3:00 pmfs1
14 Marchvenezuela vs japan9:00 pmfox

When is the World Baseball Classic finals?

World Baseball Classic
Sam Navarro-Imagen Images

The 2026 WBC Finals take place Tuesday, March 17 at 8PM ET on FOX.

Avatar
After earning a journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos worked as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sacca… More about Jason Burgos

#Fridays #WBC #quarterfinals #including #USA #Canada