AEW’s highly anticipated Grand Slam Australia is just around the corner, bringing a stacked card to fans Down Under on February 15. With Toni Storm defending the AEW Women’s World Championship against Mariah May and the dream team of Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay facing Kyle Fletcher and Konosuke Takeshita, the event promises to be a major milestone for the promotion. However, there has been some confusion regarding when the show will actually air in the United States.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Grand Slam Australia will air on a 20-hour tape delay in the U.S., a decision made by TNT to maximize viewership. Instead of airing live in the early morning hours, the event will be slotted immediately after the NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities, which typically draw massive ratings. While the AEW broadcast is scheduled for 10:30 PM ET, Meltzer noted that the unpredictable nature of NBA events means the show could start closer to 11:05 PM ET if the All-Star coverage runs long.
This strategic scheduling could be a huge win for AEW, as it ensures a strong lead-in audience from NBA All-Star Weekend, which consistently ranks among the most-watched sports broadcasts of the year. Additionally, since the event will air live on the West Coast, Grand Slam Australia will be in primetime for viewers in California and surrounding regions—potentially giving AEW its biggest Saturday night audience in months.
Meltzer also suggested that AEW should capitalize on the moment by kicking off with a major match or angle to hook the new audience. With Revolution set for March 9 in Los Angeles, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a major storyline development in Australia that sets the stage for the pay-per-view.
AEW’s international expansion has been a major talking point in recent months, and if this event pulls in strong ratings, it could open the door for more global shows in the future. Will the decision to delay the broadcast pay off? Fans won’t have to wait much longer to find out.
During a recent interview with the “Toronto Sun,” Chris Jericho discussed a potential WWE Hall of Fame induction, noting that it doesn’t interest him much.
Jericho said, “I’m not one of those guys who cares about the Hall of Fame because I don’t think it’s really real anyway. In some ways, it’s like, ‘Eh, whatever.’ In other ways, I want to pull a Sex Pistols and just refuse to show up. Send a letter saying, ‘Do not mention my name,’ like Axl Rose did. What a great wrestling thing to do. It doesn’t matter to me, it really doesn’t. It’s great that guys go in there and I’m glad they get a chance to, but I’m already a Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is up here [points to head]. It’s more for the fans. At this point in time, I could get put in the Hall of Fame and maybe get booed out of the building. We’ll see what happens. For right here, right now, I’m enjoying what I’m still doing and I definitely wouldn’t go in the Hall of Fame if I’m still actively performing in the ring. We’ll see where it goes. For right now, I feel good, I’m doing great work, and when I feel it’s time to hang up the boots, I will do so. Until then, I’m enjoying being part of the business, as I always have for the last 34 years.”
The Greatest Royal Rumble (2018) remains Jericho’s final in-ring appearance with WWE.
On the June 27, 2022, episode of RAW, Jericho appeared via video message to congratulate John Cena on his career.
Jericho is in AEW and is a former AEW World Champion and is the current ROH World Champion.
It remains to be seen if WWE will one day extend the Hall of Fame honor to Jericho—and if he’ll accept. But if there’s one thing fans know about Jericho, it’s that he’ll always do things on his own terms.
AEW fans may soon see the return of one of the company’s most beloved stars, Riho. The first-ever AEW Women’s World Champion has been absent from television since July 2024, following an injury sustained during a match against Lady Frost on AEW Collision. However, recent reports suggest her return to the ring could be on the horizon.
According to Fightful Select, Riho was spotted in Orlando, Florida, during AEW’s Worlds End pay-per-view on December 28, where she was reportedly training in the ring before the show. While there’s no confirmation that she has been medically cleared to compete, the news has sparked hope among fans eagerly awaiting her comeback. The report also hinted that a return to AEW programming is likely at some point in 2025, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.
Riho’s Storied AEW Career
Riho made history in 2019 as the inaugural AEW Women’s World Champion, defeating Nyla Rose on the debut episode of AEW Dynamite. Her reign lasted 133 days before Rose reclaimed the title in a hard-fought rematch. Unfortunately, Riho’s AEW career was disrupted shortly after due to travel restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing her from competing in the United States.
