Author: John Bass

AEW Fyter Fest Preview 6/4/2025

All Elite Wrestling will air AEW Fyter Fest tonight on TBS and MAX at 8pm ET from the Mission Ballroom in Denver, CO. This four-hour special features Dynamite and Collision.

  • AEW International Championship: Kenny Omega (c) vs. Mascara Dorada vs. Brody King vs. Claudio Castagnoli
  • FTR vs. Atlantis Jr. & Templario
  • AEW Women’s Champion Toni Storm & Mina Shirakawa vs. Skye Blue & Julia Hart (Mercedes Mone on commentary)
  • Mark Briscoe vs. Jon Moxley
  • LFI (RUSH, The Beast Mortos & Dralistico) vs. Kevin Knight, Mike Bailey & Komander
  • Thekla vs. TBD
  • We’ll hear from the Hurt Syndicate

Former AEW Star Mariah May Shocks WWE Universe With Glamorous NXT Debut

The WWE women’s division just got a whole lot more glamorous.

In a jaw-dropping moment on this week’s episode of WWE NXT, former AEW Women’s Champion Mariah May officially made her WWE debut, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. With recent main roster call-ups like Roxanne Perez, Giulia, and Stephanie Vaquer leaving a talent gap in NXT, May’s arrival sets the tone for a fresh wave of women’s division shake-ups.

Surprise Arrival in the Midst of Chaos

As chaos unfolded during a segment involving new NXT Women’s Champion Jacy Jayne and a locker room-wide brawl on the entrance ramp, the lights at the WWE Performance Center flickered — a classic signal that something (or someone) big was about to happen. When they came back on, standing on a platform above the crowd was none other than Mariah May.

With the crowd erupting in disbelief and excitement, May delivered a short but powerful message:
“Ladies, you can call me the next NXT Women’s Champion because the best women’s division in the world just got a lot more glamorous.”

A bold statement from a bold competitor — and one that immediately puts her in the title conversation.

AEW Exit, WWE Entry — Fast and Quiet

May’s transition from AEW to WWE was kept under wraps with impressive secrecy. According to Fightful Select, WWE locked her in on a multi-year deal and made every effort to prevent leaks — to the point where the other women involved in her debut segment were only informed about her presence moments before it went down.

Interestingly, WWE never referred to her by name on air, instead referencing her “glamorous” persona. While fans were quick to spot her identity, the broadcast maintained the mystique. There’s no confirmation yet on whether WWE plans to keep her real name — Mariah May (full name: Mariah May Mead) — or rebrand her with a new ring name, but signs suggest her established identity could remain intact.

No Burned Bridges in AEW

Despite making a high-profile jump to WWE, it seems May left AEW on good terms. Fightful noted that AEW insiders didn’t believe there was any heat or bad blood surrounding her departure. In fact, the promotion reportedly made a strong attempt to re-sign her but knew well in advance that she was likely WWE-bound. Her contract officially expired at the beginning of June, and she wasted no time making her next move.

Fans have long speculated about May’s desire to join WWE, especially with old social media posts highlighting her admiration for the company dating back to before she even entered the wrestling business. And now that admiration has turned into reality.

What’s Next for NXT?

Mariah May enters an NXT women’s division in flux — and primed for new stars. With Jacy Jayne freshly crowned champion and other big names moving up, May is stepping into a golden opportunity to instantly climb the ranks. Her past accolades — including the AEW Women’s Championship and the 2023 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament win — speak for themselves.

Whether WWE chooses to tweak her name or not, one thing is certain: Mariah May has arrived, and she’s ready to make NXT her runway.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for all the latest updates on Mariah May’s WWE journey and everything happening inside the NXT women’s division.

WWE NXT Preview 6/3/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW.

  • TNA World Championship Match: Trick Williams (c) vs. Mike Santana
  • DarkState (3 of Cutler James, Osiris Griffin, Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars) vs. Chase U (Kale Dixon, Andre Chase, Uriah Connors)
  • Rounds Match: Charlie Dempsey vs. Myles Borne (If Borne wins, he can leave the No Quarter Catch Crew)

Fans Chant ‘We Want Truth’ Repeatedly Throughout WWE Raw

Less than 24 hours after the bombshell news of R-Truth’s WWE release rocked the wrestling world, fans made their voices heard loud and clear during Monday Night Raw — and they weren’t letting up.

Throughout the night inside the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, chants of “We Want Truth” echoed across the arena, sending a powerful message to WWE brass: the WWE Universe isn’t ready to say goodbye to Ron Killings.

The fan-fueled movement started as early as the opening segment featuring CM Punk and Sami Zayn, with the crowd drowning out parts of their promo to chant for the longtime fan favorite. The passion didn’t stop there — similar chants broke out during the women’s Money in the Bank qualifying match and continued through the tag match between The Judgment Day and The War Raiders. By the time the night’s main event — a MITB qualifier featuring El Grande Americano, AJ Styles, and CM Punk — rolled around, the crowd was still going strong.

