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AEW Double or Nothing 2026: full review and match grades Ahead of Sunday evening, if you had asked me to name AEW’s Mount Rushmore of shows, I would have said All Out 2021, Revolution 2020, All In 2023, and Dynasty 2024.Double or Nothing 2026 would kick one of those shows off and take a spot on the mountain. No, I will not pick which one, and no one can make me.In what was a banner show for All Elite Wrestling, fans were given five hours of banger match after banger match, and today, we’ll review each one.FTR (champs) vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage, I Quit Match (AEW World Tag Team Championships)I Quit matches tend to be formulaic and somewhat predictable, but all four men made this a fun car crash opener and gave the stipulation some new flare. Whether it was Christian saying “Go f—k yourself” or “I banged your mother” when asked if he would quit, or Cash Wheeler and Stokely Hathaway recreating the Edge-Mick Foley spot – which was such a chef’s kiss doing so in a match with the man formerly known as Edge and with Foley himself kicking off the evening in the pre-show – the match was exciting from start to finish. I can do without the wooden plank with nails in it named Spike – bit cartoonish for my liking – but to see Christian and Copeland holding tag gold together for the first time in 25 years was a great way to kickoff the show.Kazuchika Okada (champ) vs. Kinosuke Takeshita (AEW International Championship)This match has been building for the better part of a year. Both men in the Don Callis Family have made it blatantly clear that they don’t care for one another, which led to the International Championship match. Just based off who was facing off, you knew you were in for a classic strong-style fight, and both men brought their absolute best in bunches. A Rain Maker from Okada on the apron. A brain buster from Takeshita on the outside. A Rain Maker countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb by Takeshita. A kick out at one by Okada after a Power-Drive Knee. All culminating in Takeshita hitting Okada with a Raging Fire to finally get a big win on pay-per-view after a stretch of losses. The heel turn by Kyle Fletcher after the match puts us on a clear path for Takeshita vs. Fletcher at Redemption or at All In, and yes give me that match in multiple servings.Match rating: 4.75/5 starsAthena vs. Mina ShirakawaIn the first quarter-finals match of the Women’s Owen Hart Memorial Cup Tournament, the longest-reigning Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena clashed with Mina Shirakawa. The two put on a solid match, which was expected, but it also felt rushed. While it was far from a bad match, it also never got any legs under it to be considered a great one. Athena was also a very predictable winner.Jon Moxley (champ) vs. Kyle O’Reilly (AEW Continental Championship)Jon Moxley is comfortably one of the 20 most important wrestlers in history, and he continues to show that he is the ace of AEW with every pay-per-view outing. The story he and O’Reilly told was masterful. KOR’s kicks are one of his best weapons, so Moxley targeted his plant leg to riddle them nearly worthless. O’Reilly has been Moxley’s kryptonite, though, making him tap out on two separate occasions. It looked as if he was about to complete the hat trick, but Moxley refused to tap while in a seemingly never-ending ankle lock. The match ended by reversing roles, with Moxley making O’Reilly tap. The Continental Champion showed a sign of respect to O’Reilly after the match, shaking his hand in the middle of the ring.Match rating: 4.25/5 starsWill Ospreay vs. Samoa JoeWill Ospreay and Samoa Joe rule so hard. Joe will go down as one of the best wrestlers of all time for ball-knowers, and Ospreay’s story with the Death Riders is incredibly enticing. The two faced off in the opener of the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Memorial Tournament and put on a show. Ospreay