All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially announced that its annual Double or Nothing pay-per-view will take place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Fans eager to attend can take advantage of VIP Early Access, which is available now. Presale tickets will be released on Friday, February 21, while general ticket sales begin on Monday, February 24.
This marks another major event for AEW at the Desert Diamond Arena, which has previously hosted high-profile wrestling and entertainment events.
Ricky Saints, the Absolute superstar formerly known as Ricky Starks, has opened up about his exit from All Elite Wrestling, a departure that came close to a year after his final match. Appearing on the Busted Open Radio podcast, Starks teased what led to his departure from the All-Elite promotion.
“There are some people who stuck their nose in my creative business that shouldn’t have happened. Veterans.”
Saints stopped short of naming these veterans, but was ready to discuss the matter further with them. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion shared that “if they got a problem with me, they got my number” and dared anyone with an issue to “text me about it.”
The departure of Ricky Saints in early 2025 came after the former World Tag Team Champion hadn’t been used since March 2024. Though Saints had been dealing early into his hiatus, he was cleared to wrestle for much of this break. In November 2024, Saints shared that he had theories behind his absence, but had not been told anything from management.
Saints has since left AEW and wasted no time in joining WWE NXT, where he will compete as Ricky Saints. While the Absolute One is ready to focus on his WWE future, including his upcoming debut match, there’s still bad blood between Saints and these unnamed veterans.
The situation gained attention when Matthews briefly posted, then deleted, a social media message suggesting his injury was connected to AEW’s ring size controversy.
“#AEWGrandSlamAustralia – If it wasn’t a 16×16 SHT wrestling ring!” he wrote. “1: Wouldn’t have destroyed my ankle on my entrance due to holes in the padding. 2: Okada wouldn’t have been able to put his foot on the rope & I’d be champion. Sht happens…”
His wife, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, has acknowledged the injury on social media, and recent photos show Matthews using crutches during their honeymoon celebrations.
The timing is particularly unfortunate as Matthews and Ripley are currently celebrating their recent marriage. Despite the injury, the newlyweds are continuing with their honeymoon plans, though Matthews is now navigating the festivities with mobility assistance.
Miro was granted his release from AEW last week, making him a free agent and fueling speculation that he may return to WWE. Now, he has booked his first post-AEW appearance.
Qatar Pro Wrestling has announced that Miro will appear at their events on February 21 and 22 at Aspire Ladies Sport Hall in Doha, Qatar. The event will also feature Mustafa Ali, Nic Nemeth, Bobby Lashley, and 35 other wrestlers, with matches scheduled throughout the show.
There is strong belief that WWE is interested in bringing Miro back, as he previously worked there before joining AEW. WWE has reportedly discussed creative plans for him as well as Malaki Black, though it remains unclear whether he has signed a contract or when he might return. This is despite WWE legend Teddy Long’s controversial view that WWE will have no interest in taking back Miro or Malakai Black.
Miro had been absent from AEW since Worlds End 2023. He initially signed a lucrative seven-figure deal with the company in September 2020, which was set to expire in spring 2022. However, he later signed a four-year extension, keeping him under contract until spring 2026.
Despite being healthy and ready to compete, discussions about his creative direction reportedly stalled in 2024. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, talks eventually went “radio silent” months before his release. It was to the point that AEW sources indicated that Miro had not been discussed creatively for six months, with most believing he would not return to the company.
Romance is in the air this morning, as WWE Superstar Rhea Ripley and AEW star Buddy Matthews are beginning their honeymoon. The reigning Women’s World Champion will miss tonight’s WWE Raw as a result.
Rhea Ripley and Buddy Matthews’ romance began when they met in WWE in 2021, while Matthews was performing for WWE under the name Buddy Murphy. The couple went public with their relationship in 2022, and Matthews proposed to Ripley during a vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida in August 2023.
They tied the knot in a lavish all-black-themed wedding ceremony on June 23, 2024, where Ripley wore a stunning black strapless dress and Matthews complemented her in an all-black suit.
