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Welcome back to another edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News and Rumor Roundup. Today, we're going to look at news stories involving Malakai Black, Kenny Omega, and more.
After rumors of Black's AEW exit, two more stars are reportedly set to become free agents in 2025. Meanwhile, Mercedes Mone recently fired back at veterans and critics who had previously doubted her. So, without any further ado, let's dive into all of these stories:
#5. Major update on Malakai Black potentially returning to WWE
Malakai Black has been absent since AEW Full Gear 2024. Amid his absence, recent media reports have claimed that he has possibly left Tony Khan's promotion.
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According to a report from Wrestling Observer Newsletter, it is believed that The Dutch Destroyer has seemingly departed the Jacksonville-based company. However, there has been no confirmation of it. The report mentioned that Black's name has also come up during the WWE creative team's meetings.
A recent report from PWinsider has also indicated that Malakai Black is believed to be leaving the company and is expected to become a free agent sometime in February or March.
#4. AEW seemingly has blockbuster plans for Kenny Omega following his return
Kenny Omega has returned to the pro wrestling arena after missing more than a year of action following a diverticulitis diagnosis. The Cleaner made his return at the Worlds End 2024 PPV, where he presented Kazuchika Okada with the Continental Championship.
Many fans were delighted to see the two storied former rivals share the ring, with a banner of All In: Texas being placed perfectly in the background. Now, according to a report from Wrestling Observer, Tony Khan is planning to book The Best Bout Machine and The Rainmaker's first singles match in AEW for All In: Texas.
#3. A major championship introduced by Kazuchika Okada has been officially retired
Kazuchika Okada made a huge name for himself in NJPW, where he introduced the King of Pro Wrestling Title in 2020. The Japanese promotion has now confirmed that the title has been officially retired.
The now-retired title was introduced as a trophy to be defended all year in 2020. A new champion was crowned at the end of each year. Great-O-Khan became the final KOPW champion at NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome and revealed that he would be retiring the championship.
The IWGP released a statement in a press release to officially announce the retirement of the KOPW Title.
“After the request of KOPW 2024 Champion Great-O-Khan on December 22, 2024, the IWGP Committee has hereby formally retired the KOPW Championship. The KOPW Title was created in July 2020 by Kazuchika Okada. With fan votes determining rules, over 50 matches were contested for the KOPW Championship over its lifespan. On behalf of the IWGP Committee, NJPW thanks fans for their support of the KOPW Title and for their votes and interaction over the years.” [H/T: Medium]
#2. Mercedes Mone fires back at veterans and critics following Wrestle Dynasty win
Mercedes Mone recently won her third championship after she defeated Mina Shirakawa at Wrestle Dynasty. The CEO has now officially become a triple champion after winning the RevPro Undisputed British Women's Title in a Winner Takes All match at the PPV. The reigning AEW TBS Champion also retained her NJPW Strong Women's Title.
The erstwhile Sasha Banks has now revealed how she felt after the bout against Shirakawa was over in the latest edition of the Mone Mag newsletter. The CEO fired back at veteran podcasters who had mocked her when she left WWE to pursue other ventures.
"When the match was over, I was on my knees, being handed the RevPro title with a look of exhaustion, pride, gratitude, and awe. None of that was acting, I promise. When I left WWE, the goal was to elevate women's wrestling and create more global opportunities and exposure. Many of the old guy podcasters mocked me for that and mocked that notion,'' she said.
The CEO added:
''I know publishing anything with my name gets them clicks and views, but I also believe that any of us from WWE and AEW, working in other promotions, when possible, helps achieve that goal. Shout out to Tony Khan for getting that; supporting so many other promotions, and especially, allowing me to do so." [H/T: Wrestling Inc.]
#1. Two more AEW stars are reportedly set to become free agents in 2025
Apart from Malakai Black, two other AEW stars are also allegedly set to enter free agency in 2025. The two wrestlers are Ricky Starks and Danhausen.
After reports claimed that Malakai Black is seemingly finishing up with Tony Khan's promotion, many people speculated if the House of Black leader will return to WWE. Now, a report has emerged regarding the contract situations of Danhausen and Ricky Starks.
Fightful Select has reported that Danhausen and Stroke Daddy are set to enter free agency in 2025. Fans have previously criticized AEW for not booking the two stars properly, wasting their potential. While Ricky has been away since March 2024, the Very Nice Very Evil star has not been used by Tony Khan since December 2023. We will have to wait and see if they negotiate a better deal or move on from All Elite Wrestling.
