Tony Khan Confirms Tay Melo Will Be Granted Her AEW Release

AEW President Tony Khan has officially confirmed that Tay Melo will be granted her release from the company following a recent request to step away from professional wrestling.

Speaking during the AEW Redemption media call, Khan addressed the growing speculation surrounding Melo’s status and pushed back on reports that claimed she had been seeking her release for more than a year.

According to Khan, while there was some truth to the rumors that Melo wanted out of AEW, the timeline that had been circulating online was inaccurate.

Release Request Came After June Collision Match

Khan revealed that the conversation took place shortly after the June 6 edition of AEW Collision.

That night, Melo teamed with Anna Jay in a losing effort against Divine Dominion’s Lena Kross and Megan Bayne. Following the match, Melo approached Khan to discuss her future with the company.

Rather than expressing interest in joining another wrestling promotion, Khan said Melo informed him that she wanted to step away from wrestling altogether.

According to Khan, Melo told him that she still had positive feelings toward AEW and the people within the organization, but felt it was time to move on from both the company and the wrestling business.

Khan Denies Long-Term Tension

The AEW President made it clear that Melo’s request was not the result of an ongoing dispute or prolonged backstage issue.

Khan stated that he was surprised when Melo approached him about leaving and emphasized that the conversation was respectful and cordial. He also noted that he had recently spoken with Melo about the rumors and that she was frustrated by reports suggesting she had been attempting to secure her release since 2025.

According to Khan, there has never been any hostility between the two sides, and he described their working relationship as consistently positive throughout her time with the company.

AEW Has Not Used Melo Since The Request

Khan also addressed claims that AEW had been preventing Melo from leaving.

He explained that since their conversation following Collision, Melo has not been brought back to television or booked for any events. Khan said he had no intention of forcing her to remain with the company and confirmed that her release would be granted.

The announcement brings clarity to months of speculation regarding Melo’s future and officially opens the door for her departure from AEW.

What’s Next For Tay Melo?

While Melo is set to leave AEW, her long-term plans remain uncertain.

Based on Khan’s comments, the former AEW star is not currently seeking opportunities with another wrestling promotion and instead appears focused on stepping away from the industry entirely.

Of course, wrestling retirements and hiatuses often prove temporary, and it remains to be seen whether Melo eventually returns to the ring down the road.

For now, however, her priority appears to be moving on from professional wrestling, ending a run in AEW that included memorable partnerships, championship pursuits, and a key role in the promotion’s women’s division.

Khan’s comments provide the clearest picture yet of Melo’s situation, confirming that her departure was a recent decision rather than a long-running conflict and that AEW intends to honor her request to leave the company.

AEW Collision Preview 7/25/2026

AEW Collision tonight at 8/7c on TNT and HBO Max taped from The Pinnacle in Nashville, Tennessee.

  • AEW Trios Championship Match: The Conglomeration (c) vs. Dalton Castle & The Outrunners
  • AEW Redemption #1 Contenders Match Qualifying Bout: El Clon vs. Lio Rush
  • AEW Redemption #1 Contenders Match Qualifying Bout: Nick Wayne vs. AR Fox
  • Hikaru Shida & Thekla vs. Willow Nightingale & Maya World
  • The Young Bucks vs. Wheeler Yuta & Daniel Garcia
  • Zachary Wentz vs. Tommaso Ciampa
  • The Lethal Twist vs. SkyFlight
  • Persephone vs. TBA

AEW Redemption 7/26/2026 (Card)

AEW Redemption – Sunday, July 26, 2026 – Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.

