AEW Original Marko Stunt Announces His Retirement From Professional Wrestling, Shares Health Struggles Behind Decision

Former AEW and GCW star Marko Stunt has announced his retirement from in-ring competition.

Stunt has appeared on the “Love Wrestling” podcast, where he commented on his retirement, his obligations to his family, and the hopes he had on getting back into the industry before having to face reality.

Former AEW talent and fan favorite, Marko Stunt, has opened up about the health issues that have forced him into an early retirement from professional wrestling. Known for his high-energy style and underdog persona, Stunt was one of the founding faces of AEW’s early years, most notably as a member of the Jurassic Express alongside Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus — now Killswitch — as the Jurassic Express trio, but found himself left out of the group’s appearances more and more as Christian Cage joined the fold, with Stunt ultimately departing the promotion in 2022. Since then, he has continued to work with Game Changer Wrestling and other independent promotions, but he appears to have made his last wrestling appearance as a surprise return during “AEW Collision” in July.

Stunt explained the unfortunate combination of injuries that have taken a toll on his ability to compete. According to the former AEW star, issues began with a serious leg injury that continued to worsen over time. Complications from his injuries impacted his mobility, which in turn limited his ability to perform at the demanding physical level wrestling requires. After trying to manage the ongoing pain and recover through physical therapy and other treatments, Stunt had to make the tough decision to prioritize his health.

Stunt noted that while he loved his time in AEW and the connections he formed there, his health challenges made it increasingly difficult to maintain the intensity fans came to expect from him in the ring. At only 27, he reflected on the frustration of facing retirement at such a young age but emphasized that his choice was necessary for long-term well-being. He expressed gratitude to fans who supported him throughout his wrestling career and hoped to stay connected with them in other ways moving forward.

Though his in-ring career has come to an end, Marko Stunt has hinted at remaining involved in the wrestling world, potentially through managing, coaching, or even backstage roles that keep him close to the industry he loves. For now, his priority is focusing on his health and exploring new opportunities.

Stunt’s story serves as a reminder of the physical toll wrestling takes on even the youngest, most energetic performers, and his decision highlights the difficult balance many athletes face between passion and well-being. As fans wish him the best, it’s clear his legacy as one of AEW’s originals will not be forgotten.

AEW Dynamite Preview 11/6/2024

Tonight’s AEW Dynamite will air live on TBS from the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire.

  • Fight Without Honor Match: The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho, Big Bill and Bryan Keith) vs. The Conglomeration (Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly and Tomohiro Ishi)
  • Orange Cassidy and Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli and PAC
  • Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher vs. Ricochet and a mystery partner
  • Adam Cole vs. Malakai Black
  • Penelope Ford vs. Jamie Hayter
  • The Hurt Syndicate to appear live
  • Christian Cage and Hook will go face to face

WWE NXT 2300 Arena Preview 11/6/2024

WWE will present a new episode of NXT tonight at 8/7c on The CW Network from 2300 Arena, formerly known as the ECW Arena, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

  • Ava’s “Special Announcement”
  • Francine and Rob Van Dam to appear.
  • Je’Von Evans vs. Wes Lee
  • Bubba Ray Dudley & Trick Williams vs. Ethan Page & Ridge Holland
  • Hardcore Match: Lola Vice vs. Jaida Parker (Special Guest Referee: Dawn Marie)
  • Roxanne Perez, Cora Jade, & Fatal Influence vs. Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Kelani Jordan, ZARIA, & Jordynne Grace

Steph De Lander Provides Update On Neck Surgery

Steph De Lander has provided an update on her recovery from neck surgery.

While appearing on “The Commentary Booth” podcast, the TNA Impact star revealed that she “feels great” two weeks after the procedure. She said,

“Good, feels good. Just a little cut [on my neck], I’ve got some bandages on it. I feel great. It’s been just about two weeks since since surgery now, and obviously I’ve got a long ways to go as far as recovery is concerned, but for two weeks post neck surgery, I’m feeling pretty good.”

She continued, “When you hear neck surgery, you think worse case scenario. Obviously, neck injuries can be very, very dangerous. But luckily mine is kind of a preventative, like ‘Look, you’ve got this [nagging] neck issue. Let’s get it taken care of while we can, while you can recover, come back from it, be 100%,’ rather than waiting until it gets worse. So I’m feeling good, I’m happy I did it, on the road to recovery.”

