Skye Blue Announces She Will Return at AEW Beach Break: “I’m Back, and I’m a Violent Little Thing”

After months of speculation and silence, Skye Blue is officially on her way back to AEW — and she’s coming home to do it.

During Thursday’s episode of AEW Collision, Blue made a surprise appearance via video package following the hard-hitting bout between Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale. The vignette, set to a moody, defiant tone, featured a montage of Blue dishing out punishment in the ring — from her signature Code Blue finisher to powerbombs, superkicks, and her Dragon Sleeper submission. It ended with a clear message and a chilling smile from the Chicago native herself:

“Next week, Beach Break. AEW is back in Chicago, and so am I. I’m back, and I’m a violent little thing.”

It was the kind of return tease that immediately grabbed attention — both for its timing and the edge in Blue’s voice. It also brings to an end a lengthy absence from in-ring action. Blue has been on the sidelines since suffering a broken ankle during a match against Hikaru Shida on the July 20, 2024 episode of Collision. The match had to be stopped due to the severity of the injury, and Blue has been rehabbing ever since.

Fans had been hopeful for a return earlier this year, especially after reports in February suggested she was close to being cleared. But AEW played it close to the vest, with no official timeline until now.

AEW Dynamite: Beach Break already promises to be a stacked card with the return of Zach Gowen and a potential showdown between him and Ricochet, and now Skye Blue’s homecoming adds another layer of anticipation. Given the tone of her promo, it looks like Blue is coming back with a much more aggressive edge — and she’s not here to just blend into the background.

Will this be a new chapter for Skye Blue as a major player in the AEW women’s division? Or will her return simply mark the beginning of another uphill battle? One thing’s for sure — next week in Chicago, all eyes will be on the “violent little thing.”

Are you ready for Skye Blue 2.0?

Zach Gowen Makes Surprising TV Return After 22 Years on AEW Collision, Set for In-Ring Clash With Ricochet Next Week On Dynamite: Beach Break

Pro wrestling fans were in for a nostalgic shock during this week’s AEW Collision as Zach Gowen — yes, that Zach Gowen — made his first national TV appearance in over two decades. For many, it was a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment, but longtime fans of the early 2000s WWE era instantly recognized the one-legged wrestling pioneer in the crowd. And his presence wasn’t just for show — it was a set-up for something much more personal.

Gowen, who famously competed in WWE, TNA, and the original Ring of Honor, was spotted ringside during the show. Things took a dramatic turn after Ricochet’s match with Angelico. The high-flyer, fresh off a heel turn, took a detour into villainy by taunting Gowen — first with some feigned admiration, then turning full-blown disrespectful.

After mocking Gowen’s legacy, Ricochet escalated the situation by assaulting security and attempting to cut one of their hair. That’s when Gowen had seen enough. He stepped into the ring and stood his ground, even getting a few shots in on Ricochet. But the feel-good moment turned brutal when Ricochet targeted Gowen’s leg, ultimately removing his prosthetic limb in a symbolic (and shocking) act of dominance.

Following the segment, Gowen took to social media to reflect on his return to the spotlight.

“I haven’t been on a national TV wrestling program in 22 years. Thank you to those that remembered me!!! I haven’t forgotten about y’all either,” he wrote. “The magic of professional wrestling is still very much alive in my soul and I’m so grateful I get to share that once again 🙏.”

The good news? This wasn’t just a one-off nostalgia spot. AEW has confirmed that Gowen will make his official in-ring debut for the promotion next week on Dynamite: Beach Break, where he’ll square off against Ricochet in what’s shaping up to be a must-see clash.

It’s a rare chance for fans to see a full-circle moment — the return of a unique talent who broke barriers, now entering a new chapter with a chip on his shoulder and a chance to shut down one of AEW’s most dangerous new villains.

AEW Collision Preview 5/8/2025

AEW Collision airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • Willow Nightingale vs. Kris Statlander
  • Anthony Bowens vs. Lee Johnson
  • “Speedball” Mike Bailey vs. Dralistico
  • Daniel Garcia vs. Cash Wheeler OR Dax Harwood

TNA Impact Preview 5/8/2025

TNA Impact tonight on AXS TV, the build continues for Under Siege.

  • Dog Collar Match for TNA International Championship: Steve Maclin (c) vs. Eric Young
  • Mustafa Ali vs. Trey Miguel
  • Rosemary vs. Lei Ying Lee
  • Aztec Warriors vs. The Good Hands
  • Victoria Crawford vs. TBD
  • Trick Williams to open the show

Thekla Is All Elite: Former STARDOM Star Signs with AEW After Weeks of Teasers

After weeks of cryptic teases and online speculation, AEW fans finally have their answer — Thekla is officially All Elite.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, Thekla has signed a deal with All Elite Wrestling following a lengthy period of behind-the-scenes negotiations and preparations for her U.S. transition. The former STARDOM standout had reportedly been in talks with AEW for some time before the deal was locked in.

Interestingly, Thekla wasn’t just on AEW’s radar — sources indicate that WWE also showed interest in signing her during their international talent scouting push last year. However, AEW ultimately secured the rising star, who brings a unique blend of charisma and in-ring ferocity to their growing women’s division.

Fans have been picking up on spider-themed hints on AEW programming in recent weeks, and now we know why. During last night’s Dynamite, a subtle but deliberate red spider graphic briefly appeared in the top left corner of the screen — a clear nod to Thekla’s “Toxic Spider” persona. It’s believed these Easter eggs are part of the build-up to her on-screen debut.