Despite working for rival companies – Ripley in WWE and Matthews in AEW – the couple maintains a strong and supportive relationship. Ripley has emphasized that Matthews understands and supports her career trajectory, noting that he’s comfortable with her prominent position in the wrestling industry. After their wedding last year, their busy schedules prevented them from taking a honeymoon, but they are finally able to enjoy this special time together following AEW’s Grand Slam event in their home country of Australia.
In a touching display of love and respect at AEW Grand Slam: Australia, Buddy Matthews honored his wife, WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, throughout his Continental Championship match against Kazuchika Okada in Brisbane.
Matthews, performing in front of his hometown crowd at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, incorporated several elements of Ripley’s signature style and moves into his performance.
Rhea Ripley backstage at AEW Grand Slam Australia
He emerged wearing an Australian-themed jacket reminiscent of Ripley’s iconic Elimination Chamber attire, and during the match, executed her trademark moves including the Inverted Cloverleaf submission and her distinctive stomp.
Buddy Matthews pays homage to Mami
While Ripley maintained a low profile backstage to ensure the spotlight remained on the event, her presence was felt throughout Matthews’ performance, including his use of the Prism Trap.
The hometown audience embraced the tribute, with one creative fan even displaying a sign reading “The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
Despite the emotional atmosphere and strong hometown support, Matthews’ championship pursuit fell short, with Okada retaining the AEW Continental Championship in controversial fashion. The match nonetheless showcased the unique dynamic of wrestling’s power couple, demonstrating how their relationship transcends promotional boundaries.
A controversy has emerged regarding the ring used at AEW Grand Slam: Australia. While a social media claim suggested that AEW had forgotten to ship their ring to Brisbane due to freight timing miscalculations, this has been definitively proven false.
The Facts
The ring used at the Australian event was an 18′ x 18′ ring, smaller than AEW’s standard 20′ x 20′ ring used in the United States. It was rented from local promotion PWA as part of a business arrangement made months in advance.
Ring Size Context
The 18′ x 18′ size is actually an industry standard, used by numerous prominent wrestling promotions including TNA, ROH, and most independent companies. WCW and WCW also used 18-foot rings until they shuttered in 2001.
Important Clarifications
AEW has not shipped their rings overseas as a standard practice. This approach is similar to WWE, which maintains rings in overseas locations rather than shipping them for international events.
The ring aprons and other elements were properly scaled for the 18′ x 18′ dimensions, contrary to claims suggesting otherwise. Additionally, most AEW wrestlers are already experienced with performing in rings of this size.
Several AEW personalities have commented on the controversy, including qt Marshall, Will Ospreay and Buddy Matthews.
The AEW ring is a design that only AEW has. It’s very rare that an independent company (or a major company) has a 20ft ring. This ring is an 18ft ring. TNA has been using for years and older ROH as well. Why is this a talking point? It’s not our first time using an 18ft ring. https://t.co/jSxzUNVdZ5
AEW Grand Slam Australia was a night of raw emotion and fierce competition, and despite not securing the win, Harley Cameron made it clear—this is just the beginning.
“I think that was one of the best moments of my life, and it didn’t end up how I wanted, but it’s just the beginning,” Cameron said, reflecting on her long-awaited return.
The match, set in front of a home crowd, was a culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.
“I left here so many years ago and had no idea what was going to happen… but to come home today and show that it all paid off—nothing’s going to change how this feels. It feels so good.”
Although she fell short of victory, Cameron’s passion remains stronger than ever, fueled in part by her rival, Mercedes.
“Oh Mercedes, you are amazing, and I meant it when I said you push me to be better,” she admitted. “I love wrestling so much. I love this industry. I love this company, and I just have a fire in me.”
That fire, Cameron promised, is only growing. “This is only just getting started, people. You are only just starting to feel the wrath. There is more to come.”
With such determination and intensity, the Australian wrestler is far from done—and fans can expect even bigger moments in her future.
‘Timeless’ Toni Storm’s return to Australia proved to be a triumph as she regained the AEW Women’s World Championship at Grand Slam. In the show’s main event, Storm dethroned Mariah May, who had held the title since All In: London 2024, where she had defeated Storm.
