Tony Khan‘s latest moves in All Elite Wrestling have triggered a series of dramatic shifts across the professional wrestling landscape, as former WWE stars, new backstage dynamics, and potential new alliances come to light this week. The developments not only involve significant talent but have fans and wrestlers alike speculating on AEW’s rapidly evolving future.
Former WWE Star Elayna Black Shows Interest in AEW After Recent Release
Elayna Black, previously known as Cora Jade in WWE, has publicly signaled her interest in making a return to AEW following her WWE release in May 2025. The Chicago native’s 30-day non-compete clause expired recently, making her a free agent open to new opportunities. Notably, Elayna performed in AEW early in her career before WWE signed her, and she has since expressed a strong desire to reestablish her presence in Tony Khan’s promotion.
Speaking about her future, Elayna emphasized her passion for wrestling and her positive connections within AEW, stating:
“I would definitely be open to going to AEW. I loved my time there; I have a lot of friends there; I watch a lot of shows,” Elayna said. [H/T: Ringside News] —Elayna Black, Former NXT Superstar
Despite her eagerness, Elayna Black has yet to begin formal discussions with Tony Khan or AEW management. Nonetheless, her vocal interest and prior AEW experience position her as a possible addition to the company’s women’s division, which continues to be a focus area in Tony Khan’s latest moves in All Elite Wrestling.
Sheamus Delivers a Stinging Comment on Rusev’s AEW Run
In a controversial move, Sheamus, real-life friend and former ally of Rusev (also known as Miro in AEW), made headlines with a scathing remark about Rusev’s tenure outside WWE. Rusev recently returned to WWE and quickly made an impact, reigniting old rivalries and capturing fans’ attention. However, Sheamus did not hold back when referencing Rusev’s time with Tony Khan’s AEW.
“His career outside WWE lasted about as long as Rusev Day… 24 hours.” —Sheamus, WWE Superstar
Rusev initially gained momentum in AEW by capturing the TNT Championship, but his progress was hampered by inconsistent storyline direction and extended periods off television, resulting in an understated exit earlier this year. Sheamus’s comments highlight the competitive tension between wrestling promotions and underscore how AEW alumni often face scrutiny when returning to WWE.
Rivalry Reignites: Naomi and Jade Cargill Clash Over AEW Past
The rivalry between Naomi, former WWE SmackDown Women’s Champion, and Jade Cargill, a dominant force during her time in AEW, continues to intensify. Naomi recently stirred the pot on social media, responding to a fan who speculated about Cargill’s departure from AEW. The exchange fuels ongoing tension between the two superstars, whose feud has spilled from WWE programming onto various platforms.
“Don’t worry; I’m working my hardest to send her back there.” —Naomi, WWE Superstar
Cargill’s history in AEW includes a historic reign as TBS Champion, where she became synonymous with dominance and set records for title defenses. Her subsequent transition to WWE saw her capture tag team gold, but her contentious relationship with Naomi has brought the spotlight back to their respective journeys through Tony Khan’s latest moves in All Elite Wrestling. Wrestling fans now closely follow their interactions, eager to see if a crossover or rematch between the two could one day take place.
Ricochet Considers Launching a New Faction After Strong Performances
Ricochet, also known as “The Highlight of The Night,” is actively exploring the possibility of forming a new faction to capitalize on his recent match successes. Speaking in an interview about his vision for the future, Ricochet detailed the qualities he seeks in prospective allies, signalling a shift in dynamics for his WWE career.
“I’m trying to see who can really do what I need [them] to do to get the job done. There’s [sic] a lot of factors that go into that. There’s a lot of things I’m going to be looking out for… Maybe! I’m keeping my eye out. I got to try everybody; I got to see who’s going to work for me, and it might be somebody in a faction, or it might be two singles guys. It might be a tag guy!” [H/T: Fightful] —Ricochet, WWE Superstar
Ricochet’s idea to align with either established tag teams, single competitors, or faction members has drawn interest from those following Tony Khan’s latest moves in All Elite Wrestling. This development introduces another layer of intrigue as WWE’s roster adapts to shifting alliances and potential new stables.
Chris Jericho’s AEW Hiatus Leaves Fans Wondering About His Return
Chris Jericho, six-time WWE World Champion and a major figure in both AEW and WWE, has not appeared on AEW television since the April 9, 2025 edition of Dynamite. With Tony Khan’s current focus on new talent and creative direction, reports suggest that Jericho has opted for a break from AEW programming. There are currently no formal plans mapped out for his immediate return, leaving fans to speculate on the reasons and possible future outcomes.
”His Fozzy tour is over; he’s done some TV work while he’s gone, a couple of TV shows. As far as coming back to AEW, there’s nothing on the table right now. I think he felt it was time for a break, so that’s that,” he said on Wrestling Observer Radio. —Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Observer Radio
Jericho’s decision is reportedly tied to a personal desire for a hiatus, despite completing his recent commitments outside AEW. The uncertainty surrounding his comeback adds to ongoing speculation regarding Tony Khan’s latest moves in All Elite Wrestling, especially regarding how AEW will leverage or adapt to the temporary absence of one of its marquee performers.
What These Developments Signal for the Future of AEW
As Tony Khan reshapes the landscape of All Elite Wrestling with his latest decisions, the aftershocks are being felt by both competitors and fans alike. With free agents like Elayna Black considering a return, high-profile rivalries crossing promotional lines, and influential figures like Chris Jericho taking a step back, AEW enters a critical period of transition. Meanwhile, WWE and AEW continue to intersect through returning stars and fresh on-screen feuds, suggesting an era of unpredictable movement between rosters and storylines.
The coming months will be pivotal for AEW, Tony Khan, and the broader professional wrestling world as new faces may debut, established stars may vanish or return, and the boundaries between promotions are tested in ever-evolving ways. Wrestling fans can expect more surprises as Tony Khan’s latest moves in All Elite Wrestling continue to shape the industry’s future.
