Following Aleister Black’s recent WWE release, excited fans immediately began speculating about his potential return to AEW as Malakai Black to reunite with the House of Black. However, AEW talent coordinator Shawn Dean has quickly shut down the excitement with a blunt one-word reply of “No” to a fan’s question on Threads about him returning. The firm response immediately cooled hopes of a reunion and left Black’s next chapter in professional wrestling uncertain as he explores new opportunities.
“No” – Shawn Dean
Black made a memorable impact in AEW after debuting in August 2021 with a shocking victory over Cody Rhodes. His mysterious persona and hard-hitting style won over fans as he formed the dominant House of Black stable alongside Brody King, Buddy Matthews, and Julia Hart, with the group capturing the AEW World Trios Titles at Revolution 2023 and creating one of the promotion’s most atmospheric factions. Still, his singles push cooled, with there being online rumors that he was against doing jobs as he ultimately eyed a WWE return.
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WWE interviewer Jackie Redmond publicly showed support for released star Kairi Sane over the weekend by tweeting the fan-created #WeWantKAIRI hashtag shortly after her shocking post-WrestleMania departure. The emotional message instantly captured the wrestling world’s attention, only for Redmond to unexpectedly delete it soon afterward. This sparked fan speculation online about possible internal pressure from WWE or TKO management to remove the tweet, although that remains unconfirmed.
WWE has a notable history of reversing controversial releases when fan outrage grows too loud to ignore. In 1999, The Blue Meanie was swiftly rehired after a passionate online “Save The Meanie” campaign followed his firing. More recently, R-Truth’s 2025 release sparked massive backlash, prompting his surprise return at Money in the Bank. Similar fan-driven reversals rescued Drake Maverick and Matt Hardy amid public uproar. These examples highlight how vocal social media support can sometimes pressure WWE to change corporate decisions and bring back beloved talents, although it is rare.
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The wrestling world is grappling with the shocking and sudden release of the entire Wyatt Sicks faction on April 24, 2026, just days after WrestleMania 42. Led by Bo Dallas as Uncle Howdy, the dark, psychological stable, formed in honor of his late brother, Bray Wyatt, had a big following. And now Dallas’ sister has posted a heartfelt Instagram acknowledgment, quoting her deceased brother, and adding, “You will never meet a sister more proud than me,” seemingly directed at both of her brothers.
“You will never meet a sister more proud than me. Ever ever ever ever ever. Ever.” – Mika Rotunda
The group made a shocking debut on June 17, 2024, on Raw, terrorizing the backstage area, with members embodying the twisted Firefly Funhouse puppets created by Wyatt. Nikki Cross as Abby the Witch, Erick Rowan as Ramblin’ Rabbit, Dexter Lumis as Mercy the Buzzard, and Joe Gacy as Huskus the Pig Boy, creating an eerie faction that captivated fans. However, it never felt like WWE creative knew what to do with the group, and apart from Lumis and Gacy capturing the WWE Tag Team Championships, their run was unremarkable and felt like a missed opportunity.
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Karmen Petrovic set social media ablaze on April 25, 2026, with a confident swimsuit photo shared on Instagram captured during a relaxing poolside afternoon in Citrus Springs. The rising NXT star masterfully used the eye-catching image to generate buzz for an upcoming WWE NXT live event, where developmental wrestlers gain the experience they need. This post highlighted her rising popularity and her impressive ability to leverage social media to build anticipation for her in-ring appearances.
Petrovic, born Monika Klisara, has rapidly emerged as one of WWE NXT’s most exciting prospects since debuting in 2023. Backed by a third-degree black belt in karate and a strong athletic background, she overcame an early loss to form a tag team run with Arianna Grace at NXT Heatwave 2024. And while at present she is firmly established in the NXT mid-card, many feel it’s only a matter of time before she receives a significant push.
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The luca libre world is currently mourning the loss of beloved luchador Gran Markus Jr., born Cándido Robles Cruz, who passed away on April 24, 2026, at the age of 72. He debuted in 1977 as Tony Benetto before transforming into a masked powerhouse in the late 1980s, capturing the Mexican National Heavyweight Championship three times. As a cornerstone of the dominant La Ola Blanca stable with Dr. Wagner Jr. and El Hijo del Gladiador, he thrilled CMLL fans with intense rivalries and memorable championship reigns.
