Category: AEW

WWE Reportedly Upset Over AEW Talent Appearing Alongside The Miz on American Gladiators Reboot

The revival of American Gladiators on Amazon Prime Video is generating a lot of buzz — and some behind-the-scenes tension. The show, which features former WWE Champion The Miz as its host, has cast several wrestlers as modern-day Gladiators, including former WWE Superstar Rick Boogs, OVW’s J-Rod, and former TNA Tag Team Champion Jessie Godderz. But what’s causing the biggest stir is the involvement of current AEW talent: Kamille and Wardlow.

According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE isn’t thrilled that one of their marquee personalities, The Miz, is sharing the screen with wrestlers still under AEW contract — even if Kamille and Wardlow haven’t been actively featured on AEW programming for a while. The concern reportedly centers on potential brand crossover, especially if the AEW stars are promoted on-air alongside Miz, or worse, if The Miz ends up in segments that could inadvertently shine a spotlight on AEW.

The tension illustrates WWE’s longstanding policy of keeping its talent (and by extension, its brand) distinct from rival promotions — a stance that’s being tested more often as wrestlers branch out into mainstream entertainment.

This isn’t the first time WWE has found itself in a promotional tug-of-war. Just last week on the June 16 episode of RAW, WWE took issue with Netflix airing a trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 — which prominently features MJF, a top AEW star, in a major role as one of Gilmore’s sons. WWE stars Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella also appear in the film, though in smaller roles.

WWE reportedly pushed for a customized trailer that completely omits MJF, which Netflix agreed to air during RAW. Despite Netflix’s desire to market Happy Gilmore 2 as one of its biggest summer titles, WWE is unwilling to indirectly promote AEW by giving screen time to one of its breakout stars.

From AEW’s perspective, there’s less cause for concern. Sources suggest that AEW isn’t bothered by Lynch and Bella being involved in the same project as MJF. While it’s unlikely that AEW will do a full promotional push for Happy Gilmore 2 — especially since Netflix isn’t a direct partner — the exposure MJF gains from the film is likely seen as a net positive, especially following the success of The Iron Claw last year.

As mainstream media continues to embrace pro wrestlers from all promotions, expect more crossover complications like these. While fans enjoy seeing their favorite stars in new arenas, promotions like WWE remain hyper-aware of where and how their brand — and their competitors’ — is represented.

AEW Collision Preview 6/21/2025

AEW Collision live tonight on TNT and Max at 8:00 PM EST rfom the Accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington.

  • All-Star Eight-Woman Tag Team Match: Thunder Rosa, Queen Aminata, Anna Jay, and Tay Melo vs. Athena, Thekla, Megan Bayne, and Penelope Ford
  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley vs. AR Fox
  • Shane Taylor vs. Swerve Strickland
  • AEW Women’s Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm to speak live

Backstage Friction Keeps Rush & Dralistico Out of CMLL Despite AEW Push

The wrestling landscape between AEW and CMLL has been shifting fast — and mostly for the better. Over the past year, AEW’s partnership with the historic Mexican promotion has opened doors that once seemed firmly closed. We’ve seen Bandido defend the ROH World Championship inside Arena Mexico, Mistico team with The Lucha Brothers, and even The Beast Mortos (formerly known as Black Taurus) clear a longstanding ban to appear at the AEW x CMLL “Grand Slam Mexico” show. But while many talents have benefitted from this new alliance, two notable names remain on the outside looking in: Rush and Dralistico.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, both Rush and Dralistico have been actively pushing AEW to negotiate with CMLL on their behalf. Their goal? A potential program between Dralistico and Mistico — a feud that could light up Arena Mexico and generate serious buzz (and money) for CMLL. But despite the clear potential, CMLL isn’t budging.

The root of the tension appears to stem from past exits and burned bridges. Rush’s departure from CMLL back in 2019 was anything but smooth. Instead of appearing at CMLL’s marquee 86th Anniversary Show, Rush opted to wrestle for Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor, a decision CMLL didn’t take lightly. Officially, the promotion claims it fired Rush — not the other way around — and they’ve harbored resentment ever since. The situation wasn’t helped by the perception that Rush encouraged talent to explore better-paying offers outside the company.

Dralistico, on the other hand, left CMLL under far less dramatic circumstances in 2021. At the time, he was performing under the Mistico persona and eventually chose to join his brothers in AAA. While his exit didn’t stir as much controversy, CMLL’s blanket stance on keeping both him and Rush away from their events still stands.

Interestingly, Dralistico reportedly respects CMLL’s decision, even if he’d jump at the opportunity to represent AEW and La Facción Ingobernable (LFI) inside Arena Mexico. But the door remains shut — for now.

With AEW and CMLL continuing to deepen their partnership, it’s worth watching whether time — and business opportunity — will eventually thaw the ice. A Dralistico vs. Mistico program writes itself, and fans across Mexico and the U.S. would be more than willing to buy in.

But until CMLL is ready to forgive and forget, the Ingobernables remain persona non grata in Arena Mexico.

