Category: Wrestling News

AEW Backstage Controversy: Ryan Nemeth’s Claims Against CM Punk

Over a year after CM Punk’s dramatic exit from AEW, new allegations from former AEW talent Ryan Nemeth have reignited controversy surrounding the polarizing wrestler and the company’s handling of backstage issues. Nemeth, known for his in-ring work and outspoken personality, has filed a formal complaint alleging harassment, threats, and organizational negligence during his time in AEW.

Nemeth Details Allegations Against Punk and AEW

According to Fightful Select, Nemeth submitted a detailed timeline to AEW executives in September. The document reportedly accuses CM Punk of harassment and threats while claiming AEW management failed to act on the incidents. Nemeth’s complaint includes evidence such as emails, text messages, and call logs and also alleges that Punk held an undisclosed executive position within the company.

Nemeth and Punk famously clashed after Punk’s AEW return in June 2023, stemming from a tweet by Nemeth that Punk confronted him about. Nemeth claims the confrontation escalated into threats and that he had previously raised concerns with then-AEW legal head Megha Parekh about potential targeting by Punk. Notably, Nemeth alleges that key figures like Tony Schiavone, Jon Moxley, and The Young Bucks were supportive of him during this time, but he was left off AEW programming for months following the incident.

“Silent Firing” and Anti-Punk Promo Controversy

Nemeth alleges he was unofficially blacklisted after his run-in with Punk, despite assurances from Parekh that his job was secure. In August, Nemeth was scheduled for a “Collision” taping but was pulled from the show at Punk’s request. Shortly after, Nemeth was flown to an AEW Dynamite event, where he claims the company pressured him to deliver an anti-Punk promo—a move he interpreted as AEW deflecting the situation rather than addressing it.

Complicating matters, Parekh’s departure from AEW left Nemeth communicating with other company officials, including Chris Peck and Margaret Stalvey. Nemeth later became a part of the investigation into Punk’s infamous altercation with Jack Perry at All Out 2023. However, he felt his issues with Punk were sidelined in favor of broader discussions about Punk’s future in AEW.

The Fallout and AEW’s Silence

Nemeth’s last AEW match took place in November 2023, coinciding with CM Punk’s return to WWE. Although Nemeth’s AEW contract extends into 2024, he claims he was effectively frozen out of the company. He alleges AEW owner Tony Khan and others viewed him as a scapegoat for Punk’s firing. Attempts to negotiate a settlement, reportedly involving a non-disclosure agreement, fell through after the offer was abruptly rescinded.

In his complaint, Nemeth has sought financial compensation and policy changes within AEW, citing discussions with mental health professionals to underscore the severity of the situation. While Nemeth acknowledges Punk’s role in his experience, he places significant blame on AEW executives like Chris Peck, accusing them of failing to take his concerns seriously.

Where Things Stand

Reports suggest Nemeth met with AEW leadership months ago, including a conversation with Tony Khan where the possibility of a return was raised. However, Nemeth expressed no interest in rejoining the company. AEW has yet to comment publicly on the allegations.

For now, Ryan Nemeth’s accusations cast a shadow on AEW’s locker room culture and management practices. While Punk’s departure and return to WWE seemed to close one chapter, Nemeth’s claims suggest unresolved issues that AEW may need to address to maintain a healthy backstage environment.

Kylie Rae Joins ‘WWE ID’ Program

Kylie Rae has signed on with WWE’s “Independent Development” program.

During Freelance Wrestling’s ‘Thursday Night Slammasters’ event, it was announced that Rae has joined the WWE ID program.

Rae has previously worked for AEW, TNA Wrestling, GCW, and many other promotions.

Source: eWn

Josh Alexander Bids Farewell to the Independent Scene

Josh Alexander, one of the most respected wrestlers to emerge from the Canadian independent circuit, has announced his retirement from indie wrestling after 20 years. The 37-year-old TNA star shared the news on social media, reflecting on his journey, the grind of constant travel, and his desire to make way for the next generation of wrestlers.