Source: eWn

WWE Raw Preview 11/4/2024

WWE Raw airs tonight on the USA Network taped from the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

  • Fallout from Crown Jewel
  • No. 1 Contender’s Fatal Four-Way Match To The WWE World Heavyweight Championship
  • The War Raiders vs. The New Day
  • Women’s World Championship No. 1 Contenders Battle Royal
  • Sami Zayn and The Usos to appear
  • Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable
  • We will hear from WWE Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan

NWA Expands Into World League Wrestling

The National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) has announced that World League Wrestling is its new official territory.

World League Wrestling was founded a quarter-century ago by late NWA legend Harley Race. “

The NWA stated that the promotion based in Missouri has been designated as a territory.

For fans, this partnership means a more diverse lineup of matches and storylines, as well as the potential for regional events that bring wrestling closer to local communities. As NWA and WLW work together, fans can expect a robust mix of nostalgia, fresh faces, and new rivalries.

You can read the details here.

AEW’s Kenny Omega Explains How His Diverticulitis Could Be ‘Blessing In Disguise’

Kenny Omega is no stranger to wrestling fans worldwide. As a cornerstone of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Omega’s dynamic in-ring style and gripping storytelling have made him one of the industry’s most respected figures. But for the past several months, fans have felt his absence following a diagnosis of diverticulitis, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition that forced him out of action. Now, as he nears his return, Omega is reflecting on his time away, calling it a “blessing in disguise.”

Diverticulitis is a painful and potentially dangerous condition that affects the digestive system, causing inflammation in the intestines. For Omega, this diagnosis meant a significant break from wrestling. It was not only a physical setback but also a difficult mental adjustment for someone so deeply connected to the ring.

Despite the physical toll, Omega is taking a remarkably positive outlook on his hiatus. In a recent interview with New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he described how his battle with diverticulitis has changed his perspective, allowing him to look at his career and life through a different lens. “Although getting sick in the way that I did set me back almost a year now, it’s almost a blessing in disguise,” he reflected. For Omega, this time away has offered the rare chance to recharge and reassess, something he believes will ultimately benefit his performance in the long run.

Omega also expressed how his time off has provided an opportunity to overcome his fears, specifically regarding his potential rivalry with wrestling icon Kazuchika Okada. “I looked at that man as a monster, and I can’t lie, I was scared; I can’t face this guy as current Kenny Omega,” he admitted. His words hint at the intensity of his competitive spirit and suggest that he’s using this downtime to mentally prepare for a renewed battle with Okada.

Omega’s comments have sparked speculation among fans about a possible storyline between him and Okada when he returns to AEW. Their previous encounters in New Japan Pro-Wrestling are legendary, widely regarded as some of the best matches in modern wrestling history. With Omega’s renewed focus and a clear headspace, fans are already buzzing with excitement at the idea of him stepping back into the ring with “The Rainmaker.” It seems that even in his absence, Omega is laying the groundwork for an explosive comeback.

With Omega nearing medical clearance, his return to AEW could be one of the biggest wrestling events of the year. Not only does it bring one of the industry’s top talents back into the spotlight, but it also allows AEW to further develop its narrative depth, potentially reigniting cross-promotional rivalries with New Japan. A rematch between Omega and Okada would bridge the gap between wrestling promotions, giving fans a storyline that spans years and continents.

For AEW, having Omega back is a boost in star power and a potential storyline goldmine. As fans eagerly await his return, the anticipation only grows for the exciting matches and storytelling that await. Omega’s resilience and optimism in the face of a daunting health challenge are inspiring, showing fans the power of perseverance and adaptability.

Kenny Omega’s journey through diverticulitis has shown that even the toughest challenges can yield unexpected blessings. His positive outlook, combined with his resolve to come back stronger, serves as an inspiration not only to his fans but also to anyone facing setbacks in life. As Omega nears his return, the wrestling world waits with bated breath to see him back in action — revitalized, refocused, and ready to remind everyone why he’s one of the best in the business. Whether it’s a match against Okada or a new AEW storyline, one thing is clear: Kenny Omega’s return will be nothing short of spectacular.

