All Elite Wrestling (AEW) hosted the 2026 Grand Slam Australia at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, February 14, 2026, featuring six high-profile matches including a main event where MJF defended his AEW World Championship against Brody King. The following day, AEW held a non-televised event called House Rules at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, which also captivated fans and generated viral moments on social media, notably involving several Australian wrestlers.
During House Rules, Australian wrestlers Toni Storm, Kyle Fletcher, Harley Cameron, Mark Davis, and Robbie Eagles surprised attendees with a synchronized performance of the Nutbush dance, a widely loved line dance originating from Australia. This unexpected moment brought considerable enthusiasm and engagement from the home crowd, underscoring the local connection within AEW’s roster and events.
Kyle Fletcher and Mark Davis’ Early WWE Interest Before AEW Commitment
Kyle Fletcher, recently crowned a two-time AEW TNT Champion and a standout Australian talent, disclosed insights into past WWE recruitment attempts. In a discussion with Chris Van Vliet, Fletcher revealed that both he and fellow Aussie Open member Mark Davis had entertained WWE’s interest prior to signing with AEW. However, they ultimately felt AEW was a better fit for their career ambitions at the time.
“It was a toss-up for a while. We had one kind of like official [call]. At the time it was myself and Mark Davis as Aussie Open, we had like a Zoom call with them. We kind of spoke about what the deal would entail, and that sort of thing. I think when it got to that point, it just didn’t feel like the right fit at the time. So we didn’t get super close. It was kind of like at the point where there was options there. But AEW was just the right fit for us at the time,” he said.
This glimpse into their decision-making highlights how Fletcher and Davis prioritized AEW’s environment for their development. Fans await the progression of Fletcher’s TNT Championship reign with anticipation.
Impact of AEW’s Australian Events and Talents on Wrestling’s Global Stage
The 2026 Grand Slam and House Rules events in Australia have reinforced AEW’s expanding international presence, showcasing the promotion’s commitment to its Australian talents like Toni Storm, Kyle Fletcher, and others. The viral Nutbush dance moment not only endeared the wrestlers to the local audience but also illustrated the cultural resonance AEW is building beyond the United States.
As AEW continues to grow under Tony Khan’s leadership, such events could further enhance the visibility of Australian wrestlers on the global wrestling scene and deepen fan engagement worldwide. The enthusiastic reception and social media buzz suggest that AEW’s investment in Australian shows and talent may become a significant part of its future expansion plans.
Toni Storm, Kyle Fletcher, Harley Cameron, Mark Davis, and Robbie Eagles did the Nutbush dance at the end of AEW House Rules pic.twitter.com/RE1U9dcgq6
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) February 15, 2026