Reflecting on Two Decades of the Grind

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Alexander expressed gratitude for the promotions, wrestlers, and fans who have been part of his journey. He acknowledged the toll that wrestling’s demanding schedule has taken on him, emphasizing how the relentless travel, especially on the indie scene, has shaped his career and, ultimately, his decision to step back.

“I’ve loved my time in the independents these past 20 years,” Alexander wrote. “I’ve done amazing things, worked with amazing people, and got to travel the world performing in front of amazing fans. That being said, I’m tired of the hustle. It’s time for the next crop to step up and fill whatever void I may leave behind in the Canadian scene.”

The “Walking Weapon” also shared gratitude for the experiences that led him to prominence, even crediting his time as a tire technician—a job he held to supplement his wrestling income—as part of the grind that ultimately gave him a livelihood. He ended his announcement on a positive note, using a classic wrestling sendoff: “It’s not goodbye. It’s just see you later.”

A Continued Legacy in TNA

Though Alexander is stepping away from independent wrestling, his career is far from over. He remains a cornerstone of TNA, where he has wrestled since 2018 and achieved Triple Crown Champion status. His accolades include two reigns as TNA World Champion, with his second reign setting a record at 335 days. In 2023, his efforts earned him a spot in the PWI 500’s top 10, ranking ninth overall.

Alexander is expected to continue as a pivotal figure in TNA’s resurgence, and fans can still look forward to seeing him in high-profile matches under the promotion’s banner.

Interest from WWE or AEW?

As of now, it’s unclear if WWE or AEW has their sights set on Alexander. He recently faced AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita for the International Championship in October, though the match took place at a Maple Leaf Wrestling event, not an AEW show. While his future outside of TNA remains speculative, Alexander’s impressive resume makes him a potential asset for any promotion.

The End of an Era

Josh Alexander’s departure from the independent scene marks the end of a remarkable chapter in his career. For 20 years, he has been a fixture in Canadian wrestling, inspiring countless performers with his work ethic, skill, and dedication. Now, as he focuses on the next phase of his journey, he leaves behind a legacy for the next wave of talent to build upon.

Alexander’s fans, both on the indies and in TNA, know that this isn’t truly goodbye—it’s simply a new beginning for the “Walking Weapon.” Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on his career and the latest in professional wrestling!

AEW Original Marko Stunt Announces His Retirement From Professional Wrestling, Shares Health Struggles Behind Decision

Former AEW and GCW star Marko Stunt has announced his retirement from in-ring competition.

Stunt has appeared on the “Love Wrestling” podcast, where he commented on his retirement, his obligations to his family, and the hopes he had on getting back into the industry before having to face reality.

Former AEW talent and fan favorite, Marko Stunt, has opened up about the health issues that have forced him into an early retirement from professional wrestling. Known for his high-energy style and underdog persona, Stunt was one of the founding faces of AEW’s early years, most notably as a member of the Jurassic Express alongside Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus — now Killswitch — as the Jurassic Express trio, but found himself left out of the group’s appearances more and more as Christian Cage joined the fold, with Stunt ultimately departing the promotion in 2022. Since then, he has continued to work with Game Changer Wrestling and other independent promotions, but he appears to have made his last wrestling appearance as a surprise return during “AEW Collision” in July.

Stunt explained the unfortunate combination of injuries that have taken a toll on his ability to compete. According to the former AEW star, issues began with a serious leg injury that continued to worsen over time. Complications from his injuries impacted his mobility, which in turn limited his ability to perform at the demanding physical level wrestling requires. After trying to manage the ongoing pain and recover through physical therapy and other treatments, Stunt had to make the tough decision to prioritize his health.

Stunt noted that while he loved his time in AEW and the connections he formed there, his health challenges made it increasingly difficult to maintain the intensity fans came to expect from him in the ring. At only 27, he reflected on the frustration of facing retirement at such a young age but emphasized that his choice was necessary for long-term well-being. He expressed gratitude to fans who supported him throughout his wrestling career and hoped to stay connected with them in other ways moving forward.

Though his in-ring career has come to an end, Marko Stunt has hinted at remaining involved in the wrestling world, potentially through managing, coaching, or even backstage roles that keep him close to the industry he loves. For now, his priority is focusing on his health and exploring new opportunities.

