AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Massive heartbreak for Wardlow; WWE references Edge; John Cena replacement?

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 Wardlow, Adam Copeland (FKA Edge), and John Cena, among others.

Wardlow has suffered another major setback following his return to the Jacksonville-based promotion. Meanwhile, WWE recently referenced Adam Copeland, i.e., Edge, on its show, and a top AEW star has been tipped to replace John Cena in the Stamford-based promotion. This and more as we navigate all the headline-making news about AEW. So, let's dive in:

#5. Maven is ready to join AEW

Maven has opened up about his interest in joining All Elite Wrestling.

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former WWE Hardcore champion revealed that while AEW has not contacted him, he is more than willing to explore opportunities with the company.

"I’d definitely entertain any offer. Nobody. I don’t know why they haven’t reached out. But I would explore any options that came my way. I will always be an ambassador for the business," he said. [H/T: Ringside News]

For those unaware, Maven retired from full-time in-ring competition in 2007 but continued to make sporadic appearances on the independent wrestling scene until 2024. In May 2025, he was seen backstage at an AEW show, with reports indicating that his visit went well.

#4. Wardlow reportedly out with fresh injury concerns

Wardlow has suffered another major setback after making his highly anticipated return to the promotion at Forbidden Door. According to Fightful Select, the 266-pound wrestler may have sustained a torn pectoral muscle shortly after attacking Swerve Strickland and Prince Nana at the pay-per-view. This injury would potentially keep him out of action for several months.

Before his return at Forbidden Door, Wardlow missed a year and a half due to an injury he sustained during a match against Samoa Joe at Dynamite: Big Business in March 2024. While he was medically cleared earlier this year, his in-ring comeback was delayed due to his filming commitments for the first two seasons of American Gladiators.

Reports further suggest that while he may not wrestle in the foreseeable future, AEW is considering using him in an enforcer role during his recovery.

#3. Sam Roberts says Chris Jericho could replace John Cena in WWE

John Cena is scheduled to retire from in-ring duties in December 2025, with his last appearance set for Saturday Night's Main Event on the 13th of that month. Now, wrestling analyst Sam Roberts has suggested that Chris Jericho could take on The Unseen 17's role if he makes a WWE return.

Speaking on his Notsam Wrestling podcast, Roberts highlighted that Jericho’s comeback would generate huge nostalgia and energy among WWE fans.

"Hearing 'Break the Walls Down' kick in would be massive for WWE fans. And quite frankly, I think that there's a clear role for him to fit, which is at the end of the year, John Cena says goodbye," Roberts said.

Later on in the video, Roberts also expanded on possible creative options, including blending Jericho’s "Judas" theme from AEW with his classic WWE entrance, as well as reviving his "Painmaker" persona.

#2. Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland reportedly out until 2026

Tony Khan is reportedly facing further setbacks as two of his biggest stars, Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland, are unlikely to return before the end of 2025.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, both men are recovering from serious injuries and health issues, which are set to sideline them until early 2026. Omega was written off television on Dynamite last week, while Strickland is recuperating from a torn meniscus.

The report also included an update on Will Ospreay, who is set to undergo neck surgery in the next couple of weeks. Ospreay’s recovery timeline is expected to be longer, keeping him away from in-ring action well into 2026.

#1. John Cena performs Edge's Spear on WWE SmackDown

WWE made headlines after referencing Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, who is currently signed to AEW, this past Friday.

In his match against Sami Zayn for the Honorary Uce's United States Championship on the most recent episode of WWE SmackDown, John Cena used an Edge-style Spear, thereby directly referring to Cope. Moreover, the global juggernaut posted a highlight video of the legendary Tables, Ladders & Chairs Match between The Franchise Player and The Rated-R Superstar from Unforgiven 2006 to its official YouTube channel.

Despite Cope currently working for AEW, WWE's most recent reference to him highlights the lasting impact of his rivalry with John Cena.

About the author

Karan Raj is a senior writer in Sportskeeda's AEW division. He holds an engineering degree from Manipal University, but his passion for sports motivated him to pursue an MSc in Sports Business from the University of Liverpool. Karan has been in the sports marketing industry for the past seven years.

As a lifelong WWE fan and enthusiast of wrestling entertainment, he has always been drawn to the industry's unique blend of sports and storytelling. Karan was introduced to the business by his elder sister when he was 10 years old.

Before assuming his current role at Sportskeeda, Karan worked for several reputable organizations, such as Ting Works LLP and Sportz Interactive, wearing different hats. He also wrote the anthem of UP Rudras, a hockey team that played in the Hockey India League. Karan conducts thorough research while writing articles and only relies on credible sources for information.

Karan's favorite pro wrestler is Seth Rollins. He admires The Visionary's versatility as a performer and his ability to play both heel and babyface characters to perfection. Besides Rollins, Karan looks up to Roman Reigns for his storytelling skills and ability to captivate audiences.

In AEW, he enjoys watching Will Ospreay compete inside the ring. Karan loves The Aerial Assassin's technical in-ring ability and athleticism. If Karan could go back to the Attitude Era, he would combine forces with Jericho and promise to elevate his career to the same level as The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.When not writing about pro wrestling, Karan loves to play and watch football. It is a huge part of his life.

He is also a massive fan of tennis and is learning to play the sport. Apart from sports, he also knows how to play the ukulele.

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Edited by Karan Raj