Tag: AAA

Backstage Update on Pete Dunne: What’s the Bruiserweight Been Up To?

It’s been a quiet few months for Pete Dunne on WWE TV, and fans have been wondering what’s next for the Bruiserweight—especially after his New Catch Republic partner, Tyler Bate, made a brief return earlier this year. While the duo had a glimmer of main roster exposure with a short-lived feud and an appearance in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, they’ve since faded from the spotlight, primarily popping up on “WWE Main Event.”

But behind the scenes, Dunne has been far from idle.

According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, Dunne has been putting in work backstage with WWE’s involvement in AAA (Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide), though the specifics of his role are still under wraps. Meltzer noted that Dunne hasn’t wrestled for AAA, but has been a consistent backstage presence at shows, potentially in a producer or agent-like capacity.

“Pete Dunne’s now working on… kind of the AAA side anyway right now,” Meltzer said. “They’re using him as… I don’t know if it’s like an agent or whatever.”

The revelation came during a conversation about this week’s Raw, where Finn Bálor and JD McDonagh defended the World Tag Team Titles against Legado Del Fantasma members Cruz del Toro and Joaquin Wilde. The match featured interference from a mysterious third El Grande Americano—an increasingly recurring masked gimmick on WWE TV that has previously involved Ludwig Kaiser and Chad Gable. While Meltzer didn’t confirm Dunne was under the mask this time, he acknowledged it’s “possible,” even if he remained skeptical.

So what does all this mean for Dunne’s future?

WWE might be testing the waters with him in a backstage role or simply keeping him engaged while creative determines the next on-screen step. With Triple H’s increasing influence behind the curtain and a track record of reinvigorating overlooked talent, a repackaged or re-energized Dunne might not be out of the question—especially with Bate back in circulation.

For now, Dunne fans will have to stay tuned. Whether he’s working in gorilla, donning a mask as El Grande Americano, or plotting his in-ring return, it’s clear WWE still sees value in the Bruiserweight—even if it’s just not on our screens… yet.

Natalya Set to Appear at AAA Event in Mexico City — But Don’t Expect the Same Old WWE Star

It looks like “The Low Key Legend” is taking her talents to Mexico. WWE veteran Natalya Neidhart is being advertised for an upcoming Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide event set for this Friday in Mexico City — but fans shouldn’t expect the classic WWE version of Nattie.

The appearance, promoted by AAA on social media, will take place at the Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera. While her opponent hasn’t been revealed yet, anticipation is high — especially given the gritty reinvention Natalya’s been showcasing lately outside of WWE.

A New Edge for a WWE Veteran

In recent months, Natalya has been shaking things up with surprise appearances in promotions like Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport, Reality of Wrestling, and the NWA. Embracing a harder edge, she’s been entering to Rage Against the Machine mixed with the iconic Hart family guitar riff — a nod to her legendary wrestling roots with a rebellious twist. She’s even started leaning into the nickname “Nattie” more than ever before.

When AAA announced her involvement, Natalya made it clear that fans might be getting more than they bargained for, posting:

“I know you have Natalya on your poster, but you might get NATTIE.”

Sounds like a warning… or a promise.

WWE Stars Invade AAA

Natalya isn’t the only WWE talent heading south of the border. The card for AAA’s Friday event is shaping up to be a cross-promotional spectacle. El Grande Americano will go one-on-one with Octagon Jr., and NXT’s Lola Vice is booked for a triple-threat tag match, teaming with a mystery partner against Lady Shani & Faby Apache and the team of Dalys & Chik Tormenta.

Meanwhile, AAA fan favorite Mr. Iguana will link up with Psycho Clown and Pagano to take on the trio of Mecha Wolf, Sansón, and Forastero in what’s expected to be a chaotic six-man tag showdown.

WWE x AAA: The New Reality

This flurry of WWE crossover comes on the heels of WWE’s blockbuster acquisition of AAA, announced during WrestleMania 41 weekend. Since then, the partnership has opened the door for talents from both promotions to cross paths in exciting new ways. Notably, Angel and Berto of Los Garza — now AAA World Tag Team Champions — have already made waves since the merger.

As the walls between WWE and AAA continue to break down, stars like Natalya are taking full advantage — reinventing themselves in fresh environments and giving fans something different.

Whether we get Natalya the technician or Nattie the rebel this Friday, one thing’s certain — she’s not just showing up. She’s making a statement.

