Category: WWE

Backstage Insight: WWE’s AAA Signings About Market Strategy

WWE made headlines this week with news that several stars from Mexican promotion AAA had signed deals with the company—most notably current AAA Mega Champion Alberto Del Rio and luchadora La Hiedra. However, as with most things in wrestling, there’s more to the story than just new names coming in.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, these signings aren’t about immediate WWE appearances. Instead, they’re strategic moves aimed at locking down talent for WWE’s interests in the Mexico market. That means fans shouldn’t expect Del Rio showing up on Raw or SmackDown anytime soon—if at all.

“These are new deals, not extensions of their AAA contracts,” Meltzer clarified. “They’re designed for WWE’s presence in Mexico, not necessarily to bring these performers onto U.S. television.” While someone like El Hijo del Vikingo might eventually appear on NXT or even get a featured moment on a WWE show, the broader intention seems to be talent containment—particularly when it comes to keeping names away from AEW.

Why WWE Is Playing Defense

WWE’s sudden interest in AAA talents isn’t just about expanding its global roster—it’s also about guarding against competition. Meltzer noted that WWE is being especially cautious after AEW was able to feature NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer at Forbidden Door. WWE reportedly had a chance to sign her before AEW secured that moment, and now the company seems keen on avoiding similar situations.

In fact, Meltzer suggested that anyone performing on the upcoming Los Angeles AAA show—seen as a high-profile stage—might be required to sign a WWE deal just to keep other promotions, particularly AEW, from swooping in.

The Del Rio Controversy

Of course, Del Rio’s name attached to any WWE-related news will stir up debate, given his history of legal troubles and serious past accusations. While nothing has been announced about him returning to WWE programming, his inclusion in these deals is already raising eyebrows. WWE has yet to make any public statement on the matter.

What’s Next?

This isn’t just about who WWE is signing—it’s about where the company is setting its sights. Mexico has long been a key market for WWE, and locking down AAA talents is a clear sign that the company wants to plant deeper roots there. Additional signings are expected, and with AEW also working to strengthen its international reach, this looks like the beginning of another promotional tug-of-war.

For now, don’t expect a flood of AAA stars walking through the curtain on WWE TV—but the chess game is definitely in motion.

Backstage Insight Into WWE’s Latest Round of Releases

WWE’s latest talent purge caught fans off guard, with some unexpected names making the list of recent departures. Among those released were big-name veterans like Braun Strowman and emerging stars such as Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin. But behind the scenes, there’s more to the story than just trimming the roster — and according to reports from Wrestling Observer Radio, the reasons vary significantly from talent to talent.

Braun Strowman’s Price Tag May Have Been Too Much

When it comes to Braun Strowman, the reason for his release appears to be pretty straightforward: money. Dave Meltzer reported that sources within WWE felt Strowman’s salary far outweighed his current usage and value to the company. Since suffering a serious hamstring injury, the towering former Universal Champion hasn’t returned to the dominant form he once displayed — which made it tough for management to justify his hefty paycheck.

Age and Upside Factor Into Several Cuts

Meltzer also suggested that age and limited potential for growth played a role in a number of the decisions. Shayna Baszler’s release, for instance, was reportedly due to her age, despite her unique presence and in-ring credibility. WWE never fully leaned into what made Baszler special during her run, and it seems that inconsistency caught up with her.

Injury Concerns and Career Trajectories

Dakota Kai is another notable name whose release raised eyebrows. Meltzer hinted that WWE viewed her as injury-prone, though he believes AEW or TNA could be logical next steps for her. Shotzi, whose contract is expiring, wasn’t technically released, but with no non-compete clause in her case, she’ll be free to work elsewhere once that deal is officially up. Her hustle and resilience have earned her plenty of respect backstage, which could help her land on her feet quickly.

NXT Stars Struggle to Break Through

The cuts also hit WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, especially hard. Cora Jade, once seen as a breakout star, reportedly never regained her momentum after returning from injury. Gigi Dolin, a standout from the Toxic Attraction era, is said to have plateaued, with WWE uncertain about her long-term main roster potential.

Eddy Thorpe and Riley Osborne were also part of the talent sweep. Thorpe was reportedly let go because the company didn’t see him as a main roster fit, while Osborne’s release wasn’t performance-based, and Meltzer even floated the idea that AEW could give him a look. As for Dani Palmer, despite strong athleticism, she seemingly never gained enough internal support within NXT, and a recent injury didn’t help her case.

