All the latest from WWE, AEW, and TNA
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Chris Jericho compared himself to classic rock bands that continue performing despite being past their prime. He suggested fans should appreciate his current work in AEW in the same way audiences appreciate veteran rock acts.
A new backstage update has surfaced regarding former TNA World Champion Mike Santana's potential future with WWE. Details on his possible move to the company are being discussed, though no official signing has been confirmed.
Former WWF wrestler Siva Afi has died, with his family confirming his passing. Afi, whose real name was Papali'itele Max Amata Taogaga, wrestled from the 1970s through 1997, including a run in WWF from 1986-1988 and nearly 30 matches for New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 1985. He was also known for working as Burt Reynolds' bodyguard and stuntman, and was remembered by fellow wrestlers as a kind and well-liked man.
WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) discussed the recent 'Dark Side of the Ring' episodes covering TNA. He shared his thoughts on the episodes alongside Karen Jarrett.
Randy Orton was pulled from his scheduled autograph signings and photo ops at Fanatics Fest, with refunds issued to fans, but sources from both WWE and Fanatics reportedly still expect him to be in New York City this weekend. Speculation is mounting over why he'd be in town without public appearances, with some suggesting WWE may be avoiding fan questions about his in-ring return. Orton has not appeared on WWE TV since attacking Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, several WWE officials and creative team members reportedly wanted Matt Cardona to return to the company as his established WWE character Zack Ryder rather than under his real name, feeling it carried more familiarity with television audiences. It was revealed that Cardona personally wanted to return as Matt Cardona and WWE agreed, though sources questioned whether the decision has connected with fans, especially amid recent Danhausen storyline teases.
WWE has reportedly resumed creative discussions about Nikki Bella for the first time since WrestleMania, according to Fightful Select's WrestleVotes. Nikki, who suffered an ankle injury that forced her out of planned WrestleMania plans with Brie Bella for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships, recently shared Instagram photos showing she has returned to in-ring training. The renewed creative talks are being viewed internally as a positive sign that her return to WWE television is getting closer.
WWE sources reportedly expect Mike Santana to join the company before the end of summer following his TNA exit. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, Santana built strong relationships during NXT appearances as a TNA star, and insiders believe he has an authentic connection with the WWE audience. The report follows Santana's loss to Nic Nemeth at Slammiversary, where he dropped the TNA World Championship, and his social media tease of his contract expiring.
AEW star Buddy Matthews has reportedly been cleared for an in-ring return after being out of action for over a year. The update comes as fans await details on when he will officially return to the ring.
WWE/AAA's Worlds Collide event has been officially scheduled to take place in September on the same day as one of AEW's longest-running pay-per-views. Both events will reportedly be held in the Chicagoland area.
On a recent episode of "Wrestling Observer Radio," Dave Meltzer discussed what AEW could stand to gain from the pending Warner Bros. Discovery-Paramount deal. Meltzer offered his analysis of the potential business implications for AEW amid the corporate merger talks.