Danhausen, a fan-favorite known for his distinctive face paint, made his AEW debut in 2022, initially thrilling many supporters. However, his tenure with the Jacksonville-based promotion failed to meet expectations. Last year, the wrestler requested to be released, having been absent from AEW programming since Worlds End Zero Hour 2023. Instead of an immediate release, AEW extended his contract due to injury-related clauses.
Recently, Danhausen’s absence from the AEW roster page hinted that he had finally left the organization. The performer confirmed his departure by sharing a social media post referencing the Genie being freed at the end of the 1992 Disney film Aladdin.
At 35 years old, speculation now arises about whether Danhausen will join WWE, but no official confirmation has been made.
Chris Jericho Sparks WWE Comeback Speculations
As WWE approaches the Elimination Chamber event, rumors surrounding Chris Jericho’s possible return intensify. Jericho, though still listed on AEW’s roster, has not appeared on AEW shows since April 2025. Throughout recent months, the veteran has stoked speculation by frequently referencing his WWE past on social media.
One recent post featured a clip from the 2010 Elimination Chamber, highlighting Jericho’s victory and his capture of The Undertaker’s World Heavyweight Championship. Reports indicate that Jericho’s AEW contract has been “frozen” during his absence, but what this means for his future, especially amid the talk of a WWE comeback, remains uncertain.
Mercedes Mone Prepares for Title Defense Outside AEW
Mercedes Mone announced a temporary break from AEW in early January after a humiliating moment involving Harley Cameron, Kris Statlander, and Willow Nightingale during a TBS Championship celebration. Known for holding nine titles, Mone is focusing on recovery and strength in her hiatus.
She is scheduled to defend the CMLL World Women’s Championship against Persephone on March 6 at Arena Mexico. Mone claimed this championship from Zeuxis last year at Grand Slam Mexico and has successfully defended it three times since, including a defense against Persephone last October. The upcoming match will test if the 24-year-old can maintain her reign against a formidable challenger.
Konosuke Takeshita Captures NJPW Television Title Amid AEW Activity
Konosuke Takeshita, an AEW star, recently drew in his AEW Continental Championship match against Jon Moxley at Grand Slam: Australia. Neither man was content with the draw, setting up a no-time-limit rematch at Revolution 2026 for the title. Takeshita continues to pursue championship gold vigorously.
Outside AEW, Takeshita has achieved significant milestones in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Last year, he won the prestigious G1 Climax and secured the IWGP World Heavyweight Title by defeating Zack Sabre Jr. However, he later lost that championship in a Winner Takes All match to Yota Tsuji at Wrestle Kingdom 20.
Not allowing setbacks to hold him back, Takeshita rebounded quickly by defeating El Phantasmo for the NJPW World Television Championship at The New Beginning USA event in Trenton, New Jersey. This victory positions him with momentum ahead of his AEW showdown against Jon Moxley.
AEW Talent Departures Signal Shifts in Wrestling Landscape
The recent departures and absences of key AEW figures indicate ongoing changes within the wrestling industry. Chris Jericho’s social media activity and contract status add intrigue to his career’s next chapter, possibly involving a WWE return. Meanwhile, Danhausen moving on and Mercedes Mone’s title defense outside AEW highlight wrestlers’ diverse paths beyond a single promotion.
Konosuke Takeshita’s dual success in AEW and NJPW exemplifies modern wrestling’s evolving global nature, with talents competing across borders and promotions. As fans await upcoming events like WWE’s Elimination Chamber and NJPW’s Revolution 2026, these storylines promise to shape the wrestling world’s future landscape significantly.
— Danhausen (@DanhausenAD) February 27, 2026
