Former WWE champion has asked for immediate release, Triple H wants AEW star back, Jon Moxley's future, and everything you need to know
Welcome to the latest edition of the AEW News and Rumor Roundup. A former WWE champion has requested his release from the Jacksonville-based promotion amid ongoing absence.
Meanwhile, WWE, under Triple H's regime, has shown interest in signing a current AEW star. We have learned an opponent for Jon Moxley at the upcoming WrestleDream pay-per-view. Interestingly, Mercedes Moné has addressed whether she will ever return to the Stamford-based promotion.
Continue reading as we dive into the top wrestling stories of the week.
#4. Miro has asked AEW for his release
Miro, fka Rusev, has remained absent from TV throughout 2024. He last wrestled at Worlds End, defeating Andrade El Idolo in a singles match.
The Redeemer later clarified that he took time off to recover from shoulder and elbow injuries. He has since been cleared to return to in-ring action.
However, it looks like Miro and Tony Khan are not on the same page creatively. According to the reports, he was considered for the Casino Gauntlet match at All In and even pitched a program with Jon Moxley.
Both ideas eventually fell through, causing creative differences between the two parties. Amid alleged frustration, the former WWE champion has requested his release from All Elite Wrestling.
In 2022, Miro signed a four-year contract extension, which would keep him in the company through 2026. Whether he has been granted his release remains to be seen.
#3. Update on Malakai Black's AEW contract status
Unlike Miro, Malakai Black's contract with All Elite Wrestling is set to expire early next year. The company has been working on re-signing The House of Black leader.
According to Dr. Chris Featherstone of Sportskeeda Wrestling, WWE is interested in bringing back Malakai Black, as some within the company believe he could receive a big push.
It is worth noting that his stablemate, Buddy Matthews, recently re-signed with the Jacksonville-based promotion. Could this factor have influenced Malakai Black's decision? Only time will tell.
#2. Jon Moxley's WrestleDream status revealed
Jon Moxley has been a force to be reckoned with since returning to All Elite Wrestling. He formed a new alliance with Marina Shafir and orchestrated Blackpool Combat Club's betrayal of Bryan Danielson at All Out.
On Dynamite: Grand Slam, The Purveyor of Violence defeated Darby Allin in a barnburner main event to earn a shot at Bryan Danielson's AEW World Championship.
The two men will face each other in a grudge match at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 12.
#1. Mercedes Moné unlikely to return to WWE
Despite the regime change in WWE, the former Sasha Banks has no plans to return to her old stomping grounds.
In an interview with Breakfast Club AM, Moné said AEW has been treating her well, so she doesn't think she will return to WWE anytime soon.
"After the way that AEW has been treating me…I don’t know, I don’t think so. I feel like I have the best relationship with AEW right now and it’s legit…I’m living my dreams and it’s the best place I’ve ever been, mentally and physically and to be able to have new dreams, after being in the industry for 14 years, it’s the best feeling in the world, so AEW is my home right now."
The CEO hasn't been seen on TV since successfully retaining her TBS Championship against Britt Baker at All In. With WrestleDream fast approaching, it will be interesting to see if she will return in time to kickstart a new program.