After months of silence both in the ring and online, Jay White has finally resurfaced — and fans are buzzing.
The former leader of Bullet Club and current AEW star took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday for the first time in seven months, posting a single word:
That one-word tease was all it took to set social media ablaze, drawing hundreds of comments and speculation from fans eager to know what “Switchblade” might be hinting at. Could a comeback be on the horizon?
White has been out of action since March 2025, when he last wrestled Kevin Knight on AEW Collision. Not long after that match, reports surfaced that White had suffered a hand injury severe enough to require surgery. Later, word came that he may also have been dealing with shoulder issues, though details about whether he needed a second surgery were unclear.
Before his injury, White was scheduled to compete in the 2025 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, but AEW used a storyline attack from the Death Riders to write him off television. Knight ultimately took his spot in the bracket, facing Will Ospreay in the opening round.
White’s social media silence only added to the mystery. His last activity on X came back in July, when he replied to a fan predicting a future AEW singles title run with a winking GIF — a fittingly cryptic response from “The Catalyst.”
Now, months later, fans are wondering if “Ready?” means exactly what it sounds like — that Jay White is preparing for his long-awaited return to AEW.
Whether it’s a tease for an in-ring comeback or something else entirely, one thing’s for sure: the wrestling world is watching closely.
AEW could be taking a major step toward building the future of its roster — one that mirrors WWE’s approach with the Performance Center and NXT.
During the AEW WrestleDream media call, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed recent reports that the company has discussed launching its own developmental system and training facility. Khan said the idea has been on the table for some time, and while nothing is finalized, there’s definite interest in moving forward with the concept.
“I am interested in it and it’s something I’ve talked about,” Khan said. “I was kind of surprised to see the report because I’m still interested in that. There’s truth to what’s out there, but like a lot of things, it’s not the whole story.”
According to Fightful Select, AEW had previously explored opening a training center in Asheville, North Carolina, with early plans targeting 2025 for development. The proposed lineup of trainers was impressive — FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood), Adam Copeland (Edge), and Beth Phoenix were reportedly being considered to help lead the project.
However, the initiative was shelved due to budget concerns, and AEW’s creative direction shifted as storylines evolved — particularly with the on-screen fallout between FTR and Copeland’s circle earlier this year.
Khan addressed that dynamic, acknowledging the real-life and storyline ties between those involved:
“They are fantastic mentors — FTR, Cope, and Christian,” Khan said. “But clearly, earlier this year the dynamic between Adam Copeland and FTR changed a lot. If everyone can get back on the same page, I’d love to revisit that project. We talked about having an AEW-affiliated training school in Asheville with those guys leading it.”
While AEW’s current focus remains on weekly programming and its expanding pay-per-view schedule, the company’s leadership clearly sees the long-term value in building a dedicated system to nurture the next wave of talent.
If the plan does come together, AEW’s developmental program could mark a major milestone for the promotion — creating a true homegrown pipeline to rival WWE’s Performance Center.
Andrade’s absence from AEW programming has taken a surprising turn, with new reports suggesting the former WWE star could be out of action much longer than originally believed — potentially up to a full year.
After weeks of speculation, both F4WOnline and PWInsider confirmed earlier today that Andrade’s hiatus stems from a non-compete clause in his previous WWE contract. The clause was reportedly enforced after WWE released him last month, despite the belief that he was free to sign elsewhere. Initially, many assumed the standard 90-day non-compete period would apply — but things are sounding a lot more complicated than that.
According to PWInsider Elite, sources in the “lucha circles” claim Andrade’s non-compete could extend for a full year due to what’s being described as a “breach of contract” at the time of his WWE departure. It’s not clear whether the alleged breach involved Andrade’s signing with AEW or another issue that contributed to his release, but legal action could be on the table if Andrade decides to challenge it.
From Andrade’s perspective, the situation seems just as confusing. Fightful Select reports that Andrade genuinely believed he was in the clear once WWE let him go, as no one informed him of any non-compete. He even began taking bookings and later finalized his AEW deal with Tony Khan during that period — leading to his high-profile return where he attacked Kenny Omega on Dynamite.