WWE/AAA Worlds Collide 6/7/2025 (Results)

Opening Ceremony & Rey Mysterio’s Tribute

The event kicked off with a cinematic tribute narrated in Spanish by Rey Mysterio, honoring the heart and history of lucha libre. Rey then arrived in style, joined by Stephanie Vaquer and Lola Vice. English commentary was handled by Konnan and Corey Graves, who noted it’s been three decades since AAA’s original U.S. breakthrough.

Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Blue Demon, and Marisela Peña took center stage for the national anthems, with Lillian Garcia performing the U.S. anthem live. Mysterio, dressed sharply, delivered a bilingual speech reflecting on the 1994 event and vowed WWE would help carry lucha libre’s legacy forward.

Six-Man Lucha Showcase

Octagón Jr., Aero Star & Mr. Iguana def. Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Lince Dorado
— Octagón pinned Dorado

Fast-paced action set the tone early. WWE’s trio looked sharp, but AAA’s team stole the spotlight—especially Mr. Iguana, who had the crowd eating out of his hand with his stuffed sidekick, La Yeska. A chaotic sequence of topes and springboards brought the arena to life. The finish came after Octagón Jr. nailed his signature moonsault fallaway slam on Dorado.

After the match, Dominik Mysterio (seen earlier in the crowd with Liv Morgan looking unimpressed) jumped on the mic to trash-talk Octagón and Rey. That led to a ringside brawl and a challenge: Dom wants to defend his Intercontinental Title tonight at Money in the Bank against Octagón Jr.!

Women’s Tag Match

Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice def. Chik Tormenta & Dalys
— Vaquer scored the pin after stereo Devil’s Kisses

Hard-hitting lucha stylings from the AAA veterans clashed with the charisma and precision of WWE’s rising stars. Dalys dominated early, but Vice and Vaquer found their rhythm. The finish came after dual Devil’s Kiss finishers—one to each opponent. Post-match, Vaquer vowed to make history later in the night by winning Money in the Bank.

Faction War

Legado Del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel & Berto) def. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr., Pagano & Psycho Clown
— Escobar pinned Wagner Jr.

This one delivered intensity and emotion. Wagner Jr. and Psycho Clown led the charge for AAA, while Escobar made it clear that Legado represents the future of lucha under WWE. Brutal spots included a massive barricade crash and a wild series of topes. In the end, Escobar hit the Phantom Driver on Wagner for the win, giving WWE the edge in the night’s inter-promotional rivalry.

NXT North American Title Match

Ethan Page (c) def. Rey Fenix, Je’Von Evans & Laredo Kid
— Page pinned Laredo Kid

Four-way chaos with a perfect mix of speed, innovation, and attitude. Page tried to stay out of the fray early, but the challengers made sure he paid. Fenix dazzled as usual, Evans showed out with his trademark flash, and Laredo brought the fight. In the end, after Evans hit the OG Cutter on Laredo, Page swooped in and nailed Twisted Grin for the successful title retention.

Main Event – AAA Mega Championship

El Hijo del Vikingo (c) def. Chad Gable
— Vikingo retained via pinfall

In a match that blended lucha artistry with mat wrestling mastery, Vikingo and Gable tore the house down. Gable leaned into his heel persona, mocking lucha libre and targeting Vikingo’s limbs. Vikingo rallied back with unreal aerial moves, including a 630 senton to the outside. Gable hit a massive moonsault through a table, but it still wasn’t enough. After a brutal Poisonrana and a final 630 Splash, Vikingo stood tall, retaining the AAA Mega Championship in front of a raucous crowd.

AAA talent poured into the ring to celebrate with the champ, closing out a historic night with national pride and mutual respect.

WWE/AAA Worlds Collide 6/7/2025 (Card)

WWE and AAA present Worlds Collide – Saturday June 7, 2025 – 3pm ET/12pm PT on WWE YouTube – KIA Forum in Los Angeles, CA

CARD

AAA Mega Championship: El Hijo del Vikingo (c) vs. Chad Gable

NXT North American Championship -Fatal 4-Way Match: Ethan Page (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Rey Fenix vs. Laredo Kid

Stephanie Vaquer & Lola Vice vs. Dalys & Chik Tormenta

Legado del Fantasma vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner, Jr., Pagano & Pyscho Clown

Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Lince Dorado vs. Octagón Jr., Aero Star & Mr. Iguana

TNA Announces 4 of Their Stars Will Compete at AAA Triplemania Regia

TNA Wrestling has announced TNA World Champion Joe Hendry, TNA World Tag Team Champions Nic and Ryan Nemeth and X-Division Champion Moose will all complete at Triplemania Regia on June 15 in Monterrey, Mexico.