kicking off the match with an Oscutter while Joe was still making his entrance began the sprint. The two paying homage to Joe’s match with A.J. Styles back in TNA, which was a lovely touch. Ospreay went for the arm bar, which he has been using as a finisher since becoming a sort-of-member of the Death Riders, but Joe kept his hands clutched to prevent it. Joe turned the match into a brawl with several punches, chops, and kicks. Ospreay targeted the left arm of Joe to weaken his strikes and eventually won with a Hidden Blade. Two one-of-one performers putting on a clinic.Match rating: 4.5/5 starsSwerve Strickland vs. BandidoIt’s not too often that a wrestling match gives us a something we’ve never seen, but the House Call from Swerve while he was standing upright on Bandido’s shoulders was such an innovative and creative spot. Bandido vertically pressing Swerve and throwing him out of the ring was also fantastic, as was a running senton to Swerve sitting in a chair on the outside of the ring and a reverse hurricanrana from the apron to the floor. Swerve won by reversing a 21-plex into a vertebreaker and advanced to the semi-finals of the Owen.Thekla (champ) vs. Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Jamie Hayter (AEW Women’s World Championship)Thekla has been a much-needed jolt to the women’s division in the absence of Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone. Her reign as champion alongside Skye Blue and Julia Hart has been consistently entertaining, and this four-way was no exception. Each woman got to have their big moments, including but not limited to Hayter nearly knocking Thelma’s head off with a Hayterade. Statlander and Shida finally came to blows after the former hit the latter with a kendo stick, which led to a Philly Street Fight being announced for Dynamite. Ultimately, Thekla took advantage of the chaos and won after hitting Statlander with a curb stomp.Team Jericho vs. Team Ricochet, Stadium StampedeThis really should have been called Anarchy in the Arena, as it didn’t take place on a field but that’s neither here nor there. This was exactly what you’d expect from a gimmick match like this, but the Reservoir Dogs introduction for Team Jericho was my favorite part of it all. Capped off with Kenny Omega looking like the utter badass he is smoking a cigar for his name-frame, before coughing and choking on the smoke. As usual, there were some fun spots. Jack Perry wrecking his bus into Mark Davis, both Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin showing they’ve lost zero steps to the chant of “We hurt people.” The Young Bucks doing Young Bucks things. Ricochet continuing to show that going to AEW was the best decision of his career. My only issue is that it went on a bit too long.Match rating: 3.75/5 starsDarby Allin (champ) vs. MJF (AEW World Championship)Darby Allin and MJF are the present and future of professional wrestling. Allin’s world title reign was a sprint of chaos and carnage, defending the title seven times in his four weeks as champion. His all-or-nothing approach, though, is what ultimately cost him. Right off the bat, he landed awkwardly on his head while missing MJF on a tope to the outside. MJF then targeted the back of Allin’s head and his back with a litany of moves. A springboard cutter, a power bomb with his knee landing in the middle of his spine, a package pildedriver on the steps. Allin still had a few tricks up his sleeve, with a coffin drop from the scaffolding through a table on MJF looking like a potential swing, but he once again hit his head. MJF ended the match with a tombstone piledriver from the top rope and pinned Allin with a headlock takeover to become a three-time world champion. Allin’s brief but chatosprtophic reign as world champion goes down as one of the best in company history, and Max continues to build a legacy that would rival many of the greatest to ever do it all by the age of 30.Match rating: 4.75/5 stars #AEW #Double #full #review #match #grades