Stunt’s story serves as a reminder of the physical toll wrestling takes on even the youngest, most energetic performers, and his decision highlights the difficult balance many athletes face between passion and well-being. As fans wish him the best, it’s clear his legacy as one of AEW’s originals will not be forgotten.

WWE Releases Baron Corbin, Indi Hartwell, & Tegan Nox

Fightful Select is reporting that WWE has released Baron Corbin, Indi Hartwell and Tegan Nox.

According to a report from Sean Ross Sapp, Corbin was given notice by WWE that his contract would not be renewed once it expired, as opposed to him being the one to request the release.

https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1852474039564222689

Tegan Nox and Indi Hartwell were indicated to be on the 90 day delay before they become free agents, which would imply their releases come before their contracts are expired. However, no confirmation as to when or why this decision was made has been revealed for either of them at this time.

https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1852473772256677910
https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1852474297966555239

The current information is that these will be the only releases this round.

https://twitter.com/SeanRossSapp/status/1852474915594871251

Source: eWn

WWE Announces WWE ID, New Indie Wrestling Development Program

It’s no secret that one of the visions of WWE’s Chief Content Officer, Triple H, has been to expand the company into different areas, including establishing performance centers in the UK, which WWE did briefly with NXT UK, Japan, Mexico, and other territories, and creating the WWE NIL program for college athletes. Now, WWE is looking to get involved with independent wrestling, with a new program that will have them very attached to certain areas of the scene going forward.

In a press release, WWE announced “WWE ID,” short for “WWE Independent Development.” The new program has been launched to “identify, support, and develop independent wrestling schools and wrestling talent.” Five independent wrestling schools have already earned the “official designation” of being WWE ID schools, including Reality of Wrestling in Houston, the Nightmare Factory in Atlanta, the Black and Brave Academy in Davenport, Iowa, Elite Pro Wrestling Training Center in Concord, New Hampshire, and Knokx Pro Academy in Los Angeles.

“WWE ID is the latest in our efforts to identify and support the journey of up-and-coming wrestlers, in turn raising the profile of and strengthening the independent wrestling ecosystem,” Triple H said in a statement.

Wrestling Schools With WWE Ties First To Achieve WWE ID Status, Canadian Promotion Expresses Skepticism

Four of the five WWE ID schools already had strong ties to WWE, with ROW, Nightmare Factory, Black and Brave, and Knokx Pro being run/co-owned by Booker T, Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, and Rikishi respectively. Meanwhile, one of Elite Pro’s head trainers, Mike Hollow, previously worked as a WWE jobber during the 90s.

Independent talent associated with the program will also receive a “WWE ID” designation, with WWE providing “financial opportunity” for the talent, as well as “assisting with training, mentorship and development, including access to world-class facilities, best-in-class ring training, athletic trainers and more.” The program will also allow fans to monitor these talent’s progress via matches, highlights, and behind the scenes content to be aired on “WWE social platforms.”

So far, at least one independent promotion has expressed hesitancy towards this new program. Taking to X this morning shortly after WWE’s official announcement, Ottawa based promotion Capital City Championship Combat, better known as C4, posted several tweets, the first of which stated the point of independent wrestling was “to grow. To learn,” and that those claiming to be independent while backed by a billion dollar promotion weren’t independent. In later tweets, the C4 poster admitted this was their immediate reaction, and hoped more info would arise that would prove them wrong.

https://twitter.com/C4Wrestling/status/1851259904088056039
https://twitter.com/C4Wrestling/status/1851264366240239714

Source: Wrestling Inc.

John Layfield (JBL) Undergoes Stem Cell Treatment, Says His Comeback Will Be The Biggest Since The Resurrection

JBL says he’s feeling pain free after undergoing stem cell treatment.

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday, the WWE Hall of Famer posted a photo from a recent a workout. He captioned his photo with,

“First time in a couple of decades, pain free and able to work out. Got stem cells from Integrated Pain Management in New Jersey-and my first workout, hard to believe I’m able to do things I couldn’t do for years. Comeback? Yeah, biggest since the resurrection.”

