Tag: AEW

Matt Cardona Close To Signing With AEW (Report)

It looks like “Alwayz Ready” Matt Cardona might be closer than ever to a major return to the big leagues. According to Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer, AEW has officially offered Cardona a contract, with discussions reportedly nearing the finish line. While it’s unclear if the deal has been signed yet, Meltzer noted, “I know he was offered a contract. I don’t know if he signed. I guess maybe [he’s] close, yeah.”

If this deal comes through, it would mark Cardona’s first long-term contract with a major promotion since his WWE release in 2020. Cardona has been one of the busiest and most talked-about names on the independent scene since then, building a reputation in promotions like GCW, NWA, and IMPACT Wrestling. Now, he’s making waves again through a storyline with Chris Jericho that has been turning heads across AEW and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor (ROH).

AEW Merch and ROH Spotlights

Further fueling speculation about Cardona’s future, AEW has started selling official Matt Cardona merchandise through its online store. The shirt, featuring a skull rocking Cardona’s signature headband and the text “Alwayz Ready,” includes a notable detail in the fine print: “All Merchandise is owned by Ring of Honor.” This suggests that while Cardona may technically be signed to ROH, AEW’s flexible contracts would still allow him to make appearances on both platforms.

Cardona’s recent presence in ROH has been significant. On December 5, he stepped into the spotlight to challenge ROH World Champion Chris Jericho, setting up a showdown at Final Battle on December 20. Adding even more fuel to their feud, Jericho crashed Cardona’s December 14 booking at GCW, disguised in a hoodie and face bandana. Jericho blindsided Cardona with a baseball bat shot, allowing Effy to pick up the victory. But Jericho wasn’t done — after revealing his identity, he left Effy lying with a Judas Effect, adding an exclamation point to the chaos.

AEW Rampage Momentum

In AEW itself, Cardona has also been picking up momentum. On the December 13 episode of AEW Rampage, he secured a victory against rising star Bryan Keith. This win and the ongoing angle with Jericho suggest AEW may already be positioning Cardona for bigger things. However, if he does sign on the dotted line, the current story developments indicate that Cardona might see his primary role in ROH — at least for now — while still having the flexibility to shine under the AEW banner when Tony Khan and his creative team see fit.

A Long-Awaited Spotlight

For Matt Cardona, a major AEW/ROH contract would be the culmination of years of hustle and reinvention since his WWE departure. Cardona has proven himself as a versatile performer, capable of working as both a dominant main-eventer and an entertaining heel. From his hardcore battles in GCW to his indie world championships, Cardona has shown he can thrive anywhere. Now, as his feud with Jericho picks up steam, fans will be watching closely to see how this storyline unfolds — and where exactly Alwayz Ready ends up in AEW and ROH’s expanding universe.

With Final Battle just around the corner and the AEW/ROH machine gaining momentum, Cardona’s next move could be one of the biggest stories of the month. Stay tuned!

Chris Jericho Attacks Matt Cardona At GCW Event Ahead Of ROH Final Battle

Chris Jericho isn’t waiting until ROH Final Battle on December 20 to send a message to his challenger, Matt Cardona. The ROH World Champion made his presence felt in surprising fashion at GCW Highest in the Room 3 in Los Angeles this weekend, ambushing Cardona during the main event. Cardona, who was battling Effy, found himself blindsided by the “King of New York” as Jericho sent a clear warning ahead of their title clash.

The shocking moment quickly made waves, and Jericho took to Instagram afterward to share a behind-the-scenes glimpse of how the ambush came together. Alongside the video, Jericho addressed his rival directly in a caption dripping with confidence:
“…Hi @themattcardona, you didn’t think that the King of New York would pop up in Los Angeles at your @gamechangerwrestling Indy Event, did you? You made a big mistake forgetting who you’re dealing with……I always get my man! See you at #rohfinalbattle. @aew @ringofhonor.”

Jericho’s attack wasn’t just about intimidation; it also carried a shot of controversy. After the beatdown, Jericho revealed an AEW t-shirt to a chorus of boos from the GCW faithful. This reaction comes amid tensions between AEW and GCW, stemming from past disagreements. AEW President Tony Khan notably pulled Ricky Starks from GCW shows following critical comments made by Effy about Khan’s father. Willie Mack, who was also removed from GCW events, was rumored to have made the call himself, though the situation remains somewhat murky.

For Jericho, these kinds of unexpected appearances have become a trademark since his WWE departure in 2017. He’s no stranger to crossing promotional boundaries to make a statement. Fans will remember his 2018 NJPW attack on Kenny Omega, as well as his shocking appearance at the inaugural All In, where he disguised himself as Pentagon Jr. to surprise Omega again. More recently, Jericho ambushed Will Ospreay at a 2023 RevPro event while disguised as NJPW star BUSHI, and the Jericho Appreciation Society turned heads with a surprise showing at a PWG event earlier this year.

With ROH Final Battle looming, Jericho’s sneak attack has already tilted the psychological advantage in his favor. For Matt Cardona, the ambush serves as a painful reminder of the mind games and unpredictability that Jericho brings to any title defense.