Report: Fan Reportedly Goes After MJF at Hotel Following AEW Grand Slam Mexico

The buzz from AEW Grand Slam Mexico didn’t end when the cameras stopped rolling — and not all of it was positive. According to a report from Fightful Select, a fan allegedly attempted to confront MJF at the hotel where he was staying after the controversial conclusion to his match against Mistico.

Sources claim the incident occurred shortly after Wednesday’s AEW event, with one individual reportedly “going after MJF” in what appears to have been an emotionally charged reaction to the show. Thankfully, the situation didn’t escalate further. MJF was unharmed and, true to form, reportedly laughed off the encounter. According to those close to the situation, he remained in good spirits and even expressed pride in the electric crowd reaction he generated throughout the night.

MJF certainly gave fans plenty to talk about in Mexico. During his match with Mistico, the former AEW World Champion brought the heat by hitting a low blow, getting himself disqualified. He then ripped Mistico’s mask off — a major sign of disrespect in lucha libre culture — before mocking the crowd by donning the mask himself and flipping them off.

The post-match chaos didn’t end there. Members of The Hurt Syndicate — Speedball Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, Templario, and Titan — rushed to the ring to check on Mistico and run MJF off, reinforcing their new alliance and continuing AEW’s cross-promotional heat in the region.

This incident serves as a reminder that while wrestling thrives on passionate fans, there’s always a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed, and the AEW star walked away unscathed — and apparently, even more fired up than before.

Dr. Chris Nowinski Praises Wrestling’s Strides in Concussion Awareness

In an industry built on high-impact storytelling and physical spectacle, the phrase “bump card” has long symbolized the finite number of hits a wrestler can safely absorb in their career. But thanks to the work of former WWE Superstar turned neuroscientist Dr. Chris Nowinski, that card might last a little longer these days.

Speaking on a recent episode of Talk Is Jericho, Nowinski reflected on how far professional wrestling has come in terms of protecting its performers from the long-term effects of head trauma, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). His mission began after a series of devastating losses rocked the wrestling world — including the deaths of Test, Superfly Snuka, Mr. Fuji, Axl Rotten, Balls Mahoney, and most infamously, Chris Benoit.

“Wrestling is dramatically safer than it used to be,” Nowinski told Chris Jericho. “They’re putting top-down constraints on what can happen.” He credits these changes to a cultural shift in the business — one that encourages smarter in-ring decision-making and values longevity over spectacle.

While many fans are aware that chair shots to the head are now banned in WWE, Nowinski pointed out that the real progress is happening behind the scenes. Ringside doctors are more visible, wrestlers are taking fewer unnecessary risks, and there’s a growing focus on executing moves that pop the crowd without endangering the performer’s health.

AEW, he noted, still allows the occasional high-risk spot, but even there, he sees a growing consciousness among talent. “Performers are now empowered to realize, ‘I don’t need to go off the top of a ladder through a table if there’s another way to get the same reaction,’” Nowinski said. “They’re thinking more about the reward versus the risk — and about brain health.”

Once dismissed or ignored, the conversation around concussions and CTE is now a serious part of wrestling’s evolution. And for Nowinski, who has been leading the charge for over a decade through his work with the Concussion Legacy Foundation, the industry’s response has been nothing short of encouraging.

As the business continues to balance its roots in spectacle with the reality of athlete health, it’s clear that the future of wrestling lies not just in louder pops or riskier stunts — but in smarter storytelling and longer, healthier careers.

AEW Grand Slam Mexico 6/18/2025

All Elite Wrestling will air AEW Grand Slam: Mexico tonight on TBS and MAX at 8pm ET from the iconic Arena México in Mexico City. The event marks AEW’s first full-scale televised show in Mexico and features a stacked lineup.

  • MJF vs. Mistico
  • CMLL Women’s Championship Match: Zeuxis defends against Mercedes Mone’
  • AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada vs. Mark Briscoe (non-title)
  • 10-Man Tag Team Match: Jon Moxley, Matthew Jackson, Nicholas Jackson, Claudio Castagnoli, and Wheeler Yuta vs. Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Katsuyori Shibata
  • 12-Man Tag Team Match: Bandido, Adam Cole, Daniel Garcia, Brody King, Templario, and Atlantis Jr. vs. Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher, Josh Alexander, Hechicero, Dax Harwood, and Cash Wheeler
  • Four Million Pesos High Flying 4-Way Match: Mascara Dorada vs. Ricochet vs. Hologram vs. Lio Rush

AEW & Jon Moxley Hit With Lawsuit By Former Crew Member Over Alleged Backstage Incident During 2023 Dynamite Tapings

All Elite Wrestling and current AEW World Champion Jon Moxley are at the center of a new legal storm, as a former production crew member has filed a lawsuit accusing both parties of negligence and civil assault. The suit stems from an incident that allegedly took place during the May 10, 2023 episode of AEW Dynamite at Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

According to court documents obtained by The Takedown, the plaintiff, Christopher Dispensa—a longtime veteran of wrestling and entertainment production—was working that night as a contracted crew member. His role, as stated in the lawsuit, was to hand Moxley a screwdriver during a match against Kenny Omega, part of an ongoing storyline between The Elite and Blackpool Combat Club.