During her time away from AEW, Riho remained active in Japan, wrestling for notable promotions like STARDOM and DDT. She eventually returned to AEW in 2021 and has since split her time between the promotion and international bookings. Her 2024 hiatus was reportedly tied to the process of renewing her work visa, but her latest setback—a mid-match injury—has kept her out of action for several months.
What’s Next for Riho?
Riho’s return to training is a promising sign for AEW’s women’s division, which has felt the absence of the dynamic competitor. A trailblazer for the company, her mix of high-flying maneuvers and technical precision has made her a fan favorite, and her potential comeback in 2025 could inject fresh energy into the roster.
For now, fans will need to stay tuned for updates on Riho’s recovery and possible return. Whether she’s cleared for action sooner rather than later, it’s safe to say that the wrestling world is ready to welcome back the “Golden Idol” with open arms.
After months of speculation surrounding his status, Malakai Black—known to WWE fans as Aleister Black and to independent wrestling followers as Tommy End—has reportedly wrapped up his time with AEW. According to a report from PWInsider, sources within AEW confirmed that Black has finished up with the promotion, with no plans for a farewell appearance.
This development comes after weeks of storyline hints suggesting Black’s exit from the House of Black faction, the dominant group he helped form and lead. While AEW has yet to make an official announcement, the report strongly suggests Black’s tenure with the company has quietly come to an end.
No WWE Return Just Yet
Naturally, rumors are swirling about a potential return to WWE, where Black had a memorable run in NXT as a former NXT Champion and Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic winner. However, PWInsider noted that Black won’t be available in time to make a surprise appearance at next week’s Royal Rumble. Instead, he’s expected to become a free agent sometime in February or March, giving him plenty of time to decide his next move.
For those keeping tabs on Black’s personal life, his wife, Zelina Vega, is still an active member of WWE’s roster, adding another layer of intrigue to his potential return to the company.
Speculation About His AEW Exit
Black’s departure has been the subject of fan discussion for some time, fueled in part by his uncharacteristic post-match display of emotion after facing Adam Cole in AEW. The two, who share a history from their time together in WWE’s NXT, shared what appeared to be a heartfelt moment following their match—a rare departure from Black’s usually stoic and dark character. This fueled questions about his status in AEW, with rumors suggesting his creative dissatisfaction and a shorter-than-expected contract were factors in his exit.
Black originally joined AEW in mid-2021 after being released by WWE earlier that year. Though his AEW debut came with significant fanfare, his time in the company saw limited singles action. In total, Black wrestled just 15 singles matches during his tenure, losing only three, but his creative focus was largely on the House of Black faction.
What’s Next for Malakai Black?
While it’s unclear where Black will land next, fans are already speculating about his potential future in WWE. With Triple H now at the helm of WWE’s creative direction, a return to the company could provide Black the opportunity to pick up where he left off and possibly revisit the more prominent role he had in NXT.
If he does return to WWE, Black’s dark and striking persona would be a perfect fit for the current landscape of the company’s storytelling, where characters like Bray Wyatt and The Judgment Day are thriving.
Whether he chooses WWE, the independent circuit, or another promotion entirely, one thing is certain: Malakai Black’s blend of in-ring skill and theatrical presence makes him one of wrestling’s most compelling talents. Fans will be eagerly awaiting his next move.
Pro wrestling icon Steve Borden—better known to fans as the legendary Sting—has revealed that 2025 will mark the end of an era. The WWE Hall of Famer and multi-promotion superstar announced on social media that next year will be his final one appearing at conventions and fan events in his signature face paint and ring gear.
“I have enjoyed meeting fans at events around the world. As much as I have loved interacting with you all in the traditional Stinger war paint, I’ve decided that 2025 will be my last year appearing in full gear. I guess it’s 2025 or never. Wow. Tough to speak that out.”
Sting’s iconic look—complete with his black-and-white face paint, trench coat, and trademark baseball bat—has been a staple of his appearances for decades, both in the ring and during fan meet-and-greets. While the wrestling legend will continue to connect with fans in other ways, 2025 will be the last chance for attendees to see “The Icon” in his full Stinger persona.
A Legendary Career Comes to a Close
Sting officially hung up his boots in 2024, following an emotional retirement match at AEW Revolution in Greensboro, North Carolina. Teaming with his protégé Darby Allin, the duo defeated The Young Bucks in what was widely regarded as a fitting sendoff to the Stinger’s storied career.
