Category: AEW

Rey Fenix Becomes a Free Agent, WWE Move Reportedly Imminent

High-flying luchador Rey Fenix is now officially a free agent, according to Fightful Select, and all signs point to an imminent move to WWE. Despite AEW’s ability to extend his contract due to injury time, sources indicate that he is free to sign with any promotion—and WWE seems to be wasting no time preparing for his arrival.

WWE Already Making Plans for Fenix?

Reports suggest that WWE’s merchandise and creative teams are already at work in anticipation of Fenix’s signing, strongly hinting that his debut could be sooner rather than later. If true, this move would bring him into the same company as his brother PENTA, setting up the possibility of a reunited Lucha Bros on WWE’s main roster.

AEW Exit and Controversy

Fenix’s departure comes after a complicated contract situation. Both he and PENTA were reportedly close to leaving AEW last year, but their deals were extended after AEW caught wind of their talks with WWE. Adding to the tension, Fenix previously accused AEW of “inhumane treatment”, though the company privately denied the allegations. It’s also rumored that a non-disparagement agreement may have been included as part of his release, which would prevent him from publicly criticizing AEW.

Missed Creative Opportunities in AEW

Before his contract situation took a turn, Fenix, PENTA, and Pac were reportedly in line for an AEW Trios Championship run. However, once negotiations with WWE came to light, those creative plans were seemingly dropped, leaving Fenix with little direction in AEW’s booking.

With his jaw-dropping aerial offense and lucha libre expertise, Fenix has been a standout performer for years. Now, with WWE apparently rolling out the red carpet, it looks like his next chapter could be unfolding on the biggest stage in sports entertainment.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!

Queen of the Ring: The Story of Wrestling Pioneer Mildred Burke Hits Theaters March 7

Professional wrestling fans and history buffs alike have something special to look forward to this year. Queen of the Ring, a new biopic about the legendary Mildred Burke, is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on March 7, 2025. The film tells the inspiring true story of Burke, a trailblazing wrestler who overcame countless obstacles to become the first million-dollar female athlete and one of the most dominant champions in wrestling history.

A Look at the Story

Based on Jeff Leen’s book The Queen of the Ring, the film follows Burke’s rise in the wrestling world during a time when women’s wrestling was banned in many parts of the U.S. A single mother, she not only fought opponents in the ring but also battled a male-dominated industry that tried to hold her back at every turn. Her tumultuous relationship with promoter Billy Wolfe, who both helped and hindered her career, is expected to play a significant role in the film’s narrative.

A Star-Studded Cast

Queen of the Ring boasts an impressive cast, blending Hollywood actors with real-life wrestling stars:

  • Emily Bett Rickards as Mildred Burke
  • Josh Lucas as Billy Wolfe
  • Tyler Posey as George William “G. Bill” Wolfe
  • Walton Goggins as Jack Pfefer
  • Francesca Eastwood as Mae Young
  • Kamille as June Byers
  • Toni Storm as Clara Mortensen
  • Trinity Fatu (Naomi) as Ethel Johnson
  • Britt Baker as Debbie Nichols
  • Jim Cornette as Sam Muchnick

With real wrestlers like Kamille, Toni Storm, Trinity Fatu, and Britt Baker involved, the film is sure to bring an authentic feel to the in-ring action.

Behind the Scenes

The film is directed by Ash Avildsen, who also co-wrote the script with Alston Ramsay. Given Avildsen’s background in both film and music, the movie is expected to blend strong storytelling with a high-energy presentation fitting for a wrestling legend like Burke.

Premiere and Release

Queen of the Ring made its debut at the Buffalo International Film Festival on October 15, 2024, where it garnered early attention. Now, fans across the country will get to experience Burke’s incredible journey when the movie hits theaters on March 7, 2025, courtesy of Sumerian Pictures.

Why This Movie Matters

Mildred Burke’s story is one that wrestling fans and athletes of all kinds should know. She paved the way for generations of women in wrestling, long before names like Trish Stratus, Charlotte Flair, or Becky Lynch became household names. With Queen of the Ring, her legacy will finally get the spotlight it deserves.

AEW Collision Preview 3/1/2025

AEW Collision LIVE tonight on TNT and Max at 8/7C from the Oakland Arena in Oakland, California.

  • AEW TNT Championship: Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Adam Cole
  • FTR vs. Undisputed Kingdom (Roderick Strong & Kyle O’Reilly)
  • Powerhouse Hobbs & Bandido vs. Big Bill & Bryan Keith
  • We’ll hear from Kenny Omega
  • Update on Toni Storm

More AEW Departures Expected in March

AEW has long faced criticism for its bloated roster, and it looks like March will bring another round of departures. With limited TV time across Dynamite, Collision and ROH, not everyone can get the spotlight, leading to contracts quietly expiring or not being renewed.

As reported yesterday “Legit” Leyla Hirsch’s AEW contract ends today, making her a free agent. But according to Wrestling Observer Live’s Bryan Alvarez, Hirsch won’t be the last.

More Roster Moves on the Horizon?

Alvarez reported that AEW fans should expect more departures this month, hinting that some talent may be outright released, while others could see their contracts expire without renewal.

“I think that this will not be the last time you hear this story in the month of March. I have heard that there might be some departures coming up… Whether it’s people being released, people’s deals coming up and not being renewed. The fact of the matter is, they got way too many people under contract.”

While no specific names were mentioned, AEW has already lost notable talent in recent weeks.