Storm and May traded momentum and it would be a surprise roll-up that would give the Timeless One the win. With her victory, Storm has become the first-ever four-time Women’s World Champion. On X (fka Twitter) made note of Storm’s record-shattering achievement.
In the comments, fans quickly speculated that the finish, a small package, will set up a rematch between the two for the gold. While such a match has yet to be confirmed, fans can expect May to be hungry for another showdown with her former mentor.
May’s reign had seen her retain against the likes of Anna Jay, Thunder Rosa, Willow Nightingale, and her STARDOM ally Mina Shirakawa, among others. Now that Storm once again holds the gold, it remains to be seen what’s next for the Glamour and her former ‘mentor’ post-Grand Slam: Australia.
Harley Cameron’s homecoming did not go as planned at AEW Grand Slam: Australia as she was unable to capture the TBS Championship. Arguably the biggest sentimental favorite going into Grand Slam, Cameron arrived to a hero’s welcome in the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.
Harley Cameron has returned HOME for the BIGGEST CHALLENGE of her career!
The two women traded momentum, with Cameron’s puppet of the CEO also coming into play. Mercedes Moné would punt her miniature doopelganger into the second row, riling up the crowd, who were already firmly behind Harley, even further.
Despite Cameron’s best efforts, Moné won with her Mone Maker, earning her 14th consecutive TBS Championship defense. Though she didn’t linger in the ring with Cameron following her victory, the champ gloated in front of STARDOM’s Momo Watanabe, who was sitting ringside.
Cameron coming up short will come as a disappointment to many but only proves that The CEO is ready to dash the hopes of all challengers, even in their home country. It remains to be seen who will ultimately end Moné’s impressive title reign, and whether it could be Watanabe who takes the TBS gold.
All Elite Wrestling makes history this Saturday with its first-ever event in Australia as Grand Slam emanates from the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. Three Australian stars will have the opportunity to capture championship gold in their home country, while the event marks AEW’s first Grand Slam outside of New York City.
How to Watch
Start Times
The event begins Saturday, February 15 at the following times:
10:30 PM Eastern Time (ET)
7:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)
2:30 PM AEST (Sunday, Australia)
1:00 PM India (IST)
Broadcast Details
United States: TNT (airing after NBA All-Star Saturday Night)
International: Max streaming service
Match Card
AEW Women’s World Championship Mariah May (c) vs. “Timeless” Toni Storm
The eccentric Hollywood starlet returns home seeking her fourth reign as champion against her former protégé in what promises to be an emotionally charged main event.
TBS Championship Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Harley Cameron
Brisbane native Cameron looks to capture gold in front of her hometown crowd, just 30 minutes from where she grew up.
Brisbane Brawl Death Riders (Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli) vs. Cope & Jay White
A violent clash awaits as the Death Riders take on the unlikely alliance of “The Rated R Superstar” and “Switchblade”.
AEW Continental Championship Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Buddy Matthews
Sydney’s own Matthews challenges “The Rainmaker” in a battle of Australia versus Japan.
Tag Team Match Kenny Omega & Will Ospreay vs. The Don Callis Family (Kyle Fletcher & Konosuke Takeshita)
Former rivals unite against the manipulative Don Callis and his family.
Fans were not happy with Tony Khan after the sketchy venue change for Grand Slam Australia and they voiced their displeasure to the AEW President without hesitation.
The company taped the special program from Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Saturday, February 15. Khan came out at the start of the taping to greet the crowd and he was met with audible boos from the fans:
Despite the unfavourable reaction, Khan claimed that it was a dream come true to do a show in Australia. He promised a return to Brisbane and later in the evening, it was confirmed that AEW is planning the comeback for 2026.
The company’s Australia debut was originally supposed to be held in Suncorp Stadium with a listed capacity of over 50,000. After discouraging ticket sales, however, the show was moved to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, which is a much smaller venue.
A lot of fans had voiced their displeasure at this change. Many who had paid stadium prices for premium seats were especially unhappy as their redistributed tickets were not of the same value and there was no option for a refund.
Regardless, the company has touted the show as one of the most successful events in the history of the promotion and their third biggest international gate of all time.