AEW Double or Nothing 2026: full review and match grades

Ahead of Sunday evening, if you had asked me to name AEW’s Mount Rushmore of shows, I would have said All Out 2021, Revolution 2020, All In 2023, and Dynasty 2024.

Double or Nothing 2026 would kick one of those shows off and take a spot on the mountain. No, I will not pick which one, and no one can make me.

In what was a banner show for All Elite Wrestling, fans were given five hours of banger match after banger match, and today, we’ll review each one.

FTR (champs) vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage, I Quit Match (AEW World Tag Team Championships)

I Quit matches tend to be formulaic and somewhat predictable, but all four men made this a fun car crash opener and gave the stipulation some new flare. Whether it was Christian saying “Go f—k yourself” or “I banged your mother” when asked if he would quit, or Cash Wheeler and Stokely Hathaway recreating the Edge-Mick Foley spot – which was such a chef’s kiss doing so in a match with the man formerly known as Edge and with Foley himself kicking off the evening in the pre-show – the match was exciting from start to finish. I can do without the wooden plank with nails in it named Spike – bit cartoonish for my liking – but to see Christian and Copeland holding tag gold together for the first time in 25 years was a great way to kickoff the show.

Kazuchika Okada (champ) vs. Kinosuke Takeshita (AEW International Championship)

This match has been building for the better part of a year. Both men in the Don Callis Family have made it blatantly clear that they don’t care for one another, which led to the International Championship match. Just based off who was facing off, you knew you were in for a classic strong-style fight, and both men brought their absolute best in bunches. A Rain Maker from Okada on the apron. A brain buster from Takeshita on the outside. A Rain Maker countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb by Takeshita. A kick out at one by Okada after a Power-Drive Knee. All culminating in Takeshita hitting Okada with a Raging Fire to finally get a big win on pay-per-view after a stretch of losses. The heel turn by Kyle Fletcher after the match puts us on a clear path for Takeshita vs. Fletcher at Redemption or at All In, and yes give me that match in multiple servings.

Match rating: 4.75/5 stars

Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa

In the first quarter-finals match of the Women’s Owen Hart Memorial Cup Tournament, the longest-reigning Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena clashed with Mina Shirakawa. The two put on a solid match, which was expected, but it also felt rushed. While it was far from a bad match, it also never got any legs under it to be considered a great one. Athena was also a very predictable winner.

Jon Moxley (champ) vs. Kyle O’Reilly (AEW Continental Championship)

Jon Moxley is comfortably one of the 20 most important wrestlers in history, and he continues to show that he is the ace of AEW with every pay-per-view outing. The story he and O’Reilly told was masterful. KOR’s kicks are one of his best weapons, so Moxley targeted his plant leg to riddle them nearly worthless. O’Reilly has been Moxley’s kryptonite, though, making him tap out on two separate occasions. It looked as if he was about to complete the hat trick, but Moxley refused to tap while in a seemingly never-ending ankle lock. The match ended by reversing roles, with Moxley making O’Reilly tap. The Continental Champion showed a sign of respect to O’Reilly after the match, shaking his hand in the middle of the ring.

Match rating: 4.25/5 stars

Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe

Will Ospreay and Samoa Joe rule so hard. Joe will go down as one of the best wrestlers of all time for ball-knowers, and Ospreay’s story with the Death Riders is incredibly enticing. The two faced off in the opener of the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Memorial Tournament and put on a show. Ospreay kicking off the match with an Oscutter while Joe was still making his entrance began the sprint. The two paying homage to Joe’s match with A.J. Styles back in TNA, which was a lovely touch. Ospreay went for the arm bar, which he has been using as a finisher since becoming a sort-of-member of the Death Riders, but Joe kept his hands clutched to prevent it. Joe turned the match into a brawl with several punches, chops, and kicks. Ospreay targeted the left arm of Joe to weaken his strikes and eventually won with a Hidden Blade. Two one-of-one performers putting on a clinic.

Match rating: 4.5/5 stars

Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido

It’s not too often that a wrestling match gives us a something we’ve never seen, but the House Call from Swerve while he was standing upright on Bandido’s shoulders was such an innovative and creative spot. Bandido vertically pressing Swerve and throwing him out of the ring was also fantastic, as was a running senton to Swerve sitting in a chair on the outside of the ring and a reverse hurricanrana from the apron to the floor. Swerve won by reversing a 21-plex into a vertebreaker and advanced to the semi-finals of the Owen.

Thekla (champ) vs. Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Jamie Hayter (AEW Women’s World Championship)

Thekla has been a much-needed jolt to the women’s division in the absence of Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone. Her reign as champion alongside Skye Blue and Julia Hart has been consistently entertaining, and this four-way was no exception. Each woman got to have their big moments, including but not limited to Hayter nearly knocking Thelma’s head off with a Hayterade. Statlander and Shida finally came to blows after the former hit the latter with a kendo stick, which led to a Philly Street Fight being announced for Dynamite. Ultimately, Thekla took advantage of the chaos and won after hitting Statlander with a curb stomp.

