Mick Foley, the legendary WWE Hall of Famer and hardcore icon, has competed for nearly every major wrestling promotion in the world. Yet AEW remains the one glaring omission on his resume. However, with his WWE Legends contract set to expire next month, Sports Illustrated reports that AEW has expressed genuine interest in working with the 60-year-old veteran this year. While the exact role remains unclear, possibilities range from a special appearance to a more substantial agreement that could bring Foley’s unique presence and storytelling expertise to the promotion.

“WWE legend and Hall of Famer Mick Foley has worked for nearly every major company in wrestling across the globe, but he has not yet stepped foot inside an AEW ring. As he’s set to let his WWE Legends deal expire next month, sources indicate to The Takedown on SI that there is a chance he could be AEW-bound. Multiple sources tell The Takedown that AEW has expressed “real” interest in working with Foley this year, though the capacity of which is not known. It was also not certain whether or not the organization would be interested in signing the 60-year-old, or if it would simply be an appearance.”  – Sports Illustrated

AEW has successfully utilized veteran talent through smart, low-risk strategies, as seen with Sting and Ric Flair. Sting enjoyed a celebrated final run while helping elevate Darby Allin before agreeing to a multi-year merchandise deal. Similarly, Flair joined via a sponsorship-friendly contract that added star power to Sting’s farewell with minimal demands. These examples highlight how AEW has leveraged nostalgia and experience while protecting older stars’ legacies.

In a surprising development ahead of the three-part TNA-focused Dark Side of the Ring series, PWInsider.com has reported that former TNA President Dixie Carter turned down multiple requests to be interviewed. While Jeff Jarrett sat for extensive conversations, as did notable names including Jim Cornette, Vince Russo, and The Hardys, Carter declined to share her perspective. Her absence will likely leave a noticeable gap in the documentary’s portrayal of TNA’s turbulent and often controversial history during her long tenure at the helm.

“While Jarrett sat down for extensive interviews and others will be appearing, including Jim Cornette, Vince Russo and The Hardys, one major name turned down multiple overtures to appear and be interviewed, PWInsider can confirm – Dixie Carter … turned down several invitations to sit down and discuss her memories and perspective.” – PWInsider.com

Dixie Carter first joined TNA in 2002 when her marketing firm took on publicity duties for the young promotion. After a key investor withdrew, she convinced her family’s Panda Energy company to purchase a controlling 71% stake. Subsequently, she was appointed president later that year and guided TNA for over 14 years, transforming it into a major promotion with national television deals and high-profile signings, including Kurt Angle and Hulk Hogan. However, many have been critical of her overall business decisions, with some holding her responsible for the promotion’s eventual fall from grace.

Big Bill’s future with All Elite Wrestling has grown uncertain, as Fightful Select reports his contract is set to expire by the end of May or early June. The 38-year-old former AEW World Tag Team Champion has received limited television time this year, with his last AEW match taking place in February and recent appearances restricted to Ring of Honor. Fans are now eagerly awaiting clarity on whether the towering star will remain with the promotion or explore new opportunities elsewhere.

“Sources that Fightful Select spoke with in April were of the belief that as things stood at that point, Bill’s AEW deal was set to expire at he end of May or start of June. We haven’t learned if he’s re-signed since then, but he hasn’t been on ROH or AEW TV since we learned of it.” – Fightful Select

In recent years, multiple mid-card and veteran talents have quietly departed AEW after their deals expired, reflecting natural turnover rather than the mass release policy WWE has used. While top stars receive early extensions, many originals and underutilized performers face non-renewals, giving Tony Khan flexibility to sign new talent within budget constraints, with Big Bill’s situation seemingly fitting squarely into this strategic cycle.

WWE’s Piper Niven has undergone successful neck surgery in California after being sidelined since August 2025. From her hospital bed, the 35-year-old Scottish wrestler shared a heartfelt message on social media, thanking her fans and support system for their unwavering encouragement. She described the past eight months as incredibly challenging yet transformative, revealing that she already feels better following the procedure. Niven remains optimistic about returning stronger than ever, leaving fans eagerly anticipating her in-ring comeback.

“I went to California and all I got was this lousy anterior discectomy. I have so much I want to say about the past 8 months but we can get to that later. For now, I just want to express my endless love and gratitude for every single soul that has helped me and cared for me during this difficult and really scary time. Pain and heartbreak are incredible teachers and the lessons I have learned from this will stay with me forever. I am so grateful to wake up from surgery already feeling better and I know I am coming out the other side of this so much stronger for the experience.” – Piper Niven

Born Kimberly Benson on May 6, 1991, in Ayrshire, Scotland, Piper Niven began her wrestling career in 2007 as the fearsome Viper on the independent scene. Subsequently, she earned major success in promotions like ICW, where she won the Women’s Championship twice, and Stardom, capturing the Artist of Stardom and SWA World titles. After impressing in the 2017 Mae Young Classic, she eventually signed with WWE in 2019, competed in NXT UK, then joined the main roster as Doudrop, before reclaiming her Piper Niven name in 2023. 

