AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Jon Moxley forming alliance with WWE legend's faction; star called out for copying The Rock; massive in-ring return
Welcome to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we learn of an announcement that will see The Death Riders joining forces with the faction of a WWE legend, later this week. We will also take a look at an AEW star who got accused of copying The Rock.
In addition, a former title holder in the company recently made his in-ring return on the independent circuit. So without ado, let's begin.
#4. Teddy Long criticized AEW star MJF for 'copying' The Rock
The Rock is one of the most historic names in the world of professional wrestling. Over the years, hundreds of wrestlers have taken inspiration from him. One of them is former AEW World Champion, MJF. Unfortunately, WWE legend Teddy Long recently accused The Salt of the Earth of copying the Brahma Bull. This is because, the 28-year-old reportedly uttered the word 'finally', twice in a recent promo.
"Well, the promo was good but I think you got to watch what you say. I saw him saying, 'Finally! Finally!' Well, everybody knows that's The Rock's thing. So, you don't want to make people start thinking you're trying to imitate somebody else or saying what somebody else said. So, I mean maybe one 'Finally' would've been good but he kept saying 'em like you know what I mean. So, you don't want to do that because he don't need to mock anybody like that. I mean he can talk and do the promos on his own. He's just that good but other than that, I thought it was really good," said Long. [2:54 - 3:25]
#3. Malakai Black returns to wrestling on the independent scene
AEW star Malakai Black is heavily rumored to leave the company. Furthermore, according to speculations, he is wanted by Triple H. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Anti-Hero. However, he recently wrestled for an independent wrestling promotion called Coastal Championship Wrestling (CCW).
Black locked horns with Orion at the recent CCW Havoc & Haze 9 event. This match reportedly lasted for 14 minutes and ended with the former NXT Champion pinning his opponent. This showdown was 39-year-old's return to an indie wrestling ring since 2023.
#2. Mercedes Mone will appear on a popular talk show
Mercedes Mone currently holds the AEW TBS Championship, the NJPW Strong Women's Championship, and the RevPro Undisputed British Women's Championship. She is one of Tony Khan's prized assets and later this week, she will appear on the popular talk show, Sherri.
Sherri is hosted by the 57-year-old American comedian/actress Sherri Shepherd. It has been on the air since September 2022.
#1. Jon Moxley's faction to team up with The Learning Tree
On this week's episode of Collision, The Death Riders and The Learning Tree will ally and battle on Rated FTR and the trio of Powerhouse Hobbs and The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) in a 12-man tag team match.
Since Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho are going to be on the same team, the showdown is expected to have a lot of drama, conflict, and emotions.