AEW News Roundup: Future megastar officially returns, Top star sends a message to Britt Baker, Appeal made for Keith Lee's return

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 Britt Baker and Keith Lee, among others.

A rising pro wrestler, heavily touted as the next big superstar, has officially returned to AEW. Meanwhile, a popular star has sent Britt Baker a message amid the latter's ongoing hiatus, and an emotional appeal has been made for Keith Lee's return. All this and more as we delve into the headline-worthy news coming out of All Elite Wrestling today. That said, let's get started with this roundup.

#4. Tay Melo reacts to Britt Baker's Christmas post

Britt Baker is one of AEW's originals and a star credited for putting the promotion's women’s division on the map. However, Dr. D.M.D. has not appeared on programming since November 2024. In the lead-up to her last appearance, the former AEW Women’s World Champion experienced a difficult period at Tony Khan's promotion, marked by health setbacks and reports of backstage issues. Her prolonged absence has led to increased speculation about her long-term future at the company, with her contract status a particular focus.

Amid this uncertainty, Baker has been active on social media, posting updates and recently sharing an Instagram post showcasing her Christmas decorations. Her post received a response from fellow AEW star Tay Mel, who reacted with a heart emoji.

Check out Baker's post and Melo's comment here.

Tony Khan had earlier said he'd be happy to have Britt Baker back once circumstances allow. That said, there is still no concrete update on when fans will be able to see Baker back in action with All Elite Wrestling.

#3. Brian Cage makes an emotional appeal for his and Keith Lee's return to AEW

Keith Lee has not appeared on All Elite Wrestling television for more than two years, with his last match being against injured star Brian Cage before his hiatus. The former AEW World Tag Team Champion underwent surgery in 2024, and multiple reports indicate he has been medically cleared to compete for several months. Despite this clearance, Tony Khan has yet to reintroduce Lee into the Jacksonville-based promotion.

The situation gained renewed attention when Brian Cage, currently sidelined with a knee injury, shared a social media post expressing his hope that he and Lee could eventually face each other again once both return to action. Cage had reshared a fan's post on X featuring clips from their bout on Collision two years ago.

"@RealKeithLee last match and hopefully he can come back soon along with me and we can do it again," Cage wrote.

Check out his X post below:

#2. Gabe Kidd returns to AEW; challenges Darby Allin to a match at Worlds End

Fans of Gabe Kidd will be happy as the rising star has officially re-emerged on AEW television. The NJPW standout, who has been associated with the Death Riders, appeared in a vignette on Dynamite in which he reflected on his violent history with Darby Allin, referencing their involvement in Blood and Guts and the moment he assisted PAC in putting Allin through a flaming table. Following the vignette, Kidd issued a direct challenge to Allin for a match at Worlds End 2025, stating his intention to “take out” Allin permanently.

"Please, I'm begging you, please! Worlds End." [0:42-0:47]

Check out Kidd's challenge to Allin on X here.

Meanwhile, Darby Allin is not medically cleared to compete and was recently removed from the Continental Classic. Until Allin’s medical status changes, no official confirmation will seemingly be provided on whether the match will take place as planned.

#1. Swerve Strickland responds to criticism surrounding his promo on AEW Dynamite

Swerve Strickland has addressed the reaction to a promo he delivered on Dynamite this Wednesday, ahead of Worlds End 2025. During the segment, the former AEW World Champion targeted MJF and contrasted himself with several of MJF’s former allies, including Adam Cole and Wardlow. The Mogul claimed that while those individuals experienced downturns after working with MJF, he elevates his opponents rather than diminishing them.

The promo sparked a major discussion online, with fans questioning who ultimately benefited from such pointed remarks. Strickland responded directly to the criticism on social media with a brief but definitive reply:

“Me,” Strickland wrote on X

It will be interesting to see if the Realest star will be able to reclaim the World Championship at Worlds End 2025.

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Edited by Karan Raj