Main Card:

  • AEW World Championship Match: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Kevin Knight
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Thekla (c) vs. Willow Nightingale
  • AEW World Tag Team Championship Match: Christian Cage & Adam Copeland (c) vs. PAC & Claudio Castagnoli
  • AEW International Championship Match: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Bandido
  • AEW National Championship Match: Mark Davis (c) vs. Andrade El Idolo
  • AEW TBS Championship Match: Hikaru Shida (c) vs. Maya World
  • Double Chain Match: Jay White & Juice Robinson vs. The Dogs
  • AEW International Championship #1 Contenders Ladder Match: Jack Perry vs. The Beast Mortos vs. Komander vs. Mike Bailey vs. Two More TBD
  • No Disqualification Match: “The Painmaker” Chris Jericho vs. Tommaso Ciampa
  • Will Ospreay & Jon Moxley vs. The Young Bucks

The Buy In:

  • Celebration Of the Rougeau Wrestling Dynasty

Report: Multiple Former WWE Stars Could Be AEW-Bound Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses – (At Least Seven Free Agents)

With the 90-day non-compete period for many recently released WWE talents now officially over, speculation is growing that several notable free agents could soon be headed to All Elite Wrestling.

According to a report from F4WOnline, at least seven wrestlers are currently believed to be waiting on deals with AEW. The report cites sources who indicated that multiple talents are in line for potential signings, though no specific names have been confirmed at this time.

One source reportedly told the outlet they were aware of seven individuals awaiting contracts, while another suggested the actual number could be even higher.

AEW Keeping Future Signings Under Wraps

Despite the growing rumors, AEW has not publicly revealed any upcoming additions to its roster.

The company is set to present its AEW Redemption pay-per-view from Montreal’s Bell Centre this weekend, but as of now, there have been no reports identifying which free agents could potentially debut at the event.

Fightful Select also followed up on the story, reporting that AEW sources acknowledged there are “several” wrestlers expected to either sign with or debut for the promotion in the future. However, those contacted did not provide any names.

The lack of specifics has only fueled further speculation among fans regarding which recently available stars could be joining the company.

Large Pool Of Talent Available

The current free-agent market is one of the deepest in recent memory following WWE’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts.

Among the most recognizable names released earlier this year were Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, and the members of the Wyatt Sicks faction.

Several of those names have already generated significant interest throughout the wrestling industry. The Motor City Machine Guns, for example, recently teased receiving an offer from an unnamed promotion in a video posted to their YouTube channel, leading many fans to speculate that AEW could be their eventual destination.

Meanwhile, Aleister Black has frequently been linked to a potential return to AEW due to his previous history with the promotion.

Former New Day Members Also Available

The available talent pool expanded even further after reports surfaced that Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods would also be leaving WWE.

According to previous reports, the longtime New Day members opted not to continue under a restructured contract that would have included a pay reduction. Their non-compete clauses are expected to expire in time for AEW’s upcoming All In: London event.

Given their status as one of the most decorated tag teams in WWE history, Kingston and Woods would immediately become among the most high-profile free agents on the market.

All Eyes On All In

With All In: London approaching, many fans believe AEW could use the event as a platform to introduce new talent.

The promotion has a history of making major announcements and surprise debuts during its biggest shows, making the timing of these reports particularly noteworthy.

For now, the identities of the wrestlers reportedly waiting on AEW deals remain a mystery. However, with numerous former WWE stars now free to negotiate and compete wherever they choose, the coming weeks could bring several significant roster additions to the company.

As AEW heads toward one of its largest events of the year, the wrestling world will be watching closely to see whether any of the recently available free agents make the jump and become the promotion’s next headline-making acquisitions.

Nikki Bella Returns On WWE SmackDown, SummerSlam Six-Woman Tag Match Made

Nikki Bella is back in WWE.

The WWE Hall of Famer made a surprise return during Friday night’s SmackDown, coming to the rescue of Brie Bella and Paige after a post-match assault from Fatal Influence. The appearance marked Nikki’s first major WWE television appearance in months and immediately set the stage for a blockbuster match at SummerSlam.

Nikki Bella Saves Brie And Paige

The chaos unfolded after Brie Bella scored a victory over Lainey Reid, one-half of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.

Following the match, Reid’s Fatal Influence allies Jacy Jayne and Fallon Henley stormed the ring and launched an attack on Brie and Paige. With the numbers advantage in their favor, the champions appeared poised to leave their challengers laid out.

That changed when Nikki Bella’s music hit.