Team Jericho vs. Team Ricochet, Stadium Stampede

This really should have been called Anarchy in the Arena, as it didn’t take place on a field but that’s neither here nor there. This was exactly what you’d expect from a gimmick match like this, but the Reservoir Dogs introduction for Team Jericho was my favorite part of it all. Capped off with Kenny Omega looking like the utter badass he is smoking a cigar for his name-frame, before coughing and choking on the smoke. As usual, there were some fun spots. Jack Perry wrecking his bus into Mark Davis, both Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin showing they’ve lost zero steps to the chant of “We hurt people.” The Young Bucks doing Young Bucks things. Ricochet continuing to show that going to AEW was the best decision of his career. My only issue is that it went on a bit too long.

Match rating: 3.75/5 stars

Darby Allin (champ) vs. MJF (AEW World Championship)

Darby Allin and MJF are the present and future of professional wrestling. Allin’s world title reign was a sprint of chaos and carnage, defending the title seven times in his four weeks as champion. His all-or-nothing approach, though, is what ultimately cost him. Right off the bat, he landed awkwardly on his head while missing MJF on a tope to the outside. MJF then targeted the back of Allin’s head and his back with a litany of moves. A springboard cutter, a power bomb with his knee landing in the middle of his spine, a package pildedriver on the steps. Allin still had a few tricks up his sleeve, with a coffin drop from the scaffolding through a table on MJF looking like a potential swing, but he once again hit his head. MJF ended the match with a tombstone piledriver from the top rope and pinned Allin with a headlock takeover to become a three-time world champion. Allin’s brief but chatosprtophic reign as world champion goes down as one of the best in company history, and Max continues to build a legacy that would rival many of the greatest to ever do it all by the age of 30.

Match rating: 4.75/5 stars

#AEW #Double #full #review #match #grades

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Ahead of Sunday evening, if you had asked me to name AEW’s Mount Rushmore of shows, I would have said All Out 2021, Revolution 2020, All In 2023, and Dynasty 2024.

Double or Nothing 2026 would kick one of those shows off and take a spot on the mountain. No, I will not pick which one, and no one can make me.

In what was a banner show for All Elite Wrestling, fans were given five hours of banger match after banger match, and today, we’ll review each one.

FTR (champs) vs. Adam Copeland & Christian Cage, I Quit Match (AEW World Tag Team Championships)

I Quit matches tend to be formulaic and somewhat predictable, but all four men made this a fun car crash opener and gave the stipulation some new flare. Whether it was Christian saying “Go f—k yourself” or “I banged your mother” when asked if he would quit, or Cash Wheeler and Stokely Hathaway recreating the Edge-Mick Foley spot – which was such a chef’s kiss doing so in a match with the man formerly known as Edge and with Foley himself kicking off the evening in the pre-show – the match was exciting from start to finish. I can do without the wooden plank with nails in it named Spike – bit cartoonish for my liking – but to see Christian and Copeland holding tag gold together for the first time in 25 years was a great way to kickoff the show.

Kazuchika Okada (champ) vs. Kinosuke Takeshita (AEW International Championship)

This match has been building for the better part of a year. Both men in the Don Callis Family have made it blatantly clear that they don’t care for one another, which led to the International Championship match. Just based off who was facing off, you knew you were in for a classic strong-style fight, and both men brought their absolute best in bunches. A Rain Maker from Okada on the apron. A brain buster from Takeshita on the outside. A Rain Maker countered into a Blue Thunder Bomb by Takeshita. A kick out at one by Okada after a Power-Drive Knee. All culminating in Takeshita hitting Okada with a Raging Fire to finally get a big win on pay-per-view after a stretch of losses. The heel turn by Kyle Fletcher after the match puts us on a clear path for Takeshita vs. Fletcher at Redemption or at All In, and yes give me that match in multiple servings.