You can read the official announcement below:

TNA Wrestling & Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide Announce TNA Stars Who Will Compete At Triplemanía Regia on June 15 in Monterrey, Mexico 

Press Release / May 13, 2025 / by TNA Wrestling Staff

  • Four TNA Wrestling champions are confirmed for matches at Triplemanía Regia, the major pro wrestling spectacular from Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide when, for the first time ever, wrestlers from TNA, AAA and WWE battle for bragging rights, as first reported by Sports Illustrated. 
  • Triplemanía Regia is Sunday, June 15, starting at 6 p.m. at Arena Monterrey in Mexico. 
  • TNA Wrestling World Champion Joe Hendry, a worldwide viral sensation over the past year, returns to Mexico for the showcase June event, along with reigning TNA X Division Champion Moose and the current TNA World Tag Team Champions, brothers Nic and Ryan Nemeth. 
  • “We’re thrilled to welcome these four incredible TNA stars to AAA,” said Dorian Joaquín Roldán Peña, CEO of Mexico City-based AAA. “This collaboration represents the best of both worlds – the passion and tradition of Lucha Libre, and the global momentum of TNA. Our fans are in for something truly special.” 
  • TNA Wrestling President Carlos Silva said Triplemanía Regia is a “milestone moment” in pro wrestling history as Triplemanía Regia will features iconic wrestlers from AAA, WWE and TNA. 
  • For tickets to Triplemanía Regia, go to: https://lucha-libreaaa.myshopify.com/. 
  • Hendry last wrestled on Mexican soil in 2023 in the Lucha Libre World Cup at Estadio de Béisbol Charros de Jalisco in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico. He was part of the three-person Team Europe squad as the 2023 tournament featured trios from around the world. The 2023 men’s tournament was won by Team Mexico (Taurus, Pentagón Jr., and Laredo Kid). 
  • Moose wrestled for AAA in Tijuana. 
  • Nic Nemeth had quite a memorable night for AAA in April 2024 in Monterrey: At Triplemanía XXXII, he defeated Alberto El Patrón by pinfall for the vacant AAA Mega Championship. Nemeth’s title reign lasted 112 days. 
  • JOE HENDRY 
  • Joe Hendry was a worldwide viral sensation in 2024 with his theme song, “I Believe In Joe Hendry,” being released as a single. It peaked at No. 4 on the UK Singles Downloads Chart and No. 6 on the UK Singles Sales Charts. The song peaked at No. 4 on the Official Big Top 40 Charts. Hendry’s worldwide fame has spanned from random mentions on TV news broadcasts to part of a Savannah Bananas baseball game, and everything in between. Joe defeated Nic Nemeth in January to win the TNA World Championship and, days later, was a surprise entrant in the 2025 WWE Royal Rumble. He was the surprise opponent for Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 in April. 
  • NIC NEMETH 
  • Formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE, Nic Nemeth made his TNA debut in January 2024 and won the TNA World Championship in July 2024. A Cleveland native who graduated from Kent State University after setting several school records as a wrestler, Nemeth made his pro wrestling debut in 2004. He was a champion in singles and tag team action during his near-20-year career in WWE, including a 2-time World Heavyweight Champion and 6-time Intercontinental Champion. Nemeth is a diehard fan of his hometown Cleveland Browns. Nic & Ryan won the TNA World Tam Team Championship in April 2025. 
  • RYAN NEMETH 
  • Ryan Nemeth is the younger brother of Nic Nemeth, and proud to let everyone know. Ryan has been wrestling professionally since 2010 and, on April 27, 2025, became half of the TNA World Tag Team Champions (with his brother Nic) when they defeated The Hardys (Jeff & Matt Hardy). Ryan also is an accomplished writer, actor and comedian. 
  • MOOSE 
  • Moose is the reigning and defending TNA X Division Champion, in his first-ever title reign with the prestigious TNA championship. His current run has already surpassed 200-days. Moose also is a former two-time TNA World Champion – and his combined 371-days as that titleholder is fourth-most in TNA history.  
  • Quinn Ojinnaka, the real-life Moose, played for four teams over seven seasons in the National Football League (NFL), including the New England Patriots, before transitioning to pro wrestling. He made his wrestling debut in 2012. His NFL career included time as teammates with legendary quarterback Tom Brady while playing for one of the best NFL head coaches in history, Bill Belichick.  
  • An offensive lineman, Ojinnaka played 62 NFL games after playing at Syracuse University and was selected in the fifth-round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Moose and Bill Goldberg are the only former NFL players from the modern era to have gone from the NFL to become the World Champion of a pro wrestling company. In fact, there are only four others in addition to Moose & Goldberg to have ever gone from the NFL to World Championship glory in pro wrestling, including Bronko Nagurski, who is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The others are Ernie Ladd, Dick the Bruiser and Gus Sonnenberg. 
  • # # # 
  • About TNA Wrestling: 
  • A subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. and a division of Anthem Sports Group, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling® is one of the world’s top wrestling brands, producing over 200 hours of original content annually and televised in 200 countries including AXS TV in the United States. Founded in 2002, TNA Wrestling’s deep library of premium content is streamed across the world on key OTT platforms including Pluto TV, Roku SamsungTV Plus and its own on-demand subscription service TNA+©. TNA Wrestling has a powerful social media presence with over 10 million engaged followers across all major services. Ancillary businesses include live events, merchandise, licensing, and sponsorship. 

