Another top-tier talent is making his way to All Elite Wrestling as “Speedball” Mike Bailey has officially been announced as the company’s latest signing. A video package aired during AEW Collision on Saturday, hyping the former TNA X-Division Champion as “coming soon” to the promotion.
Bailey’s Journey to AEW
Bailey’s reputation as one of the most exciting high-flyers in pro wrestling has been well-earned. Beyond his TNA success, he has made a significant impact on the independent scene and in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). His performance in the 2023 Best of the Super Juniors tournament turned heads, as he advanced all the way to the semi-finals before being eliminated.
According to Fightful Select, Bailey actually wrapped up his time with TNA in October 2024, leading to interest from both WWE and AEW. Negotiations were handled through an agent, but since his contract didn’t officially expire until the end of the year, his move wasn’t finalized immediately.
Visa Issues Delayed His AEW Arrival
Despite his free-agent status, Bailey’s AEW debut has taken longer than expected due to visa-related complications. Reports indicate that his visa is still in the approval process, which explains why AEW has not provided an exact date for his in-ring debut. However, with his signing now official, it’s only a matter of time before he steps into an AEW ring for the first time.
What’s Next for “Speedball” in AEW?
With AEW’s stacked roster, it will be interesting to see where Bailey fits into the mix. Given his background, he could make an immediate impact in the AEW International Championship scene, or perhaps find himself involved in the highly competitive tag team division. Regardless of where he lands, fans can expect fast-paced, hard-hitting action from the three-time X-Division Champion.
AEW has made a habit of bringing in top talent from around the world, and “Speedball” Mike Bailey is yet another exciting addition. Now, all eyes are on when and where he will make his official AEW debut.
It looks like AEW’s backstage drama isn’t staying behind closed doors. Former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth has officially taken legal action against All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Tony Khan, and CM Punk, filing a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on February 14. The lawsuit includes multiple allegations, including assault, breach of contract, breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and intentional interference with prospective advantage.
According to Fightful, this legal battle appears to stem from a backstage incident on June 21, 2023, between Nemeth and CM Punk, who was still with AEW at the time. The situation reportedly escalated after Nemeth posted a tweet calling Punk “the softest man alive,” a comment Nemeth says was meant to bolster his heel persona. However, the tweet didn’t sit well with Punk, and the lawsuit claims the former AEW World Champion confronted Nemeth in the male talent locker room.
The lawsuit states that Punk aggressively approached Nemeth, allegedly saying, “Do we have a f*ing problem? Do we need to step outside and handle this like men?”** Nemeth asserts that he was cornered and attempted to defuse the situation. The following day, he allegedly reported the incident to AEW executives, but claims no disciplinary action was taken against Punk.
Nemeth Alleges Retaliation
After the confrontation, Nemeth’s issues with AEW seemingly worsened. The lawsuit states that AEW’s legal team informed him that he was being benched—something he believes was directly influenced by Punk. Despite his attempts to return to the ring, Nemeth claims he was repeatedly turned away. One notable incident occurred on August 12, 2023, when he arrived at an AEW event in Greensboro, North Carolina, only to be told by AEW official Pat Buck that he needed to leave the arena immediately. Travel was then arranged to send him home that same day.
Nemeth’s final AEW match took place on November 18, 2024, but by that point, CM Punk had already been fired. AEW terminated Punk’s contract in September 2023 following a physical altercation at AEW All In, marking the end of his tumultuous tenure with the company. Just two months later, Punk made his highly-publicized return to WWE at Survivor Series 2023.
Meanwhile, Ryan Nemeth has since moved on and currently competes alongside his brother, Nic Nemeth (fka Dolph Ziggler), in TNA Wrestling.
What’s Next?
This lawsuit brings yet another layer of controversy to AEW’s already rocky history with backstage altercations. While Punk has moved on to WWE and Nemeth has found a new home in TNA, this legal battle could shed more light on AEW’s handling of internal disputes. Will AEW respond publicly? Will Punk address the allegations? As the case unfolds, the wrestling world will be watching closely.