Match rating: 4.75/5 stars

Athena vs. Mina Shirakawa

In the first quarter-finals match of the Women’s Owen Hart Memorial Cup Tournament, the longest-reigning Ring of Honor Women’s World Champion Athena clashed with Mina Shirakawa. The two put on a solid match, which was expected, but it also felt rushed. While it was far from a bad match, it also never got any legs under it to be considered a great one. Athena was also a very predictable winner.

Jon Moxley (champ) vs. Kyle O’Reilly (AEW Continental Championship)

Jon Moxley is comfortably one of the 20 most important wrestlers in history, and he continues to show that he is the ace of AEW with every pay-per-view outing. The story he and O’Reilly told was masterful. KOR’s kicks are one of his best weapons, so Moxley targeted his plant leg to riddle them nearly worthless. O’Reilly has been Moxley’s kryptonite, though, making him tap out on two separate occasions. It looked as if he was about to complete the hat trick, but Moxley refused to tap while in a seemingly never-ending ankle lock. The match ended by reversing roles, with Moxley making O’Reilly tap. The Continental Champion showed a sign of respect to O’Reilly after the match, shaking his hand in the middle of the ring.

Match rating: 4.25/5 stars

Will Ospreay vs. Samoa Joe

Will Ospreay and Samoa Joe rule so hard. Joe will go down as one of the best wrestlers of all time for ball-knowers, and Ospreay’s story with the Death Riders is incredibly enticing. The two faced off in the opener of the Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Memorial Tournament and put on a show. Ospreay kicking off the match with an Oscutter while Joe was still making his entrance began the sprint. The two paying homage to Joe’s match with A.J. Styles back in TNA, which was a lovely touch. Ospreay went for the arm bar, which he has been using as a finisher since becoming a sort-of-member of the Death Riders, but Joe kept his hands clutched to prevent it. Joe turned the match into a brawl with several punches, chops, and kicks. Ospreay targeted the left arm of Joe to weaken his strikes and eventually won with a Hidden Blade. Two one-of-one performers putting on a clinic.

Match rating: 4.5/5 stars

Swerve Strickland vs. Bandido

It’s not too often that a wrestling match gives us a something we’ve never seen, but the House Call from Swerve while he was standing upright on Bandido’s shoulders was such an innovative and creative spot. Bandido vertically pressing Swerve and throwing him out of the ring was also fantastic, as was a running senton to Swerve sitting in a chair on the outside of the ring and a reverse hurricanrana from the apron to the floor. Swerve won by reversing a 21-plex into a vertebreaker and advanced to the semi-finals of the Owen.

Thekla (champ) vs. Kris Statlander vs. Hikaru Shida vs. Jamie Hayter (AEW Women’s World Championship)

Thekla has been a much-needed jolt to the women’s division in the absence of Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone. Her reign as champion alongside Skye Blue and Julia Hart has been consistently entertaining, and this four-way was no exception. Each woman got to have their big moments, including but not limited to Hayter nearly knocking Thelma’s head off with a Hayterade. Statlander and Shida finally came to blows after the former hit the latter with a kendo stick, which led to a Philly Street Fight being announced for Dynamite. Ultimately, Thekla took advantage of the chaos and won after hitting Statlander with a curb stomp.

Team Jericho vs. Team Ricochet, Stadium Stampede

This really should have been called Anarchy in the Arena, as it didn’t take place on a field but that’s neither here nor there. This was exactly what you’d expect from a gimmick match like this, but the Reservoir Dogs introduction for Team Jericho was my favorite part of it all. Capped off with Kenny Omega looking like the utter badass he is smoking a cigar for his name-frame, before coughing and choking on the smoke. As usual, there were some fun spots. Jack Perry wrecking his bus into Mark Davis, both Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin showing they’ve lost zero steps to the chant of “We hurt people.” The Young Bucks doing Young Bucks things. Ricochet continuing to show that going to AEW was the best decision of his career. My only issue is that it went on a bit too long.

