AEW News Roundup: Absent star's contract expiring, Concerning update on Hurt Syndicate member, Rhea Ripley replaces legend

Welcome everyone to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at stories involving top pro-wrestling stars, including the Hurt Syndicate and Rhea Ripley, among others.

A missing AEW star's contract is nearing expiration. Meanwhile, a concerning health update about a Hurt Syndicate member has emerged, and a WWE Hall of Famer says Rhea Ripley has taken the place of a legendary AEW star as their favorite. All this and more as we explore the top news from the All Elite Wrestling universe. Let's get started.

#4. Mark Henry goes off on AEW for disrespecting him

Mark Henry has publicly criticized AEW for what he sees as a lack of respect for his legacy. The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, who worked for Tony Khan’s promotion from 2021 to 2023 as both an on-screen star and backstage coach, shared his frustration during an episode of Busted Open Radio.

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The reason for Henry’s outrage was the promotion's decision to rename his signature move, the World’s Strongest Slam, which he made famous during his in-ring career. Powerhouse Hobbs, a wrestler Henry mentored during his AEW tenure, regularly uses a variation of the move. However, the Jacksonville-based promotion recently began calling it the Most Dangerous Slam, and the rebrand did not sit well with Henry.

"They called it the Most Dangerous Slam (...) They don't call it the World's Strongest Slam. They're like, 'F*** Mark Henry.' F*** you, how about that? That's to whose decision that is [to rename the slam]. You cannot disrespect me and expect me to kiss your a** about it," said Henry [H/T: Wrestling Inc.]

#3. MVP reveals he's been suffering from neck pain

MVP has shared an update regarding his health status following a string of grueling matches in October. The leader of The Hurt Syndicate detailed his physical condition during an appearance on his Marking Out podcast. Porter revealed that he has been suffering from neck pain since the Dynamite: Title Tuesday street fight, describing it as “a little whiplash.”

“My neck’s been bothering me since the street fight. Got a little whiplash from that, uh, Ricochet dive," he said [H/T - Ringside News]

The former WWE United States Champion described his ongoing recovery routine, which includes stretching sessions, electronic stimulation therapy, and working closely with the All Elite Wrestling medical staff.

#2. Ortiz says his AEW contract is nearing expiration

AEW's original Ortiz has revealed that his current contract with the company is set to expire soon. During an interview with Wombreezy, he disclosed that he has “about a year left” on his deal but expressed a strong desire to stay with the company long-term. The former member of the Proud & Powerful tag team, alongside Mike Santana, also mentioned that he has taken on a new backstage role as a producer and coach.

“As of right now, I have about a year left with the company. Give or take on this current contract. I would love to stay there. I love working at AEW. I’ve been coaching and doing producing, which is learning a different skill and will give you longevity," he said. [H/T - WrestlePurist's X]

#1. Kevin Nash says Rhea Ripley has replaced Kenny Omega as his favorite wrestler

WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently revealed that Rhea Ripley has overtaken former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega as his favorite professional wrestler. During an episode of his podcast Kliq This, the WWE Hall of Famer praised Ripley for her dominance and star power. Nash also admitted that his focus had shifted due to Omega’s ongoing absence from All Elite Wrestling programming.

"Rhea Ripley took his spot. I haven’t seen Kenny work in a while,” he said. [H/T - ITRWrestling]

It is worth noting that The Cleaner has been dealing with diverticulitis since 2023, involving surgery and regular medical check-ups, which have occasionally caused him to miss TV time during Tony Khan's promotion.

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Edited by Karan Raj