According to TMZ, Hulk Hogan’s former accountant, Melissia Gauthreaux, has been federally indicted on six counts of wire fraud for allegedly embezzling nearly $890,000 from a prominent Florida client between 2017 and 2021. As founder of Accounting Resources and Management Services, she held signatory authority over the victim’s accounts and reportedly diverted funds without permission. Although Hogan is not named in the court documents, multiple sources have linked the wrestling icon, who passed away in 2025, to the case. If convicted, Gauthreaux could face up to 20 years in prison on each count

“Melissia Gauthreaux has been charged with six counts of wire fraud, after the feds say she used her business, Accounting Resources and Management Services, to embezzle enormous amounts of money between 2017 and 2021. Our sources tell us Hogan employed Gauthreaux during that time period … and one of her duties was bookkeeping.” – TMZ

Following Hulk Hogan’s death from a heart attack in July 2025, his $5 million estate has been plagued by legal and financial turmoil. Court filings show that the majority of assets, including intellectual property and real estate, were passed on to his son, Nick Hogan. At the same time, his daughter, Brooke, voluntarily removed herself from the will years earlier. A branding company has also filed a $10 million breach-of-contract lawsuit over Hogan’s Real American beer concept, compounding ongoing probate challenges, creditor claims, and questions about the asset’s true value.

Joseph Ruby, who has performed as Joe Gacy for nearly two decades on the independent circuit before and during his WWE run, is adopting the new ring name “Joseph Sawyer” for his post-WWE career. This was revealed after he was advertised along with the other Wyatt Sicks members for WrestleCon in Minneapolis from July 31 to August 2. Why the former WWE wrestler isn’t continuing under his long-term name is unclear, but some are speculating he may have signed over the rights when he joined the company.

A respected hardcore veteran from CZW and Evolve, Gacy built his reputation as a gritty antagonist long before joining WWE in 2020. He led the Schism in NXT and later portrayed Huskus the Pig Boy in The Wyatt Sicks. Though the name switch feels unusual given his deep history with “Joe Gacy,” this fresh identity allows the 38-year-old New Jersey native to totally update his presentation post-WWE. With a TNA or even AEW run possibly in his future.

Indie wrestler Phil Noir has masterfully trolled the wrestling world by accusing WWE of ripping off his obscure 2003 heavy metal persona for rising NXT sensation Lizzy Rain. Referencing his short run as The Heavy Metal Kid in a Georgia promotion, his satirical social media post points out that some gimmicks are timeless and easy to recycle. While some fans fell for the bait and erupted online, others praised the clever tweet for creating viral buzz.

Rain, real name Rayne Leat, is a 28-year-old British wrestler from London, born on January 12, 1998. She rose through the UK indie scene starting in 2021 as Rayne Leverkusen, capturing the PROGRESS Women’s Championship and competing in RevPro, EVE, and Japan’s Sendai Girls with her hard-hitting, metal-inspired style. Signed by WWE in early 2026, she debuted on NXT in April. Her authentic heavy metal roots trace back to her late uncle, Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr, whose legacy she honors by wearing his jackets and proudly declaring, “Heavy metal is immortal.”

Despite a quick loss to Oba Femi on Raw and cryptic social media posts that fueled fan worries, Bryan Alvarez says Angel Garza and Berto are not going anywhere. According to the podcaster, WWE plans to retain the pair amid AAA’s ongoing search for a U.S. television deal. Still, major visa issues continue to delay their American expansion and event announcements, including the location of the September 11 TripleMania show.

“Also, the feeling is Angel and Berto aren’t going anywhere, and with AAA looking for a US TV deal, most likely a lot of the Hispanic talent are probably safe for the moment.” “Still major visa issues going on, which is why AAA hasn’t announced any US dates yet, and also why they haven’t announced where the September 11 show is going to be.” – Bryan Alvarez

Garza, real name Humberto Garza Solano, and his cousin Berto, real name Humberto Garza Carrillo, are third-generation Mexican luchadors from the legendary Garza wrestling family. Angel debuted in 2008 and rose through AAA as Garza Jr., while Berto entered the scene in 2012. Both signed with WWE in the late 2010s, where they evolved from singles competitors into the charismatic heel tag team Los Garza, previously known as Los Lotharios. Known for explosive high-flying offense and family pride, the duo captured the AAA World Tag Team Titles in 2025, but on the main roster, they remain somewhat of an afterthought.

