AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Multiple former WWE stars spotted backstage, Massive Shield reference, Was Shane McMahon at Worlds End?

Welcome to another edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News and Rumor roundup. Today we're going to be taking a look at stories involving top stars such as Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and more.

Jeff Jarrett also made a big revelation regarding his future in AEW during the World's End 2024 pay-per-view. A few former WWE stars were also reportedly brought out to the backstage area during the show. So, let's not wait any further and dive into these stories.

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Multiple WWE stars showed up backstage at Worlds End 2024

AEW Worlds End 2024 took place in Orlando, with Tony Khan and co. putting on another fantastic pay-per-view for the fans. However, according to a report from Fightful, a few former WWE stars also showed up for the show as well.

Since Orlando is home to quite a few professional wrestlers, some of them decided to visit backstage. Among those stars was former WWE United States Champion Baron Corbin, aka Tom Pestock, who was released by the Stamford-based promotion a few months ago this year. Corbin is currently not eligible to sign anywhere for at least one more month.

AJ Francis, fka Top Dolla, also made an appearance backstage and was spotted talking to Tony Khan at ringside before the show. He was further spotted talking to former Hit Row member Swerve Strickland as well and even chatted with Prince Nana and Jeff Jarrett. The former WWE star's deal with TNA is set to expire on January 1.

Jon Moxley suffered the same fate as Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at AEW Worlds End 2024

Jon Moxley defended his AEW World Championship against Jay White, Orange Cassidy, and Hangman Page in a fatal four-way match at Worlds End 2024. After being ganged up on by the other opponents towards the end, Moxley would ultimately come out on top with the help of his Death Riders faction and retain his AEW World Title.

As the dust settled, Adam Copeland made his grand return, much to the delight of fans, alongside his newest allies FTR as the three went right after Moxley. Copeland would send a statement by putting The Death Riders leader in a cross-face with the help of an iron rod.

We've seen The Rated-R Superstar attempt this signature move a few times before, namely against Mox's Shield brothers, Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. The 11-time WWE champion has now completed his set of putting all three Shield members through the same fate in this brutal submission move.

Shane McMahon did not show up at Worlds End 2024

As AEW Worlds End approached, speculation was rife as fans theorized that Tony Khan would make a huge splash with the debut of Shane McMahon. The former WWE daredevil had been rumored to show up in All Elite Wrestling following a photo of him meeting with Tony Khan circulated online earlier in the year.

Many fans believed that perhaps McMahon would show up in some capacity at AEW's final show of the year. However, a recent report from Fightful Select on Patreon put an end to those rumors stating that he did not appear backstage at Worlds End 2024.

Kenny Omega makes a surprise return at Worlds End 2024 to confront Kazuchika Okada.

Kenny Omega would make his thunderous return to AEW during the Worlds End 2024 pay-per-view, seemingly looking to reignite a feud with one of his most storied rivals, Kazuchika Okada.

The Cleaner hasn't stepped into the ring to compete for a year now in Tony Khan's promotion due to diverticulitis. He has since been cleared to compete, with his in-ring return match announced to take place at NJPW Wrestle Dynasty on January 5.

Kazuchika Okada went on to retain his Continental Championship and win the Continental Classic after besting Will Ospreay in the final. Following the match, Christopher Daniels welcomed back Omega, as The Cleaner walked down to confront The Rainmaker, and handed the title to his iconic rival, teasing a match down the line.

Jeff Jarrett made a big revelation regarding his AEW future at Worlds End 2024.

Jeff Jarrett has been in the professional wrestling industry since the 1980s and has competed in many promotions, such as WWE, TNA, WCW, etc. The 57-year-old veteran now competes in All Elite Wrestling on a part-time schedule.

Jarrett returned to in-ring competition after three months at Worlds End 2024, putting away QT Marshall for the win. He then appeared backstage and announced that he would make a big reveal regarding his career at AEW Fight for the Fallen on January 1, 2025.

Perhaps, we can expect a retirement announcement from in-ring competition after decades of him contributing to the wrestling business. Or maybe he might challenge someone to a final match to get the sendoff he deserves. We'll have to wait until January 1, 2025, to find out.