Latest news with #AEW
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Bryan Danielson Stuns AEW Fans With Unique In-Ring Return
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Bryan Danielson made a surprise in-ring return during an AEW taping on June 25. He won the match in a reported eight seconds. This was Danielson's first match since losing the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream in October 2024. He has since maintained a backstage role with the company. Bryan Danielson's Quick Return To Action During the taping, Max Caster issued an open challenge, which Danielson answered. Before the match began, Adam Cole superkicked Caster. Once the bell rang, Danielson immediately applied the LeBell Lock. Caster tapped out, giving Danielson the victory in just eight seconds. This was Danielson's first official match since retiring as a full-time wrestler. He has made several non-televised appearances recently, including saving Blue Panther at Grand Slam Mexico. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Danielson Discusses His In-Ring Future Despite the return, Danielson remains uncertain about his future as a wrestler. He has stated that his health is his top priority. March 3, 2024 – AEW Continental Champion / NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion / ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston takes a kick from Bryan Danielson during AEW Revolution. March 3, 2024 – AEW Continental Champion / NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion / ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston takes a kick from Bryan Danielson during AEW Revolution. Jeff Jones/AEW In a recent interview with Fightful, he discussed his desire to avoid another neck surgery. He placed the odds of him ever wrestling again at 50/50. "My priority is my health," Danielson stated. "I think the odds of me wrestling again, ever, are probably 50/50 at this point." He explained that if avoiding surgery meant he could not wrestle again, he would accept that outcome. "If I could live comfortably without neck surgery, but it means that I wouldn't get to wrestle again, I think I'd be okay with that trade-off," he said. Danielson first made a name for himself in Ring of Honor, where he was a "founding father" and held the ROH World Championship for a legendary 462 days. His success skyrocketed in WWE, where he became a five-time world champion and a Grand Slam Champion, holding every major men's title. His most iconic moment was the culmination of the "Yes! Movement," where he won two matches at WrestleMania 30 to become the undisputed champion in one of the most celebrated main events in history. Since joining AEW in 2021, Danielson has continued his main event legacy, capturing the AEW World Championship and winning the prestigious Owen Hart Cup tournament, cementing his status as a top star in every promotion he has competed in. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Fan-Favorite AEW Star Breaks Silence On Long Absence
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Keith Lee has addressed his ongoing absence from AEW television. After months of speculation, Lee stated that his return to the ring is not up to him. The "Limitless One" took to social media to provide an update. He responded to fans who were wondering about his status with the company. Keith Lee Says AEW Return Is Out Of His Hands Lee was pulled from the Worlds End pay-per-view in late 2023 due to an injury. He later revealed he had been dealing with the issue since 2022. When a fan wished him well, Lee offered a direct response. He clarified that he is feeling fine but is not in control of his comeback. "I am quite fine," Lee posted. "It is not up to me when it comes to a return. But blessings to you as well." When another fan suggested a campaign to push for his return, Lee declined. He said that things will happen as they are meant to. "I've been good for quite some time, though I do appreciate the concern," he wrote. "But no campaign required. Things happen the way they are suppose to, and eventually, the purpose will show itself." All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. All Elite Wrestling ALL IN at Wembley Stadium in London on August 27, 2023. Courtesy of AEW More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation I've been good for quite some time, though I do appreciate the concern. But no campaign required. Things happen the way they are suppose to, and eventually, the purpose will show itself. — Loving Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 26, 2025 Again, I am quite fine. It is not up to me when it comes to a return. But blessings to you as well. — Loving Lee (@RealKeithLee) June 26, 2025 AEW's Keith Lee Still Not Medically Cleared Lee's comments suggest that he is waiting for either medical clearance or a creative decision from AEW management. As of early 2024, reports indicated he was still not medically cleared to compete. His last match took place in December 2023 on an episode of AEW Collision. He defeated Brian Cage at the Holiday Bash special. Aside from a brief backstage appearance at an AEW event in Texas earlier this year, Lee has been completely absent from television. Lee's WWE career began with a dominant run in NXT. His unique blend of size and agility made him a breakout star, culminating in a historic moment where he became the first person to hold both the NXT Championship and the NXT North American Championship simultaneously. His main roster run was less successful, plagued by inconsistent booking before his release. In 2022, Lee debuted in AEW, where he quickly formed a tag team with Swerve Strickland known as Swerve in Our Glory. The duo captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship, marking Lee's first major title in the company. After the team imploded, Lee engaged in a feud with Strickland before being sidelined by an injury in late 2023, where he has remained since. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
2 days ago
- Entertainment
SiriusXM launching 24/7 pro wrestling channel in July