Despite the mess, there’s reportedly no hard feelings between Andrade and AEW. Those close to the situation say AEW was caught off guard just like everyone else — even some within WWE were surprised to learn the clause was still active. The belief is that WWE could, under “normal circumstances,” request Andrade to fulfill WWE dates due to the non-compete, though that option may be complicated by previous wellness policy violations.
For now, Andrade is said to be in good spirits while AEW waits to see how things play out. The company had planned for him to continue his program with Omega, but plans were reshuffled following both Andrade’s situation and Kota Ibushi’s injury. AEW reportedly intends to bring Andrade back as soon as the legal dust settles.
Interestingly, the clause keeping Andrade on the sidelines might not be unique to him. Bryan Alvarez of F4WOnline reported that WWE’s current contracts — under the TKO era — include a standard one-year non-compete for any wrestler terminated “for breach of contract.” The exact legal definition of such a breach remains unclear, but it’s now standard language in all new WWE deals.
Alvarez expressed doubt that such a lengthy restriction would hold up in court, referencing Brock Lesnar’s 2004 battle with WWE, when Lesnar successfully overturned a similar non-compete clause. Fightful Selecteven published the full wording of the clause, confirming that WWE retains the right to bar a talent from working anywhere else in the U.S. for up to one year following a termination for breach.
With Andrade’s legal team reportedly “very good,” it’s possible this story is far from over. Whether this new WWE contract language can stand up to legal scrutiny remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: Andrade’s next in-ring appearance may not be happening anytime soon.
Andrade’s AEW return started with a bang — and then silence. After a shocking attack on Kenny Omega, the star has vanished from AEW programming and canceled multiple appearances. Now, new backstage reports suggest WWE might be behind his sudden disappearance.
Andrade’s second run with AEW has hit a roadblock just weeks after his big return. The former WWE standout shocked fans when he attacked Kenny Omega on AEW television, seemingly setting the stage for a major storyline. But since that night, Andrade has been nowhere to be found — not on TV, not in the ring, and not even on his scheduled independent shows.
According to Wrestling Observer Radio, the reason may be tied to an unexpected issue with WWE. Bryan Alvarez reported that Andrade’s absence has nothing to do with injury or discipline, but rather a non-compete clause stemming from his recent WWE release.
“I was told he is not hurt, he didn’t get himself fired,” Alvarez said. “But apparently something is up involving his WWE non-compete… AEW might’ve thought they could get this worked out in time to get the Omega match on, but it didn’t happen.”
Dave Meltzer added that AEW and even some within WWE believed Andrade had no non-compete period. However, WWE reportedly later informed AEW that Andrade is still restricted from appearing on wrestling television for 90 days — a development that seemingly blindsided everyone involved.
“AEW obviously believed there was no non-compete,” Meltzer noted. “Even some people in WWE thought there wasn’t one. But apparently, WWE said he can’t do anything for 90 days.”
WWE Clarified Andrade’s Status After He Took Indie Bookings
PWInsider Elite later reported that both Andrade and WWE initially operated under the impression that his release allowed him to compete immediately since he wasn’t receiving the standard 90-day pay. However, once Andrade began accepting independent dates, WWE clarified that he was still bound by a non-compete restriction.
Whether this was a change in direction or just a case of miscommunication isn’t clear. One WWE insider told PWInsider the company wants to avoid creating a loophole where talent could leave under controversial circumstances and immediately jump to another promotion.
Impact On Andrade’s AEW and Independent Plans
If the 90-day non-compete is enforced, Andrade will be sidelined until early next year, delaying his AEW storyline indefinitely. He’s also expected to miss several upcoming shows, including an event in Puerto Rico this weekend and an appearance for The Crash in Tijuana — where he currently reigns as Heavyweight Champion.
That leaves the future of The Crash title uncertain, especially since Andrade only captured the belt from DMT Azul shortly after reappearing in AEW.
For now, fans can only wait to see when Andrade will finally be cleared to return to the ring. His comeback may have started strong, but this legal roadblock has left one of AEW’s most intriguing returns stuck in neutral.