However, Dispensa claims that what was supposed to be a scripted handoff turned violent without warning. The lawsuit alleges that Moxley “violently shoved” him to the ground, resulting in serious injuries that required surgery and continued medical treatment. The alleged moment did not air as a focal point during the broadcast, but it reportedly took place ringside amid the chaos of the bout.

The suit further claims that AEW bears responsibility due to what Dispensa describes as negligent hiring practices, stating the company failed to properly train, monitor, or discipline talent to ensure a safe working environment for non-wrestling personnel. Moxley’s alleged history of “unpredictability” and “lack of control” is also cited as a contributing factor, with Dispensa accusing the former AEW World Champion of acting with “clear intent to harm” or showing “complete disregard” for safety protocols.

Dispensa is pursuing damages related to medical costs, lasting physical injury, emotional trauma, and punitive compensation for the distress caused.

This legal development arrives at a time when AEW is already navigating multiple legal battles. The promotion recently succeeded in moving lawsuits filed by ex-commentator Kevin Kelly and tag team The Tate Twins to arbitration, while former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth dropped his lawsuit voluntarily in April.

As of now, neither AEW nor Jon Moxley has publicly commented on the allegations.

Other Pro Wrestlers to Join The Miz for Amazon Prime’s ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot

The arena is about to get a lot more intense — and a whole lot more jacked — as professional wrestling meets classic ‘90s nostalgia in the upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, five pro wrestlers have been tapped to star in the new American Gladiators series, which is coming soon to Amazon Prime’s FAST Channels. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, the cast already has fans buzzing thanks to its heavy dose of wrestling star power.

Leading the charge is none other than WWE’s A-Lister himself, The Miz, who will serve as the show’s main host. Joining him from the world of wrestling are:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (formerly known as Rick Boogs in WWE)
  • Wardlow, the AEW powerhouse and former TNT Champion
  • Jessie Godderz, a former TNA Wrestling standout and reality TV alum
  • Kailey Latimer, better known to AEW and NWA fans as Kamille

Rounding out the broadcast team will be 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and veteran sports broadcaster Chris Rose handling play-by-play duties.

The reboot promises to blend both modern flair and retro thrills, bringing back fan-favorite challenges from the original series — including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and of course, the ultimate test of endurance: “The Eliminator.”

While this isn’t the first attempt to revive American Gladiators, this version might just have the right mix of athleticism, entertainment, and star power to stick the landing. With The Miz at the helm — no stranger to reality TV or over-the-top competition — and a roster filled with legit in-ring talent, the show looks poised to bridge generations of fans.

For now, there’s no official launch date, but expect more updates to drop soon as Amazon ramps up promotion. Wrestling fans and ‘90s kids alike might want to start prepping for battle — because American Gladiators is about to suit up for a new era.

Omega vs. Okada Set for AEW All In 2025 in Blockbuster Title Unification Match

AEW just raised the stakes for All In 2025 in a massive way — and fans are already responding.

On this week’s AEW Summer Blockbuster special, it was officially announced that Kenny Omega will go one-on-one with Kazuchika Okada in a high-stakes title unification match, pitting the AEW International Championship against the AEW Continental Championship. The winner will walk out of Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas as the inaugural AEW Unified Champion.

According to Fightful Select, this dream clash has been in the works for nearly a year, with AEW reportedly locking in plans for Omega vs. Okada as far back as December 2024 — before Omega’s recent return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. The match not only reunites two of the most iconic rivals of the last decade, but also repositions AEW’s mid-card titles under a single, more prestigious banner.

While some speculated the new belt might carry the historic “Intercontinental” label, sources say AEW never seriously considered that name. Instead, the AEW Unified Championship is internally viewed as a major title — not just a mid-card placeholder, but a division-defining accolade meant to sit just beneath the World Championship in prominence.

And the announcement is already paying off. AEW reportedly moved over 1,400 additional tickets for All In 2025 in the week following the reveal — a clear sign that the Omega-Okada rivalry still draws major attention.

For fans worried about the fate of the Continental Classic tournament — don’t be. Despite the title merger, AEW is expected to continue the annual tourney in future years, likely with new stakes or perhaps feeding into the Unified title picture.

With two of the best wrestlers of this generation set to collide on one of AEW’s biggest stages, All In 2025 is shaping up to be another can’t-miss moment in wrestling history. The road to All In Texas just got a lot more epic.

AEW Summer Blockbuster Preview 6/11/2025

All Elite Wrestling will air AEW Summer Blockbuster tonight on TBS and MAX at 8pm ET from the Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. This four-hour special features Dynamite and Collision.

  • Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada Contract Signing: All In Texas
  • Will Opsreay vs. Swerve Strickland
  • “Timeless” Toni Storm vs. Julia Hart (non-title) – Mercedes Mone’ on commentary
  • Trios Match: The Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, Shelton Benjamin and MJF) vs. Speedball Baily, Komander and Kevin Knight
  • Mistico Returns
  • TayJay (Tay Melo and Anna Jay) vs. Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford
  • Kyle Fletcher vs. Anthony Bowens
  • “The Toxic Spider” Thekla vs. Queen Aminata