His retirement in AEW capped off a remarkable comeback that many fans thought would never happen. Sting had seemingly been forced into retirement back in 2015 after a career-threatening neck injury during his brief stint in WWE. Despite those odds, the WCW legend found a way to end his in-ring career on his own terms, delivering one final run for the fans.
Initially brought into AEW to manage Darby Allin, Sting eventually returned to in-ring action in cinematic-style matches before building up to full-scale brawls and traditional matches. His AEW tenure even included a tag team title reign with Allin—a feel-good moment for fans who saw the two as a natural pairing. The pair’s title reign concluded with Sting retiring as champion, resulting in the titles being vacated.
Closing the Chapter
As Sting prepares to enter this new phase of his life, fans will undoubtedly cherish these final opportunities to interact with him in his classic gear. From his days as a WCW megastar to his unforgettable return in AEW, Sting has proven time and again why he’s regarded as one of the greatest in pro wrestling history.
2025 might be “now or never,” as Sting put it, but his legacy will endure far beyond his last face-painted appearance. Fans who have idolized “The Icon” for decades can look forward to celebrating his unparalleled career one final time next year.
As we previously reported, Baker’s days on AEW programming may have already come to an end. Speculation around Britt Baker’s status with AEW has been swirling ever since her last televised appearance in November 2024. Reports and rumors have suggested everything from backstage heat to Tony Khan being “fed up” with the former AEW Women’s World Champion. However, as often happens in the wrestling world, the truth seems to be far less dramatic than the headlines suggest.
Recent discussions on Wrestling Observer Radio with Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez provided some clarity on Baker’s situation. According to Meltzer, while there may be some underlying truths to certain reports, the narrative has been “blown way out of proportion.”
The Backstage Buzz
The most talked-about rumor involves Baker’s alleged unpopularity backstage. Some reports claim she’s “wildly unpopular” in the women’s locker room and territorial about her position in AEW’s women’s division. Meltzer and Alvarez pushed back on this idea, noting that while Baker is indeed a polarizing figure, the claim that “nobody” likes her is simply false.
Alvarez explained how the story snowballed into something bigger than it actually is. According to him, it all started when Wade Keller briefly discussed Baker’s situation on his podcast. From there, other outlets began picking up the story and publishing increasingly exaggerated headlines, leading to rumors that Baker was “done” with AEW altogether.
Is Tony Khan “Fed Up” with Britt Baker?
Another major point of speculation is that Tony Khan has grown tired of Baker and has chosen to focus on other talents instead. While it’s true that Baker hasn’t been utilized recently, Alvarez noted that no one he spoke to within AEW indicated that Khan has written her off for good. Instead, it appears to be more of a creative decision, with no concrete explanation provided as to why Baker hasn’t been on TV.
Britt Baker’s Contract Status
Meltzer and Alvarez both confirmed that Baker remains under contract with AEW for “quite a while.” This dispels any rumors that her absence is tied to contract disputes or that she’s preparing to leave the company. According to Alvarez, “Nobody said she’s not coming back. It’s not like she’s never going to be used again.”
What’s Next for Britt Baker?
While her current absence has sparked plenty of debate, Britt Baker’s future in AEW is ultimately up to Tony Khan. For now, it seems the situation isn’t nearly as dire as some reports have made it out to be. As one of AEW’s cornerstone stars, Baker has played a pivotal role in establishing the women’s division since the company’s inception. Whether fans love or hate her, there’s no denying her impact.
It’s not uncommon for wrestlers to take a step back from TV, either to recharge creatively or to make room for other talent. With her contract still in place, it’s likely only a matter of time before we see the DMD back in action.
Final Thoughts
The wrestling rumor mill has a habit of taking a kernel of truth and turning it into a full-blown soap opera. While it’s clear that Britt Baker is a polarizing figure in AEW, the reports of widespread hatred or Tony Khan’s outright refusal to use her seem to be overblown.
For now, the best course of action is to wait and see what AEW has planned for Baker. Whether she returns as a babyface or a heel, it’s safe to say her next move will have the wrestling world talking once again.
Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for all the latest updates on Britt Baker, AEW, and the ever-evolving wrestling landscape!
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