Ryback has directly addressed the intense speculation surrounding CM Punk’s gym gains at the age of 47, firmly pushing back against steroid abuse rumors. Taking to X.com, he emphasizes that only Punk and his medical team know the complete picture, but views the change as a stronger, healthier version of the veteran star. Ryback credits the changes to his workout routine, but doesn’t rule out the possibility of prescribed testosterone replacement therapy.

“There’s been a lot of talk lately about CM Punk’s improved physique and the usual speculation that comes with it. Is he on steroids? TRT? HRT? The reality is nobody knows except him and the medical professionals involved, if any … When I look at Punk’s physique, I don’t see something that screams steroid abuse. I see a stronger, healthier version of his previous self. There are a lot of things that can create that result … Could TRT or HRT be involved? Sure, it’s possible. But if someone has medically low testosterone or hormone levels, restoring them to healthy levels is about health and quality of life.” – Ryback

In early to mid-2026, fan videos revealed CM Punk looking significantly bulkier and more muscular, especially in his shoulders, arms, and upper chest. This “jacked” look has led some to say he is in the best shape of his career. And while there is no evidence that Punk isn’t completely natural, some fans and even fellow wrestler Ryan Nemeth have alleged that the straight-edge is likely getting chemical assistance.

Fightful Select has reported that The Butcher (Andy Williams) and The Blade (Jesse Guilmette) have officially departed All Elite Wrestling after their contracts expired without renewal. The Buffalo-based duo made a striking debut on the November 27, 2019, episode of Dynamite, ambushing Cody Rhodes from beneath the ring alongside The Bunny and quickly carved out a reputation as a hard-hitting heel unit that brought chaotic energy to the promotion’s fledgling tag division.

“Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp has confirmed that The Butcher and The Blade have left All Elite Wrestling. We are told the duo’s contracts were recently up and AEW opted to not offer an extension.“ -Fightful Select

Over the years, The Butcher and The Blade clashed with top teams, including The Young Bucks, Lucha Bros, and Jurassic Express, delivering wild matches. However, they experienced setbacks, such as The Bunny’s departure and The Blade’s two-year absence following spinal fusion surgery. Still, the veterans remained dependable midcard performers during AEW’s formative period and should have no problem picking up independent dates.

In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, the charismatic LA Knight opened up about his long career and suggested that, despite his success, he doesn’t feel he’ll end up in the WWE Hall of Fame due to being underappreciated. And now, acknowledging his statement, WWE producer Shane Helms has responded on X, welcoming Knight to a familiar “club” and adding a shrug emoji to underscore how common these frustrations are among wrestling veterans.

Born Shaun Ricker in 1982, LA Knight built a respected 23-year career on the independents and in Impact Wrestling as the outspoken Eli Drake, where sharp promos and title reigns defined his rise. And while he rejoined WWE in 2021 and shone in NXT, he was awkwardly repackaged as Max Dupri, the loudmouth manager of Maximum Male Models, a gimmick fans strongly rejected. At the time, many thought this would lead to his release and return to the indies. However, WWE wisely brought back the LA Knight character in late 2022, sparking massive organic popularity and prompting widespread calls for a world title run.

TNA Wrestling has parted ways with promising Knockout Myla Grace after she requested and received her release earlier this week. According to Fightful Select, the decision was described as mutual with no backstage heat reported. Since debuting for the company in June 2025, Grace has made multiple appearances on Impact, competing in singles and tag team matches alongside talents such as Harley Hudson.

“Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan has learned that Myla Grace recently asked for and was granted her release from the company this week, with the release coming in the last few days. There was said to be no heat between the two parties.” – Fightful Select

33-year-old Grace, real name Shannon Mateer, is a Belfast native who has built a strong international career since her 2018 debut. She currently holds the OTT Women’s Championship in Ireland, has captured titles in Australia, and previously enjoyed an eight-month run in Japan with Dream Star Fighting Marigold. Having competed across 17 countries, the current free agent will likely be very active on the independent scene, and there is already speculation that WWE or AEW could be in her future.

