Today's edition of AEW News & Rumor Roundup will cover a few news topics like an update on Adam Copeland's future, Will Ospreay's announcement, and which major name Triple H might sign soon to his roster. Additionally, we'll also briefly discuss which star was forced by WWE to retire and more.
So without further ado, below are the top stories from the world of AEW:
#5 WWE seemingly interested in Penta
A few months ago, it was reported that Penta and his brother Rey Fenix would leave the Jacksonville-based promotion after their contracts expired in the fall season this year. However, Tony Khan held them back and extended their deals by adding an injury clause. Rey's injury time was significantly greater therefore, he'll stay with the company for a little longer. Meanwhile, Penta is almost on his way out of the company.
A recent report released by Fightful Select stated that Penta's deal with Tony Khan's company will expire next week, thus making him a free agent. The report also mentioned that Triple H might sign him soon after his AEW departure. However, no official confirmation has been given regarding the matter.
#4 Tony Khan issues statement on Adam Copeland's AEW future
Adam Copeland broke his tibia at Double or Nothing 2024 while wrestling against Malakai Black in a Barbed Wire Cage Match. He is currently at home recovering from his injury and is expected to return to action in 2025.
At the Full Gear post-show media scrum, Tony Khan was asked to comment on Adam Copeland's status. Khan responded by saying that he misses The Rated-R Superstar and hopes to see him return soon.
"Adam Copeland, we've been missing him very very much. He was doing so great for us this year as the TNT Champion. We really miss The Rated-R Superstar very much and I can't wait to hopefully at sometime in the near future get him back. It was really a devastating thing and we're really blessed to have such a great roster in AEW because everybody really stepped up. When you lose somebody so valuable to the team like Adam Copeland, it's always always gonna hurt. As soon as we get him back, it's gonna make a huge positive difference to have Adam Copeland back on this team."
#3 Top star was forced to retire by WWE
Bryan Danielson retired from being a full-time in-ring star at WrestleDream after he lost the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley. This is his second retirement. His initial retirement came in 2016, which was due to medical reasons.
Speaking on The Nikki & Brie Show, Bryan revealed that he didn't want to retire from wrestling in 2016, but his neck's condition was so bad that he was forced to hang up his wrestling boots by WWE.
"To me, at the end of the day, I realized this with my last retirement, which was forced. I didn't want to retire, but they wouldn't let me wrestle again. What I found is people are sad for a bit. Then, everybody just moves on and it doesn't matter. The hardest part for it is probably for the person who does it," said The American Dragon.
#2 Will Ospreay makes a huge announcement
Will Ospreay lost his AEW International Championship at WrestleDream PPV due to Kyle Fletcher's betrayal. The two former friends then squared off at Full Gear and the latter won the match.
The Aerial Assassin is set to take part in the Gold League of the upcoming Continental Classic tournament. Breaking his silence on X (fka Twitter), Ospreay addressed his participation in the upcoming tournament by making a huge announcement.
"There are worse things than dying, I ain’t dead yet. So we continue. Continental Classic | Gold League | Starts November 27th | Chicago, IL"
#1 AEW pulled Ricky Starks from upcoming GCW appearances
Ricky Starks hasn't competed in AEW since March 2024 and now the absent star isn't allowed to perform in GCW as well. Recently, the AEW wrestler made a surprise appearance at the GCW Dream On event, where he addressed his strange situation with AEW. He stated that he does not plan on remaining idle at home.
Starks was slated to compete at GCW: Highest in the Room 3 event on December 14 against Matt Cardona in a singles match. The Indie wrestling promotion had also booked him for a couple more unannounced matches.
However, on Tuesday the wrestling community found out he's been pulled from all upcoming GCW events. It was said GCW official Effy's insulting remarks on Tony Khan and his father Shad Khan led to the AEW head making this decision.