Match rating: 3.75/5 stars

Darby Allin (champ) vs. MJF (AEW World Championship)

Darby Allin and MJF are the present and future of professional wrestling. Allin’s world title reign was a sprint of chaos and carnage, defending the title seven times in his four weeks as champion. His all-or-nothing approach, though, is what ultimately cost him. Right off the bat, he landed awkwardly on his head while missing MJF on a tope to the outside. MJF then targeted the back of Allin’s head and his back with a litany of moves. A springboard cutter, a power bomb with his knee landing in the middle of his spine, a package pildedriver on the steps. Allin still had a few tricks up his sleeve, with a coffin drop from the scaffolding through a table on MJF looking like a potential swing, but he once again hit his head. MJF ended the match with a tombstone piledriver from the top rope and pinned Allin with a headlock takeover to become a three-time world champion. Allin’s brief but chatosprtophic reign as world champion goes down as one of the best in company history, and Max continues to build a legacy that would rival many of the greatest to ever do it all by the age of 30.

Match rating: 4.75/5 stars

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Deadspin | Dodgers, with a big trade win in hand, look to avoid sweep vs. Red Sox Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process. One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade. Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday. “I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA. In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings. Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list. And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives. “I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition. After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games. “He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.” Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game. The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics. Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain. After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal. “I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #SoxAug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images

Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process.

One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade.

Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox.

Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday.

“I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA.

In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings.

Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list.


And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives.

“I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition.

After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games.

“He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.”

Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game.

The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics.

Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain.

After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal.

“I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox">Deadspin | Dodgers, with a big trade win in hand, look to avoid sweep vs. Red Sox Aug 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andy Pages (44) slides into second base in the bottom of the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Navarro-Imagn Images Not only did the Los Angeles Dodgers land the prize of the trade deadline when they acquired Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers on Saturday, they managed to retain right-hander Emmet Sheehan in the process. One initial report had Sheehan as part of the return package to the Tigers, before it was learned he would be staying put. Neither the Tigers nor Dodgers have officially confirmed the trade. Still, Sheehan indeed will take the mound for the Dodgers on Sunday night in Los Angeles as they try to avoid a sweep by the Boston Red Sox. Sheehan (4-7, 4.95 ERA) has been on something of a revival of late by allowing two earned runs or fewer in four of his past five starts. He gave up one run over five innings in a no-decision against the New York Mets in an 8-3 loss last Sunday. “I think last week, I found something a little bit into that start where I was able to carry it and kind of get some momentum going into this one, so yeah, I feel good,” Sheehan told SportsNet LA. In his lone career start against the Red Sox, Sheehan earned the 5-2 win on July 25, 2015. He allowed two runs on three hits and two walks and struck out five over five innings. Los Angeles did some shuffling with its bullpen on Saturday when right-handers Kyle Hurt and Wyatt Mills were recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Left-hander Cole Irvin was designated for assignment while right-hander Will Klein (elbow) was placed on the injured list. And while preventing a sweep is a high priority, there is now slightly more anticipation for the days ahead when Skubal arrives. “I was hearing some rumors about that, but then it actually happened and I’m pretty surprised,” Dodgers ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto said through an interpreter of the Skubal acquisition. After the Red Sox won the series opener 9-4 on Friday, they set up the chance for the sweep with a 3-2 victory on Saturday. Ceddanne Rafaela hit two home runs in the victory after he also went deep Friday. The three home runs came in a span of four at-bats over the two games. “He’s otherworldly right now,” Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said. “He’s been good all year long and obviously the home runs are showing up on this road trip, and so many of them massive home runs. I think it’s safe to say he’s been a key contributor to most of these wins.” Boston will send left-hander Jake Bennett (6-4, 2.74) to the mound in a nationally televised standalone game. The rookie will be making his 12th career start and just saw a five-start win streak come to an end when he gave up three runs over 6 1/3 innings on Tuesday in a 4-3 loss against the Athletics. Boston was without first baseman Willson Contreras on Saturday after he was hit in the helmet by a 95.4-mph fastball from Klein on Friday. His day off was a precaution with his status for Sunday still uncertain. After his big night, Rafaela was asked about the Dodgers landing Skubal. “I think they have everybody, probably,” Rafaela said. “I think good for them, they got a good pitcher. But I think we’re not going to pay too much attention to that and are looking forward to keep winning ballgames like we’re doing over here.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dodgers #big #trade #win #hand #avoid #sweep #Red #Sox

