AEW News Roundup: 20-time champion is returning to in-ring action, Star airs backstage frustration, Andrade confirms new name

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 Andrade, among others.

A 20-time champion is finally returning to in-ring action at AEW Dynamite after months away. Meanwhile, a top star has aired his frustrations backstage, and Andrade has revealed a new moniker. All this and more as we navigate the top news from All Elite Wrestling today. So without further ado, let's get this roundup underway.

#4. MJF set to return to in-ring action on Dynamite

AEW has officially confirmed that MJF will return to in-ring competition on the upcoming episode of Dynamite. The announcement marks MJF’s first match in approximately three months, following his absence from active competition since All Out in September. His last bout took place in a highly physical Tables n’ Thumbtacks match against Mark Briscoe, which he lost. Tony Khan has yet to reveal the Salt of the Earth's opponent for Dynamite.

Shocking title change taped for last SmackDown - Watch Now!

Meanwhile, MJF, a 20-time champion in his career, including reigns as AEW World Champion and International Champion, inserted himself into the World Championship match at Worlds End 2025, turning the title contest into a 4-way affair.

#3. Andrade was recently introduced under the name "THE HITMAN"

Andrade has confirmed a new in-ring name as questions persist about his future with All Elite Wrestling. El Idolo, who has been absent from AEW programming since the six-year anniversary episode of Dynamite, resurfaced on the independent wrestling scene and was introduced as “THE HITMAN.” The appearance took place at an independent event in New York City, where he confronted and laid out the HOG Heavyweight Champion with a DDT, confirming both his new moniker and his continued in-ring activity.

Meanwhile, Andrade has stated that he is currently negotiating with WWE to resolve the situation caused by the Stamford-based promotion's non-compete clause, which was activated once the former NXT champion resurfaced in AEW.

#2. Veteran Nathan Cruz debuts on AEW Collision: Holiday Bash 2025

Collision: Holiday Bash 2025 featured the in-ring debut of British wrestling veteran Nathan Cruz. The 34-year-old made his Collision debut in Manchester, England. Cruz initially joined All Elite Wrestling in August in a behind-the-scenes capacity, working as a coach and agent, but has since transitioned into an active wrestling role.

In his first singles match, Cruz faced Eddie Kingston. Despite a pre-match ambush by Gibson and Drake (Grizzled Young Veterans), Kingston overcame the odds and defeated Cruz in under two minutes with a DDT. Although brief, the match is notable for Cruz’s alignment with the Grizzled Young Veterans before the bout, which seems to position the trio as a new faction within the promotion.

#1. Mike Bailey says it's now "do or die" for him in the Continental Classic

Mike Bailey openly expressed his frustration after a loss on the Holiday Bash edition of Collision this Saturday. "Speedball" was defeated by Jack Perry in the Continental Classic Gold League match. This result significantly affects his standing in the tournament and hurts his chances of a potential final against his JetSpeed partner, Kevin Knight.

Following the match, Bailey spoke candidly in a backstage exclusive about his situation, describing the remainder of the tournament as “do or die.”

"I don't know what to say. So incredibly disappointed right now. I made a promise to myself, I made a promise to Kevin that we would meet in the finals, that I would win all these matches, and tonight, couldn't get it done. As a result, it's do or die in the Gold League, It's anyone's ball game. I got one more shot to make this right, and I have to beat Okada, and I have to make it clear that I am the one who's meant to win the Continental Classic. It's do or die. It's do or die," said Bailey.

As of today, the Gold League standings are tightly contested. Pac, Kyle Fletcher, Kevin Knight, Kazuchika Okada, and Bailey are all currently tied at six points.

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Edited by Karan Raj