Signs in the audience further underlined the sentiment. One declared, “Re-sign R-Truth or we riot,” while another simply stated, “We Want Truth.” On social media, #WeWantTruth shot up the trending list on X (formerly Twitter), with fans and wrestlers alike voicing their disbelief and support.

Even backstage, the message was clear: R-Truth’s presence is deeply missed. Rhea Ripley was spotted wearing an R-Truth t-shirt in a backstage segment, while Dominik Mysterio appeared wearing a Carlito shirt — another star recently let go by the company.

A Release No One Saw Coming

The release of R-Truth came as a gut punch to fans and fellow wrestlers alike. Just one night before, he had competed on Saturday Night’s Main Event in a match against none other than WWE Champion John Cena. The decision to release him so abruptly, despite his active role on TV and his status as a beloved veteran, has reportedly sent shockwaves through the locker room — a stark reminder that no one’s spot is guaranteed.

Cena himself weighed in on the news, joining a long list of current and former WWE Superstars paying tribute to Truth, a man respected not only for his longevity and comedic brilliance, but for being one of the most genuine people in the business.

What’s Next for R-Truth?

While WWE hasn’t publicly commented on the release beyond their standard “future endeavors” statement, speculation is already swirling about what comes next for Truth. Could a return be on the table if fan response grows louder? Or will he take his talents elsewhere?

For now, one thing’s for certain: the WWE Universe isn’t ready to move on — and they’re not being quiet about it.

Whether this is a chapter closed or just a detour, fans have made one thing clear: Truth still matters.

Elayna Black (Cora Jade) Opens Up About Life After WWE, Talks Possible AEW Future and Surviving a Near-Fatal Medical Emergency

After her WWE release, former NXT star Cora Jade (now back to wrestling under her indie name, Elayna Black) is finally speaking out about her time away from the ring—and what could be next for her career. In a candid appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Jade touched on everything from a brush with death in 2023 to her openness about potentially joining AEW full-time.

AEW Before WWE: A Path Not Taken… Yet

Long before she stepped into the NXT ring, Jade actually had a brief stint in AEW, working a pair of matches on the now-defunct AEW Dark in 2020. At the time, she believed that’s where her career was headed.

“I thought I was going to end up in AEW,” Jade admitted. “I loved it there. I did a few matches and just felt like that was the place for me. Then WWE came in with an offer before AEW did, so I went with that.”

Still, the door to AEW remains very much open—and it sounds like she’s hoping to walk through it soon. Jade praised the promotion’s commitment to creativity and storytelling, two elements she feels are critical to her as a performer.

“I would definitely be open to going to AEW,” she said. “I love how much creative freedom they give. I’m really into character work and stories, and they let people explore that.”

Jade also expressed some interest in wrestling for TNA and even heading to Japan—goals that were delayed by the pandemic but remain on her radar.

A Life-Threatening Emergency That Nearly Took Her Out

One of the more shocking revelations from the interview came when Jade detailed the real reason she was pulled from NXT television ahead of Stand and Deliver in early 2023. She suffered an ectopic pregnancy that nearly cost her her life.

“I ended up in emergency surgery the night before I was supposed to wrestle Lyra Valkyria,” she said. “The pregnancy ruptured, and I was internally bleeding. If I hadn’t gone to the hospital, I probably would’ve died.”

Doctors had to remove her left fallopian tube, and while the surgery saved her life, the mental and emotional aftermath pushed her to the brink.

“I was just the most mentally depressed I’ve ever been in my life,” Jade shared. “I didn’t even know what was wrong at first. I later found out it was postpartum depression. I was only 22 or 23, and it was the craziest thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Though she returned to action shortly after Stand and Deliver, the psychological toll lingered. Jade eventually reached out to WWE medical staff for mental health support, a move she says was crucial to her recovery.

Ready for a New Chapter as Elayna Black

Jade’s road didn’t get any easier after that. A major knee injury, a difficult breakup, and the passing of her dog all came in quick succession. Yet through it all, she’s remained resilient and focused on her next chapter—this time, on her own terms.

Now performing again as Elayna Black, she’s made it clear that her time in wrestling is far from over. Whether it’s AEW, TNA, Japan, or the indies, she’s ready to show the world what she’s truly capable of.

“I just want to be somewhere I can be creatively fulfilled,” she said. “I’ve been through hell and back, but I’m still here—and I’ve never been more motivated.”

Wrestling fans, keep your eyes on Elayna Black—her story is still being written, and the next chapter might just be her most compelling yet.

WWE Raw Preview 6/2/2025

WWE Raw airs live tonight globally on Netflix from the BOK Center in Tulsa, OK.

  • Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: CM Punk vs. AJ Styles vs. El Grande Americano
  • Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Ivy Nile
  • Also advertised: GUNTHER, Rhea Ripley, Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker, Dominik Mysterio, and Jey Uso.

Backstage Reaction to R-Truth’s WWE Exit: “Total Nonsense,” Say Superstars

In a move that’s left the WWE locker room stunned, R-Truth has reportedly been told he won’t be re-signed once his current contract expires — a decision that’s sparked major backlash behind the scenes.