Gran Markus Jr. etched his name into lucha libre history with unforgettable moments, including his 1997 unmasking by Mil Máscaras and standout appearances at the 1996 Inoki Peace Festival. After capturing the CMLL World Trios Championship and the World Tag Team Championship in the mid-90s, he remained a respected veteran into the 2000s, showcasing remarkable power and versatility. Although his in-ring career eventually slowed, his enduring legacy remained as a heavyweight force.
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WWE shook the wrestling world on April 24 with its annual post-WrestleMania roster purge, releasing several fan-favorite performers in a single day. Among the high-profile departures were Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Bo Dallas, Apollo Crews, Santos Escobar, Kairi Sane, Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, and the Motor City Machine Guns. The cuts stunned many, especially the inclusion of Santos Escobar, who had recently signed a new contract and was recovering from surgery. While painful for supporters, these releases remain an unfortunate reality of the professional wrestling business. A complete list of confirmed names has been compiled by PWInsider.com.
“Here are all of the confirmed names departing WWE: Malik Blade, Aleister Black, Andre Chase, Dante Chen, Apollo Crews, Nikki Cross, Luca Crusifino, Tyson Dupont, Santos Escobar, Alba Fyre, Joe Gacy, Uncle Howdy, Tyriek Igwe, Dexter Lumis, Rowan, KAIRI SANE, Zoey Stark, Tayra Mae Steel, Zelina Vega, The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin.” – PWInsider.com
Arguably, the most heartbreaking release involved the entire Wyatt Sicks stable, a poignant tribute to the late Bray Wyatt. Debuting in June 2024 under Bo Dallas as Uncle Howdy, the group, featuring Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Nikki Cross, brought Bray’s horror-themed vision to life through chaotic storytelling and unforgettable entrances. They captured Tag Team gold, earned a Slammy Award, and extended their legacy at events like Halloween Horror Nights. Despite inconsistent booking, the faction served as an emotional bridge, keeping Bray’s creative spirit alive until their sudden and complete departure.
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WWE has begun its annual post-WrestleMania talent purge, with Fightful Select confirming Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, Andre Chase, Dante Chen and the Wyatt Sicks are among the confirmed releases on April 24. The news stunned fans, particularly regarding Stark, who had only recently been medically cleared to return following a serious knee injury. These cuts signal the start of another roster shake-up, as the company looks to refresh its lineup. Wrestling insiders expect several more names to surface in the coming hours and days.
“A number of WWE talent cuts are ongoing. So far, we’ve learned Alba Fyre, Zoey Stark, Joe Gacy, Bo Dallas, Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Andre Chase, and Nikki Cross are among them. Dante Chen also announced his departure.” – Fightful Select
A mix of financial strategy and creative necessity typically drives WWE talent releases. WWE uses this period to implement budget cuts, control salaries, and create room for new signings and NXT call-ups. Many released talents, despite their talent, weren’t receiving consistent TV time or meaningful storylines in a stacked roster. These releases are nowadays considered standard practice after WrestleMania, allowing the company to reset creatively while keeping operations lean and dynamic under TKO Group Holdings, where money is everything.
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According to a report by PWinsider.com, WWE has officially signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL. The 39-year-old Japanese star, real name Takaaki Watanabe, made a significant impact in New Japan Pro-Wrestling following his explosive 2020 heel turn from Los Ingobernables de Japón to Bullet Club, but opted to depart the promotion earlier this year. While ex-New Japan talents have typically gone on to join AEW in recent years, the belief is that EVIL, who will now undergo a name change, always wanted to sign with WWE due to being the real-life partner of WWE star IYO SKY.
“World Wrestling Entertainment has signed former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL, PWInsider.com has confirmed with numerous sources in Japan. While there have been rumors about his destination for month, PWInsider.com can confirm he is signed and sealed with WWE. … We are told the expectation in Japan is that he will not keep the EVIL ring name.” – PWInsider.com
EVIL enjoyed a remarkable 15-year career in NJPW from 2011 to 2026. After beginning as a Young Lion and wrestling excursions in the United States, he returned in 2015 and joined Los Ingobernables de Japón. His highlights include two-time IWGP Tag Team Championship success with SANADA, a record six-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship reign, and a memorable 2020 breakout where he won the New Japan Cup, betrayed Tetsuya Naito, and became a dual champion. He later led Bullet Club’s House of Torture as a top heel until deciding his future was elsewhere, as Japanese talents can now make much more money working in the United States.
