Chairshot Wrestling News Report (10/8/2026): Cody Re-Signs, MJF Targets NJPW & Jim Ross Recovers

Cody Rhodes signs a new WWE deal, MJF challenges NJPW’s Ryohei Oiwa, Jim Ross receives positive news and TNA prepares for Bound For Glory.

Cody Rhodes has made a significant decision about his wrestling future, confirming that he recently signed another WWE contract and intends to finish his in-ring career with the company. The announcement comes during a week when WWE is preparing for Money in the Bank, Roman Reigns has added several dates to his schedule and another independent wrestler has joined the WWE ID program.

Elsewhere, MJF made an unexpected appearance on New Japan programming to challenge Ryohei Oiwa, Jim Ross received encouraging news following another brain procedure and Sheamus continues attracting interest from AEW without having signed a contract. Thursday also brings TNA’s final Impact before Bound For Glory, with two championships on the line and major implications for Sunday’s pay-per-view.

It’s the Chairshot Wrestling News Report for October 7, 2026!

Cody Rhodes Signs New WWE Contract, Plans to Retire With Company

Cody Rhodes has confirmed that he recently signed a new WWE contract and intends to finish his professional wrestling career with the company.

Rhodes revealed the news during an appearance on the Flagrant podcast with Andrew Schulz, explaining that his latest agreement provides enough flexibility to pursue projects outside wrestling while maintaining his relationship with WWE. The former Undisputed WWE Champion did not disclose the length of the contract or its financial terms.
The announcement is particularly significant given Rhodes’ history with the company. He departed WWE in 2016, helped establish AEW in 2019 and returned at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, eventually completing his championship pursuit against Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL.

Rhodes previously signed another WWE agreement in 2024, making this his second contract renewal since returning to the company. His latest comments suggest he no longer sees another promotion as part of his remaining wrestling career, although he did not announce a retirement date.

The flexibility surrounding outside projects is also important. Rhodes appears in the upcoming Street Fighter movie alongside Roman Reigns, and WWE’s willingness to accommodate those opportunities allows him to pursue acting without necessarily bringing his wrestling career to an immediate conclusion.

Rhodes is not currently scheduled to compete at Money in the Bank after Randy Orton interfered in his qualifying match on SmackDown. His absence from Saturday’s card does not change the larger significance of Wednesday’s announcement, which provides WWE with another indication that one of its biggest stars intends to remain with the company for the remainder of his career.

Jim Ross Recovering After Second Brain Surgery

Jim Ross received encouraging news Wednesday after undergoing another brain procedure to address complications involving a shunt implanted during surgery in August.

Conrad Thompson, Ross’ longtime Grilling JR podcast co-host, shared an update from Ross’ daughter confirming that the procedure went well and that the legendary broadcaster was recovering. Thompson also indicated that Ross might be able to return home later Wednesday, although his discharge had not been confirmed at the time of the update.

Ross underwent his initial procedure to address excess fluid affecting his brain, with doctors installing a shunt to help manage the condition. While the operation initially improved some of his symptoms, he subsequently experienced severe headaches and additional complications that required further medical attention.

The 74-year-old commentator has dealt with several health challenges throughout 2026, significantly limiting his appearances on AEW programming. He had previously expressed interest in returning for major events, including All Out, but his recovery prevented those appearances.

Wednesday’s update represents an important positive development after another difficult stretch. There is no confirmed timetable for Ross to return to commentary, and his recovery remains the immediate priority.

Ross has remained one of wrestling’s most recognizable voices across multiple generations, from his legendary WWE run through his more recent work with AEW. The encouraging update from his family gives the wrestling community a welcome reason for optimism while he continues recovering.

Sheamus Drawing Interest From AEW Veterans, No Deal Reached

Sheamus remains a free agent, but several established AEW wrestlers reportedly want the company to pursue the former WWE Champion.

According to Fightful Select, veteran members of the AEW roster have expressed interest in bringing Sheamus into the promotion. However, the report also makes clear that substantial negotiations have not taken place and that Sheamus has not signed a contract.