The WWE Hall of Famer rushed to the ring and quickly turned the tide, helping clear out Fatal Influence and giving Brie and Paige the chance to recover. Nikki capped off the return by planting Jayne with the Rack Attack 2.0 before standing over her fallen opponent.

As the crowd erupted, Nikki made her intentions clear, shouting that she was back before confronting Jayne face-to-face.

SummerSlam Match Confirmed

After Fatal Influence regrouped on the outside, Nikki grabbed a microphone and addressed the trio directly.

Bella accused the group of believing they could arrive from NXT, capture championship gold, and avoid consequences. She reminded them that veterans like herself, Brie, and Paige helped pave the way for the current generation of WWE women’s wrestlers.

She then issued a challenge that immediately became official.

Nikki announced that she, Brie Bella, and Paige will team up to face Fatal Influence in a six-woman tag team match at SummerSlam 2026.

The announcement adds another high-profile attraction to WWE’s biggest event of the summer and marks a rare in-ring reunion for the Bella Twins.

Legends Versus The New Generation

The matchup presents an intriguing clash between WWE legends and one of the company’s fastest-rising groups.

Fatal Influence has made a major impact since arriving on the main roster, capturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships and establishing themselves as one of the division’s most dominant factions. Their success has often come at the expense of veteran stars, including Paige and Brie.

Now, with Nikki Bella entering the picture, the rivalry has escalated significantly.

For Nikki, the match will provide an opportunity to prove she can still compete at a high level while standing alongside two of the most influential figures in WWE women’s wrestling history.

For Fatal Influence, defeating three Hall of Fame-caliber names on one of WWE’s biggest stages would further cement their status as a force in the division.

SummerSlam Continues To Take Shape

With the six-woman tag match now official, SummerSlam continues to add major attractions ahead of the two-night event.

The return of Nikki Bella brings additional star power to the card and creates one of the most anticipated women’s matches of the weekend. Whether the veterans can roll back the clock or Fatal Influence can continue their rise remains to be seen, but Friday’s surprise return ensured that the rivalry just became one of the hottest stories heading into SummerSlam.

Nikki Bella’s comeback appearance received one of the loudest reactions of the night, and her reunion with Brie and Paige gives SummerSlam a marquee showdown between WWE legends and one of the company’s most controversial rising factions.

WWE SmackDown Preview 7/24/2026

WWE SmackDown live tonight at 8/7c on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix for international fans from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California.

  • Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax
  • Interim WWE Women’s Championship Ladder Match Qualifier: Chelsea Green vs. Kiana James
  • Cody Rhodes to speak
  • Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk to speak
  • Gunther to speak

Victoria Crawford (FKA Alicia Fox) Reportedly Parts Ways With TNA Wrestling

Another name has reportedly been added to the growing list of departures from TNA Wrestling.

According to information obtained by the Wrestling Observer, Victoria Crawford, known to many WWE fans as former Divas Champion Alicia Fox, has been released by TNA effective immediately.

In a statement attributed to the company, TNA confirmed the separation and wished Crawford success moving forward.

The report did not specify whether Crawford requested her release or whether the decision was made solely by the promotion.

Short-Lived Run In TNA

Crawford joined TNA in the spring of 2025 and quickly aligned herself with Tessa Blanchard and Mila Moore. The trio eventually formed a group known as the Diamond Collective and became a fixture within the Knockouts division.

One of the group’s biggest opportunities came at Final Resolution in December when Crawford and Moore challenged The IInspiration for the Knockouts World Tag Team Championships. Despite coming up short in their title bid, the Diamond Collective remained active on TNA Impact, picking up several victories in six-woman tag team competition.

Their final appearance as a unit took place on the April 30 episode of Impact, where they faced Rosemary, Mara Sade, and the returning Allie.

Changes Within The Group

The Diamond Collective has seen significant changes in recent months.

Tessa Blanchard exited TNA in June after deciding to focus her efforts on CMLL, effectively ending her involvement with the faction. Crawford’s departure now leaves Mila Moore as the lone remaining member of the group.