The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.

Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.

Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.

The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?

Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix.

Potential Winner: Los Angeles Sparks

The Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.

Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.

Potential Loser: Golden State Valkyries

The Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.

Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.

That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.

Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum

The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.

Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury

The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.

But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension.

#Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers">Blockbuster Kelsey Plum trade: biggest winners and losers The Los Angeles Sparks are trading Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury for Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick, and a 2028 second-round pick, per ESPN. Plum, a five-time All-Star, is averaging 23.9 points and 6.4 assists per game this season — both career-highs — but she’s appeared in just 12 games due to a litany of lower-leg injuries.Plum was long-rumored to be in trade talks ahead of Sunday’s midseason trade deadline; the Sparks are 10-17 and losers of 6 straight games (all without Plum). If she was unlikely to re-sign this offseason, as was widely reported, Los Angeles had to trade her to recoup some value for their top asset.Now, they’ll lean back into the rebuild, acquiring a prospective lottery pick in next year’s draft and a promising young player in Akoa Makani.The Mercury are 11-19 and currently sit six games out of the playoff race. Plum immediately provides them with a massive offensive boost. But was it worth giving up draft capital for a potential one-year rental?Here are the biggest potential winners and losers from the blockbuster trade that sent Kelsey Plum to Phoenix. Potential Winner: Los Angeles SparksThe Sparks shouldn’t have made the Kelsey Plum deal two years ago. Instead, they should have leaned into the rebuild, drafted Dominique Malonga — who is already an All-Star — and built for the future. But they went all-in, it backfired, and it’s time to course-correct. While the return for Plum wasn’t massive, it’s still sizable, especially when she was likely to walk away for nothing this offseason. Now, they’ll have two top picks in 2027 — their own and Phoenix’s — and begin to truly rebuild, albeit a few years delayed.Akoa Makani, who was an undrafted rookie last year, is a sneaky big part of this deal, too. She is averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game this season, while continuing to establish herself as a strong perimeter defender.Potential Loser: Golden State ValkyriesThe Valkyries still seem to be a piece away from championship contention, though this roster has been pretty successful as-is. But Plum was long rumored to land in Golden State, and trading for her at the trade deadline seemed like a feasible pathway forward.Could the Valkyries have acquired Plum for a few picks and a young player? Golden State has the assets, but clearly didn’t prioritize going all-in.That move may pay off long-term, but it’s also possible that Golden State will regret not trading for one of the league’s top guards when they had the chance. They’re currently 19-10 — owners of the WNBA’s third-best record — but have lost two straight. If they suffer an early playoff exit this season, the decision to not go all-in for Plum will be revisited. At the same time, if Golden State learned Plum was unlikely to re-sign in the offseason, the decision to not go for her makes perfect sense.Potential Winner: Kelsey Plum The Los Angeles Sparks are going nowhere this season; that much is clear. So, it’s inherently a win for Plum to head elsewhere. Phoenix is not too far from home, and while they’re out of the playoff mix right now, they’re trending upwards, having split their last 14 games and winning three of their last four. There were better win-now destinations for Plum, but the worst-case scenario would have been not getting traded at the deadline at all.Potential Loser: The Phoenix Mercury The deal could be fruitful if Plum signs a long-term extension with the franchise. But if she walks in the offseason, it’s a disastrous move for the Mercury, who give up one of their most consistent young players as well as critical future draft capital. It’s especially risky because Phoenix is unlikely to make the playoffs this season, so in a worst-case scenario, Plum is a one-year rental on a team that won’t even make the postseason.But in a best-case scenario, a roster headlined by Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper — and fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance — adds one of the league’s best guards for the long term. The effectiveness of this move will be measured based on whether Plum signs an extension. #Blockbuster #Kelsey #Plum #trade #biggest #winners #losers