In recent months, JBL has appeared for TNA Wrestling, GCW, and MLW.

https://twitter.com/JCLayfield/status/1849572299613016314

Source: eWn

New Backstage Reports Claim AEW Stars The Lucha Brothers Have Not Yet Signed With WWE

Ever since early August, when it was reported that Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo wouldn’t be renewing their AEW contracts, every sign has indicated that the tag team known as The Lucha Brothers are heading to WWE. On Thursday, it seemed as though the move had been made official when Cory Hays of PWNexus claimed (or seemed to claim) that Penta and Fenix had signed a multi-year main roster deal. That conclusion now appears to be premature, as both Fightful Select and Pro Wrestling Insider are reporting that, while The Lucha Brothers are still probably WWE-bound, they have not yet signed contracts.

Fightful’s report says WWE sources denied the brothers had been signed, with one indicating that Fenix is still under contract to AEW (though AEW sources wouldn’t confirm his contract status). PWI, meanwhile, reports that both Fenix and Penta are still signed to AEW, and that while there’s strong mutual interest between them and WWE, they cannot legally have signed anything yet. Both reports agree that The Lucha Brothers are still expected to sign with WWE, with Fightful noting that neither WWE nor AEW has responded to official inquiries about the two wrestlers.

Hays, for his part, responded to Fightful’s report on Saturday by clarifying his original post, which never technically said the brothers had put pen to paper.

“Yet, as Rey’s contract hasn’t expired yet,” Hays said on X (formerly known as Twitter), quoting Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp. “But they have had the conversations and merchandise has been given the green light.” When asked by a commenter when Fenix’s deal was up, Hays replied “This month, and [Tony Khan] isn’t adding injury time to it.”

Penta hasn’t wrestled for AEW since the July 19 episode of “AEW Rampage”; Fenix’s last AEW match was the July 20 episode of “AEW Collision.” Neither man has wrestled anywhere in more than a month.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Report – The Lucha Brothers (Penta & Rey Fenix) Sign With WWE

The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix) are headed to WWE.

Following numerous rumors and speculation, the Lucha Brothers have inked long-term contracts with WWE, bypassing NXT and moving directly to the main roster.

As we’ve been reporting here on eWn, Penta has been discussing a potential move to WWE since the summer. Penta emphasized that he and his brother Fenix would only make the transition together, and WWE was eager to accommodate this request.

Cory Hayes of PWN has verified the signing, stating, “Multi-year deal. Directly to main roster.”

WrestleVotes Radio is also reporting that the Lucha Brothers’ signing with WWE is likely a done deal as production of masks, t-shirts, and other promotional materials is already in progress.

The Lucha Brothers have been integral to AEW since their debut on the company’s inaugural show in 2019.

Penta’s AEW contract expired between August and September, and Fenix’s contract was also set to expire this year.

Source: eWn

Update On Matt Riddle’s Likelihood In AEW

A year out from his WWE exit, Matt Riddle recently teased the possibility of joining All Elite Wrestling, specifically with the intention of making more money and working a decent television schedule. According to a new report, though, that idea may be a little far-fetched right now.

Fightful Select reports that AEW President Tony Khan has had zero interest in bringing Riddle aboard to the company, “especially over the last number of years.” In recent months, Riddle has worked with some talents signed to AEW — including Brian Cage, Dralistico, Komander, Penta El Zero Miedo, and The Beast Mortos — on the wrestling circuit. As Fightful points out, though, all those matches emanated from promotions based in Mexico, and not the United States.

In addition to the idea of signing with AEW, Riddle also recently discussed a backstage encounter he had with Khan following his loss to Zack Sabre Jr. at the April 2024 NJPW Windy City Riot show in Chicago. According to Riddle, the conversation between him and Khan was relatively awkward. While Khan initially seemed happy, Riddle stated that he later seemed “confused” when Riddle asked him if he liked the match with Sabre Jr. in a “different” kind of tone.

Since leaving WWE last year, Riddle has worked for several independent promotions across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. “The Original Bro” has additionally appeared for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Major League Wrestling. Riddle’s latest MLW appearance came at the Summer Of The Beasts event on August 29, which saw him defeat former MLW World Tag Team Champion Matthew Justice.

Source: Wrestling Inc.