Moore has already moved in a different direction on television, joining Mustafa Ali’s Order 4 faction and taking on the role of Secretary of Strategic Affairs within the group.

Crawford’s final match for TNA reportedly took place on May 14, when she teamed with Moore against Rosemary and Allie.

What’s Next For Crawford?

At this point, Crawford has not publicly announced her next move in professional wrestling.

However, her social media activity suggests she intends to remain active within the industry. The former WWE Divas Champion has recently promoted her availability for wrestling matches, seminars, convention appearances, podcast interviews, and other wrestling-related bookings.

With nearly two decades of experience on the national stage and a recognizable name built through her WWE career, Crawford is likely to attract interest from independent promotions and international organizations alike.

As TNA continues to reshape its roster in 2026, Crawford becomes the latest veteran talent to move on from the company, leaving fans wondering where she will surface next.

Crawford’s departure marks another notable change for TNA’s women’s division, and her next move will be worth watching as the veteran performer explores new opportunities across the wrestling landscape.

TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! Preview 7/23/2026

TNA Thursday Night iMPACT! tonight at 9/8c on AMC.

  • TNA World Championship Match: Nic Nemeth (c) vs. K.C. Navarro
  • The Righteous Deletion TNA World Tag Team Championship Match: The Hardys c) (vs. The Righteous
  • TNA Knockouts TV Title Tournament Match:Elayna Black vs. Wendy Choo
  • TNA Knockouts TV Title Tournament Match:Jada Stone vs. Alisha Edwards
  • Moose & Elijah vs. A.J. Francis & Frankie Kazarian
  • We’ll hear from The System

Several Former WWE Stars Officially Become Free Agents Following Expiration Of Non-Compete Clauses

A significant group of former WWE talent officially entered free agency today as the 90-day non-compete clauses tied to April’s post-WrestleMania roster cuts came to an end.

More than 20 wrestlers were released by WWE following WrestleMania 42, and many of the biggest names from that group are now free to sign with or compete for any promotion they choose.

Among the newly available talents are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, and Dexter Lumis.

While some released stars have already returned to the independent wrestling scene, others have remained quiet about their future plans, leaving fans speculating about where they could surface next.

Nikki Storm And Joe Gacy Already Planning Their Next Moves

Several former members of the Wyatt Sicks faction have already begun laying the groundwork for life after WWE.

Nikki Cross, who has resumed using the name Nikki Storm, is scheduled to appear for both PROGRESS Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro in the coming weeks. Storm has also expanded her role within the industry outside the ring, as she and her husband Big Damo recently became owners of both PROGRESS Wrestling and DEFY Wrestling.

Meanwhile, Joe Gacy has started teasing the next phase of his character. Last month, he released a video featuring imagery connected to the Wyatt Sicks persona he portrayed in WWE, suggesting a darker evolution of his character may be on the horizon.

The futures of Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis remain less clear, with none of the three having publicly announced their next destinations.

Kairi Sane Begins New Chapter

Of all the WWE departures, Kairi Sane’s release generated some of the strongest reactions from fans.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was actively involved in a storyline alongside IYO SKY and Asuka before her exit, leading many to question the timing of her departure. Reports later indicated that Sane had requested her release and was interested in returning to Japan.

On the first day of her free agency, Sane marked the occasion by sharing a photo of herself alongside a motorcycle on social media, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in her career.

Motor City Machine Guns Continue To Fuel Speculation

Former WWE Tag Team Champions Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have also kept fans guessing about their future.

The Motor City Machine Guns recently released a video on their YouTube channel featuring a comedic skit that ended with the duo discovering a mystery contract from an unnamed wrestling promotion. While the company was never revealed, many fans immediately speculated that All Elite Wrestling could be the destination being teased.

Both wrestlers have extensive histories with multiple promotions, making them one of the most intriguing tag teams currently available on the market.

Questions Surround Aleister Black And Zelina Vega

Aleister Black remains one of the most notable free agents available.