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.

The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.

Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.

Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.

READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow">Arshad Nadeem cops criticism for poor show in Glasgow Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronzeArshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effortA reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.Published on Aug 02, 2026 #Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow

CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow">Arshad Nadeem cops criticism for poor show in Glasgow

Pakistan’s Olympic gold medallist javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem has come in for criticism after his disappointing performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Nadeem finished ninth with a sub-80 effort, with Sri Lanka’s Rumesh Pathirage winning gold and India’s Neeraj Chopra and Yash Vir Singh finishing second and third, respectively.

The outcome was not unexpected, keeping in mind Arshad took part in only one preparatory event in Switzerland in 2026 for the CWG and that he spent all his time training in the hot weather in Lahore without working with any foreign coaches or trainers in person.

Arshad, who has previously trained under South African coach Terseus Liebengberg, trained with his local trainers and coach Salman Butt.

Meanwhile, Arshad’s archrival Neeraj had his final preparation and rehabilitation camp at his training camp in Biene in Switzerland, and the other Indians, Rohit Yadav and Yash Vir, trained in Spala, Poland, with foreign coaches and trainers.

READ: CWG 2026: All-Asian javelin podium as Pathirage pips Neeraj to win gold, Yash Vir clinches bronze

Arshad, defending champion at the Commonwealth Games after winning the gold in Birmingham 2022 with a best of 90.12 metres, was unable to even cross the 80-metre mark in the finals in Glasgow.

He failed to qualify for the final round of eight due to his poor performance, dashing Pakistan’s hopes of another medal in the Games.

For his fans it was a big letdown, especially having had won the Olympic gold medal with a record throw of 92.97.

Butt admitted that Arshad was nowhere near his best in the CWG and was underprepared.

While Arshad is also to be partially blamed for his fall, as he clearly didn’t look 100 per cent fit in the finals, he has also had to battle many issues off the track; the biggest one being the Pakistan Amateur Athletics Federation (PAAF) totally disowning him after a feud over the retention of Butt as coach last year.

ALSO READ: CWG 2026: Neeraj Chopra wins silver in javelin throw with season-best effort

A reliable source close to Arshad said that since late last year, the PAAF and even the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) have not made life easy for the javelin thrower.

The PAAF, the source said, totally distanced itself from Arshad’s preparations and left him on his own, and when he made a few requests pertaining to his training, they were not entertained.

Similarly, the PSB also didn’t release any funds for foreign coaches to help Arshad train even in Lahore.

“This is an athlete who is self-made and comes from a village and belonged to a low-income family. But he brought so much glory to Pakistan with his gold medals. And yet he couldn’t prepare properly for the CWG. It is a sad reflection on our sports structure,” former Olympic boxing bronze medallist Hussain Shah said.

Even Pakistan’s first female to win a medal in the Commonwealth Games, boxer Fatima Zehra, has rued that if she had got better training and exposure, she could have won the gold in her weight category.

Fatima still managed to bag a bronze in the boxing event, which is Pakistan’s only medal in the CWG thus far after sending a 36-member contingent.

Published on Aug 02, 2026

#Arshad #Nadeem #cops #criticism #poor #show #Glasgow

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