AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Major star allegedly treated inhumanely, Sudden WWE debut teased, Britt Baker reveals a secret
Welcome to the AEW News & Rumor Roundup for December 8, 2024. In today's edition, we will take a look at some concerning comments made by a certain star about the working culture of the Tony Khan-led company as well as assess the possibility of an ex-AEW talent wrestling WWE's Carmelo Hayes soon.
In addition, we'll also learn about Tony Khan's strong reply to Eric Bischoff's recent criticism of his product, how the head booker of All Elite Wrestling feels about the company's progress, and more.
#5. Rey Fenix talks about receiving inhumane treatment in AEW
Rey Fenix was heavily rumored to leave All Elite Wrestling earlier this year after the end of his current deal. The Mexican luchador has been an integral part of the Tony Khan-led company since 2019.
The 33-year-old star allegedly wanted to explore new opportunities after the end of his current stint. However, Khan decided to add injury time to his contract, keeping Fenix in the Jacksonville-based promotion for another year.
While he had not spoken about the situation yet, the former International Champion finally broke the silence to make a big statement. Taking to his X/Twitter account, Rey Fenix wrote down a cryptic message, stating that no individual would stand for inhumane treatment in a place.
Responding to a tweet discussing AEW not using him on television, the former member of The Death Triangle declared that he would reveal the truth about his current position in the promotion when he gets the chance.
Fenix's comments have raised questions for Tony Khan, who had been under criticism for extending the contract of a talent who did not intend to stay in AEW any longer.
#4. Britt Baker explains how she bagged a role in the sixth season of Cobra Kai
Britt Baker recently made a huge leap outside All Elite Wrestling. The former AEW Women's World Champion stepped out of the wrestling bubble to feature in the sixth season of the popular Netflix show Cobra Kai.
The Doctor appeared in the role of Oksana, a Russian sensei from the Tiger Strike Dojo, who was one of the contestants in the Sekei Taikai tournament. In a recent interview with USA Magazine, Baker opened up about how she was selected for a role in the renowned Netflix series.
The D.M.D. revealed that she linked up with one of the show's writers, Hayden Schlossberg, and expressed her desire to be involved in the project. The 33-year-old star kept on reminding Schlossberg from time to time before the writer himself called Baker to ask if she was interested in playing the role of Oksana.
Having been a huge fan of Cobra Kai, The DMD immediately said yes to the thrilling offer. It would be intriguing to see what other opportunities Britt Baker explores in the entertainment industry in the future.
#3. Tony Khan responds to Eric Bischoff's criticism of the AEW product
Former WCW booker Eric Bischoff has been quite vocal about the issues plaguing the current AEW product. The veteran has pointed out the decline in crowd attendance, inconsistencies in the company's storytelling, and other concerning obstacles that have affected the credibility of the Jacksonville-based promotion.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Bischoff stated that he had no hope left for AEW's future. Appearing on the K&C Masterpiece, Tony Khan rejected Eric Bischoff's assessment, stating that All Elite Wrestling is in a very secure place.
The President of All Elite Wrestling stated that he was unfazed by the comments of the former WCW booker. The 42-year-old CEO expressed his ecstasy about AEW having TV deals with networks like TNT and TBS, and how the promotion could soon become the longest on-air pro wrestling show on TNT.
Khan also brought up AEW's recent media rights deal, and how the company would soon transition into streaming platforms through their simulcast on MAX, which begins in January.
#2. Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen intend to stay with All Elite Wrestling forever
Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen, collectively known as Private Party, have been among the most entertaining acts in the AEW tag team division since 2019. In October 2024, the duo captured the AEW World Tag Team Championship by dethroning The Young Bucks on the Fright Night edition of Dynamite.
Kassidy and Quen recently featured on the AEW Unrestricted podcast, where they declared that have no intentions to leave the Jacksonville-based promotion in the future. The duo stated that they were proud to be AEW Originals and that they would continue to entertain the company's audience forever.
The reigning AEW World Tag Team Champions wished that Tony Khan would keep them on the roster for years, as they are eternally grateful to the company's President for changing their lives. Private Party's latest title defense came at Full Gear 2024, where they successfully retained their championships in a Four Way match.
#1. Carmelo Hayes teased the debut of a former All Elite Wrestling talent
On the latest episode of Smackdown, General Manager Nick Aldis announced a match between Carmelo Hayes and an unrevealed acquisition of the blue brand. Since then, fans have been speculating about the mystery opponent who could lock horns with the former NXT Champion next week.
One of the users on X/Twitter mentioned Penta El-Zero Miedo as a possible name who could battle The A-Champion on WWE SmackDown. Penta's deal with All Elite Wrestling has reportedly expired and he has been removed from the roster page on the company's official website.
Reacting to the speculations surrounding Penta El-Zero Miedo's possible debut, Carmelo Hayes sent out an intriguing tweet. The former NXT Champion responded with a "Wide Eyes" emoji, indicating that he was aware of the possibility of a clash against the former AEW World Tag Team Champion.
The 30-year-old star further fueled the discussions by reposting a tweet from a fan, who talked about the impact of a potential Hayes vs. Penta contest.
It would be intriguing to see if the daring luchador does show up on the blue brand next week, or if HIM was only messing with the fans on social media.