Tag: jacksonville-based

Backstage update on if former WWE stars joining AEW or not – Reports

A new backstage update has surfaced regarding whether All Elite Wrestling (AEW) plans to bring onboard some former WWE stars who were recently released by the Stamford-based promotion.

Since AEW’s founding in 2019, the Jacksonville-based promotion and WWE have been rivals. In its early days, AEW relied heavily on former WWE talent to garner attention and achieve quick success. Over time, however, Tony Khan’s promotion has established stability with a solid core roster. Now, the movement of stars between the two promotions has become more common and functions as a two-way street.

Recently, the futures of four former WWE wrestlers came under the spotlight: Trey Miguel, Zachary Wentz, Myron Reed (collectively known as the Rascalz), and Wes Lee. Trey Miguel and Zachary Wentz, currently signed with WWE’s partner company TNA, are nearing the end of their contracts. Wes Lee was released by WWE earlier this month, while Myron Reed has been working independently.

A new report by Fightful clarifies whether these stars will join AEW, and for now, the answer is no. Sean Ross Sapp, in the latest edition of Fightful Select, revealed that AEW has no specific interest at this time in signing the aforementioned talents. However, he noted that this situation could evolve in 2026.

### Tony Khan Takes a Cautious Approach with Ex-WWE Talent

In an earlier report, Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp detailed how AEW President Tony Khan has adopted a more meticulous strategy for evaluating free agents who recently left WWE before deciding to bring them into AEW.

In the past, AEW has not shied away from signing former WWE superstars, including high-profile names such as Chris Jericho, Adam Copeland (Edge), Jon Moxley, Bryan Danielson, and CM Punk. However, Sapp mentioned that some signings have presented challenges, with certain wrestlers expressing dissatisfaction with their roles in AEW.

The most notable example is CM Punk’s tenure at All Elite Wrestling, which was marked by controversy and backstage tension, ultimately leading to his termination.

All of these factors have contributed to Tony Khan becoming more selective when it comes to signing wrestlers from WWE, particularly ex-WWE stars.

For now, AEW appears to be focusing on building its roster internally, but the door remains open for future signings as circumstances evolve. Fans will be watching closely to see how this ongoing rivalry between AEW and WWE continues to shape the wrestling landscape.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/news-backstage-update-former-wwe-stars-joining-aew-not-reports

Former WWE champion to replace Jon Moxley, Heel faction FINALLY implodes? – 3 major surprises that can happen on AEW Dynamite this Wednesday

After receiving mixed reviews for WrestleDream 2025, AEW has quickly shifted its focus to the upcoming pay-per-view, Full Gear 2025, which is less than a month away. The Jacksonville-based promotion has already started building momentum for Full Gear during recent episodes of Dynamite and Collision.

On the flagship show, the Women’s World Title match was confirmed for the upcoming PPV after champion Kris Statlander accepted Mercedes Mone’s challenge—originally issued at WrestleDream. Additionally, a major No. 1 Contenders’ match was scheduled to determine World Champion Hangman Page’s next challenger. This crucial match is set to take place on this week’s episode of Dynamite: Fright Night.

With Dynamite: Fright Night airing this Wednesday, AEW President Tony Khan is poised to take the next step in generating excitement for Full Gear. Fans can expect some intriguing twists and surprises on the show. Here’s a look at three potential surprises AEW might unveil on Dynamite: Fright Night.

### #3. Claudio Castagnoli Betrays Jon Moxley on AEW Dynamite: Fright Night

Jon Moxley has been facing a turbulent stretch in AEW lately. The Purveyor of Violence’s recent track record in big matches has been less than stellar—from losing the World Championship to Hangman Page, to falling in the Lights Out Steel Cage match at Forbidden Door against Will Ospreay’s team, and more recently, losing to arch-nemesis Darby Allin in an “I-Quit” match at WrestleDream 2025.

Given these setbacks, Moxley’s faction, the Death Riders, could hold a vote of no confidence in their leader during Dynamite. Leading this possible coup is former WWE United States Champion and multi-time WWE Tag Team Champion, Claudio Castagnoli (formerly Cesaro). As the Swiss Superstar and the group’s most experienced member after Moxley, Claudio might convince the faction to abandon the One True King, potentially taking over leadership of the Death Riders.

### #2. The Don Callis Family Could Implode

Tensions within the Don Callis Family have been building for some time, particularly between Konosuke Takeshita and Unified Champion Kazuchika Okada. Their dynamic took a hit after the duo failed to capture the AEW World Tag Team Championships against Brodido at WrestleDream 2025. During that match, Okada accidentally struck Takeshita, showing no remorse; instead, he grinned at the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

Takeshita did not take this lightly and attempted to confront Okada on last week’s Dynamite, but was stopped by Don Callis and AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher. In response to these internal frictions, Don Callis has called for a family summit on this week’s Dynamite: Fright Night.

While this summit aims to resolve internal disputes, it could very well backfire. The massive egos of both Takeshita and Okada might spiral out of control, causing the faction to implode. This could result in the formation of rival subgroups within the family or even result in the eviction of one of the two stars.

### #1. Cedric Alexander Joins the Hurt Syndicate

WWE released Cedric Alexander in February of this year. Although he signed with TNA shortly after, speculation has swirled among fans that the 36-year-old could reunite with his former Hurt Business allies—MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin—now rebranded as the Hurt Syndicate in AEW.

With Cedric’s contract set to expire soon, these rumors may finally come to fruition this week. Tony Khan is expected to sign Cedric Alexander and debut him on Dynamite: Fright Night.

This week’s Dynamite: Fright Night also features a pivotal four-way match where Bobby Lashley of the Hurt Syndicate will face Samoa Joe, Ricochet, and Hook for a chance to become the No. 1 Contender for Hangman Page’s AEW World Championship.

As the match unfolds, interference from the allies of each competitor is highly likely. Amid the chaos, Cedric’s debut could play a critical role in helping Lashley secure the No. 1 Contender spot—marking a major win for the Hurt Syndicate and their newest member.

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With Dynamite: Fright Night just around the corner, AEW fans have much to look forward to as the promotion ramps up toward Full Gear 2025. Whether it’s shocking betrayals, faction drama, or surprise debuts, this week’s show promises to deliver plenty of excitement.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/former-wwe-champion-replace-jon-moxley-heel-faction-finally-implodes-3-major-surprises-can-happen-aew-dynamite-wednesday

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