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During WrestleMania weekend, controversial rapper Tom MacDonald, known for his anti-“woke” tracks, captured a rare moment when he met WWE legend Brock Lesnar and his wife Sable at their hotel. The candid photo shows MacDonald standing next to the dominant beast and the iconic former champion, whose poised elegance instantly commands attention. This unexpected crossover quickly went viral, offering fans a personal glimpse into Lesnar’s personal life, usually away from the cameras.
Sable, born Rena Marlette Greek, rose to stardom in the WWF during the Attitude Era with her striking beauty and fierce charisma. Debuting as a valet in 1996, she evolved into a genuine star, capturing the Women’s Championship in 1998 and feuding with then-husband Marc Mero. After a brief return in 2003-2004, she retired to focus on family, later marrying Brock Lesnar. And while not considered a great in-ring performer, most acknowledge that she defined the glamorous yet powerful Diva archetype that still influences WWE’s women’s division today.
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Britt Baker made a surprise return to television screens in a way no one expected on Thursday night. The former AEW Women’s World Champion was spotted cheering enthusiastically from the crowd at the 2026 NFL Draft, sporting Pittsburgh Steelers colors and a vintage nWo cap. Cameras frequently cut to her as she celebrated with fans, instantly igniting social media buzz. While her AEW status remains unclear, this high-profile appearance reminded everyone that Baker still possesses undeniable star power.
A licensed dentist turned trailblazing wrestler, Britt Baker, signed with AEW as its first female talent in 2019. Subsequently, she rose to prominence with sharp promos and heel charisma, capturing the Women’s World Championship at Double or Nothing 2021 and holding it for 290 days. Her bloody Lights Out match against Thunder Rosa main-evented Dynamite, while she also claimed the inaugural Women’s Owen Hart Cup. Known for her Lockjaw finisher and magnetic personality, Baker remains a notable member of AEW’s women’s division, although she has been absent since late 2024.
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Legendary commentator Jim Ross has fans buzzing with his planned return to AEW television at Double or Nothing on May 24 in New York. Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, the 74-year-old WWE Hall of Famer confirmed the pay-per-view as his next target following months away after a frightening fall at home. Determined to stand tall without assistance, Ross emphasized his passion for the business and desire to earn his money.
“I’m planning on being there, that’s my next booking, as it were. Tony Khan is so good about that. I see it all the time on social media, these guys are getting paid all this money, and they’re not working. But I want to work, that’s the difference between other people and me. I want to work, but I’ve got to get steady walking, and I’m not gonna walk out to the ring with a walker or cane, I’m just too damn egocentric.” – Jim Ross
Ross joined All Elite Wrestling in April 2019, fresh from WWE, signing as lead commentator and senior advisor. He made his debut at the inaugural Double or Nothing and quickly became a cornerstone of the broadcast team alongside Tony Schiavone and Excalibur. Over the years, Ross has called historic AEW moments on Dynamite, Rampage, Collision, and major PPVs while also mentoring young talent behind the scenes. And while he has been on lighter schule in recent years, he continues to bridge AEW’s modern era with wrestling’s golden history.
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In a new interview with Chris Van Vliet, legendary AEW veteran Billy Gunn has disclosed that he remains undecided about retirement as he is still embracing the fun side of in-ring competition with no firm end date in sight. However, the 62-year-old noted he has no plans to perform into his 70s, but added the disclaimer that “anything’s possible.“
“So I want to do it while I still can, and while I’m still having fun. I mean, you can ask my wife, she hates watching me, because I’m just such a goof. I’m such a goof because I just don’t have any stress anymore … I don’t want to work until I’m 70. But is it possible? Sure, anything’s possible.” – Billy Gunn
Gunn, born Monty Kip Sopp, has built one of professional wrestling’s most resilient careers spanning over 35 years across WWE, TNA, NJPW, and AEW. From his early success as a three-time WWF Tag Team Champion with The Smoking Gunns, to Attitude Era stardom alongside Road Dogg in the New Age Outlaws and D-Generation X, he has constantly reinvented himself. Later runs, a WWE Hall of Fame induction with DX, and his current AEW renaissance as coach, performer, and “Daddy Ass” highlight a legacy defined by charisma and a love of the business.
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