The question now is whether Cardona will have a response ahead of their showdown. Jericho may have struck first, but if history has taught us anything, the “Indy God” isn’t one to back down without a fight. Final Battle just got even more personal, and fans won’t want to miss how this rivalry unfolds.

AEW Collision ‘Winter Is Coming’ Preview 12/14/2024

AEW Collision ‘Winter Is Coming’ tonight on TNT starting at 8:00 pm EST. There will also be an early west coast start time of 5:00 pm PST.

  • International Women’s Cup AEW Qualifier Finals: Willow Nightingale vs. Jamie Hayter
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. The Beast Mortos
  • AEW Continental Classic Blue League Match: Kyle Fletcher vs. Mark Briscoe
  • Daniel Garcia, Orange Cassidy, The Outrunners, and Komander vs. The Premier Athletes, MxM Collection
  • Toni Storm vs. Shazza McKenzie
  • Kris Statlander vs. TBA
  • FTR address the Death Riders

AEW Rampage ‘Winter Is Coming’ Preview 12/13/2024

AEW Rampage ‘Winter Is Coming’ tonight on TNT.

  • Matt Cardona vs Bryan Keith (ROH World Champion Chris Jericho on commentary)
  • Toni Storm vs. Harley Cameron
  • Konosuke Takeshita & Lance Archer vs. Mark Davis & Powerhouse Hobbs
  • We’ll hear from Don Callis & Kyle Fletcher
  • Deonna Purrazzo in action

Toni Storm Returned To AEW On Dynamite ‘Winter Is Coming’

Toni Storm has returned to All Elite Wrestling.

On this week’s episode of AEW Dynamite ‘Winter Is Coming’, Storm made her return following the Mariah May’s successful AEW Women’s World title defense against Mina Shirakawa at the end of the show.

Storm’s classic music hit. She returned with her trademark baseball bat and black eye makeup, gone was the “Timeless” Tony Storm gimmick.

Thunder Rosa, who was sitting at ringside, was holding up a “WTF” sign and May locked eyes with the returning Storm, her glare speaking volumes as tension mounted. Storm struck a pose at the top of the ramp, making it clear that her intentions are far from subtle.

This dramatic return sets the stage for a major showdown in AEW’s women’s division. With Storm back in the mix, Mariah May’s reign could be in serious jeopardy. It’ll be interesting to see how Thunder Rosa, May, and the rest of the division respond to Toni Storm’s return.

AEW Dynamite ‘Winter Is Coming’ Preview 12/11/2024

AEW presents Dynamite ‘Winter Is Coming’ tonight live on TBS from the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Mariah May (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa
  • Continental Classic Gold League Match: Ricochet vs. Brodie King
  • Continental Classic Blue League Match: Claudio Castagnoli vs. Will Ospreay
  • Adam Cole vs. Kyle O’Reilly: The winner will face MJF at the Worlds End PPV
  • AEW World Champion Jon Moxley and World Trios Champion PAC vs. Jay White and Orange Cassidy

AEW’s Big Bill & Lexy Nair Tie The Knot In Mexico Ceremony

AEW stars William “Big Bill” Morrissey and Lexy Nair are officially married! Over the weekend, the happy couple exchanged vows in a beautiful destination wedding at a luxurious resort in Mexico. Lexy took to Instagram to share the exciting news, offering fans an inside look at the special day—from her bridal preparations to the ceremony and lively reception that followed.

The post was quickly flooded with congratulations from their AEW colleagues and friends, with names like Renee Paquette, Anthony Bowens, and Taya Valkyrie all chiming in to show their love and support for the newlyweds.

A Love Story Rooted in Wrestling

Big Bill and Lexy first announced their engagement back in December 2022, just months after Morrissey’s AEW debut. Their connection goes back even further, as the two reportedly started dating in 2021. Interestingly, their relationship likely began through a shared connection with wrestling legend Diamond Dallas Page, who also happens to be Nair’s step-father.

DDP has played a significant role in Morrissey’s life both personally and professionally. Back in 2019, Morrissey—who was battling substance abuse and depression at the time—found support and guidance through Page. With DDP’s help, Morrissey got sober and turned his life around, a journey that has led to a career resurgence and personal happiness.

Careers on the Rise in AEW and ROH

Since finding his footing in AEW, Morrissey has made a name for himself as “Big Bill,” aligning with veteran Chris Jericho in one of AEW’s prominent storylines. His imposing presence and in-ring dominance have cemented him as a force to watch within the promotion.

Lexy Nair, on the other hand, has become a familiar face as a backstage interviewer on AEW programming. Beyond AEW, she’s also taken on a bigger role in Ring of Honor, where she’s part of a major storyline alongside ROH Women’s World Champion Athena and rising star Billie Starkz.

Nair has been vocal about Morrissey’s support in her wrestling journey, crediting him for encouraging her to pursue an on-screen role back in 2019.

A Bright Future for the Newlyweds

Big Bill and Lexy Nair’s love story is one of resilience, growth, and support—both inside and outside the ring. Fans are celebrating this milestone alongside the couple, who continue to shine in their respective roles in AEW and beyond.