Following his WWE release earlier this year, Andre Chase has reintroduced himself as “Professor Andre Chance,” keeping his popular educator persona intact for the independent scene. The two-time NXT Tag Team Champion took to social media to urge fans to tag local promotions so he can bring his signature enthusiasm to towns across the country. He is currently scheduled to make his first post-WWE appearance at Atomic Legacy Wrestling’s Star Spangled Slammer 10 on July 4 in Daytona Beach, Florida, marking the start of an exciting new chapter.

Andre Chase, born Chance Barrow on April 22, 1989, first stepped into the ring in 2007 as Harlem Bravado, teaming with his brother for independent promotions including Ring of Honor, Dragon Gate USA, and EVOLVE. Eventually, he signed with WWE in 2021 and quickly became the over-the-top educator Andre Chase on NXT, founding the beloved Chase University faction. The stable, which helped names like Thea Hail, Ridge Holland, Jacy Jayne, and Duke Hudson get television time, perfectly blended comedy, heart, and strong in-ring action, and is still missed by NXT fans to this day.

In unfortunate news, Beyond Wrestling has announced on X.com that MJF suffered a knee hyperextension during his hard-fought AEW World Championship defense against RUSH on Dynamite. The injury is therefore preventing him from traveling and competing and forcing him to pull out of his Beyond Wrestling bout in Cranston, RI, against Bobby Orlando. This match was especially notable, as it was thought to be MJF’s final American indie appearance for some time.

MJF has built an extraordinary career on remarkable toughness and an unstoppable will to compete. From overcoming a 2018 meniscus tear and fractured elbow in his indie days to battling back from a serious 2023 torn labrum and shoulder injury that kept him out for five months, MJF has always returned stronger. And while this knee hyperextension will likely sideline him for 4–8 weeks, his history of resilience suggests his return will be sooner rather than later.

AEW commentator Excalibur delivered one of the most talked-about closing lines in recent memory on the June 3 edition of Dynamite. His passionate declaration, “Fix your hearts or die! This is All Elite Wrestling,” delivered at the close of the show, quickly went viral online, with fans immediately connecting it to a powerful scene from Twin Peaks: The Return. In the original context, the phrase urges empathy and acceptance toward a transgender character.

“Fix your hearts or die! This is All Elite Wrestling.” – Excalibur

Since its launch in 2019, AEW has earned a reputation as one of wrestling’s most progressive promotions in terms of LGBTQ+ representation. The company made history by signing Nyla Rose, who became the first transgender world champion in major American wrestling when she captured the AEW Women’s World Championship in 2020. Other talents, including Sonny Kiss, Anthony Bowens, Diamante, Kiara Hogan, non-binary performer Abadon, and bisexual star Toni Storm, have also thrived in authentic roles. Through merchandise, charitable donations, and a supportive workplace culture, AEW continues to champion inclusivity,  a message powerfully reinforced by Excalibur’s sign-off.

Nia Jax shared a confident bikini photo on her Instagram Stories during WWE’s current European tour, instantly generating massive buzz among fans. The powerhouse superstar proudly displayed her curves amid her ongoing fitness journey, radiating both strength and body confidence. This eye-catching image has sparked widespread praise online, with her followers celebrating her dominant presence both inside and outside the ring.

Nia Jax has achieved a remarkable body transformation, shedding approximately 100 pounds over the past three years while remaining a dominant force in WWE. In a February 2026 interview with Chris Van Vliet, she confirmed her fitness journey began three years ago, emphasizing sustainable health and performance over extreme measures. Working closely with trainers, Nia recently lost a massive 20 pounds in just two months simply through smarter workouts focused on conditioning and recovery.

During a new YouTube live stream, the Young Bucks disclosed that their close friend, Adam Cole, who is currently suffering from concussion-related symptoms, is progressing one step at a time and showing improvement. Still, it was urged that fans keep him in their thoughts and prayers while praising him as the best person they have ever met in the wrestling business.