Palmer has since announced that she is retiring from pro wrestling due to getting injured in her last match against Kali Armstrong on WWE’s Evolve show, in February. She disclosed that she tore her knee in that match.

Work Ethic a Quiet Factor?

Finally, there’s an undercurrent to all of this that can’t be ignored. Meltzer noted that sources hinted at some of the cuts being tied to a perceived lack of effort in training. While no names were confirmed in that regard, it suggests WWE is paying closer attention to behind-the-scenes dedication as much as on-screen performance.

With so many promotions now in play — from AEW to TNA and even global independents — many of these talents will have the chance to reinvent themselves elsewhere. But this latest round of WWE releases is another reminder that in today’s wrestling landscape, no spot is ever guaranteed.

WWE NXT Preview 5/6/2025

WWE NXT tonight on The CW at 8/7c.

  • NXT Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal
  • NXT Women’s Championship #1 Contenders Match: Jordynne Grace vs. Giulia
  • TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, NXT Tag Team Champions Hank & Tank vs. DarkState
  • Kelani Jordan vs. Zaria

AAA Announces TripleMania Regia, Featuring JBL, WWE and TNA Talent — Just Days Before AEW’s Mexico Debut

Mexican promotion AAA is ramping up its presence on the wrestling calendar in a major way. During a press conference this week, the legendary Mexican promotion announced TripleMania Regia, set for June 15, 2025, at Arena Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. The event is shaping up to be a massive showcase — not just for AAA’s homegrown talent, but also for stars from TNA Wrestling and WWE.

This will mark the first major event held under AAA’s new ownership umbrella, as WWE continues to finalize its acquisition of the lucha libre promotion. Thanks to that developing relationship, several WWE names are already confirmed for the card. Tag team duo Humberto Carrillo and Angel Garza — both of whom have history in AAA — are officially set to appear, alongside AAA stalwarts like Alberto El Patrón, Psycho Clown, and Hijo del Vikingo. WWE Hall of Famer JBL is also advertised to appear, having made prior guest appearances with the promotion.

Though no matches have been announced yet, the inclusion of talent from TNA (via their ongoing partnership with WWE) adds another layer of intrigue to the event. With the newly revived Worlds Collide set to take place just one week earlier on June 7 at the Kia Forum in California, TripleMania Regia could serve as a follow-up celebration of cross-promotional wrestling with deep international flavor.

But not everyone is thrilled with the timing.

The June 15 date has stirred controversy, as it lands just three days before AEW is scheduled to host its first-ever television event in Mexico, AEW Grand Slam Mexico, on June 18 at Arena Mexico. The overlap hasn’t gone unnoticed, with AEW’s Tony Schiavone taking a jab at the timing, implying AAA and WWE’s announcement may have been a strategic counter.

Meanwhile, WWE is leaning into lucha tradition as it looks to bolster its foothold in the Latin American market. Rey Mysterio — a WWE Hall of Famer and a longtime fixture in AAA — recently appeared in promotional material for Worlds Collide, highlighting lucha libre’s cultural legacy and its influence on global wrestling.

With TripleMania Regia now positioned as a tentpole event for both AAA and WWE’s partnership, all eyes will be on how the card shapes up — and how AEW responds in its bid to gain traction in Mexico.

Alberto Del Rio And Others Reportedly Sign New WWE Contracts Amidst AAA Purchase – Acquisition Sparks Contract Confusion and Controversy

As WWE edges closer to finalizing its rumored acquisition of Mexican wrestling powerhouse Lucha Libre AAA, more questions are being raised than answered—especially when it comes to talent contracts. With many AAA stars historically working under non-exclusive deals, the situation surrounding their future, and their potential roles within WWE, has taken an unexpected and controversial turn.

In a report shared early Monday by SuperLuchas’ Ernesto Ocampo, it was revealed that several high-profile AAA talents have signed new contracts directly with WWE. Among those reportedly putting pen to paper are El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., El Hijo del Vikingo, La Parka, Lady Flammer, Lady Maravilla, Nino Hamburguesa, La Hiedra, and current AAA Mega Champion Alberto El Patron (formerly Alberto Del Rio).

