Morning Daily News Update: February 18, 2026 – Update On Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract Status

Good morning, everyone!

It’s Wednesday, middle of the working week, not long to go now! But for now, we’ve got the Morning Daily News Update!

We’ve also got a few new blog posts:

Rock Star Gary posted a review of NWA World Championship Wrestling from April 27, 1985
Niz has uploaded the review of the latest episode of WWE NXT

Chris Jericho’s AEW Contract Believed To Be Frozen

Chris Jericho’s AEW status is reportedly unclear, with a new Fightful report claiming the company may have frozen his contract after he took time off earlier last year. AEW has not confirmed his departure; his profile remains on the company website, and no internal memo has been issued. Jericho’s future has been the subject of speculation, especially with his deal believed to run through the end of 2025, reports of a WWE retirement offer, and his own recent comments suggesting he expects to be wrestling somewhere in 2026. His last AEW television appearance came in April, when he told Big Bill and Bryan Keith he was taking time away.

Rusev On How Much Longer He Will Continue Wrestling

Rusev says he plans to reassess his wrestling future when he turns 45, explaining in a recent interview that he will evaluate how his body feels before making any decisions about retirement. The 40-year-old added that he currently feels better than he has in years thanks to a lighter schedule, smarter training, improved diet, and a greater focus on stretching and recovery, saying, “I just take care of my body, and I know that the body’s going to take care of me.”

WWE WrestleMania 41 Is The Most Profitable Event In Pro Wrestling History

WrestleMania 41 has reportedly set a new all-time pro wrestling gate record, generating $66 million in combined ticket sales across two nights at Allegiant Stadium. The event sold 113,412 tickets for April 19 and 20, with a reported total attendance of 118,641, making it the most profitable wrestling show in history when adjusted for inflation. The previous inflation-adjusted record was held by WrestleMania 32, while WrestleMania 40 Night 2 had the highest gate in real-time dollars. Meanwhile, early reports suggest slower ticket sales for WrestleMania 42 at the same venue, with only CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns currently announced.

Marc Mero Reveals He Doesn’t Need Surgery After Health Scare

Marc Mero has revealed that he will not need surgery following a recent heart health scare. The former WWE star said doctors were concerned about an enlarged aorta during a routine echocardiogram, which could have required another open-heart procedure, but a follow-up CT scan showed his valve was still functioning well and no surgery was necessary. Mero described the situation as “quiet, heavy, real” while he awaited the results, before being told by his doctor, “We do not need to repair your aorta… You’re in excellent condition,” adding that he and his wife were grateful for the positive outcome.