WWE’s AAA Takeover: New Details Emerge, Including Role of Mexican Investment Firm Fillip

The wrestling world is still buzzing after WWE’s surprise announcement last week that it has acquired Lucha Libre AAA. While the company made headlines by confirming a crossover NXT Worlds Collide event with AAA this June, new details are surfacing about how this deal came together—and who else is involved behind the scenes.

According to the latest from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE isn’t going it alone in this deal. They’re partnered with Fillip, a Mexico-based sports and entertainment holding company that’s quietly been building a portfolio across international markets. While WWE holds the majority stake in the acquisition, Fillip is reportedly the minority partner.

So who is Fillip? The private capital firm may not be a household name to wrestling fans, but they’ve got ties to global ventures like Kings League Soccer—an innovative sports project operating in countries like Spain, Italy, and Brazil—and Tycoon Enterprises, which handles brand licensing in Latin America. With that kind of background, their involvement signals that WWE’s move into the Mexican wrestling scene might be part of a much bigger play.

Talks between WWE and AAA go way back—nearly two decades, in fact. WWE first showed interest in acquiring a piece of AAA as far back as 2007, following the passing of AAA founder Antonio Peña. While WWE wanted creative and operational control, the Roldán family, who have run AAA since Peña’s death, repeatedly turned down offers that would’ve meant giving up a majority stake.

What’s different this time? The addition of Fillip appears to have made the deal more palatable. Sources say negotiations have been ongoing for over a year, with WWE execs even attending recent AAA events—like the show at Juan de la Barrera Gym—to keep tabs on the product. The eventual announcement during WrestleMania weekend reportedly caught many in the industry off guard, even those who knew talks were happening.

While WWE has sealed the deal, the official takeover won’t go into effect until Q3 of this year. Until then, AAA will continue to operate as normal. Currently, the promotion has thirteen wrestlers signed under contract, though it’s unclear how WWE’s involvement will impact the roster long-term.

As for the financials? Official figures haven’t been disclosed, but a number floating around in Mexican media puts the acquisition price at a staggering $50 million.

With WWE now firmly planting its flag in the Mexican wrestling scene and the NXT Worlds Collide event on the horizon, fans can expect to see major changes in how AAA operates—and who gets the spotlight.

TNA Impact Preview 4/24/2025

TNA Wrestling will present a new episode of Impact tonight on AXS TV, as the build continues for Rebellion on Sunday. 

  • Moose & JDC vs. Trey Miguel & Ace Austin
  • Rosemary vs. Jacy Jayne
  • Ethan Page & Frankie Kazarian vs. Joe Hendry & Elijah
  • Tessa Blanchard vs. TBD
  • The Nemeths visit the Hardy Compound
  • We’ll hear from Mike Santana

ROH TV Preview 4/24/2024

Ring of Honor will present a new episode of ROH TV tonight on Honorclub.

  • Shane Taylor Promotions (Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean, Shane Taylor, and Lee Moriarty) vs. Mark Briscoe, AR Fox, and Top Flight
  • Lance Archer vs. Crowbar
  • ROH Women’s World TV Title Proving Ground Match: Red Velvet vs. TBD
  • The Kingdom vs. TBD.
  • The Righteous vs. TBD
  • Premier Athletes vs. TBD
  • Spanish Announce Project vs. TBD

Steve “Mongo” McMichael Passes Away at 67 After Courageous Battle With ALS

The wrestling and sports worlds are mourning the loss of a true warrior today, as Steve “Mongo” McMichael has passed away at the age of 67. The former Chicago Bears defensive standout, turned WCW star, died Wednesday following a four-year fight with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

McMichael’s legacy spans far beyond the gridiron. A cornerstone of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning Chicago Bears—famously dubbed the “Monsters of the Midway”—McMichael was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024. But wrestling fans remember him just as fondly for his larger-than-life persona in the squared circle.

“Mongo” made a smooth transition from football to pro wrestling in the mid-90s, becoming a colorful figure in WCW. He initially joined the promotion as a commentator but quickly stepped into the ring, aligning himself with one of the most iconic factions in wrestling history: The Four Horsemen. During his in-ring tenure, McMichael captured the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship in 1997 by defeating Jeff Jarrett, a moment that cemented his place in wrestling lore.

McMichael’s later years were marked by a brave public battle with ALS, which he was diagnosed with in 2021. His health struggles became increasingly severe, and earlier this year he was hospitalized with MRSA and required a blood transfusion. On Wednesday, reports emerged that McMichael had entered hospice care after being taken off a ventilator. His passing was confirmed by WGN’s Jarrett Payton, who was with him during his final moments.

