Welcome along to the latest rendition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at stories involving top pro-wrestling stars, including former World Champion MJF, among others.
A former WWE champion confirms he will retire in Tony Khan’s promotion. Meanwhile, MJF has taken fresh shots at TKO and the Stamford-based promotion, and the popular All Elite star has shown off an impressive physique ahead of a blockbuster bout. We’ve got exciting news to cover today, so let’s get this roundup underway without delay.
#4. Adam Copeland (fka Edge) confirms he will retire in AEW
All Elite Wrestling is heading into Double or Nothing with massive momentum, and one of the most highly anticipated matches on the card features WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland. The Rated R Superstar is currently allied with former Christian Cage, and the legendary duo is scheduled to challenge FTR for the World Tag Team Titles. The stakes for this bout could not be higher, as it is an “I Quit” match. If Copeland and Cage fail to defeat the champions, they will be forced to officially retire as a tag team.
During a recent appearance on Westwood One Sports Night, the former four-time WWE Champion confirmed that he will retire under the AEW banner whenever his in-ring career ends. Copeland said he genuinely enjoys working for the Jacksonville-based promotion.
“I think the difficult thing will be, I really enjoy working at AEW. I have so much fun going to work that I will miss that. I get there and feel like a kid in a candy store,” said the former Edge.
Time will reveal if Cope and Cage will be able to dethrone FTR at Double or Nothing this Sunday.
#3. MJF Takes a Brutal Shot At WWE and TKO
MJF recently shared some incredibly sharp insights into the current state of professional wrestling. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Hour, the former 2-time AEW World Champion discussed how fans have been widely expressing negative reactions to WWE’s product and storylines under the TKO regime. The “Salt of the Earth” explicitly stated that wrestling fans are currently a little disenfranchised with WWE and TKO, noting that this dissatisfaction presents a major opportunity for Tony Khan and AEW to capitalize on viewers seeking an alternative.
“Right now, wrestling fans are a little disenfranchised with WWE and TKO… It’s allowing people who haven’t taken that leap yet to finally say, ‘Okay, I’ve been drinking Diet Coke, let me try Pepsi.’ People are trying Pepsi and going, ‘Hmm, not bad.’ There was a paradigm shift in 2019, and now there’s another paradigm shift happening in 2026,” said Friedman.
MJF further explained what specifically sets the AEW product apart from the Stamford-based promotion’s presentation. He said Tony Khan’s company showcases young, hungry talent and feels significantly more authentic.
Check out his comments in the video below:
As of today, The Wolf of Wrestling is preparing for an incredibly high-stakes matchup, set to challenge Darby Allin for the AEW World Championship in a massive Title vs. Hair match at Double or Nothing.
#2. Bobby Lashley Shares Shirtless Photo; Looks Absolutely Jacked
Since joining AEW in 2024, Bobby Lashley quickly became a force to be reckoned with as a member of The Hurt Syndicate alongside MVP and Shelton Benjamin. Even at 49, the Almighty continues to maintain one of the most impressive, ripped physiques in professional wrestling. Lashley recently shared a shirtless photo on his Instagram story, showcasing his extraordinary strength and jacked physique to his followers. Tony Khan reportedly has immense faith in the former AEW Tag Team champion, and many believe he has the potential to become the promotion’s World Champion in the near future.
Before pursuing singles gold, Lashley has a massive war ahead of him at the Double or Nothing pay-per-view. The Hurt Syndicate will be teaming up with Chris Jericho and The Elite (Kenny Omega, Jack Perry, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson) to battle The Demand (Ricochet, Bishop Kaun, and Toa Liona), the Don Callis Family (Mark Davis and Andrade El Idolo), and The Dogs (Clark Connors and David Finlay) in a chaotic Stadium Stampede match.
#1. Ex-WWE star Bobby Steveson was reportedly backstage at a Ring of Honor event
Former WWE Superstar Bobby Steveson was recently spotted backstage at an event for Tony Khan’s Ring of Honor brand. Steveson, who performed as Damon Kemp on the NXT roster from 2021 to 2024, was present at this week’s ROH tapings in Florida. During his WWE tenure, Steveson was a member of prominent factions such as Diamond Mine and No Quarter Catch Crew before his contract expired and was not renewed in July 2024. According to a Fightful Select report, Steveson was booked to compete during the tapings, but for unknown reasons, the bout did not take place.
Steveson was not the only former World Wrestling Entertainment name hanging around the Florida tapings. The report also noted that Carlito, whose WWE contract was not renewed after it expired in June of last year, was spotted backstage. He was reportedly at the ROH tapings to support The Colons (Primo and Epico), who were actively competing on the show. It remains entirely unclear whether Steveson or Carlito will have any further involvement with the promotion.
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Edited by Karan Raj