Recent AEW Exits

February saw the departures of Malakai Black, Miro, and Ricky Starks (mistakenly listed as “Ricky Saints” in some reports). All three have either returned to WWE or are on their way back.

  • Ricky Starks has already resurfaced in NXT, surprising many fans with his move to WWE’s developmental brand.
  • Malakai Black and Miro are reportedly in WWE’s creative plans, though their returns haven’t been made official yet.

With AEW’s stacked roster and only so much weekly programming, it’s no surprise that more names could be on their way out. Who will be next? Stay tuned as the situation unfolds.

Update On AEW Star Eddie Kingston’s Injury and Recovery Process

It’s been nearly a year since Eddie Kingston last stepped inside the squared circle, and while fans have been eagerly awaiting his return, it looks like “The Mad King” is still battling through the recovery process.

Kingston suffered a broken tibia and additional injuries during an NJPW STRONG match in May 2024, where he lost the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship to Gabe Kidd in a brutal no-rope, last man standing match. Since then, he’s been on the road to recovery—but it hasn’t been easy.

According to a new update from PWInsider, Kingston is dealing with more than just his leg injury. Speaking candidly about his struggles, Kingston admitted:

“S** is hard and when it rains, it pours. I f**ed my stomach up from stress and I am waiting for results, then back to physical therapy. I got new insurance that cost an arm and leg.”

While the original expectation was for Kingston to return sometime in summer 2025, it’s unclear if his latest health setback will push that timeline even further.

Kingston Staying Inspired by ’90s Wrestling

Despite the challenges, Kingston is still keeping his love for wrestling alive. He revealed that throughout his rehabilitation, he’s been immersing himself in classic ’90s wrestling—particularly ECW, AJPW, and NJPW—and encouraged fans to do the same.

Meanwhile, the title Kingston lost to Kidd has remained in the spotlight, with Kidd holding onto the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship ever since. His most recent defense came at NJPW Battle in the Valley, where he fought Tomohiro Ishii to a 30-minute draw.

What’s Next for The Mad King?

Kingston’s return to AEW and NJPW is still uncertain, but if there’s one thing fans know about him, it’s that he never stays down for long. Whether it’s this summer or later in 2025, expect Eddie Kingston to come back with a vengeance—and probably with a few more ‘90s wrestling tapes to recommend along the way.

“Legit” Leyla Hirsch Set to Depart AEW as Contract Expires

Another name is hitting the free-agent market as “Legit” Leyla Hirsch is set to part ways with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). According to PWInsider Elite, Hirsch’s contract is set to expire at the end of February, and she has opted not to re-sign with the company. Since her deal is simply running out rather than being terminated, she will not be subject to a non-compete clause, meaning she’ll be free to wrestle elsewhere immediately.

Hirsch’s AEW Run: From Breakout Star to Injury Setback

Hirsch first appeared in AEW in 2020, making her debut on AEW Dark during the pandemic-era tapings at Daily’s Place. Her performances impressed AEW management, leading to a multi-year contract in March 2021. She quickly became a regular in the AEW women’s division, gaining traction throughout the year before entering a notable feud with Kris Statlander leading into Revolution 2022.

However, just as Hirsch’s momentum was building, an unfortunate injury derailed her career. In April 2022, she suffered a torn ACL during a dark match, which required surgery and sidelined her for over a year.

A New Chapter in ROH and What’s Next

When Hirsch finally returned in mid-2023, she found herself primarily competing in Ring of Honor (ROH) rather than AEW’s main roster. There, she delivered standout performances, including a Texas Death Match against Diamante at Death Before Dishonor 2024 and a title challenge against Red Velvet for the ROH Women’s World Television Championship at Final Battle. Her match at Final Battle ultimately marked her last appearance under the AEW/ROH umbrella.

Now, with her contract expiring, Hirsch is officially a free agent, opening the door for new opportunities across the wrestling world. Whether she finds a new home in another major promotion or hits the independent scene, one thing is certain—she brings experience, resilience, and a hard-hitting style wherever she goes.

AEW Dynamite Preview 2/26/2025

AEW Dynamite will air live tonight coast to coast on TBS and will also air live on Max from the Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, California.

  • AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Orange Cassidy – Winner faces Kenny Omega at AEW Revolution
  • Trios Match: TNT Champion Daniel Garcia and FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) vs. Undisputed Kingdom (Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly and Roderick Strong)
  • We’ll hear from Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana
  • Bounty Match: Bryan Keith vs. Will Ospreay
  • Deonna Purrazzo vs. Harley Cameron
  • Hangman Adam Page will be in action
  • We’ll hear from MJF

“Speedball” Mike Bailey is AEW Bound—Debut Coming Soon

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.

Ryan Nemeth Files Lawsuit Against AEW, Tony Khan, and CM Punk Over Alleged Locker Room Incident

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.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.

AEW Collision Preview 2/22/2025

AEW Collision tonight on TNT and Max, was taped on Thursday (Feb. 20) from Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, AZ.

  • ROH World Championship: Chris Jericho (c) vs. Bandido
  • AEW World Trios Championships: Death Riders (PAC, Wheeler Yuta, & Claudio Castagnoli) (c) vs. Daniel Garcia, Cool Hand Ang & Daddy Magic
  • The Murder Machines (Lance Archer & Brian Cage) in action
  • Gabe Kidd vs. The Butcher
  • Max Caster’s open challenge
  • Hologram vs. The Beast Mortos
  • Julia Hart vs. Queen Aminata
  • Harley Cameron to speak