Thekla’s arrival adds another layer of intrigue to AEW’s women’s roster, especially given her gothic aesthetic, high-impact style, and international fanbase. With her official signing now confirmed, it’s only a matter of time before she makes her presence felt in the AEW ring.

Will she arrive as a lone predator or align herself with an existing faction? The web is just beginning to spin.

Report: The Good Brothers Officially Return to NJPW, Set for Resurgence Appearance

The speculation is over — Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, collectively known as The Good Brothers, are back in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

After weeks of buzz and online rumors linking them to NJPW’s Resurgence event, Fightful Select has confirmed that the duo has indeed signed on with the promotion once again. While fans had pegged them as the likely mystery partners for The Young Bucks at Resurgence, the return is now official.

The former WWE and Impact stars have a storied history with NJPW, and their reunion with the promotion has been kept tightly under wraps until their WWE contracts officially came to an end. With the paperwork finalized, the floodgates have opened — and The Good Brothers are wasting no time getting back into the spotlight.

They’ve already begun doing media appearances to promote Resurgence, signaling that NJPW has plans to put them front and center as they ramp up their presence in the U.S. market.

This marks another major return for NJPW’s international expansion, and given The Good Brothers’ popularity and Bullet Club ties, their reappearance could have major implications across both Japanese and American wrestling scenes.

Will we see the Bullet Club OGs reignite old alliances or stir up new rivalries in their latest NJPW run?

Rhino Makes Surprise AEW Debut in Hometown, Faces Nick Wayne for ROH TV Title

AEW fans were treated to a blast from the past on this week’s Dynamite, as former WWE and ECW star Rhino made a surprise debut — and in his hometown of Detroit, no less. The veteran powerhouse answered an open challenge for the Ring of Honor World Television Championship, setting up an unexpected showdown with rising star Nick Wayne.

The match was hyped with a cryptic tease that Wayne would face “someone from Christian Cage’s past,” adding fuel to the ongoing drama within the Patriarchy. The mystery opponent turned out to be none other than Rhino, a man whose early career was closely linked with Cage’s. Commentary was quick to remind fans that the two were once “inseparable,” making Rhino’s appearance even more compelling given Cage’s current on-screen persona.

Rhino brought his trademark intensity to the match, initially brushing off Wayne’s offense with brute strength. But the young champion showed resilience, eventually chopping the bigger man down. Outside interference nearly swung the tide — Kip Sabian jumped on the apron to distract the referee while Cage tried to trip Rhino. However, the veteran wasn’t fooled and held his own for a bit longer.

Ultimately, Wayne capitalized on the chaos and landed the Killswitch — a move notably tied to Cage himself — to retain the title.

Post-match, the Patriarchy entered the ring to celebrate, but in true Christian Cage fashion, the celebration came with a dose of passive aggression. Cage went to present Wayne with the championship belt, only to let it fall deliberately to the mat instead of placing it around Wayne’s waist — a subtle but pointed gesture that continues to build the tension in their uneasy alliance.

This unexpected moment not only brought Rhino into the AEW fold for the first time but also added another layer of intrigue to the slow-burn storyline between Christian Cage and Nick Wayne.

Could this be the beginning of a longer run for Rhino in AEW or just a one-night pop for the hometown crowd? Time will tell.

AEW Dynamite Preview 5/7/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight on TBS and Max, at 8:00 pm ET/5:00 pm PT from the Masonic Temple Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

  • AEW Women’s World Title Eliminator Four-Way Match: Toni Storm (c) vs. Thunder Rosa vs. Penelope Ford vs. Anna Jay
  • The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) and Ricochet vs. Swerve Strickland, Mike Bailey and Mark Briscoe
  • AEW Continental Title Eliminator Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kevin Knight
  • Jamie Hayter sit-down interview with Renee Paquette
  • We will hear from Hangman Adam Page and Will Ospreay
  • Samoa Joe vs. Claudio Castagnoli

Tetsuya Naito to Undergo Eye Surgery & Begin Knee Treatment Following NJPW Exit

After officially wrapping up his storied run with New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestling Dontaku on May 4, Tetsuya Naito has confirmed that he’s shifting focus from in-ring action to recovery and rehabilitation—for now, at least.

In a new interview with Tokyo Sports, Naito revealed he is undergoing surgery on May 7 to address ongoing issues with his left eye. The surgery is the latest in a long line of procedures aimed at correcting his vision, as the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has dealt with double vision in his right eye for years. He’s hopeful this latest operation will resolve complications that have now surfaced in his left eye.

In addition to eye surgery, Naito is beginning stem cell treatment on his right knee—an area that’s plagued him throughout his career and required consistent maintenance. Given the physical toll of a near two-decade run at the top of NJPW, it’s no surprise that Naito is now prioritizing his health.

While fans have speculated about what’s next for the Los Ingobernables de Japon leader, Naito made it clear that he has no immediate post-retirement plans. “I don’t have anything set,” he said, emphasizing that recovery is the top priority before thinking about the next phase of his life or career.

Naito’s NJPW career saw him become one of the company’s most popular and influential figures. From headlining Wrestle Kingdom to representing NJPW abroad in promotions like TNA and AEW, his legacy spans continents and generations. Whether or not fans see him back in a ring again remains to be seen—but for now, the tranquilo icon is taking a well-earned pause.

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.