AEW Dynamite Delivers Surprises Before Grand Slam Australia

Two title changes highlight a wild night of action in Ontario, California

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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AEW Dynamite delivered a pay-per-view caliber night of wrestling before Grand Slam Australia, featuring two championship matches with major surprises. Kris Statlander defended the AEW Women's World Championship against Thekla in a brutal Strap Match, with Thekla emerging victorious to become the new titleholder. Elsewhere, Kyle Fletcher defeated Tommaso Ciampa to capture the TNT Championship, setting up a ladder match against Mark Briscoe at Grand Slam Australia. The show also saw an intense promo segment between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland, turning their dream match into a personal blood feud.

Why it matters

The title changes and heated rivalry build-up on this episode of Dynamite have set the stage for an exciting Grand Slam Australia pay-per-view. The women's title switch elevates a new star in Thekla, while the TNT Championship match promises a definitive conclusion to the Fletcher-Briscoe saga. The Omega-Strickland feud also adds a personal edge to what was already a highly anticipated matchup, further heightening the stakes for the upcoming event.

The details

The night was headlined by a Strap Match for the AEW Women's World Championship, with Kris Statlander defending against Thekla. The match was a brutal, hard-hitting affair, with both women drawing blood. Ultimately, Thekla emerged victorious with the help of interference from Julia Hart and Skye Blue, becoming the new champion. Elsewhere, Kyle Fletcher defeated Tommaso Ciampa to capture the TNT Championship, setting up a ladder match against Mark Briscoe at Grand Slam Australia. The show also featured a heated promo segment between Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland, with Strickland questioning Omega's current abilities and the two engaging in a massive brawl that spilled out of the ring.

  • The AEW Dynamite episode took place on February 11, 2026 in Ontario, California.
  • Grand Slam Australia is scheduled for February 14, 2026.

The players

Kris Statlander

The former AEW Women's World Champion, known for her impressive in-ring abilities and hard-hitting style.

Thekla

The new AEW Women's World Champion, an Austrian wrestler who has been elevated to the main event scene with the help of her allies Julia Hart and Skye Blue.

Kyle Fletcher

The new TNT Champion, a young wrestler from Australia who is set to defend his title against Mark Briscoe in a ladder match at Grand Slam Australia.

Kenny Omega

A former AEW World Champion and one of the company's top stars, who is now embroiled in a personal feud with Swerve Strickland.

Swerve Strickland

A rising star in AEW who has challenged Omega's status as one of the company's elite performers, leading to a heated confrontation on Dynamite.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.