3 AEW rumors we hope are true and 3 we hope aren't: Malakai Black and two more popular stars to leave; Jon Moxley's Grand Slam opponent? 

Welcome to this week's edition of AEW rumors, some of which we hope are true and some we hope aren't. The last few days have been quite significant for the Tony Khan-led company.

From the emergence of a new number-one contender for the AEW World Championship to the much-awaited return of Kenny Omega, several intriguing developments have taken place on AEW television this past week.

The next marquee event for the Jacksonville-based promotion is going to be AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, and Tony Khan will be eager to make it a memorable affair.

In recent days, several intriguing rumors have emerged regarding the potential stars who could return to All Elite Wrestling soon. Unfortunately, a couple of big names are reportedly set to part ways with the Jacksonville-based promotion as well. This week's edition features some alleged crucial departures, a divisive potential reunion, and a potential high-stakes world title match, among other things.

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#6. Hope is True: Jay White to challenge Jon Moxley at AEW Grand Slam: Australia

Despite coming up short at Worlds End 2024, Jay White's issues with Jon Moxley seem far from over. As per recent reports, The Switchblade could lock horns with The Purveyor of Violence at AEW Grand Slam: Australia.

Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio opened up about the possibility of The Catalyst challenging for Moxley's title in Australia. Here's what Meltzer had to say about a contest between The One True King and Jay White.

"I think he's [White] going to do a singles match with Moxley somewhere. Maybe in Australia," Meltzer said.

It comes as great news for the admirers of The Switchblade, as they have expressed their concern about White's booking of late. Since his return, The Catalyst has been one of the most consistent performers in the company, and a match against The Death Riders leader would certainly elevate his credibility.

At the moment, White has his sights set on Wheeler Yuta, who played a key role in preventing him from dethroning Jon Moxley at Worlds End 2024. Once The Switchblade concludes his mini-feud with Yuta, he could shift his attention back to The Purveyor of Violence.

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#5. Hope is not true: The reunion of The Golden Lovers

After a year-long absence, Kenny Omega is finally back in the pro wrestling arena. While The Cleaner intends to reclaim his spot in the singles division, The Best Bout Machine seemingly has plans to bring back a legendary tag team as well.

In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, Omega talked about his former ally, Kota Ibsushi. Despite being signed to All Elite Wrestling, The Golden Star has not made a single appearance in the Tony Khan-led company since November 2023.

In his interview, the former AEW World Champion expressed his gratitude towards Ibushi for being his only support during the most difficult phase of his career. The Cleaner also stated that he wishes to reunite The Golden Lovers irrespective of whether it happens in America or Japan.

While it sounds like an exciting idea on paper, a Golden Lovers reunion might not be the need of the hour. Kenny Omega must be booked as an invincible force in singles competition, instead of being thrust into a tag team run for the sake of nostalgia.

As AEW continues to struggle on the ratings front, the company desperately needs Omega to take control as the sole face of the promotion. The Best Bout Machine should focus on finding his footing in singles competition again, starting with his upcoming contest against Brian Cage on Dynamite.

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#4. Hope is True: Malakai Black rumored to be gone from AEW

Malakai Black's AEW run could be coming to an end. In recent days, reports have emerged that The Dutch Destroyer is finishing up with the Tony Khan-led company and is unlikely to sign a new contract.

In the latest episode of Dynamite, Will Ospreay battled Buddy Matthews in an excellent match. Following his victory, The Aerial Assassin gave props to The Best Kept Secret, stating that he and Brody King were better off without a leader. Ospreay's statement seemingly hinted at the end of the House of Black's run, as all four members could go their separate ways after Black's rumored departure.

Many people in All Elite Wrestling believe that The Dutch Destroyer is gone from the company, ruling out the possibility of another television appearance. It could be a turning point for Malakai Black's career, who suffered from inconsistent booking in the Tony Khan-led company.

The Striking Man from Amsterdam would thrive under the creative leadership of Triple H if he were to sign with WWE. After not getting much singles success in the Jacksonville-based promotion, Malakai Black could return to revive his career in the Stamford-based promotion.

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#3. Hope is not true: Ricky Starks and Danhausen to leave All Elite Wrestling

Fightful Select has revealed that Malakai Black might not be the only star to leave AEW this year. As per recent reports, Ricky Starks and Danhausen are allegedly set to part ways with the Tony Khan-led company as well.

The potential departures of Danhausen and Starks would be a big blow to the Jacksonville-based promotion. While The Dutch Destroyer was certainly an asset to the company, AEW might not be much affected by his rumored exit.

However, the company would take a hit if it let go of a charismatic talker like Ricky Starks, who could have been a major success in the promotion. At the age of 34, Stroke Daddy is still fairly young and could have been a valuable asset to Tony for years.

Similarly, Danhausen's potential exit would certainly affect the variety of AEW's talent pool. On a roster filled with excellent in-ring workers, the Very Nice Very Evil star brought a different flavor of pro wrestling.

The company management would not be too glad about underutilizing the two talented individuals, who have considerable popularity among the audience.

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#2. Hope is True: Hologram set for an in-ring return

Hologram has been away from AEW since WrestleDream 2024. The masked star suffered an ankle injury in his Best Two out of Three Falls Match against The Beast Mortos at the pay-per-view and has since been out of action.

A recent report from Wrestling Observer has revealed that the athletic star has got the medical clearance to return to the squared circle. After completing his recovery and welcoming his newborn child with his wife, Hologram is ready to make an impact on AEW television.

It comes as great news for the popular masked star, who has gained a considerable amount of fan following in a very short time.

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#1. Hope is not True: Backstage heat on Rush and Dralistico

On the November 13 tapings of Rampage, Rush and The Beast Mortos (with Dralistico) battled Alec Price and Richard Holliday in a tag team match. As per Fightful Select, Rush and Dralistico allegedly got into a physical altercation with their opponents backstage while Price and Holliday were being checked on by a medic.

There's alleged backstage heat on the two stars regarding this incident, and this is seemingly why they have been absent from AEW television since November 2024. It comes as unfortunate news for Rush, who has suffered from the constant start-stop pushes in his AEW career.

Just as the La Faccion Ingobernable (LFI) had started to take shape again, the incident has now put El Toro Blanco back on the shelf. Rush and The Beast Mortos were reportedly slated to compete in the AEW World Tag Team Title match at Full Gear 2024 before being pulled out at the last moment.