According to Fightful Select, the veteran performer — real name Ron Killings — was informed over the weekend by WWE’s talent relations team that his deal would not be renewed. The call reportedly caught Truth off guard, and it’s easy to see why: he’s been viewed as a WWE lifer, a beloved figure both in front of the camera and backstage.

Importantly, sources confirmed that the decision wasn’t disciplinary in nature. Truth wasn’t released for misconduct or any backstage issues. In fact, WWE made it clear he’d done nothing wrong — which only added to the confusion surrounding the call.

Backstage, the mood has reportedly been anything but calm. Several WWE talents have privately expressed disappointment and frustration, with one top name calling the move “total nonsense” and another labeling WWE leadership “ruthless.” It’s one of the most vocal negative reactions to a talent departure in recent memory, underscoring just how much respect Killings commands among his peers.

Adding to the confusion is the fact that R-Truth remains one of WWE’s most reliable merchandise movers. His “Ron Cena” T-shirt — a parody creation leading into his recent Saturday Night’s Main Event tag match with John Cena — was among the company’s top sellers in May.

For fans keeping track, this isn’t the first time Killings has had to navigate life outside WWE. Before becoming a mainstay on Raw and SmackDown, he made waves in TNA and the NWA as Ron “The Truth” Killings, where he became one of the first Black world champions in a major American promotion. He also produced his own entrance theme music during that run — and reportedly still owns the rights — a useful tool if he decides to step back into the ring elsewhere.

Though no final date for his WWE exit has been announced, interest from indie promotions is already heating up. Expect R-Truth to have options — and a spotlight — wherever he lands next.

Stay locked in with WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on Truth’s post-WWE future.

R-Truth and Carlito Reportedly On Their Way Out of WWE – Contracts Not Being Renewed

It looks like the WWE roster will be getting a little thinner in the coming weeks.

According to recent reports, longtime WWE talents R-Truth and Carlito have been informed that their contracts will not be renewed. Both deals are nearing their expiration dates, with Carlito specifically noting that he has about two weeks left on his current deal. Once his contract officially ends, his non-compete clause will kick in — likely keeping him on the sidelines for about 30 days before he’s free to explore opportunities elsewhere.

The news comes as something of a surprise, especially for R-Truth, who’s been a staple of WWE programming for years and recently returned to TV in comedic fashion as part of The Judgment Day saga. As for Carlito, his return to WWE was a fan-favorite moment last year, but he hasn’t been consistently featured in recent months.

While nothing is official until those contracts expire, it looks like both veterans will soon hit the open market. Whether they find themselves back in WWE down the line or pop up in another promotion remains to be seen.

 According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, the decision to let go of R-Truth and Carlito comes down to roster changes. WWE is currently undergoing changes to make room for fresh talent from NXT

R-Truth and Carlito responded to the news with post on X which you can see below:

AEW Collision Preview 5/31/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TNT following the NBA Eastern Conference Finals Game 6 – New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers.

  • AEW Continental Championship Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Anthony Bowens
  • AEW International Title #1 Contender Tournament Match: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Komander
  • AEW International Title #1 Contender Tournament Match: Hechicero vs. Mascara Dorada
  • The Don Callis Family (Trent Beretta, Rocky Romero, & Konosuke Takeshita) vs. Paragon (Tomohiro Ishii, Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly)
  • Skye Blue vs. Mina Shirakawa
  • La Faccion Ingobernable vs. Top Flight & AR Fox
  • Gate of Agony in Action
  • We’ll hear from FTR after they became the most winningest tag team at Double or Nothing

Abadon Confirms AEW Departure as Contract Set to Expire in June

After years of carving out a unique niche in All Elite Wrestling, Abadon has confirmed she’ll be parting ways with the company once her contract expires next month.

In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, the “Living Dead Girl” revealed that her AEW deal will not be renewed, marking the end of her run with the promotion. Though she hasn’t appeared on AEW television since December 2023, Abadon remained active throughout the first half of 2024 with multiple appearances on Ring of Honor programming.

Here’s what she had to say:

“My time with AEW is coming to an end. My contract expires in June and I will not be renewed. The emotions I’m currently trying to manage are incredibly difficult and full of conflict as I reflect on my time there.

My goal is to not let this be it for me, because I love wrestling too much to just stop. I’ve put in a lot of hard work that I will now be able to showcase more often.

While my heart is currently broken you can bet that I’m still going to show up for training next week. If you are looking to book me please send an email to bookabadonhere@gmail.com

Thank you.”

Abadon debuted with AEW in 2020 and quickly gained attention for her horror-inspired character work and hard-hitting in-ring style. Though she never captured gold in the company, she was a fixture of the women’s division during AEW’s formative years and brought a unique presentation that stood out from the rest of the roster.

Her statement makes it clear that this isn’t the end of her wrestling journey. Abadon’s commitment to training and her passion for the business suggest that she’s far from finished — and now, with the freedom of free agency ahead, she’ll have more opportunities to showcase her talent on new stages.

Independent promoters, take note: Abadon is officially open for bookings, and she sounds more determined than ever.