AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Top stars gone, former WWE World Champion rejected big offer, Jon Moxley update
Welcome to the AEW News & Rumor Roundup for November 13, 2024. In today's edition, we'll take a look at some intriguing details regarding top AEW stars like Jon Moxley and Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).
Plus, a new update on the future of an established AEW tag team, why a wrestling legend rejected Tony Khan's contract offer, and more.
#5. A top AEW tag team is set to remain out of action till January 2025
The Young Bucks recently announced that they would take a hiatus from in-ring competition for the foreseeable future. After losing the AEW World Tag Team Championship against Private Party, The Bucks have decided to step away from the Jacksonville-based promotion, as they intend not to get in the crosshairs of Jon Moxley's newest faction.
Per Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson are not scheduled to make any further appearances in All Elite Wrestling for the remainder of 2024. The Bucks will likely sit on the sidelines until NJPW's Wrestle Dynasty pay-per-view, which is slated to be held on January 5, 2025.
The Young Bucks are arguably the most important tag team in the AEW tag team division, and their absence will surely be felt over the next few weeks. If Matthew and Nicholas return in time for NJPW Wrestle Dynasty, their paths could cross with their arch-rival Kenny Omega, who is also expected to compete in the high-profile crossover event.
#4. A WWE legend once refused to let MJF use his finisher
MJF is one of the most despicable heels of the modern era. While The Salt of the Earth has impressed many wrestling legends with his remarkable character work, a certain business veteran once denied the 28-year-old star from using his finisher.
In a conversation with RJ City on the latest episode of AEW's "Hey! (EW)" series, popular star QT Marshall revealed that Diamond Dallas Page (DDP) rejected MJF's request to use the Diamond Cutter finisher and instead handed the iconic maneuver to Marshall instead.
"He [DDP] called me one day. [...] because I didn't have a finish, I did but someone else was using it. Long story short. [...] and I said yeah, I'll do it, but I never called it the QT Cutter. I actually enjoy when people say, 'The Diamond Cutter handed down from Diamond Dallas Page!' Because people hate it, they hate that of all the professional wrestlers in the world, he chose me, right? So, I want to keep putting that out to the world. So, for those fans out there watching: DDP chose me. It could have been MJF, could have been anyone else, he chose me. In fact, MJF asked for it, and he said no," QT Marshall said.
God's Gift to Professional Wrestling also denied renaming the move as the QT Cutter, as he wanted the audience to know that DDP chose him to include the deadly finisher in his arsenal. Interestingly, Page was not in favor of passing the brutal move to The Wolf of Wrestling, even though the two stars had previously worked with each other on television.
Despite not getting permission to incorporate the Diamond Cutter in his moveset, MJF has remained a highly impressive in-ring performer. The Salt of the Earth currently uses the Heat Seeker as his ultimate maneuver, which has helped him secure many major wins in the past.
#3. Sting dons an unrecognizable look in a recent picture with a top AEW Superstar
A recent photo of pro wrestling icon Sting has surfaced on the internet. The Vigilante was recently spotted sharing the frame with Sammy Guevara and his young daughter, Luna.
The Stinger did not have his face painted for this photo session, making him look almost unidentifiable. The Icon seemed to be in healthy shape, but his white hair and white beard gave him quite a distant look.
The 64-year-old veteran competed in his final wrestling match at AEW Revolution 2024. The Stinger joined forces with his longtime protege, Darby Allin, to take on The Young Bucks for the AEW World Tag Team Title. Ultimately, The Icon emerged victorious and retained the title to end his legendary career on a high note.
Sting was last seen on the AEW programming at All In 2024 when he arrived at Wembley Stadium to prevent The new Elite's post-match assault on Darby Allin.
#2. Latest update on Jon Moxley potentially recruiting new members for his faction
Since his return in August 2024, Jon Moxley has set out on a path of destruction in All Elite Wrestling. The Purveyor of Violence has put together a team of dangerous stars who could help him rebuild the Tony Khan-led company according to his own vision.
So far, The Ace of AEW has recruited Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Marina Shafir, and Wheeler Yuta for his mission. While fans are eager for Moxley to expand his stable further, a new update regarding the situation suggests that the faction might not add new members anytime soon.
During a recent episode of Fightful Select's Q&A Session, Sean Ross Sapp denied the possibility of Moxley recruiting more members for his group imminently. While the situation could change anytime soon, The Purveyor of Violence seemingly has no plans to take more stars under his wing.
Jon Moxley's next major assignment will be at Full Gear 2024, where he will defend his AEW World Championship against Orange Cassidy.
#1. Why a former World Heavyweight Champion refused to sign with All Elite Wrestling
Over the years, Tony Khan has brought several renowned WWE legends to All Elite Wrestling. From Christian Cage to Sting, several business veterans got the opportunity to rejuvenate themselves in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
However, a former World Heavyweight Champion rejected TK's offer to join AEW in an in-ring capacity. The veteran in question is Kurt Angle, who is set to undergo multiple surgeries next year.
In a recent appearance on the Inside the Ropes podcast, The Olympic Gold Medalist revealed that the head booker of All Elite Wrestling approached him twice to strike a possible working relationship with Angle. Unfortunately, Kurt Angle could not accept the terms of the said deal, as he felt his body was not fit to compete inside the squared circle anymore.
The Olympic Gold Medalist will soon undergo four major surgeries to repair his knees, neck, and back. At 55, Angle does not believe he could contribute as an in-ring performer.