Tony Khan recently provided an update regarding Penelope Ford’s injury during AEW programming, explaining the impact on her return schedule. The injury took place at the February 25 taping of Dynamite when Ford’s team, MegaBad, challenged the Babes of Wrath for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Unfortunately, Ford suffered the setback after missing a top-rope moonsault, which forced her removal from the match and required AEW to adjust the storyline on the fly.
Following the incident, AEW announced a tag team match spotlighting Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa versus Megan Bayne and Lena Kross to continue the storyline. Khan used social media to share that Ford’s recovery timeline is uncertain, potentially sidelining her for several weeks or even months.
It looks like, unfortunately, will be out with an injury maybe for weeks, but possibly even up to months.
— Tony Khan, AEW President
AEW’s Current Challenges Amid Corporate Shifts and Injuries
As AEW prepares for its first pay-per-view event of the year, Revolution, Tony Khan is managing multiple issues including wrestler injuries and contract negotiations. These challenges come at a time when the company faces industry uncertainty, particularly with the Paramount acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) after Netflix exited the bidding process.
Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that Khan is optimistic about the Paramount deal, viewing it as a positive development for AEW’s future despite mixed speculation from inside the industry. Some insiders believe the acquisition could threaten AEW’s viability due to Paramount’s ties with UFC and Zuffa Boxing, which are under TKO’s umbrella, AEW’s main competitor. However, sources close to Khan indicate he sees the arrangement as beneficial.
The most important news story in wrestling, as far as the future and viability of AEW, is just a tiny piece of the puzzle in the proposed Paramount purchase of WBD. There is a ton of speculation as to what it means. Those close to Tony Khan say that he was thrilled when the news came out, feeling this was the best possible scenario for him. Others are claiming it’s the death knell because Paramount, either to cut back on costs, or due to pressure from TKO given they have contracts with UFC and Zuffa Boxing, will get rid of TKO’s only real significant wrestling competition.
— Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Journalist
Recent AEW Match Developments and Roster Updates
The injury to Penelope Ford caused AEW to adapt quickly to maintain momentum within its women’s tag team division. MegaBad’s addition of Lena Kross, who played a pivotal role in the disqualification outcome of the February 25 match, has shifted the landscape. Meanwhile, Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa will now square off against Megan Bayne and Kross, highlighting new rivalries and providing fresh opportunities for storytelling despite Ford’s absence.
Impact and Prospects for Penelope Ford and AEW’s Women’s Division
Ford’s setback comes after her return from injury in January 2026, representing another hurdle for both her career and AEW’s women’s tag team championship picture. The delay in her recovery means the company will rely on other talents like Storm, Shirakawa, Bayne, and Kross to carry the division forward in the coming months. Ford’s eventual return is important not only for AEW’s competitive depth but also for fan engagement as the promotion builds towards major events like Revolution.
Context on AEW’s Position in Professional Wrestling
With the Paramount acquisition reshaping the media landscape, AEW stands at a crossroads. Tony Khan’s efforts to stabilize the roster amid injuries and enhanced programming for pay-per-view events are crucial as the company navigates uncertainties surrounding distribution and competition with WWE’s evolving creative teams. The status of key performers like Penelope Ford will remain a focal point for AEW’s ability to sustain its momentum and differentiate itself in a crowded wrestling market.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 8, 2026