While many assumed WWE would inherit existing contracts through the acquisition, Ocampo clarified via X (formerly Twitter) that this isn’t the case. “Those contracts are of no use to WWE,” he wrote, explaining that WWE’s legal structure mandates entirely new deals featuring exclusive rights, intellectual property clauses, and strict termination provisions—standards AAA’s previous agreements typically lacked. This explains why WWE is issuing fresh contracts to the talent, regardless of the acquisition status.

Adding further credibility to the report, Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer later confirmed that the mentioned luchadors had signed new WWE contracts. Notably, Meltzer singled out Alberto El Patron, confirming his return to WWE nearly a decade after his last run ended in 2016.

However, the signings come with heavy baggage—particularly in Del Rio’s case. Once a four-time WWE World Champion, Del Rio’s reputation has taken a hit over the years due to serious legal and personal controversies. He was accused by Saraya (fka Paige in WWE) of abusive behavior during their relationship—allegations he denied. More seriously, in 2020, he was arrested and charged with sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. The charges were eventually dismissed in late 2021, but the damage to his public image lingered.

La Hiedra’s alleged involvement in another disturbing incident could also complicate matters. Rumors suggest she may be under a restraining order by current NXT Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. The situation stems from an alleged harassment campaign by Hiedra, Forastero, and Sansón following domestic violence accusations made by Vaquer against then-boyfriend Cuatrero—Sansón’s brother and Forastero’s cousin. Cuatrero was arrested and charged with attempted femicide and domestic violence, only being released from prison this past April.

Despite the drama, it’s important to note that neither Ocampo nor Meltzer have confirmed if any of the newly signed talent are set to appear on WWE programming—or if they’ll be featured exclusively in AAA under WWE’s potential ownership. Still, the headlines alone are bound to generate buzz, both among fans and within the wrestling industry.

As WWE moves closer to finalizing the AAA deal, the spotlight will only intensify on how the company handles these controversial additions to its talent pool—and whether the reputational risk is worth the upside of expanding its reach into the lucha libre market.

WWE Raw Preview 5/5/2025

WWE Raw airs live globally tonight beginning at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT on Netflix, from the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

  • WWE Women’s World Champion IYO SKY vs. Roxanne Perez (non-title)
  • Becky Lynch will call out WWE Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria 
  • Appearances by Paul Heyman, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker
  • JD McDonagh vs. Penta
  • Rusev vs. Otis

Cora Jade & Gigi Dolin Speak Out After WWE Releases, Push Back on “Lazy” Narrative

WWE’s latest wave of talent cuts has stirred up plenty of conversation—and two of the most talked-about names are firing back at behind-the-scenes claims surrounding their departures.

Gigi Dolin and Cora Jade, both of whom had been prominently featured on WWE NXT, were released this past Friday, just weeks after appearing at NXT Stand & Deliver in a kickoff four-way tag team elimination match. Their exits, alongside several other talents from both the main roster and NXT, came as part of another round of budget-related releases.

However, the narrative took a turn when Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reported that some of those cut were believed to not be putting in enough effort during training, even citing the term “lazy” as being used internally. That didn’t sit well with either Dolin or Jade, who took to social media to push back.

Dolin, clearly frustrated, defended her commitment:

“When I wasn’t traveling for either of the two companies I worked for, I trained hard 3-4 days a week—bumping, doing cardio drills with one of the toughest coaches I’ve ever had. I worked out every day, did live events every other weekend. So yeah, I don’t wanna hear this lol. The way my body feels says otherwise.”

Jade, meanwhile, shared a more personal and troubling aspect of her WWE experience, revealing that she chose to train at her own gym after dealing with body shaming within the company:

“This, plus can’t forget having to go to my own gym after ‘strength and conditioning’ that wasn’t doing anything for me — other than getting me body shamed by my bosses, coworkers, and fans 🙂 crazy!”

Both Dolin and Jade signed with WWE in January 2021 and had become key players in the NXT women’s division. Dolin, as part of the Toxic Attraction faction, held the NXT Women’s Tag Team Championship twice, while Jade quickly emerged as one of the brand’s standout personalities and future prospects.

While neither has addressed their next move just yet, it’s clear that both women are leaving WWE with plenty still to say—and plenty still to prove.

With the women’s wrestling scene thriving across promotions like TNA, AEW, and STARDOM, could a new chapter be just around the corner for Dolin and Jade?

Shotzi Set to Exit WWE as Contract Nears Expiration

It looks like the wild ride is coming to an end for Shotzi in WWE.