Sheamus became a free agent earlier this month following the expiration of his WWE agreement. His departure ended a relationship spanning nearly two decades, during which he became a multiple-time world champion, Royal Rumble winner and one of WWE’s most recognizable international stars.

His potential arrival would immediately create several attractive matchups for AEW, particularly against wrestlers who favor a physical, hard-hitting style. However, interest from existing talent should not be confused with a formal offer or an agreement between the parties.

TNA and other promotions have also reportedly expressed interest in Sheamus, leaving several possibilities available as he considers the next stage of his career.

At 48, Sheamus has already accomplished nearly everything available to him in WWE. Whether he wants another extended run with a major promotion, a limited schedule or something completely different remains unanswered, but Wednesday’s report confirms that his availability has attracted attention inside AEW.

MJF Appears in NJPW, Challenges Ryohei Oiwa

MJF made a surprise appearance on New Japan programming Wednesday, issuing a challenge to G1 Climax winner Ryohei Oiwa during the Road to King of Pro-Wrestling event at Korakuen Hall.

Following Oiwa and Zack Sabre Jr.’s victory over Yota Tsuji and Ares, a prerecorded video featuring MJF appeared on the arena screen. Friedman criticized New Japan and challenged Oiwa to a match, claiming that defeating one of the promotion’s rising stars would help prove his superiority.

MJF also offered to put his self-proclaimed Real AEW World Championship on the line, continuing his refusal to recognize the legitimacy of the championship currently held by Will Ospreay.

That distinction is important because MJF’s custom championship is part of his ongoing storyline rather than the recognized AEW World Championship. Ospreay remains the official champion after defeating Kazuchika Okada at Grand Slam France.

MJF and Oiwa have exchanged comments online since Oiwa’s G1 Climax victory earlier this year, particularly over their competing claims to being masters of the headlock takeover. Wednesday moved that rivalry beyond social media and onto New Japan programming.

Oiwa already has an important match scheduled for Monday’s King of Pro-Wrestling event, where he challenges Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. MJF’s appearance adds another potential complication to Oiwa’s immediate future without changing his confirmed championship opportunity.

No date or location has been announced for the proposed MJF-Oiwa match, and there is no confirmation that Friedman will appear at King of Pro-Wrestling. For now, the challenge represents another unexpected crossover between AEW and New Japan, with one of AEW’s most outspoken personalities targeting a wrestler who could become IWGP Heavyweight Champion next week.

Roman Reigns Adds More WWE Dates Through November

WWE has announced additional appearances for Roman Reigns through the end of November, confirming that the World Heavyweight Champion will be involved in several major events following Money in the Bank.

Reigns is currently advertised for eight appearances between October 10 and November 30, including three premium live events and five television dates.

His schedule begins Saturday in New Orleans, where he defends the World Heavyweight Championship against LA Knight. Reigns is then advertised for the October 19 Raw in San Diego before returning for the November 2 television tapings in Brooklyn.

The November schedule also includes Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia on November 7, Raw on November 9 in Greenville, television tapings on November 23 in Wichita, Survivor Series: WarGames on November 28 in Houston and Raw on November 30 in North Little Rock.

The expanded schedule is noteworthy because WWE has increasingly built major Roman Reigns programs around carefully selected appearances. His upcoming dates suggest he will maintain a substantial presence as the company moves through Crown Jewel and toward Survivor Series.

The ongoing conflict between The Bloodline and 946 creates an obvious possibility for WarGames, particularly after the faction’s recent attacks on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. However, WWE has not officially announced a WarGames match involving Reigns or either faction.

Saturday’s championship defense remains the immediate concern. LA Knight has spent weeks challenging Roman’s position at the top of WWE, and the result in New Orleans will determine whether Reigns continues toward November as World Heavyweight Champion or enters the next phase of his schedule without the title.