Pro wrestling has gone from a once a week show on SiriusXM to having its own channel. The satellite radio provider announced Thursday that Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 will take over Channel 156 beginning Tuesday. Channel 156 has been SiriusXM Fight Nation, which has carried pro wrestling, MMA and boxing shows. 'I couldn't be more excited,' said Dave LaGreca, the longtime host of 'Busted Open,' which started as a one-hour weekly show in 2009. 'I really owe it to our fans. They've really been dedicated and asked for this for years. It's a dream come true to actually see it form. And now, it's about to happen.' 'Busted Open' expanded to five days a week in 2018 before going to six days one year later. It will have a live episode seven days a week from 9 a.m.-noon EDT on the new channel featuring LaGreca with wrestling stars Bully Ray, Mark Henry and Tommy Dreamer. The show has appealed to fans of both WWE and AEW with video clips of interviews getting plenty of engagement on social media. The channel's daily lineup will also feature programs from Sam Roberts, Peter Rosenberg, Jonathan Coachman, Natalya and Matt Cardona. Five nights a week there will be a 'Busted Open After Dark' program, where fans can call in and react after WWE and AEW shows. 'The great thing is we're not associated with WWE or AEW, so we can give our honest opinion about both products,' said LaGreca, who signed a multi-year extension with SiriusXM. 'The fact that there is a little bit of tension between those two companies and even the fans, it makes it even better for what we're doing on air. The fact that there are more companies that are succeeding at record-breaking levels is even better for our brand, and the big reason why we're going 24/7.' Pro wrestling also can claim — at least on satellite radio — for being on an level playing field with professional sports leagues and major college conferences in having a dedicated channel. 'The appetite for wrestling content continues to increase, and we're able to uniquely meet the demand of those fans by delivering a new 24/7 channel just for them,' said Jared Fox, SiriusXM's Senior Vice President for Sports Programming, Content Marketing & Partnerships, and Artist Relations. 'We have a long track record of building dedicated sports channels that fans love." LaGreca said he is hoping to add more analysts as well as continue to seek input from fans on possible additions or lineup changes.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
SiriusXM launches 24/7 pro wrestling channel on July 1
Pro wrestling has gone from a once a week show on SiriusXM to having its own channel. The satellite radio provider announced Thursday that Pro Wrestling Nation 24/7 will take over Channel 156 beginning Tuesday. Channel 156 has been SiriusXM Fight Nation, which has carried pro wrestling, MMA and boxing shows. 'I couldn't be more excited,' said Dave LaGreca, the longtime host of 'Busted Open,' which started as a one-hour weekly show in 2009. 'I really owe it to our fans. They've really been dedicated and asked for this for years. It's a dream come true to actually see it form. And now, it's about to happen.' 'Busted Open' expanded to five days a week in 2018 before going to six days one year later. It will have a live episode seven days a week from 9 a.m.-noon EDT on the new channel featuring LaGreca with wrestling stars Bully Ray, Mark Henry and Tommy Dreamer. The show has appealed to fans of both WWE and AEW with video clips of interviews getting plenty of engagement on social media. The channel's daily lineup will also feature programs from Sam Roberts, Peter Rosenberg, Jonathan Coachman, Natalya and Matt Cardona. Five nights a week there will be a 'Busted Open After Dark' program, where fans can call in and react after WWE and AEW shows. 'The great thing is we're not associated with WWE or AEW, so we can give our honest opinion about both products,' said LaGreca, who signed a multi-year extension with SiriusXM. 'The fact that there is a little bit of tension between those two companies and even the fans, it makes it even better for what we're doing on air. The fact that there are more companies that are succeeding at record-breaking levels is even better for our brand, and the big reason why we're going 24/7.' Pro wrestling also can claim — at least on satellite radio — for being on an level playing field with professional sports leagues and major college conferences in having a dedicated channel. 'The appetite for wrestling content continues to increase, and we're able to uniquely meet the demand of those fans by delivering a new 24/7 channel just for them,' said Jared Fox, SiriusXM's Senior Vice President for Sports Programming, Content Marketing & Partnerships, and Artist Relations. 'We have a long track record of building dedicated sports channels that fans love.' LaGreca said he is hoping to add more analysts as well as continue to seek input from fans on possible additions or lineup changes. ___ AP sports:
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Who has AEW star Mercedes Mone dated? A closer look at her private love life
Mercedes Mone is one of the biggest names in professional wrestling today. The CEO of women's wrestling transformed herself from a Legit Boss into a global name in wrestling and has made a huge impact on the industry as a whole. However, behind that larger-than-life and narcissistic persona, she is still a normal individual, Mercedes Varnado, who, much like many people, had her fair share of relationships amidst her journey to become a renowned wrestling superstar. Mercedes Mone dating history during her journey as a wrestler Mercedes Mone's dating life before she began to pursue a career in wrestling has been a mystery. However, after she decided to step between the ropes, she has notably been in two relationships so far. The first one was with former wrestler and now WWE costume designer, Sarath Ton, also known as Mikaze. The duo reportedly met on the independent circuit and dated for a few years before tying the knot on August 4, 2016. — WrestleFeedApp (@WrestleFeedApp) However, the two were rarely seen in public and chose to keep their relationship as private as possible. The CEO revealed that they had been separated since 2020, but kept it a secret as she thought it would derail her momentum in WWE at the time. She also added that the duo had filed for divorce in July 2024, which was finalized on August 2. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo For years, she remained single with no relationships reported. However, in June 2025, a photo of Mercedes Mone and fellow AEW star Beast Mortos emerged on social media. He captioned that picture, "In your arms, I find Peace." This sparked major rumors about the two dating, which was later confirmed by the former SmackDown Women's Champion herself to TMZ, saying that it was a real "Beauty and the Beast situation." This has been the start of her first reported relationship since her separation from Sarath Ton. While she is experiencing roaring success as a top AEW star, holding five different titles at once and having a major AEW Women's World Championship match against Toni Storm at All In Texas coming up, things are also blossoming in her private life. So it remains to be seen if this relationship will translate into something more for Mercedes Mone. Also read: Seth Rollins' Money in the Bank cash-in — 4 possible WWE victims! Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
