AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Another huge ex-WWE star is leaving; Jon Moxley brutally abused in front of Renee Paquette; Sting update

Welcome to another edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News and Rumor Roundup. Today, we're going to take a look at news stories involving top stars such as Malakai Black, Jon Moxley, Sting, and more.

Powerhouse Hobbs has sent a bold message to Jon Moxley, putting the reigning AEW World Champion on notice. We also have an updated lineup of Dynamite: Maximum Carnage following the latest episode of the Wednesday Night Show. So, without any further ado, let's dive into all of these stories:

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#5. A concerning update on Malakai Black's AEW future

A hint was dropped on last night's Dynamite, indicating that Malakai Black could soon depart AEW. House of Black member Buddy Matthews locked horns with Will Ospreay this past Wednesday.

After the match, The Aerial Assassin cut a promo in which he claimed that The Juggernaut and Brody King don't need a leader, as they are incredible singles competitors.

Now, a report from Fightful Select has claimed that Malakai is believed to be finishing things up with All Elite Wrestling. However, no one knows if he will make appearances for the promotion moving forward. Black last appeared at AEW Full Gear 2024.

It was also reported that Malakai's contract includes option years and that Tony Khan even mentioned that the Dutch professional wrestler would stay until 2027.

As of now, there is no confirmation on the House of Black leader's current status.

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#4. Powerhouse Hobbs sends a bold message to Jon Moxley on AEW Dynamite

Powerhouse Hobbs pulled off a major win in the Men's Casino Gauntlet Match in the latest episode of Dynamite. Hobbs defeated major stars such as Hangman Page, Adam Cole, Jay White, Ricochet, Roderick Strong, and more.

The former TNT Champion hit Kyle O'Reilly with a massive Spinebuster to score a pinfall win. He has now earned a shot at Jon Moxley's AEW World Title. The match will take place at Dynamite: Maximum Carnage next week.

Renee Paquette interviewed Powerhouse Hobbs after the match. The 33-year-old mentioned the history between him and Moxley, claiming that he'd make The Purveyor of Violence his "b**ch!"

"Let it be told that Jon Moxley is the one that brought me to AEW. But next week, I plan on shocking the world. But not only that, I'm going to make Jon Moxley my b***h," he said. [0:29-0:45]

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#3. Sting files an interesting trademark following his retirement

Sting has had one of the best careers in the professional wrestling industry. The Icon stayed undefeated throughout his run in Tony Khan's company. He had his retirement match at Revolution last year.

Stinger has since been away from the ring but did make a return to save his former tag team partner Darby Allin from Jack Perry and The Elite at All In 2024.

The Icon has now filed an interesting trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the term "Old Man Sting." The trademark was filed on January 7 under his real name, Steve Borden.

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#2. MJF revealed the length of Jeff Jarrett's AEW contract on Dynamite

At Dynamite: Fight for the Fallen, Jeff Jarrett announced that he had re-signed with All Elite Wrestling for one last run. The veteran also expressed his desire to capture the world title.

Jarrett was set to compete in the Men's Casino Gauntlet Match on the January 8 edition of Dynamite. However, The Last Outlaw was attacked by Wheeler Yuta during his entrance. Once the match was over, Jarrett questioned his ability to still compete inside the squared circle before being interrupted by MJF.

MJF came out and insulted Jeff Jarrett, claiming that the latter wanted a longer contract but only ended up getting a one-year deal. The Salt of The Earth then offered to help Jarrett become the world champion. However, this offer came with the condition that The American Hero should receive the first shot at the gold if The Last Outlaw becomes champion.

Double J denied this proposition, stating that he'll get there himself.

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#1. Updated Dynamite: Maximum Carnage match card

Following the latest episode of the Wednesday Night Show, new matches have been set for next week's Dynamite: Maximum Carnage.

Here is the following updated match card for Dynamite: Maximum Carnage:

1. Jon Moxley (c) vs. Powerhouse Hobbs for the AEW World Championship
2. Kenny Omega vs. Brian Cage
3. Christian Cage vs. HOOK
4. Kris Statlander vs. TBD - Casino Gauntlet for AEW Women's World Title shot at Grand Slam Australia

It will be interesting to see what Tony Khan has planned for next week's special television show.