The fan-favorite Superstar, known for her punk rock energy and fearless in-ring style, is set to part ways with WWE once her current contract expires. Though no specific date has been confirmed, multiple reports have indicated that Shotzi was informed the company will not be renewing her deal.

Rumors began swirling earlier this week when Shotzi shared an emotionally-charged video on social media titled, “Whatever happens next, I’m ready for it. Stay ballsy my friends.” That message sparked immediate speculation among fans about her future with the company. While initial reports clarified she hadn’t been released at the time, her WWE.com profile quietly shifted to the Alumni section following a wave of roster cuts on Friday—seemingly confirming her impending departure.

Addressing her exit, Shotzi expressed gratitude to fans and the WWE Universe, saying:
“I am more than grateful for the wild ride! Can’t wait to see where this crazy journey takes me next! I hope to make all my believers proud.”

Shotzi’s journey in pro wrestling began in 2014, with an early attempt to break into WWE through Tough Enough in 2015. Though that opportunity didn’t pan out, she kept grinding on the independent scene, eventually earning her spot in WWE NXT in 2019. She captured gold in 2021 alongside Ember Moon (now known as Athena in ROH), winning the NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles for a 55-day reign that showcased her as a rising star in the women’s division.

After a stint on the main roster, Shotzi returned to NXT in 2023 and most recently aligned with Tatum Paxley and Gigi Dolin during what has now become her final run with the company.

Where she lands next is anyone’s guess, but given her charisma, unique style, and passionate fanbase, Shotzi’s story in wrestling is far from over.

Shotzi posted the following on X:

“I am about to dominate! Lets get busy! Shotzibooking@gmail.com”

Could we be seeing a Shotzi resurgence in another promotion soon? Stay tuned.

WWE Roster Shake-Up: Major Main Roster & NXT Releases

WWE made a wave of cuts on Friday, May 2, 2025, parting ways with a mix of established main roster talent and several rising stars from NXT. The release list includes some surprising names, prompting plenty of speculation about what’s next for the wrestlers involved.

Among the main roster talent released are Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, Dakota Kai, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Over on the NXT side, the company has let go of Cora Jade, Jakara Jackson, Riley Osborne, Javier Bernal, Oro Mensah, Gigi Dolin, Eddy Thorpe, Dani Palmer and the faction Gallus. These cuts mark another significant roster shuffle for WWE, which seems to be refining its roster across all brands.

As is standard, the released main roster stars will be under 90-day non-compete clauses, while the NXT names are expected to serve 30-day non-compete periods. During that time, WWE will continue to pay the talent, giving them a window to evaluate their options and plan their next moves.

Fightful Select reports that Dakota Kai has already generated considerable interest from other promotions and talent agencies, and insiders expect her to have multiple opportunities ahead. Shayna Baszler’s departure, however, came as a shock to many within WWE. She had recently helped out at “NXT” and re-signed with the company in 2024, making her release one of the more unexpected moves in this round.

In NXT, some releases were more telegraphed. Jakara Jackson’s recent exit from the Meta-Four faction and separation from Lash Legend on this past Tuesday’s “NXT” all but signaled her impending departure. Oro Mensah may have fallen into a similar category.

Meanwhile, Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin wasted no time in re-establishing themselves on the independent scene. Both shared contact details on social media for upcoming bookings, and Jade has already reverted to her indie ring name, Elayna Black—a name she used during her early run on the independent circuit and brief AEW appearances back in 2019 and 2020.

WWE’s latest roster purge underscores the shifting priorities and evolving strategy of the company as it continues to shape its creative and business direction under the TKO banner. For many of these talented performers, this could be the start of a new chapter—whether in AEW, TNA, NJPW, or the growing indie scene.

WWE SmackDown Preview 5/2/2025

WWE SmackDown live tonight on USA Network and Netflix International, beginning at 8:00 pm ET. from the Wells Fargo Center in Des Moines, Iowa.

  • Aleister Black vs. The Miz
  • Randy Orton to appear
  • There will probably be more on the WWE Women’s Championship situation with Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax
  • Are we headed toward a Fatal 4-Way for the United States Champion with Jacob Fatu (c), LA Knight, Drew McIntyre and Damian Priest
  • Will Chelsea Green get a rematch against new Women’s United States Champion Zelina Vega