AEW News & Rumor Roundup: WWE Legend begged Tony Khan to sign Bloodline member, Sad update on Darby Allin's future, ex-champion evacuates home
Welcome to another edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News and Rumor roundup. Today we'll examine stories involving a WWE legend and top stars such as Darby Allin, Adam Copeland, and more.
Anthony Bowens has given an unfortunate update on his AEW Collision status. An update has also emerged on Eddie Kingston's condition amid his hiatus from All Elite Wrestling. So, without any further ado let's dive into all of these stories:
#5. WWE Hall of Famer begged Tony Khan to sign Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu has been prospering ever since he arrived in WWE as part of Solo Sikoa's Bloodline. However, things weren't always so perfect for him as Mark Henry recalled when he once vouched for The Samoan Werewolf.
The WWE Hall of Famer spoke on the Busted Open podcast, about the kind of person Jacob Fatu used to be. The World's Strongest Man recalled when he had begged WWE to hire him before he left. However, WWE was initially hesitant to bring Fatu in because of his past. Henry also revealed that he would strongly urge AEW and Tony Khan to sign him as well, but it didn't happen:
"I begged before I left the WWE — you gotta bring him in. But he was in so much trouble. He was a liability. Jacob Fatu is real. He will punch you in the face and talk about your mama at the same time. That's a bad dude. Bad dude. And then I got to AEW — guys, whatever you do, you gotta bring Jacob Fatu in here. That didn't happen. Everything happened for a reason," Mark Henry said.
#4. Darby Allin reportedly taking time off from AEW
Darby Allin was recently written off TV after being attacked by Jon Moxley and The Death Riders on the final episode of Rampage. The One True King and his group would try and seriously hurt The Daredevil for getting in their way by sending him down a flight of stairs.
Now, according to a report from Fightful Select, Darby Allin is on hiatus from in-ring competition as he's begun training to climb Mt. Everest. Allin had previously mentioned his intentions of climbing Everest but couldn't due to injuries.
The report further stated that the former TNT Champion could receive a push when he makes his return sometime around spring.
#3. Anthony Bowens states that he had to evacuate his home
Anthony Bowens has provided an unfortunate update regarding the Palisades fire situation. The former AEW Tag Team Champion posted over on X (fka Twitter) that he would not be making it to Collision this week.
Anthony Bowens stated that he had to evacuate from his home since the Palisades fire had been spreading towards his house. He has shared that he and his neighborhood is safe for now. Bowens would also voice his appreciation for the LAFD for working hard to slow down the fire.
#2. Major update on Eddie Kingston's condition amid AEW hiatus
Eddie Kingston has been absent from AEW after racking up several injuries in early 2024. The Mad King would suffer a serious tibial fracture, a torn ACL, and a torn meniscus before he was supposed to tag with FTR and Bryan Danielson to take on The Elite.
It was indicated that Kingston would be out until May 2025, but some good news has arrived on his condition. Fitness coach, Cezar Bononi has been helping Kingston during his rehab period for his injuries and has provided an update on his condition.
“What an incredible moment, yes everyone, he’s back!! Another amazing video is on the way with the incredible Eddie Kingston, so stay tuned to watch the full video on my YouTube channel, which will be released this week!”
#1. 11-time WWE Champion wants a 37-year-old star to take over House of Black amid Malakai Black AEW exit rumors
Adam Copeland would interrupt Brody King in an interview at AEW Collision. Brody has been showing his immense talent as he recently had a impressive showing in the Continental Classic and would easily defeat his opponent on Collision as well.
He would then speak on the future of The House of Black amid rumors of Malakai Black's AEW departure. However, Copeland would arrive to praise him and all of their members. The former WWE star would mention that he had wanted all of them by his side at one time and would even tell King that it was time to take over:
"We've been through a lot. But I hope you know at the end of all of it, I respect you [King], I respect you [Julia Hart], I respect Buddy. I think you have the world of potential at your feet. I know what you bring to the table, and I felt it. I wanted us to be a group. But I'll tell you what, it's time to take the reins, and run. [0:32-1:02]
Maybe the former Edge can have a character change similar to the early days of The Judgment Day. It'll be interesting to see what the future holds for the WWE Hall of Famer.