The show following Khan’s promo featured a number of big matches and a huge title change as well. You can check out the complete spoilers for the event here.
AEW taped the Grand Slam special of Collision from Brisbane, Australia today. The show featured a number of stars belonging to the country as well as big names such as Adam Copeland, Will Ospreay, and more. Here are the complete spoiler results for the show:
Tony Khan Promo: The AEW President was introduced by Arkady to a mixed reaction after changing the venues for the show. He claimed that this was a dream come true and promised a return to Brisbane in future.
Tag Team Match: Will Ospreay & Kenny Omega def. Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher – Don Callis and Mark Davis were at the ringside and the crowd was hot for the bout. Callis interfered in the bout in Favor of Takeshita and Fletcher but in the end, the babyfaces picked up the victory.
TBS Championship Match:Mercedes Mone def. Harley Cameron – Hometown star Cameron got a huge reaction from the crowd coming off the entertaining build for this title match using the Mone Puppet. Harley brought out the Mone puppet at one point to distract the champion but it was Mercedes who picked up the victory in the end.
The Brisbane Brawl: Jon Moxley & Claudio Castagnoli def. Jay White & Cope – The match was a no-holds-barred brawl with the contestants fighting through the crowd from the start. Various weapons such as trash cans and tables were used and Mox even used a barbed wire chair during the match. The fight ended controversially after Mox choked Cope out following interference from Wheeler Yuta and Marina Shafir. The crowd chanted bullshit at the ending but later gave a standing ovation to Cope.
Backstage Segment: Will Ospreay challenged Fletcher to a steel cage match at Revolution and Kenny Omega called out Takeshita for an International Title shot at the upcoming PPV.
Continental Championship Match:Kazuchika Okada def. Buddy Matthews – The local star Matthews showed a lot of resilience leading to multiple unexpected kickouts. Okada retained in the end with a low blow and Rainmaker. Matthews brought out the Australian flag post-match to cheer the crowd.
AEW Women’s Championship Match:Toni Storm def. Mariah May: The crowd was alive for the bout and Australia’s own received a huge ovation upon her grand entrance with a returning Luther the Butler. After an intense battle, Storm hit Storm Zero but May somehow kicked out. The defending champion then hit multiple Maydays but Storm kicked out at the last second. Toni landed another Storm Zero but May rolled out onto the floor. In desperation, Mariah May attempted her own version of Storm Zero but the Timeless one escaped and finally hit the Storm Zero for pin. Toni Storm cut an emotional promo following the match.
Josh Alexander’s contract with TNA Wrestling officially expired today, making him a free agent. According to Fightful Select‘s Sean Ross Sapp, sources within AEW, those close to Alexander, and others in the industry expect him to sign with AEW—if he hasn’t already.
Meanwhile, WWE sources confirmed that he has not signed with the company, though there was previous interest in bringing him in last year.
Alexander had a highly successful tenure in TNA Wrestling (now Impact Wrestling) from 2019 to 2025. He initially gained prominence as part of the tag team The North alongside Ethan Page, with the duo winning the Impact World Tag Team Championship twice. Alexander found further success by capturing the TNA X Division Championship before ascending to the top of the promotion by winning the TNA World Championship twice. His second reign was particularly historic, lasting 335 days—the longest in company history.
Ahead of his free agency, PWInsider reported that Alexander is being represented by wrestling super-agent Barry Bloom in negotiating his next contract. Bloom has worked with several major wrestling figures, including Kenny Omega and Jim Ross.
While it remains unclear if Alexander has officially signed a new deal, AEW is widely expected to be his next destination.
Wrestling legend Ric Flair has opened up about a previously unknown health scare that may have contributed to his quiet departure from AEW last summer. Speaking on Gabby AF, the 16-time world champion revealed he recently discovered he had suffered a heart attack—without realizing it.
“I went in for a test, and the doctor told me, ‘You’ve had a heart attack in the last two years.’ I didn’t even know,” Flair admitted.