New Japan Pro Wrestling crowned a new top champion this morning, as AEW standout Konosuke Takeshita shocked fans in Tokyo by dethroning Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
The victory came after a grueling 31-minute battle at King of Pro Wrestling, where over 5,000 fans watched Takeshita outlast one of the most dominant champions in recent NJPW history. Sabre, who had held the title twice since first winning it nearly a year ago, came in with momentum from high-profile victories over Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Ricochet, and Nigel McGuinness.
But on this night, Takeshita proved to be the better man. The match told a classic NJPW story of contrasting styles — Sabre methodically targeted Takeshita’s arm, looking to neutralize his power, while Takeshita relied on his explosive strikes and athleticism. In the end, the AEW star broke through, delivering a pair of brutal knee strikes — the final one with the kneepad down — to score the decisive pinfall and claim the gold.
Takeshita’s celebration didn’t last long, though. Hirooki Goto, the man who briefly interrupted Sabre’s championship dominance earlier this year, confronted the new champion immediately after the match and issued a challenge. Takeshita mocked Goto and took shots at New Japan’s younger generation for failing to step up, but he ultimately accepted the challenge. Whether that title match happens soon or is saved for Wrestle Kingdom in January remains to be seen.
The win marks Takeshita’s first reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and continues his rapid ascent across multiple promotions. Already under contract with AEW, NJPW, and DDT, Takeshita now joins Jon Moxley as the second AEW wrestler in the past year to hold New Japan’s top championship.
And the momentum might not stop there — Takeshita is scheduled to compete at AEW WrestleDream this weekend, where he’ll team with Kazuchika Okada, his sometimes ally and rival within the Don Callis Family, to challenge Brodido for the AEW World Tag Team Titles.
If Takeshita can pull off another win, the “Alpha of the Callis Family” could soon be holding gold in two major promotions at once — a feat that would firmly cement his status as one of wrestling’s most unstoppable rising stars.
You know what the biggest mistake NJPW ever made was? Not accepting Konosuke Takeshita into the dojo. That’s right—his dream was just to compete here, and they turned him away. And now? Now he stands as YOUR IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. The man NJPW rejected is better than… pic.twitter.com/qPKJljvOB7
— ROCKY ROMERO🇵🇷 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 🇯🇵“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) October 13, 2025
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) held the 2025 King of Pro-Wrestling event on October 13 from Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
You can check out the complete results from the show below:
IWGP Women’s Championship: Syuri def. Sareee (c) to win the title.
War Dogs (David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori & Clark Connors) def. Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & Titan.
AEW is saying goodbye—for now—to one of its most meaningful homes. Company president Tony Khan has confirmed that this week’s AEW Collision taping at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, was the final event the promotion will hold there before the venue undergoes extensive renovations.
Scoop #5 – Tony Khan says this may be the final time they visit Daily’s Place until the Stadium Of The Future is complete here in Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/FpwTapzxvE
Daily’s Place holds a special place in AEW’s history. Connected to EverBank Stadium—the home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars—the open-air amphitheater served as AEW’s primary base during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. With travel restrictions and crowd limitations affecting live events, the company essentially made Daily’s Place its home arena, producing a full year of Dynamite episodes there from 2020 through 2021.
Khan, whose family owns the Jaguars, is closely tied to the future of the facility. The amphitheater and adjacent stadium are both publicly owned, but Shahid Khan—the Jaguars’ owner and Tony’s father—played a key role in financing the complex. The current construction project, dubbed the “Stadium of the Future,” is set to reshape the area with sweeping renovations expected to continue through 2028, carrying an estimated price tag of $1.3 billion.
Daily’s Place originally opened in 2017, making it one of Jacksonville’s newer entertainment venues. Despite its short history, it’s become a major landmark for AEW fans—hosting everything from the Fight for the Fallen event in 2019 to numerous Dynamite and Rampage tapings.
This week’s Title Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite and the following Collision episode marked AEW’s final stop at the venue before work begins. While the company’s home base is temporarily out of commission, Khan made it clear that AEW’s relationship with Jacksonville is far from over.
Once renovations are complete, it’s safe to assume AEW will return to Daily’s Place—bigger, louder, and ready to make new memories in a rebuilt home that helped the company thrive during some of its most challenging early years.