“With deep sorrow, I share that Steve McMichael passed at 5:28 PM after a brave fight with ALS surrounded by loved ones,” Payton posted on X (formerly Twitter). “I’m grateful to have been with him in his final moments. Please keep Steve and his family in your prayers.”

From hard-hitting tackles to Horsemen beatdowns, Steve McMichael lived every moment with intensity and charisma. Whether you knew him from Soldier Field or the WCW ring, “Mongo” left a lasting impression. His resilience, both as an athlete and as a man fighting a devastating disease, will not be forgotten.

WWE issued the following statement on Mongo’s passing on X (formerly Twitter):

“WWE is saddened to learn that Steve “Mongo” McMichael has passed away. WWE extends its condolences to McMichael’s family, friends, and fans.”

AEW Dynamite Preview 4/23/2025

AEW Dynamite airs live tonight coast-to-coast on TBS and live on Max, from the UNO Lakefront Arena in New Orleans, Louisiana.

  • Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Tournament Semifinal: Kris Statlander vs. Jamie Hayter
  • Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) vs. ‘Speedball Mike Bailey and Kevin Knight
  • FTR to return from suspension
  • Master P will be attendance

WWE’s Tama Tonga Sidelined With Undisclosed Injury

Just as Solo Sikoa’s new-look Bloodline seemed to be gaining serious momentum with Jacob Fatu’s big United States Championship win at WrestleMania 41, the faction has reportedly hit a major snag. Multiple sources, including BodySlam.net and Cody Whoades of PWN, have confirmed that Tama Tonga is taking a medical leave of absence due to an undisclosed injury—an issue that may require surgery.

Details on the injury are scarce, and as of now, neither WWE nor Tonga himself have issued a public statement. What’s clear, however, is that Tonga will be off WWE television for the foreseeable future, leaving a major hole in the faction’s lineup.

Tonga was last seen on the April 18 episode of SmackDown, where LA Knight launched a surprise backstage attack on The Bloodline to open the show. While the angle served to write Tonga off TV, reports indicate the injury wasn’t sustained during the brawl—it was simply a storyline device to explain his absence. Tonga was also notably absent from ringside during Jacob Fatu’s title match at WrestleMania, where faction leader Solo Sikoa accompanied the “Samoan Werewolf” instead.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Over the past year, Tonga has become a key figure in Sikoa’s Bloodline, bringing his hard-hitting New Japan Pro-Wrestling style to WWE and capturing Tag Team gold alongside both Jacob Fatu and his real-life brother Tonga Loa. Unfortunately, Loa has also been sidelined with an injury, leaving Sikoa and Fatu as the only active members of the once-deep faction.

With the group’s ranks now halved, all eyes are on how WWE plans to keep this iteration of The Bloodline strong. Will Sikoa and Fatu look to recruit fresh blood to maintain their dominance on SmackDown, or will they hold down the fort as a duo until Tonga and Loa return?

Whatever the plan, the faction’s future just got a little murkier—and with LA Knight still gunning for revenge, the pressure isn’t going anywhere.

Darby Allin Reaches Everest Base Camp, Begins Ascent Toward the Summit

After months of preparation and a dream years in the making, AEW’s Darby Allin has officially reached the base of the world’s tallest mountain. The former TNT Champion, known for his fearless attitude inside the ring, is now bringing that same intensity to one of the most physically grueling challenges on Earth—climbing Mount Everest.

Allin kicked off his Everest journey earlier this month, arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal, alongside his mother and brother in early April. From there, he quickly began the trek toward Everest Base Camp, and updates throughout the month pointed to strong progress and high spirits. On April 17, the Adventure Consultants—an elite expedition guiding company—confirmed that Allin was acclimating well and making steady strides with his team.

Fast forward to April 20, and Allin officially reached Everest Base Camp, according to a now-removed update from Adventure Consultants’ website. Expedition leader Ang Dorjee Sherpa noted that the group would soon begin the official climb following the traditional Puja ceremony, a spiritual ritual held before any Everest ascent to ask for protection and good fortune.

While getting to Base Camp is a major milestone, the real challenge is just beginning. Climbing Mount Everest is a weeks-long test of endurance, even for seasoned alpinists. Wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer previously reported that a full Everest expedition typically takes close to two months. Considering Allin is relatively new to high-altitude mountaineering, his climb may stretch even longer—assuming conditions allow him to make it all the way to the top.

It’s a massive undertaking, and success is far from guaranteed. Statistics show that roughly a third of Everest hopefuls don’t make it to the summit, often forced to turn back due to weather, altitude sickness, or sheer physical exhaustion.

Still, if there’s one thing fans have learned about Darby Allin over the years, it’s that he’s not afraid to risk it all. Whether diving off ladders in front of thousands or scaling the tallest peak in the world, Allin remains determined to push himself far beyond what most would ever dare.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow Darby’s high-stakes adventure—because this climb could be his most extreme challenge yet.