Conan Lycan Receives WWE ID Contract From AJ Styles

WWE added another wrestler to its independent development program Wednesday when Conan Lycan received a WWE ID contract during WWE Evolve.

AJ Styles delivered the news to Lycan during a backstage segment, informing the independent wrestler that he had officially been selected for the program.

Lycan began his professional wrestling career in 2018 and has competed for several independent promotions, including Limitless Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling. He has also made appearances for TNA and previously worked WWE developmental dark matches.

The signing continues WWE’s effort to identify independent talent without requiring every prospect to immediately enter the traditional NXT developmental system. WWE ID provides selected wrestlers with

an official connection to the company while allowing them to continue developing their skills.
Lycan’s announcement follows several recent additions to the program, including Monica Monroe, who earned a WWE ID contract after capturing the WWE ID Women’s Championship over the weekend.

Styles delivering the news also gives the moment additional significance. The former WWE Champion has moved into a coaching role following his retirement from active competition, and Wednesday allowed him to participate directly in the company’s talent-development process.

Lycan now joins a growing group of independent wrestlers attempting to turn their WWE ID opportunities into something more permanent. His selection provides another example of WWE using Evolve as a platform for introducing talent before they reach NXT television.

ESPN Expands Money in the Bank Coverage Ahead of Saturday

ESPN has announced expanded coverage surrounding WWE Money in the Bank, including a dedicated preview special, additional studio appearances and programming throughout the weekend.

The network debuted its WWE Money in the Bank Special on ESPN2 Wednesday afternoon, providing a 30-minute preview of Saturday’s championship matches, Ladder Matches and major storylines.
ESPN also confirmed that Money in the Bank will stream exclusively in the United States through the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited plan. The event begins Saturday at 6 PM ET from Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, with international streaming available through Netflix.

The network’s coverage includes appearances by WWE personalities across SportsCenter, Get Up, First Take, The Rich Eisen Show and other ESPN programming. Michael Cole, Joe Tessitore, Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, Lola Vice and Seth Rollins are among the names scheduled to participate in promotional coverage.

ESPN will also provide a two-hour Countdown to Money in the Bank beginning at 4 PM ET, followed by a post-event show immediately after the premium live event concludes.

The expanded presentation reflects WWE’s continuing integration into ESPN’s broader sports programming following the launch of their premium live event partnership.

Money in the Bank provides a natural opportunity for that approach because the Ladder Matches have consequences extending beyond Saturday. The winners receive championship contracts that can influence WWE programming for months, giving ESPN additional storylines to follow after the event ends.

With Roman Reigns defending against LA Knight, Stephanie Vaquer facing Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan, and Oba Femi meeting Bronson Reed, Saturday’s event also features several significant matches outside the two Ladder Matches.

WWE Money in the Bank Card — October 10, 2026

WWE heads to New Orleans Saturday with both Money in the Bank Ladder Match fields finalized and several championship programs reaching important turning points.

• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match – CM Punk vs. Kevin Owens vs. Bron Breakker vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Trick Williams vs. Penta
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match – Sol Ruca vs. Lola Vice vs. Jacy Jayne vs. Roxanne Perez vs. Lash Legend vs. Tiffany Stratton
• World Heavyweight Championship – Roman Reigns (c) vs. LA Knight
• Women’s World Championship – Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
• Oba Femi vs. Bronson Reed

The men’s Ladder Match features an interesting contrast between established main-event wrestlers and performers attempting to secure their first major championship breakthrough. Punk and Owens bring extensive experience, while Breakker, Evans, Trick and Penta each offer a different combination of athleticism, power and unpredictability.

The women’s field is similarly diverse, with established main-roster performers competing against several wrestlers whose recent opportunities have accelerated their movement through WWE’s roster.
Money in the Bank has traditionally been most effective when the winner feels capable of changing the championship picture without warning. Saturday’s matches provide WWE with several legitimate options in both divisions, particularly as the company begins building toward Crown Jewel and Survivor Series.

The final major television stop before Money in the Bank comes Friday on SmackDown, where WWE will have one last opportunity to advance the remaining programs before Saturday’s event.