The revelation came after Flair underwent a calcium test on his heart, which detected past damage. The Nature Boy, who famously survived a life-threatening medical crisis in 2017 that led to multiple heart surgeries, was shocked by the news but remains defiant about his health.
“For some reason, I don’t hurt anywhere… I could wrestle again, but I won’t,” he said.
Ric Flair’s Exit from AEW
Flair also confirmed that his time with AEW has officially ended, clarifying that he is no longer under contract following the collapse of his Wooooo! Energy drink sponsorship in mid-2024.
While many assumed his exit was tied to creative direction, Flair indicated that his health was also a factor.
“There really isn’t anything for me to do there right now,” he said, adding that AEW owner Tony Khan “didn’t realize I was on blood thinners” when initially bringing him in.
AEW broadcaster Tony Schiavone doused with a can of Wooooo! Energy
Flair’s last AEW appearance was at Revolution 2024, where he was part of Sting’s retirement match. He recalled that Khan was adamant about him avoiding any in-ring physicality, repeatedly warning him against blading.
Now, with AEW in the rearview, Flair is focused on staying healthy—though he admits the wrestling bug never truly leaves. WrestleMania 41 is fast approaching and Charlotte Flair is primed for a top match on the biggest show of the year. WWE find a way to bring The Dirtiest Player in the Game back for another moment in the spotlight?
Posted February 13th, 2025 in AEW. Tagged: Ric Flair.
The Twisted Metal TV series, featuring AEW’s Samoa Joe as Sweet Tooth, is returning for a second season. Joe provides the physical performance for the character, while Will Arnett voices him.
Based on the classic PlayStation game, the series stars Anthony Mackie, Tahj Vaughans, Stephanie Beatriz, Chelle Ramos, and Michael Carollo. A major addition to the cast is Anthony Carrigan (Barry, Gotham), who will portray Calypso, the enigmatic host of the Twisted Metal tournament.
Peacock announced the renewal in December 2023, and production wrapped up in November, after which Joe returned to AEW programming. Now, the first look at Season 2 has been released, with a teaser trailer offering glimpses of the tournament and new characters, including Calypso.
The new season is set to premiere this summer. The plot follows John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) as they navigate the chaos of the tournament, facing both new and familiar adversaries.
Peacock has touted Twisted Metal as its most-binged original series in its first week and one of the platform’s top three original shows of all time after Season 1.
Posted February 13th, 2025 in AEW. Tagged: Samoa Joe.
For the first time in six years, Ring of Honor will bring back its ‘Global Wars’ branding as part of this week’s AEW Grand Slam: Australia festivities. The event, dubbed ‘AEW ROH Global Wars: Australia’ promises several exciting matches including:
ROH Women’s World Champion AthenaVs. Alex Windsor: Athena’s historic reign has seen her defend against all manner of opponents. But in a different country, could Alex Windsor be the one to do the unthinkable and dethrone the ‘Forever Champion?’
ROH Pure Champion Lee Moriarty Vs. Robbie Eagles: Moriarty has held the gold for over 200 days with four title defenses so far. Eagles, a native to Australia, is a NJPW regular who last competed for ROH in July 2024.
ROH World Champion Chris Jericho, Bryan Keith, and Big Bill Vs. Bandido And The Outrunners: Since returning to action in December, Bandido has had his sights set on Jericho and the ROH World Title. A victory in Australia could put the former ROH Champion back in the title picture.
ROH Tag Team Champions Dustin Rhodes & Sammy GuevaraVs. MXM Collection: Could the fashionable duo take the gold from Rhodes and Guevara, or will the champs prove why they are the best tag team in ROH today?
Global Wars, formerly Border Wars, saw ROH and New Japan host events, beginning in 2012 and ending in the fall of 2019. While broadcast options are yet to be confirmed for AEW ROH Global Wars Australia, fans can expect plenty of action down under ahead of Grand Slam: Australia this weekend.
Rita Chatterton, the former WWE referee who accused Vince McMahon of sexually assaulting, was employed by AEW for a year, she has revealed. On the Power & Glory podcast, Chatterton recalled receiving the Trailblazer award from the International Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame, which led to her being contacted by Tony Khan.