WWE NXT Preview 4/22/2025

WWE NXT live on The CW starting at 8:00 pm EST.

  • Fallout from Stand & Deliver
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships Match: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez (c) vs. Tatum Paxley & Gigi Dolin
  • NXT Women’s Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Roxanne Perez

Becky Lynch Turns on Lyra Valkyria After Stunning Tag Title Loss on Raw After Mania

The team-up between Becky Lynch and Lyra Valkyria was short-lived—and so was their reign as WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. Less than 24 hours after their surprise victory, the Irish duo dropped the titles to Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez on Monday Night Raw After Mania. But it was what happened after the match that truly sent shockwaves through the WWE Universe.

Following a hard-fought bout that opened the show, Lynch turned on her protégé with a vicious assault, signaling a heel turn that could reshape the women’s division moving forward.

A Match That Ended in Mayhem

The clash between Lynch & Valkyria and the newly-aligned Judgment Day duo of Morgan & Rodriguez began in chaos and ended in heartbreak. Things kicked off with a fiery exchange between Lynch and Morgan, with both women unleashing stiff strikes. Valkyria tagged in early and held her own, but momentum shifted quickly once the powerhouse Raquel Rodriguez entered the fray.

The bulk of the match saw Valkyria and Rodriguez battling it out in a physically intense showcase, while Lynch and Morgan intermittently rejoined the fight. The turning point came when Valkyria tweaked her knee coming off the top rope, leaving her vulnerable. Rodriguez capitalized with a big boot, and after missing earlier in the match, Morgan finally nailed Valkyria with the Oblivion for the win.

Lynch, who had been taken out briefly on the outside by a falling Rodriguez, could only watch from the floor as Morgan and Rodriguez celebrated their victory—marking Morgan’s fourth reign with the women’s tag titles.

Lynch Snaps

As Valkyria tried to regroup in the ring, Lynch joined her and offered what appeared to be a consoling embrace. But seconds after they parted, Lynch struck—flooring her fellow Irishwoman with a sudden clothesline. What followed was a calculated, unrelenting assault as Lynch unleashed a storm of fists and fury on her now-former partner.

The ambush lasted several rounds, with Valkyria left battered and broken by the former multi-time world champion. The crowd, stunned into silence, watched as Lynch reintroduced the ruthless side of her persona that hadn’t been seen in quite some time.

What’s Next?

Lynch’s heel turn adds a whole new layer to her character and throws immediate spotlight on Valkyria, who now stands as a sympathetic figure heading into what could be her breakout feud on the main roster. After months of being mentored by The Man, Valkyria now finds herself standing across from her in what’s shaping up to be a highly personal, high-stakes rivalry.

Meanwhile, Morgan and Rodriguez are wasting no time getting to work as champions. The duo is set to appear on NXT to defend the Women’s Tag Team Titles against the unlikely pair of Gigi Dolin and Tatum Paxley.

One chapter has closed in violent fashion, but for Lynch, Valkyria, and the women’s division as a whole, the story is only just getting started.

JD McDonagh Returns on Raw, Helps Dominik Mysterio Retain IC Title

Another familiar face is back on the red brand. JD McDonagh made his surprise return to WWE on the Raw After WrestleMania, jumping right into the action to lend a controversial hand to his Judgment Day ally, Dominik Mysterio.

Monday’s show in Las Vegas featured Dominik’s first Intercontinental Championship defense, just 24 hours removed from his WrestleMania 41 win. He faced off against a debuting Penta, who seemed moments away from dethroning the newly minted champ—until McDonagh made his presence felt.

With the referee conveniently distracted, McDonagh struck, laying out Penta and clearing the path for Dominik to hit his trademark frog splash for the pinfall victory. The assist wasn’t just McDonagh’s way of reasserting himself in the storyline—it was a clear signal that despite recent fractures within The Judgment Day, some alliances are still holding strong.

This marks McDonagh’s first appearance since suffering serious injuries back in January. The Irish star was sidelined with broken ribs and a punctured lung following a tag team match on the January 27 edition of Raw, where he teamed with Dominik against The War Raiders. His return couldn’t come at a more chaotic time.

The Judgment Day has been anything but unified lately. Finn Balor, long seen as the group’s leader, has been increasingly isolated and is now teasing a possible move against Dominik’s newly won Intercontinental Title. That development throws McDonagh’s return into an even more intriguing light—especially given his past loyalty to Balor.

Is McDonagh still loyal to the original Judgment Day architect, or is he staking his future alongside the group’s younger rising star? With tension boiling over and championship gold now in the mix, don’t be surprised if McDonagh finds himself caught between two Judgment Day forces in the very near future.