TNA Impact Preview — October 8, 2026

TNA presents its final Impact before Bound For Glory tonight, with two championship matches and several important developments expected ahead of Sunday’s pay-per-view in Tampa.

The show originates from the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio and features The Hardys invoking their contractual rematch against TNA World Tag Team Champions Nic and Ryan Nemeth.

• TNA World Tag Team Championship – The Nemeths (c) vs. The Hardys
• TNA Knockouts Television Championship – M by Elegance (c) vs. Elayna Black
• KC Navarro vs. Fabian Aichner
• Call Your Shot Advantage Match – Frankie Kazarian, Trey Miguel, Bear Bronson & Elijah vs. AJ Francis, Brian Myers, The Home Town Man & Joe Alonzo
• TNA Knockouts World Tag Team Champions Allie & Kiera Hogan in action
• Xia Brookside and Indi Hartwell deliver their final words before Bound For Glory

The tag-team championship rematch is particularly important because The Hardys already have a No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match scheduled against syX at Bound For Glory. A championship victory Thursday could significantly change the circumstances surrounding Sunday’s match.

Matt and Jeff lost the TNA World Tag Team Championship to Nic and Ryan Nemeth at Lockdown, and Thursday represents their opportunity to regain the titles before the company’s biggest event of the year.

M by Elegance also faces a difficult defense against Elayna Black, particularly because the remaining members of The Elegance Brand are barred from ringside. The restriction removes one of the champion’s usual advantages and creates a more straightforward championship opportunity for Black.

The eight-man tag carries implications beyond Thursday because the result will influence entry positions in Sunday’s Call Your Shot Gauntlet. With a future championship opportunity available to the Gauntlet winner, the difference between entering first and entering twentieth could be substantial.

KC Navarro and Fabian Aichner also meet before participating in Sunday’s six-way match for the vacant TNA X-Division Championship. Their singles encounter provides an opportunity to establish momentum before the championship is decided.

Meanwhile, Knockouts World Champion Xia Brookside and challenger Indi Hartwell will have their final confrontation before Sunday’s title match.

TNA has positioned Thursday as more than a routine go-home show. Two championships can change hands, several Bound For Glory competitors have opportunities to improve their positions and the company’s major championship programs receive their final television attention before Tampa.
TNA Bound For Glory Receives Expanded Start Time

TNA has also confirmed a change to Sunday’s Bound For Glory schedule, moving the start of the pay-per-view to 4:30 PM ET.

The earlier start provides additional time for the company’s biggest annual event, which takes place October 11 at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

The TNA Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled to begin at 4 PM ET, with ODB, Amazing Red and Konnan joining the company’s Hall of Fame.

Sunday’s lineup includes Nic Nemeth defending the TNA World Championship against Leon Slater, Xia Brookside defending the Knockouts World Championship against Indi Hartwell and the Call Your Shot Gauntlet.

The vacant X-Division Championship will also be decided in a six-way match, while The Hardys are scheduled to face syX in a No Disqualification Falls Count Anywhere Match.

The expanded schedule gives TNA additional room for its championship matches and major storylines without forcing the company to compress its biggest annual event into a traditional pay-per-view window.

Thursday’s Impact will determine whether any additional championship changes or developments alter that lineup before the company arrives in Tampa.

Wednesday’s developments provided several important stories away from the ring, led by Cody Rhodes confirming his long-term commitment to WWE and Jim Ross receiving encouraging news following another medical procedure.

MJF’s unexpected New Japan appearance also created another potential international rivalry, while Sheamus remains one of wrestling’s most intriguing available free agents.

The immediate focus now shifts toward three major events across the next ten days. WWE presents Money in the Bank Saturday, TNA follows with Bound For Glory Sunday and AEW continues preparing for WrestleDream on October 17.

This report includes information from: Fightful, POST Wrestling, F4WOnline, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, WWE, ESPN, TNA Wrestling and TPWW.