“Tony Khan and I had a nice, long talk and I was under contract with him for a year. Very nice man. Gentleman. Very, very nice man, and that’s how I ended up getting back involved in wrestling.”
Though she was under contract with AEW for a year, fans never saw Chatterton appear for the promotion. On the podcast, Chatterton saw the funny side of being paid but not appearing.
“I was under contract with him for a year and I did absolutely nothing. I did absolutely nothing (laughs), and he wanted me under contract so I was under contract with him.”
Mario Mancini, who was also on the podcast, shared that Chatterton had a talent scout contract. Mancini, who helps out at the Paradise Alley Pro Wrestling school, would present wrestlers to Chatterton to potentially reccomend to AEW’s higher ups.
McMahon had always denied the allegations made by Chatterton but reached a mult-million-dollaw settlement with her in early 2023. At the time, McMahon’s team refuted the notion that this was a sign of an admission of guilt, but was instead McMahon dealing with facets of his past so he could focus on WWE. In January 2023, McMahon forced his way back into the promotion but stepped down in January 2024 due to Janel Grant’s lawsuit. McMahon has denied wrongdoing.
John Cena will compete for the final time in 2025, and AEW’s Tony Chimel hopes to be a part of the huge send-off to the WWE icon. Despite being contracted to AEW, Chimel told Donnie DaSilva and Jimmy Korderas on their HUGE POP! podcast that he would love to play a role in Cena’s goodbye.
“They (AEW) are pretty free with their guys and I’m sure if — you know, I can talk to my bosses over there… I don’t think anyone would have a problem.”
While AEW are “pretty free” when it comes to allowing talent to work elsewhere, putting Chimel back on WWE programming could prove to be an issue. Since launching in 2019, AEW has proven to be WWE’s most fierce rival with both promotions often clasing in head-to-head battles.
Although WWE and AEW have been at odds, Cena could prove to be a bridge between the two companies. In 2022, AEW allowed several names on its roster to appear on WWE Raw via videos, congratulating Cena on the 20th anniversary of his WWE debut. It’s clear that Tony Khan holds respect for Cena, making Chimel’s potential role with WWE unlikely, but not impossible.
John Cena’s next match will come at Elimination Chamber 2025, where he hopes to win the Men’s Chamber match and earn a WWE Championship opportunity at WrestleMania 41. It remains to be seen if Chimel is allowed to play a part but no matter what, fans can expect a fitting send off for the WWE icon.
Toni Storm has never been one to hold back, and her latest interview with Renee Paquette for AEW Close-Up was no exception. With her highly anticipated AEW Women’s Championship match against Mariah May at Grand Slam: Australia this Saturday, Storm made her intentions brutally clear.
“I’m finally going to get my hands on that broad. I’m going to rip her tits off—it’s as simple as that,” Storm declared, leaving no doubt about the personal nature of their rivalry.
Storm and May’s history is deeply intertwined, with May once idolizing Storm before ultimately betraying her. The betrayal sent Storm into a spiral, forcing her to reevaluate everything—including her persona.
“The Glamour” Mariah May and “Timeless” Toni Storm as “The Glamour” Mariah May
Now, as she reclaims her identity as “Timeless” Toni Storm, she’s ready to settle the score once and for all.
“No more trauma—we finally get to move on,” Storm added, suggesting that this showdown will be the definitive end of their bitter feud.
AEW Grand Slam: Australia promises to be a landmark event, and with Storm fighting in front of her home country’s fans, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether or not she can reclaim the title, one thing is certain—Mariah May is in for a fight.
AEW star Keith Lee has responded to recent speculation regarding his presence at AEW events. A report from PWInsider suggested that Lee was backstage at a recent episode of AEW Dynamite in Athens, Georgia, fueling rumors of his potential return. However, Lee took to social media to clarify the situation.
“For the record… this isn’t true,” Lee wrote. “I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at Dynamite in Austin briefly. I do live in Texas after all.”
Lee has been out of action since December 2023, after being pulled from his scheduled match against Swerve Strickland at AEW Worlds End due to lingering health issues.
For the record…. this isn't true.