Despite widespread assumptions that he could eventually return to AEW, no official plans have been announced. Reports have suggested there may be reservations within AEW regarding a potential reunion, though nothing has been confirmed publicly.

His wife, Zelina Vega, may already be preparing for her next wrestling chapter. Recently, she filed a trademark application for the name “Xelina” for wrestling-related entertainment services, leading to speculation that an in-ring return could be in the works.

Zoey Serrano Set For Return

Formerly known as Zoey Stark, Zoey Serrano has already lined up her first major post-WWE appearance.

She is scheduled to compete in the RevPro Women’s Grand Prix 2026, where she will face Zeuxis in the tournament’s opening round.

The appearance marks a significant milestone following the severe knee injury she suffered in May 2025 during a match involving Kairi Sane and Rhea Ripley. The injury sidelined her for an extended period and raised concerns about the future of her career.

Santos Escobar Takes Aim At WWE Leadership

Santos Escobar also acknowledged his newly acquired free-agent status this week.

In a social media post, the former WWE star reflected on his six-year run with the company while also directing criticism toward WWE President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

While Escobar did not reveal where he intends to wrestle next, his comments quickly generated discussion among fans as the next stage of his career begins.

Wrestling Free Agency Heats Up

With so many recognizable names now officially available, the wrestling free-agent market has become one of the industry’s biggest stories.

Some talents appear poised for immediate returns to the ring, while others are expected to take their time evaluating offers from promotions around the world. Whether the next destination is AEW, NJPW, TNA, independent wrestling, or somewhere entirely unexpected, the coming weeks could bring a wave of major signings and surprise debuts across the wrestling landscape.

AJ Styles’ Son Avery Styles Set To Make GCW Debut

Avery Styles, Son Of WWE’s AJ Styles, Set For GCW Debut

The next generation of the Styles family is beginning to make waves on the independent wrestling scene.

Avery Styles, the son of WWE legend AJ Styles, is continuing to build momentum early in his wrestling career and is now set to make his debut for Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) later this month.

The young prospect recently stepped into the ring for his first official match at a Squared Circle Action event, with his father accompanying him to ringside. The bout generated significant buzz among fans, eventually being elevated to the night’s main event after interest in the match continued to grow.

Avery made the most of the opportunity, picking up the victory after delivering his father’s iconic Styles Clash. Following the match, AJ Styles publicly praised both his son and opponent Ashton Martin, saying he was highly impressed by their performances.

GCW Debut Scheduled For July 31

Now, Avery is preparing for another major milestone.

GCW has announced that Styles will make his debut for the promotion on July 31 in Omaha, Nebraska. As of now, his opponent for the event has not been revealed.

However, his second appearance for the company is already set. On August 1, Styles will face Marcus Mathers at the legendary First Avenue venue in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mathers is a familiar name to GCW fans and has established himself as one of the promotion’s rising stars. He is also part of WWE’s ID program, making the matchup an intriguing test for the younger Styles as he continues gaining experience.

Interestingly, the August 1 event takes place on the same night as the opening night of WWE SummerSlam, which is also being held in Minneapolis.

Tag Team Match Set Before GCW Run

Before making his way to GCW, Avery will participate in another unique matchup on the independent circuit.

On July 26, he is scheduled to team with CJ Gallows, the son of Luke Gallows, at a Next Generation Wrestling event in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The duo will take on The Good Brothers, creating a matchup with strong ties to wrestling history. AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson famously worked together in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as members of Bullet Club before later reuniting in WWE as part of The OC.

The bout will provide Avery with another opportunity to gain experience while sharing the ring with veteran performers who have known his family for years.

A Promising Start

While Avery Styles is still in the early stages of his wrestling journey, his first few appearances have already attracted considerable attention. Carrying one of the most recognizable names in modern wrestling naturally brings expectations, but his early performances have generated positive reviews from fans and veterans alike.

With upcoming matches in GCW and elsewhere on the independent scene, Avery appears committed to carving out his own path while learning from one of the most accomplished performers of his generation.

The next few months could offer a clearer picture of how quickly the young Styles develops as he continues to gain valuable in-ring experience.