Backstage News On WWE Releasing Indi Hartwell & Tegan Nox, Not Re-Signing Baron Corbin

WWE announced on Friday the releases of Baron Corbin, Indi Hartwell and Tegan Nox.

Now, Fightful has compiled a series of backstage and out-of-company reactions.

It seems independent bookers are racing to get dates for Baron Corbin, who was informed that his deal with WWE would not be renewed upon its expiration. It’s speculated that Corbin’s deal runs until the end of 2024. It seems that Corbin was uninspired by his recent partnership with Apollo Crews despite the two’s personal friendship, as Corbin did not see their team topping his career-reviving run with Bron Breakker as The Wolf Dogs in “NXT.” It’s unknown whether Corbin will be seen on WWE programming again before his contract expires, but he already has one public offer from former WWE star and NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Tyrus.

Tegan Nox was formally released, and is currently under a 90 day non-compete period, with her expected release into free agency scheduled for February 2025. Nox has been largely absent from WWE programming, with her last televised match occurring on the April 1 episode of “WWE Raw.” WWE reportedly had no long-term creative plans for Nox in the months leading up to her release.

Fightful clears up some confusion regarding Hartwell’s posts.

Indi Hartwell, who is also under a 90-day non-compete period, caused a brief social media kerfuffle when her comments on X (formerly known as Twitter) led fans to believe that Hartwell found out about her WWE departure via the Fightful report. Fightful has clarified that Hartwell’s apparent social media confusion was a joke, reporting that Hartwell learned of her departure earlier in the day and that they have and will not report on releases before the affected talent are made aware. Fightful also claims that several backstage staff felt that Hartwell was “coming into her own” prior to her release, especially with her social media skits. Hartwell’s match on the November 1 pre-taped episode of “WWE SmackDown” is believed to be her last appearance for the company; she and Candice LeRae lost a tag team contest to Bayley and Naomi.

It is believed that both Nox and Hartwell, who are United Kingdom- and New Zealand-based wrestlers, respectively, will need to organize work visas before being allowed to compete in any United States-based promotions. WWE has not disclosed any reasoning behind the departures of Corbin, Nox, and Hartwell, but WWE sources told Fightful they are the extent of “this round of cuts,” though the source did not delineate a time frame for “this round” and the date of any potential future cuts remains uncertain.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Hall Of Famer Goldberg Announces Retirement Match

Goldberg is heading back to a WWE ring for one last match. The former World Heavyweight Champion appeared on ESPN’s “SEC Nation” as the celebrity guest picker on Saturday and made the announcement that his retirement match will be taking place in 2025. Though he didn’t have a set date for his final match, Goldberg alluded to current World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER being his final opponent after their confrontation at Bad Blood in Atlanta, Georgia last month.

“Here’s the deal and here’s the news of the day is per three executives, Nick Khan, Chris Legentil, and Paul Levesque, in 2025, Goldberg’s having his retirement match,” Goldberg said on the show. “So I think we know who the subject or the victim, probably the frontrunner we know who it is.”

The WWE Hall of Famer jumped the crowd barrier and Goldberg went face-to-face with GUNTHER at Bad Blood. GUNTHER had previously told noted Goldberg-hater Bret Hart that Goldberg was his favorite wrestler, but insulted Goldberg at the premium live event when the legend was in the crowd watching with his family. Goldberg was held back by security at the time, but many fans wondered if the confrontation was setting up a future angle or match.

Goldberg’s last match came in February 2022 in a loss to then-champion Roman Reigns at Elimination Chamber in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Before that, Goldberg defeated Bobby Lashley in a no-holds-barred, falls-count-anywhere match, also in Saudi Arabia at Crown Jewel 2021.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

WWE Releases Baron Corbin, Indi Hartwell, & Tegan Nox

Fightful Select is reporting that WWE has released Baron Corbin, Indi Hartwell and Tegan Nox.

According to a report from Sean Ross Sapp, Corbin was given notice by WWE that his contract would not be renewed once it expired, as opposed to him being the one to request the release.

Tegan Nox and Indi Hartwell were indicated to be on the 90 day delay before they become free agents, which would imply their releases come before their contracts are expired. However, no confirmation as to when or why this decision was made has been revealed for either of them at this time.

The current information is that these will be the only releases this round.

Source: eWn