Concerns over WWE’s women’s division are reaching a boiling point, with multiple wrestlers reportedly frustrated over a lack of opportunities, underdeveloped storylines, and limited screen time. According to Fightful Select, several talents have voiced their concerns about WWE’s handling of the division, especially when compared to the stronger booking and character development seen in NXT.
Key Issues Frustrating WWE’s Women’s Locker Room
Several recurring complaints have emerged from WWE’s female talent:
A Lack of Fresh Contenders: Many feel that the same wrestlers rotate through top and mid-card feuds, leaving others without meaningful storylines.
Underwhelming Tag Team Division: WWE’s women’s tag team division has long struggled with consistency, and there appears to be little focus on establishing new teams or long-term feuds.
Limited Screen Time: Outside of the top-tier feuds, many wrestlers feel they aren’t getting the opportunity to showcase their skills on TV.
Comparisons to NXT have also been made, as the brand has consistently given its female talent better storylines, character arcs, and significant match time.
Sonya Deville’s Departure Adds to Uncertainty
Another major factor fueling uncertainty is Sonya Deville’s departure. Reports indicate that WWE had initially expressed interest in retaining her, but contract negotiations ultimately fell apart. This situation has left some wondering about the company’s long-term vision for its women’s roster.
#WWEWomenDeserveBetter Trends Online
As frustration grows, fans have taken to social media to voice their support, leading to #WWEWomenDeserveBetter trending throughout the day. The movement highlights the demand for more balanced storytelling and better opportunities for WWE’s female stars.
While some wrestlers have reportedly been encouraged to “be patient,” it remains to be seen whether WWE will make the necessary changes to address these growing concerns.
It looks like Carmella’s time in WWE has officially come to an end. According to Fightful Select, the former WWE Women’s Champion is no longer under contract with the company following the expiration of her deal.
Carmella’s WWE Journey Comes to a Close
Carmella, a former SmackDown Women’s Champion, Money in the Bank winner, and one of WWE’s most decorated female stars in recent years, last competed in March 2023. She had returned for a brief six-week run after an extended absence from the ring but had not been seen in action since.
Before that return, she had been off television for much of 2022. Since stepping away, Carmella has welcomed her first child and has been open about dealing with drop foot, a condition that affects mobility.
What’s Next for Carmella?
With her WWE tenure now seemingly over, fans will be curious about what’s next for Carmella. Will she step away from wrestling completely to focus on her personal life, or could a return to the ring elsewhere be in the cards? While nothing is confirmed, her experience and charisma would make her a valuable addition to any promotion if she decides to continue her career.
For now, one thing is certain—Carmella leaves behind a legacy as one of WWE’s most entertaining and versatile female performers of the past decade.
The Rock may have arrived on SmackDown to announce WrestleMania 42 for New Orleans, but by the time he left, he had dropped a far more personal bombshell on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. In a dramatic in-ring segment, The Rock first extended his hand in friendship—before revealing a much darker intention.
“I Want Your Soul”
Earlier in the night, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis hinted that The Final Boss wanted a word with Rhodes, setting the stage for a tense confrontation. When The Rock finally addressed the WWE Champion, he reflected on their complicated history—how their paths clashed heading into WrestleMania 40, how their families had since grown close, and how much respect he had for Rhodes. At first, his words seemed almost benevolent.
“I want you to be my champion,” The Rock told Rhodes, promising to help him achieve all his dreams and even calling him his “brother.”
But the vibe quickly shifted. The Rock reminded Rhodes that last year, he had planned to main-event WrestleMania 40 against Roman Reigns—until Rhodes got in the way and even slapped him. That, Rock admitted, was why Cody was special. And now, he had an offer: Rhodes had until Elimination Chamber on March 1 to make a decision.
Rhodes, sensing where this was heading, asked if The Rock wanted a shot at his WWE Championship. But The Great One made his true intentions clear.
“No… I don’t want your title. I want your soul.”
The chilling declaration left the crowd stunned, as the WWE Universe tried to piece together exactly what The Rock meant by his ominous words.
The Rock’s Power Play
Beyond his challenge to Rhodes, The Rock also reminded everyone of his growing influence behind the scenes. He brought up his position on TKO Group Holdings’ board of directors—the parent company of WWE—and even joked that Ari Emanuel himself said The Rock practically owned the company.
