AEW News Roundup - Former WWE Champion files lawsuit; female star may leave soon; shot fired at CM Punk; Mercedes Mone addresses controversy

Welcome along to the latest edition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at headline-worthy news involving top pro-wrestling stars, including CM Punk and Mercedes Mone, among others.

A former WWE champion has filed a lawsuit, and AEW was referenced. Meanwhile, a popular female All Elite star might leave the promotion, while another major All Elite Star has taken jabs at CM Punk. Moreover, Mercedes Mone has finally addressed long-standing criticism. We've got a lot of stories to cover today, so without further delay, let's get this roundup underway.

#5. Harley Cameron says she almost signed with WWE

Harley Cameron has revealed that she was close to signing with WWE before ultimately joining All Elite Wrestling. The reigning AEW Women's Tag Team champion, alongside Willow Nightingale, shared details about her early career path and WWE's role in her development. She credited the company with helping her learn the fundamentals of professional wrestling.

"I will say thank you to them, because thanks to them I have my green card. Thanks to them I learned to wrestle, they helped me with wrestling training to Flatbacks...I believe they went through a transitional stage where, in their office, certain people were released from the company, they went through some big changes, and I guess fate just didn't lead me in that direction," said Cameron [H/T: WrestleTalk on X]

The Babes of Wrath (Cameron and Nightingale) are now scheduled to defend their Women’s Tag Team titles against Mercedes Mone and Athena at the upcoming Worlds End pay-per-view.

#4. Anna Jay reportedly exploring options outside AEW

New reports from Fightful Select have shed light on uncertainty surrounding Anna Jay’s future in AEW, as her contract is believed to be nearing its expiration, potentially by spring 2026. While earlier updates suggested Jay was expected to re-sign with the company, more recent information indicates she may be open to exploring other options when her contract expires.

Jay has been absent from AEW television for an extended period following her and Tay Melo’s first-round elimination from the Women’s Tag Team title tournament at the hands of Marina Shafir and Megan Bayne. Since then, Jay has not been featured in major storylines, including the Women’s Blood and Guts match, from which both she and Melo were notably absent. The lack of on-screen involvement has fueled speculation that Jay could be considering a move to WWE or another major promotion if her situation in Tony Khan's promotion does not change.

#3. Jack Perry fires subtle shots at WWE's CM Punk

Jack Perry has revisited the controversial backstage altercation with CM Punk at All In: Wembley in 2023, an incident that ultimately led to Punk’s departure from AEW. Speaking on Close Up with Renee Paquette, Perry reflected on the situation, calling it a freeing experience despite how difficult it felt at the time.

“I think, through all that, I finally realised there are some people that are never gonna like me no matter what I do, and in a way that was really freeing because then I was like I don’t have to worry about that anymore, what do I wanna do?...It’s funny because if you had gone back 10 years ago and someone showed me ‘this is gonna happen’ I’d have been like ‘to me? Are you serious?’ But now also, it kinda is what it is, and I think as much as some people would probably want me to, I wouldn’t change anything. In the time when it was happening, it all felt terrible, but I think it forced me to realise things that are bigger life things,” said Perry [H/T WrestleTalk]

Check out his comments in the video below:

#2. Mercedes Mone not interested in acknowledging criticism regarding her "belt collector" run

Mercedes Mone has addressed ongoing criticism regarding her high-profile “belt collector” run, during which she held more than a dozen championships across multiple promotions simultaneously. In her Mone Mag column, the reigning TBS Champion dismissed negative commentary about her success.

The CEO stated that she does not feel compelled to acknowledge her critics, explaining that her accomplishments speak for themselves. She attributed her dominance to extensive preparation and studying her opponents more closely than anyone else.

“Why would I acknowledge the critics? The goal is shown. It’s been shown. For the people that can’t see it, it’s on them.” She said. [H:T: RingsideNews]

#1. Ric Flair and Mike Tyson file major lawsuit; AEW involved via association

Wrestling legend Ric Flair has become involved in a major legal dispute after filing a 76-page lawsuit alongside boxing icon Mike Tyson. According to PWInsider, the lawsuit, which seeks $50 million in damages, was filed against several individuals formerly associated with cannabis companies CARMA and LGNDS, including Chad Bronstein. The complaint alleges wire fraud, embezzlement, and the unauthorized sale of licensing rights using the names and likenesses of both Flair and Tyson.

Moreover, the lawsuit references AEW, alleging that Bronstein entered into a sponsorship agreement between the former two-time WWE champion's “Woo Energy Drink” and the wrestling promotion without Flair’s knowledge or consent. According to the filing, the contract was executed without proper authorization, further complicating the legal situation.

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Edited by Karan Raj