AEW News Roundup: WWE legend will never wrestle again, Shane McMahon is All Elite? Unannounced departure, Jon Moxley's future
Welcome to the latest edition of the AEW News Roundup, where we bring you all the biggest stories coming out of the world of pro wrestling. A WWE legend has confirmed he will never wrestle again. Meanwhile, a legendary figure has discussed the possibility of Shane McMahon joining All Elite Wrestling.
Another wrestler has quietly left the Jacksonville-based promotion amid a long TV absence. We have learned an update on Jon Moxley's future with the company. Continue reading as we dive into the top four stories of the week.
#4. Mark Henry sheds light on not having his retirement match
Mark Henry has been in this business for nearly three decades, having spent the entirety of his career as an active wrestler in WWE. However, he didn't have the luxury of going out on his own terms.
The World's Strongest Man last wrestled in any capacity during the Greatest Royal Rumble in 2018. Since then, he has quietly transitioned into a backstage role.
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Mark Henry was asked why he didn't have a retirement match. The WWE Hall of Famer cited his back issues as one of the reasons precluding him from lacing up his boots again:
“My back gave out. It just never allowed me [to compete] and I can probably have surgery. I keep putting it off because I just want to keep moving around. But eventually, I’m gonna have to just get it fixed.”
Henry recently parted ways with AEW after the two sides failed to reach the terms of a new contract. Will he return to WWE in some capacity? Only time will tell.
#3. Jim Ross addresses whether Shane McMahon's potential AEW run would work out
Speaking on his Grilling JR podcast, Jim Ross entertained the idea of Shane McMahon joining forces with Tony Khan. The AEW commentator also opened up about his relationship with Shane O' Mac:
"Yeah, it would. It’s so crazy that it might work, depending on how it was positioned and how it was introduced. Shane called me the other day, he’s called me two or three times, which I really appreciate. He’s always been sensitive in that respect. That’s only a question that Shane could answer. Shane and Tony Khan being together, how would that work creatively, heck, who knows? Might be great. But in any event, that all depends on Shane and what he wants to do."
McMahon hasn't been seen in WWE since WrestleMania 39, where he returned for an impromptu match against The Miz. That night, he suffered a quad tear midway through the match, prompting Snoop Dogg to get involved.
#2. Jeff Hardy leaves AEW
Just a few months after Matt Hardy's AEW exit, Jeff Hardy followed in his brother's footsteps following his contract expiry.
The Charismatic Enigma turned up at the TNA Against All Odds event to save his brother from Moose and The System before the camera stopped rolling. In the wake of his TNA return, AEW removed him from its official roster page to confirm the news of his departure.
Jeff Hardy's final AEW match took place on the February 16 episode of Rampage, where he famously broke his nose while wrestling Sammy Guevara. Despite his run in the Jacksonville-based promotion not yielding success, the door reportedly remains open for him and his brother to return.
#1. Jon Moxley's contract status with All Elite Wrestling
Jon Moxley has been a huge part of All Elite Wrestling's early success. The Purveyor of Violence enjoys significant creative control and freedom to wrestle anywhere he wants.
The former Shield member signed a contract extension in 2022, which will now last until the end of 2027, according to a report from Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.
“End of 2027.”
Jon Moxley will defend his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door III on June 30 in Long Island.