Here’s to many more years of happiness, love, and success for AEW’s newest power couple!

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.

Rey Fenix Calls Out AEW: Concerns Over Medical Treatment

Over the last few years, AEW was often viewed as a haven for wrestlers seeking creative freedom and a fresh start. Many WWE stars flocked to the promotion, praising its management and direction. However, in recent times, cracks in that narrative have begun to surface, with some talent publicly sharing negative experiences. The latest name to express frustration? Rey Fenix.

Rey Fenix, one-half of the Lucha Brothers alongside his brother Penta El Zero Miedo, has seemingly called out AEW’s handling of his medical needs and contract situation. It all stems from a complicated saga surrounding their AEW contracts, which were reportedly extended due to injury time.

On social media, Fenix didn’t hold back, claiming he was subjected to what he described as “inhumane treatment” by AEW. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to shed light on the issue, writing, “I needed a doctor and you ignored me for months.” This pointed statement adds to an ongoing conversation about AEW’s medical protocols, which have been criticized in the past. CM Punk, for example, alleged that AEW failed to cover his medical expenses—an accusation that led to Tony Khan publicly refuting the claim.

https://twitter.com/ReyFenixMx/status/1866109659796652190

The timing of Fenix’s comments has sparked even more speculation. According to Dr. Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda, sources within AEW have denied the recent rumors that Tony Khan reacted to news of the Lucha Brothers jumping to WWE. However, Featherstone hinted there’s another reason behind the apparent discontent, which will reportedly come to light soon. Fenix himself responded to this report, commenting, “So far the most accurate comment,” adding further fuel to the fire.

https://twitter.com/ReyFenixMx/status/1865989781811020078

As of now, Fenix remains under contract with AEW, and it’s unclear if his social media posts will lead to disciplinary action. What’s equally puzzling is why Fenix chose to speak out while still tied to the promotion. For a wrestler as respected and talented as Fenix, his frustrations paint a troubling picture of AEW’s backstage operations.

With AEW’s medical policies under scrutiny once again and questions swirling about talent treatment, it’s a situation worth keeping an eye on. Will Fenix’s grievances lead to further fallout within AEW, or will this simply fade away as another chapter in the company’s growing pains? Time will tell.

Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.

Rey Fenix Speaks Out Amid Contract Situation as Penta Eyes Free Agency

The future of former AEW International Champion Rey Fenix is at a crossroads as his brother and tag team partner, Pentagon Jr. (Penta El Zero Miedo), moves toward free agency. With Penta’s AEW contract officially expired, speculation is running wild that the fan-favorite luchador is WWE-bound. However, Fenix finds himself in a very different situation as AEW exercised its option to extend his contract due to injury-related absences.

This has created a frustrating scenario for Fenix, who is now contractually tied to AEW while Penta explores new opportunities. Responding to fan comments on social media suggesting he has been mistreated, Fenix didn’t mince words, stating, “I will speak my truth.” Hours later, he fueled speculation with a cryptic follow-up tweet: “No one stays in a place where they received inhumane treatment.”

https://twitter.com/ReyFenixMx/status/1865514283037299154

While the full extent of Fenix’s frustration remains unclear, it’s evident that his relationship with AEW has grown strained. AEW President Tony Khan opted to add injury time to Fenix’s contract, ensuring that the high-flying star cannot follow his brother out of the company—at least not until 2025, when his extended deal is set to expire.

Penta’s Next Chapter and WWE Speculation

Pentagon Jr., on the other hand, is reportedly on the brink of a major career move. Rumors have swirled for months that WWE has had plans in place for the former AEW World Tag Team Champion as soon as he became a free agent. If true, it would mark a significant shake-up for both AEW and WWE. The brothers, who debuted together during AEW’s early days in 2019, have long been cornerstones of the promotion’s tag team division, most notably feuding with The Young Bucks and forming the popular Death Triangle faction alongside PAC.

With PAC now part of the Blackpool Combat Club—rebranded as The Deathriders—Death Triangle officially dissolved earlier this year. This breakup coincided with contract issues for both Fenix and Penta, further signaling the end of an era for the once-dominant trio.

What’s Next for Rey Fenix?

Despite Penta’s likely departure, Rey Fenix’s AEW run isn’t over yet. The dynamic luchador remains one of AEW’s most exciting in-ring talents, but his public comments suggest a growing dissatisfaction. Whether this leads to a full-on fallout or a resolution with AEW remains to be seen.

As for Penta, all eyes are on WWE to see if the masked star makes his debut in the coming weeks or months. If WWE does move forward with plans for Penta, it will be interesting to see how they position him in an already stacked roster. For now, fans can only hope that Fenix’s situation resolves amicably and that the legendary Lucha Brothers reunite sooner rather than later—no matter the promotion.

Stay tuned as we keep an eye on both Penta’s potential WWE journey and Rey Fenix’s evolving situation in AEW. Lucha Libre’s favorite brothers may be going their separate ways—for now.