The All Elite Wrestling World Champion, Jon Moxley, and AEW are currently involved in a lawsuit stemming from an incident that occurred during the May 2023 episode of Dynamite. Moxley shoved ringside crew member Christopher Dispensa during his Steel Cage Match against Kenny Omega, leading to an injury that prompted Dispensa to file legal action against both Moxley and the promotion. This lawsuit highlights the risks wrestlers and staff face during live events and has raised concerns about on-set safety protocols.
Veteran wrestler Disco Inferno commented on the situation, expressing caution about the legal ramifications for Moxley:
“I mean, this is just common sense. Now the guy’s getting sued. You probably have to cut him a check… You can get easily arrested for it if the guy wanna press charges.” —Disco Inferno, Wrestling Veteran
MJF’s Surprise Return and Reunion with Former Tag Partner in MLW
In an unexpected move, MJF appeared backstage at Major League Wrestling’s Summer of the Beasts event disguised behind a mask, attacking wrestler Mistico and declaring unresolved business. The surprise was compounded when he reunited with Alexander Hammerstone, his former stablemate from the MLW faction, The Dynasty, which also included Richard Holliday.
MJF’s return with Hammerstone marks a significant development given The Dynasty’s official end in 2022 and MJF’s departure from MLW in 2020. This reunion came shortly after MJF secured the number-two position in the upcoming Men’s Casino Gauntlet Match at All In 2025 by defeating Brody King, Anthony Bowens, and AR Fox on the milestone 300th episode of AEW Dynamite. Victory in this gauntlet would grant MJF a future opportunity to challenge for the AEW World Championship, making his backstage activity and renewed alliances notable in the lead-up to this event.
Christopher Daniels Officially Announces His Retirement from Wrestling
Christopher Daniels has confirmed his retirement from in-ring competition, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning numerous wrestling promotions, including Ring of Honor, TNA, and AEW. His final match took place on January 18, 2025, during AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage, where he faced “Hangman” Adam Page in a brutal Texas Death Match. This bout marked the conclusion of Daniels’ active wrestling tenure within the company.
On the INSIGHT podcast with Chris Van Vliet, Daniels reflected on his final match:
“That was cool. But also, I don’t feel like it takes away from anything that happened in the match with Adam, because that is the last time you’ll see this human wrestling a wrestling match.” —Christopher Daniels, Retired Wrestler
Additionally, Daniels recently ended the career of his longtime comedic persona, Curry Man, whose final appearance was at Chris Jericho’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling Rager At Sea: Six On The Beach event in February 2025 against The Masked Brother.
Nigel McGuinness Rejects Backstage Producer Role, Focuses on Commentary
Nigel McGuinness, a familiar face on AEW commentary and former WWE talent, has declined offers to take on backstage production or agent responsibilities within AEW. Speaking on the Heel S#!t Podcast, McGuinness explained that the demands of such a role would be overwhelming while balancing his current commitments as an active wrestler and commentator.
“I don’t think so. I appreciate that. It’s very kind of you to say that… commentary takes up so much of my time in terms of the preparation on [sic] the show, et cetera, especially when I’m still getting in the ring every week as well. Also, an agent, producer, or whatever you want to call it—it’s a very, very difficult job,” —Nigel McGuinness, AEW Commentator
Despite turning down the backstage position, McGuinness affirmed his dedication to AEW through his ongoing roles in commentary and occasional in-ring appearances.
Chris Jericho’s Contract Extension Eases Future Speculation
Chris Jericho’s status within AEW has recently sparked speculation due to his absence following a defeat to Bandido at the Dynasty PPV. His last TV appearance was on the April 9, 2025, episode of Dynamite, where he walked out on fellow wrestlers Big Bill and Bryan Keith in frustration post-match. However, recent reports from Fightful’s Sean Ross Sapp indicate that Jericho has signed a contract extension, ensuring his commitment to AEW through the end of 2025, though the potential exists for clauses that could extend this tenure further.
Legal Issues and Career Changes Signal a Tumultuous Phase for AEW Talent
The legal issues surrounding Jon Moxley, combined with Christopher Daniels’ retirement and developments around MJF and Chris Jericho, spotlight a period of significant change and uncertainty within AEW. The lawsuit involving Moxley raises questions about performer safety and accountability, while the retirements and contractual movements impact the company’s roster stability and future programming. Fans and insiders are closely monitoring these evolving storylines and off-screen matters, as they will likely shape AEW’s direction heading into major upcoming events like All In 2025.
