This Week in Wrestling: Week 32 of 2026

Brian Damage

This Week in Wrestling: Week 32 of 2026

This week in wrestling has been an interesting one to say the least. A fiery debate developed between wrestlers, promoters and fans over “paying dues” in professional wrestling. It all stems from an innocent social media post where Nattie Neidhart praised the son of AJ Styles, Avery Styles on paying his dues working matches on the independent scene. That led veteran wrestler/promoter Arik Cannon to respond with his own social media comment that Avery hasn’t properly paid his dues as he didn’t help in putting up or tearing down the ring before and after the show.

Cannon’s comment set off a viral reaction throughout the wrestling world with people both agreeing with and disagreeing with Cannon’s critique of Avery Styles. It all began when AJ Styles immediately jumped in to protect his son saying he was paid to wrestle and fulfilled his obligation. Comments then came pouring in bashing Avery for not doing the right thing and helping the ring crew do their job. 

TNA’s Moose and WWE’s Cody Rhodes defended the young 19 year old, with Cody making the point that Avery paid his dues being the child of a wrestler. Avery and his family held the home down while his father made a living traveling all over the world as a wrestler. Keep in mind, Avery has only had a couple of pro matches under his belt.Does that mean Arik Cannon didn’t make a point? Perhaps, but instead of blasting the kid on social media….maybe he should have took him to the side during that show and explain to him the protocol of an indie show.

Everything I have read about this young man has been positive up until this “incident.” Avery apparently wanted to first work the independent circuit before signing with a major company like WWE, AEW, TNA, New Japan etc. That should be commended in itself. The part about paying dues is certainly debatable. While working with the ring crew setting up the ring and chairs can help a young wrestler appreciate the grind…is it 100% necessary?

It is hard enough starting a career in wrestling, let alone being the son of a world famous superstar such as AJ. Should AJ have schooled his son on the unwritten rules of wrestling? Maybe, but let the kid have more than a couple of matches to gain confidence in himself before having him set up rings and such. He is still very wet behind the ears in the wrestling business. Also, what exactly does paying dues mean? Is it simply doing free labor like putting up a ring or is it also working a match and getting paid in hot dogs too?

Who defines what paying your dues is? I will say this, Avery is definitely seeing firsthand how sneaky and backhanded pro wrestling can be. 

Photo Gallery

God Bless Jim Ross who recently underwent brain surgery.

Congrats to Bianca Belair and Montez Ford on the birth of their son Romeo!

Thunder Rosa

Trish Stratus

TNA’s Harley Hudson

Celeste Bonin FKA Kaitlyn

NXT’s Kendal Grey

Priscilla Kelly

Dawn Marie

Maryse

Karissa Rivera

Torrie Wilson

Video Gallery

Legendary female wrestler Dump Matsumoto Ramen commercial from the 1980’s…