“He’s just trying to take it day by day. He’s having improvements, which is good.” – Nick Jackson

“Keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He’s gosh the best person I’ve ever met in the wrestling business without exaggeration.” – Matt Jackson

Adam Cole’s AEW career has unfortunately been marked by significant injuries, including a serious concussion at Forbidden Door in June 2023, a shattered ankle in September 2023 that required multiple surgeries and a cadaver bone graft, and another major concussion in July 2025 that forced him to vacate the TNT Championship. At present, there are no plans for him to wrestle or travel, although Tony Khan has voiced support for keeping Cole with AEW in a non-wrestling capacity if needed.

Former WWF star Duke ‘The Dumpster’ Droese has seen his criminal case delayed once again. The 90s wrestler faces one count of Attempted Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of a Minor following his arrest in May 2025. Court records accessed by RingsideNews.com confirm his latest hearing, originally set for early June, has been rescheduled to July 8. Droese currently remains free on a $10,000 bond as the proceedings continue more than a year after his initial arrest.

“After multiple delays over the past year, the latest hearing is now scheduled for July 8. Droese remains free on a $10,000 bond while the case works its way through the court system.” – RingsideNews.com

After leaving the WWF in 1996, Droese built a new chapter in Tennessee, earning a master’s degree, working as a special education teacher and strength coach, and later served as a DUI Coordinator in the local Adult Recovery Court Program, assisting those struggling with substance abuse. However, he also faced personal health challenges, including the amputation of his left foot, with his life spiraling in 2013 when he pleaded guilty to drug-related charges and had to resign from his teaching position.

WWE superstar Bayley captivated fans worldwide by sharing a breathtaking bikini photo from the stunning cliffs of Capri, Italy. Amid WWE’s hectic European tour, the former Women’s Champion took a well-deserved sun-soaked break, radiating confidence and beauty in the scenic Mediterranean setting. Posted on Instagram, the image showcases Bayley unwinding in style and quickly drew an outpouring of admiration from her followers and fellow wrestlers alike, with her playful caption, “I keep speaking Spanish in Italy,” only added to the post’s charm.

36-year-old Bayley’s WWE journey reflects remarkable growth and resilience. Signed in 2012, she first charmed audiences as the beloved “Hugger” in NXT, capturing the NXT Women’s Championship in 2015. She subsequently debuted on the main roster in 2016 and went on to achieve historic success as the first Women’s Grand Slam Champion, amassing multiple world titles as well as winning the Money in the Bank briefcase in 2019, and achieving a Royal Rumble victory in 20024. However, with her contract set to expire in late 2027, speculation is already growing that she may be considering an opportunity to become All Elite.

According to RingsideNews.com, a federal trial date has been set for Shawn Chan, the 41-year-old Canadian man accused of stalking WWE superstar Liv Morgan. Chan is scheduled to appear for a stipulated-facts bench trial on June 15 at the U.S. District Court in Tampa, Florida. The charges stem from an alleged incident in May 2025, when the Scarborough, Ontario resident traveled to Morgan’s home, lingered on the property for hours, and left a handwritten note. If convicted on the interstate domestic violence charge, he could face up to five years in prison.

“Shawn Chan, the Canadian man accused of traveling to Florida and showing up at Morgan’s home before later being arrested at the WWE Performance Center, is now scheduled to stand trial on June 15 at 9:00 a.m. in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Tampa.” – RingsideNews.com

Court documents describe Chan as a pro wrestling fan who reportedly suffered from delusions linked to an online Final Fantasy gaming community. It is claimed that he believed Liv Morgan and other WWE personalities had been secretly interacting with him for years, using nicknames like “Bubble.” This paranoia reportedly culminated in his journey from Canada to Florida, where he told customs officials he planned to visit the WWE Performance Center. Chan’s legal team is pursuing an insanity defense, citing mental health issues as he remains in federal custody ahead of the trial.