That statement alone could have major implications. With The Rock’s power in both the corporate and creative side of WWE, is this a sign that he’s setting the stage for something bigger than just a match?
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes?
Now, the ball is in Cody Rhodes’ court. With Elimination Chamber just around the corner, what exactly does The Rock’s challenge mean? Is this leading to a match, an alliance, or something even more sinister?
One thing’s for sure—when The Final Boss makes a move, the entire landscape of WWE changes.
Stay locked on WrestlingNewsBlog.com for all the latest updates as this massive story unfolds!
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson made an appearance on “WWE SmackDown” on Friday and made a huge announcement for New Orleans, live from the city’s Smoothie King Center. The Rock appeared in the middle of the show with the announcement that WrestleMania 42 will take place in The Big Easy at the Caesars Superdome on April 11 and April 12 2026
The Rock’s Grand Reveal
Midway through the show, The Rock’s music hit, but with a unique New Orleans twist. As he stepped into the ring, the energy in the arena was off the charts. Before he could even finish his signature line, the crowd erupted, completing the iconic phrase for him:
“Finally… The Rock has come back to New Orleans!”
But The Rock had his own twist. He took the mic and declared, “Finally, WrestleMania is coming back to New Orleans!”—sending the WWE Universe into a frenzy. Fans even broke out in “holy s**”* chants as the People’s Champ basked in the moment. Always one to lean into the atmosphere, he led the crowd in a rendition of “When The Saints Go Marching In,” while balancing his persona between heel and babyface.
New Orleans Gets Its Third WrestleMania
With this announcement, New Orleans joins the select list of cities to host WrestleMania multiple times. The Caesars Superdome—now set to hold its third Mania—previously hosted:
WrestleMania 30 (2014): Where Daniel Bryan completed his legendary underdog story by winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
WrestleMania 34 (2018): Headlined by Brock Lesnar retaining the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in a match that left fans less than thrilled.
Now, the Superdome is gearing up for another historic WrestleMania in 2026, and with The Rock playing a major role in WWE’s future, speculation is already running wild on what this could mean for the event’s main event scene.
Tonight’s WWE SmackDown will air live on the USA Network in the United States and Netflix Internationally, from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana,
The Rock coming to SmackDown tonight. – The Rock took to social media hyping up his return to SmackDown, noting that The Final Boss is coming to handle business
WWE Tag Team Championship: DIY (c) vs. Pretty Deadly
WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes, Braun Strowman and Damian Priest vs. Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga
Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan vs. WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Naomi
WWE has officially added another member of the Steiner wrestling dynasty to its pipeline, as Brock Rechsteiner, son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner, has signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) contract with the company.
A Future in Wrestling After Football
Currently playing football for the Jacksonville State Gamecocks, Brock has long been on WWE’s radar. His father, Scott Steiner, previously revealed in a December interview with ESPN that his son fully intends to pursue a professional wrestling career once his time on the gridiron comes to an end.
The news of Brock’s NIL deal was confirmed by his brother, Brandon Rechsteiner, during a recent interview with Jim Varsallone. Brandon spoke highly of his brother’s potential, saying:
“My brother, he’ll be a superstar in WWE, for sure… He really wants to be in WWE. He has signed an NIL deal with WWE, so my dream for him would be to do really good in football, try to take it to the NFL, whatever that means, and then… he will be a WWE superstar because he’s so talented, and he has the charisma that my dad has.”
Following in the Family Footsteps
Brock’s cousin, Bron Breakker—the current WWE Intercontinental Champion—has already proven that the Steiner family name carries weight in the wrestling world. After transitioning from a football career to pro wrestling, Breakker quickly rose through the NXT ranks and is now a rising star on WWE’s main roster.
With Brock now in WWE’s NIL program, it seems like only a matter of time before another Steiner steps into the squared circle.
What’s Next for Brock Rechsteiner?
While he remains focused on his football career, this NIL deal ensures that Brock has a clear path to WWE once he’s ready to make the jump. If his athletic background and family pedigree are any indication, fans may be looking at a future powerhouse in the company.