I was at Collision in Houston. But I was at the Dynamite in Austin briefly.
Dustin Rhodes has built a legendary career, with championship reigns and accolades across decades promotions. At 55 years old, Rhodes knows the end of his career is coming and has shared when he’ll be hanging up his boots.
In an interview on Battleground with Tim & Eli, Rhodes shared that he’s known for years who he wants his final match to be with. The Natural added that the end of his career will come within the next three years, meaning fans won’t see him in action past 2028.
“By no means am I anywhere on Sting’s level, but I want that same kind of out. I think I’ve earned it.
To finish it off on a pay-per-view and cut a heart-wrenching, emotional promo after—that’s what people like.”
While many wrestlers take a loss in the final match to ‘pass the torch’ to somebody else, Rhodes hopes to win his final-ever match. Though his final match will come in 2028 if not sooner, it won’t be the last fans see of him in wrestling.
“I’ll be coaching and still producing, which I’m doing right now anyway. I love that. Passing all my knowledge to the young kids—that’s the payoff.”
Dustin Rhodes signed a multi-year contract with AEW in December 2024, ensuring his continued presence in the company as both a wrestler and a mentor for younger talent. Though much of his retirement plans remain a mystery, fans know that they only have three more years, at max, to enjoy the veteran in the ring.
AEW’s Lance Archer is as tough as they come in the ring, but the Murderhawk Monster this week became the victim of crime. On X (formerly Twitter), Archer shared that his SUV was stolen in broad daylight in Duncanville, Texas.
My SUV was stolen today. Mid of day at a Costco in Duncanville TX. If you live In Dallas/Ft Worth TX and happen to see a 2018 White Yukon Denali License plate VGZ 9119 24 in rims w white wall tires Extra dark window tint. Please report to Duncanville PD
— The Murderhawk Monster Lance Archer (@LanceHoyt) February 11, 2025
Archer’s situation is sadly only the latest example of theft affecting those in the pro wrestling industry. In December 2023, Slim Jim’s ‘Fast Meat’ car was reported stolen. The car had been used at that year’s Survivor Series: WarGames and had been featured in promotional videos alongside LA Knight and Bianca Belair. In 2024, former WWE Superstar Mandy Rose shared that her Louis Vuitton boots had been stolen and pointed the finger of blame at her delivery driver.
Lance Archer signed with AEW in February 2020 and would debut with the promotion the following month as a client of Jake Roberts. While he is yet to hold AEW gold, Archer won the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship in a Texas Deathmatch against Jon Moxley during Night Two of AEW Fyter Fest 2021.
Archer’s situation is unfortunate and hopefully he will be reunited with his SUV and the thieves brought to justice. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on this ongoing situation.
Ricky Starks is no longer listed as part of AEW, as multiple media outlets—including Fightful Select and PWInsider.com—confirmed after fans noticed his profile had been removed from AEW’s official website.
Despite not being used for nearly a year, Starks remains under contract with AEW. He had previously requested his release, but AEW CEO Tony Khan has reportedly refused to grant it. As a result, Starks will have to wait out the remainder of his deal before exploring other opportunities.
Starks has been absent from AEW programming since March 2024 and has stated that he doesn’t know why he isn’t being utilized. In the meantime, he has kept active by working independent dates, appearing for Glory Pro WrestlePocalypse and House of Glory. However, he was pulled from GCW appearances following the Effy controversy.
Reports indicate that WWE has shown interest in signing Starks once he becomes available, with many believing he is WWE-bound once his AEW contract expires. Starks has yet to publicly comment on his departure from AEW.
Starks captured the FTW Championship from Brian Cage in 2021. He held the championship for an impressive 378 days, making him the longest-reigning FTW Champion at the time. Later, he formed a successful tag team with Big Bill, and they won the AEW World Tag Team Championship. During his AEW tenure, he feuded with top acts including Darby Allin, Chris Jericho, and more.
Miro has officially been granted his release from All Elite Wrestling. The former TNT Champion and the company came to an agreement regarding the termination of his contract, according to PWInsider.
Miro’s wrestler profile has already been removed from the AEW website.