Brock Rechsteiner, son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner, has officially signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent wide receiver. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound prospect from Jacksonville State earned a roster spot on the team’s 90-man camp after shining at rookie minicamp. In his final college season, he posted career highs of 35 receptions for 383 yards and five touchdowns. Though he has openly discussed one day following his family’s wrestling legacy, his immediate focus is on building a professional football career.

“Rechsteiner, whose father is WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Scott Steiner, is chasing his football dream instead. The New Orleans Saints are signing Rechsteiner to their 90-man roster following a tryout at the team’s rookie mini camp, his agency, US Sports Management, announced on social media. Rechsteiner said he still plans to pursue wrestling one day and signed an NIL deal with WWE in 2025. For now, he wants to see how far he can go in the NFL.” – ESPN

As a multi-sport standout at Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia, Rechsteiner earned All-State honors in football and all-region recognition in basketball. He arrived at Jacksonville State in 2021 as a preferred walk-on, redshirted, and patiently worked his way up from special teams duty. By 2024, he broke out with 16 catches for 241 yards and two touchdowns, including an 85-yard score. In 2025, the redshirt senior delivered his best season yet, cementing a remarkable journey from overlooked walk-on to NFL signee that highlights his determination and athletic bloodline.

El Cuatrero, the former AAA wrestler and ex-boyfriend of WWE star Stephanie Vaquer, has been sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison for attempted femicide and domestic violence. Cuatrero has already served roughly 2 years in pre-trial detention, which will be credited toward his term, with the understanding that, with good behavior, he could be released after just 4 additional years behind bars.

“Cuatrero has been sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison for the crimes of attempted femicide and domestic violence against wrestler and his ex-girlfriend Stephanie Vaquer. @record_mexico” – x.com/elplanchitas

The assault unfolded in a Mexico City apartment when El Cuatrero, whose real name is Rogelio Reyes, attacked Vaquer during an argument. Prosecutors say he grabbed her by the throat in a strangulation attempt, slammed her against a wall, and caused a heavy painting to fall on her. She suffered visible neck marks and nearly had her trachea broken. Vaquer locked herself in the bedroom to call police while Cuatrero fled.

Barry Blaustein, the celebrated comedy writer and filmmaker renowned for his long partnership with Eddie Murphy, has died at 72. A former Saturday Night Live writer who helped craft classics like Coming to America and The Nutty Professor, Blaustein left an indelible mark on wrestling culture by directing the groundbreaking 1999 documentary Beyond the Mat. According to The Hollywood Reporter, he passed away following a brave fight against Parkinson’s disease and stage four pancreatic cancer.

“Barry Blaustein, the former Saturday Night Live writer whose decades-long collaboration with Eddie Murphy included Buckwheat, Gumby and Mr. Robinson sketches and the Coming to America and Nutty Professor films, died Tuesday. After a rigorous battle with Parkinson’s disease — he was diagnosed in mid-2017 — he was told last month that he had stage four pancreatic cancer.” – The Hollywood Reporter

Beyond the Mat remains one of professional wrestling’s most powerful and influential films. Directed, produced, and narrated by Barry Blaustein, it blended his lifelong passion for the sport with uncompromising honesty, pulling back the curtain on its brutal realities. The documentary intimately follows three wrestlers at pivotal moments, Mick Foley at his peak, Terry Funk facing retirement, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts battling addiction while offering glimpses into ECW, the independents, and even 90s WWE.

Following this past weekends Backlash premium live event, it was reported that WWE star Asuka was stepping away, with one report claiming she was now “semi-retired.” This has sparked considerable speculation online about the reason, with some suggesting she may have been among the talent asked to take a pay cut. However, according to Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp, Asuka was not asked to take a pay cut because she has urgent personal and family matters in Japan to address.

“I don’t want to elaborate on what that is, but I was straight-up told tonight she was not a part of any cuts. She was not a part of any, she wasn’t asked to take a pay cut. As best I know, WWE did not want Asuka to be gone for a while, so to speak. Here’s what I heard: Asuka had approached WWE and said, ‘There’s stuff I’ve got to attend to,’ which we’re not going to elaborate on. It’s back in Japan. She’s going to be spending some time there. I don’t know how much time that’s going to be.” – Sean Ross Sapp

Born Kanako Urai, Asuka debuted in Japan in 2004 as Kana and built a decorated independent career. Signing with WWE in 2015, she became NXT’s longest-reigning Women’s Champion with a record 510-day reign and an undefeated streak. On the main roster, she won the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble, multiple Raw and SmackDown titles, and formed The Kabuki Warriors. A true pioneer, Asuka is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s wrestlers in history.