AEW commentator and ECW legend Taz is stepping away from the broadcast table for a while to focus on his health. After calling Tuesday night’s Title Tuesday edition of AEW Dynamite, Taz revealed on X that he’ll be undergoing total shoulder replacement surgery in the near future and will be “off for some time.”
I will be having total shoulder replacement surgery in a short time. Therefore I will be off AEW Dynamite for some time. See you soon.
The former ECW World Champion assured fans that this isn’t a permanent goodbye, closing his message with a simple promise: “See you soon.”
This isn’t the first time Taz has had to take time off for surgery. Around this same time last year, he underwent knee replacement surgery. AEW used an on-screen angle to write him off television then — an attack that set the stage for his son, Hook, to feud with Christian Cage and The Patriarchy. Taz returned to the company later that year, receiving a hometown welcome at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.
This time, however, AEW has opted not to use a storyline to explain his absence, and there’s currently no word on how long Taz will be sidelined. The company’s schedule doesn’t include any New York events for the rest of the year, though Full Gear is set to take place just across the river in Newark, New Jersey, on November 22 — a show that could mark his eventual return if his recovery goes smoothly.
Taz joined AEW in its early days as a manager and transitioned to the commentary desk full-time in mid-2022, where his sharp analysis and signature sense of humor have made him a fan favorite. Most recently, this past August, AEW honored Taz with an induction into the Hall of Fame at Philadelphia’s iconic 2300 Arena — the historic home of ECW. In a classy move, Taz requested that the planned segment be kept off television so that airtime could instead go to AEW’s current roster.
For now, the Human Suplex Machine is focused on recovery, but fans can rest easy knowing Taz fully intends to return to the booth once his shoulder is healed and ready to go.
AEW’s “Collision: Homecoming” taping at Daily’s Place in Jacksonville, Florida, took an unfortunate turn this week when Kota Ibushi appeared to suffer a serious leg injury during his match.
The episode, filmed on October 8, was meant to celebrate AEW’s roots at Daily’s Place — but for Ibushi, it may have marked another setback in his long battle with injuries. According to live reports from JJ Williams of the Wrestling Observer, Ibushi was facing Josh Alexander of The Don Callis Family when disaster struck.
During the match, Ibushi reportedly slipped off the top rope after his leg seemed to give out, sending him crashing to the floor outside the ring. AEW’s ringside medical team immediately attended to him, and the match was stopped shortly after, with Alexander declared the winner via count-out.
After the bell, the situation escalated when The Don Callis Family attempted to attack the fallen Ibushi, prompting Kenny Omega — Ibushi’s longtime tag team partner and close friend — to rush to the ring for the save. The segment ended with the house lights dimming as Ibushi was stretchered out of the ringside area.
At this time, the severity of Ibushi’s injury has not been confirmed. However, early accounts suggest it could be significant, potentially sidelining him for an extended period once again.
Ibushi only recently made his return to AEW, reappearing on the June 21 episode of Collision after nearly two years away. That return set up a dream match with Kazuchika Okada for the AEW Continental Championship on the 300th episode of Dynamite. Although Ibushi came up short in that match, fans and critics alike praised his conditioning and performance, marking it as one of his strongest outings in recent memory.
Unfortunately, injuries have long haunted the Golden Star. Ibushi has dealt with recurring shoulder problems since his New Japan Pro Wrestling days and suffered double ankle fractures in early 2024 during a Pro Wrestling NOAH match against Naomichi Marufuji.
AEW has yet to issue an official statement regarding his condition, but fans are hoping this latest setback isn’t as serious as it initially appeared.
For now, all eyes are on Ibushi’s recovery and what this might mean for his AEW future — especially with Kenny Omega once again standing by his side.
UPDATE
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Ibushi broke his leg. Meltzer noted that the injury looked to just be a freak accident and that anyone who took the fall and landing that Ibushi did would have also suffered a serious injury, or potentially something worse. Ibushi has had a lot of injuries over the past few years, which naturally meant a lot of people thought this was another case of Ibushi’s body not being able to do what he could do in the past, but Meltzer said that isn’t what happened and Ibushi took an out of control spill that couldn’t have been avoided.
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