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.

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.

Penta El Zero Miedo Bids Farewell to Mexico Amid AEW Exit, WWE Rumors Swirl

Former AEW World Tag Team Champion Penta El Zero Miedo has officially made waves outside of AEW following his recent contract expiration. The masked star shocked fans with a surprise appearance in AAA, where he delivered an emotional goodbye to his supporters in Mexico—though he promised a return at some point in the future.

Penta’s departure from AEW marks the end of a five-year journey with Tony Khan’s promotion, but it didn’t come without controversy. The Lucha Brothers—Penta and his brother Rey Fenix—haven’t appeared on AEW programming since August, fueling speculation about backstage tension. Now, with Penta gone and Fenix still under contract due to injury time extensions, their once-dominant AEW run appears fractured.

Fenix, in particular, has been vocal about his frustrations with AEW, recently taking to social media to call out the company for what he described as “inhumane treatment.” He also alleged that AEW ignored his medical needs for months during his recovery. With Penta’s exit and Fenix still embroiled in this tense situation, the brothers’ futures remain a hot topic in the wrestling world.

The intrigue surrounding Penta doesn’t stop there. WWE has reportedly expressed significant interest in signing both Penta and Rey Fenix, adding to the speculation that the Lucha Brothers could be on the verge of joining the global powerhouse. Penta, however, isn’t short on suitors. Multiple promotions are said to have reached out with offers, reflecting his value as both an in-ring performer and an international star.

Penta’s résumé speaks for itself. Before his AEW stint, he made his mark in TNA Wrestling—now Impact Wrestling—where he held the Impact World Championship. His unique blend of charisma, high-flying moves, and hard-hitting style has made him a fan favorite wherever he’s competed.

While Penta bids farewell to AEW and Mexico for now, the wrestling landscape is ripe for his next move. Whether he reunites with his brother under WWE’s banner or explores other opportunities, Penta El Zero Miedo’s future promises to be as exciting as his career thus far.

Stay tuned for updates on where Penta lands next and whether we’ll see the Lucha Brothers dominate a new stage together.

AAA MEGA Champion El Hijo del Vikingo Suffers Knee Injury

AAA MEGA Champion El Hijo del Vikingo was injured on Saturday night.

According to Mas Lucha, Vikingo’s match at, which took place at Arena López was stopped early on after he landed awkwardly on his right knee. He was checked out by doctors at the venue. Mas Lucha is saying Vikingo could have possibly ruptured a tendon. 

You can watch the injury take place at the beginning of the match in the video that is posted below:

Vikingo has also wrestled on AEW Programming. His last match on AEW TV was on the February 2 episode of Rampage, where he teamed up with Penta El Zero Miedo, as they defeated Jon Cruz and KM. That match was taped on January 31.

Source: WrestleView

AAA Is Finished Putting Championships On AEW Wrestlers

Don’t expect to see AEW talent draped in championship gold from AAA, with the possible exception of Kenny Omega.

At the recent Noche de Campeones event, FTR lost the AAA World Tag Team Championships to Dralistico and Dragon Lee, the latter of whom announced his WWE deal shortly after.

Sammy Guevara and Tay Melo were stripped of the AAA World Mixed Tag Team Championships after Melo was pulled from the event.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AAA is finished putting titles on AEW talent for the time being due to the difficulties with booking them.

“Right now the plan is that unless it’s Kenny Omega, who they still want as their Mega champion because of his work and name value if they can get dates on him, they don’t want titles on AEW wrestlers because of the difficulty in confirming dates on them.”

Instead of appearing for AAA, Melo competed on this week’s Dynamite, teaming with Anna Jay to defeat Ruby Soho and Willow Nightingale.

Source: ewrestlingnews