AEW News & Rumor Roundup: Ex-WWE Champion free to sign with Tony Khan's company, Dustin Rhodes drops big retirement bombshell

Welcome along to the latest rendition of Sportskeeda Wrestling's AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are looking at top news involving major All Elite Wrestling stars, including Dustin Rhodes and Tony Khan, among others.

A former WWE champion is finally free to sign with the Jacksonville-based promotion. Moreover, AEW star Dustin Rhodes has shared a major update on his future in wrestling during his ongoing hiatus. We've got all this and more as we cover the headline-worthy stories from Tony Khan's promotion today. So without further ado, let's get this roundup underway.

#4. Madison Rayne announced retirement from in-ring competition

Madison Rayne appears to have ended her in-ring career following an emotional post on social media. The 39-year-old AEW star, best known for her decorated run in TNA Wrestling, where she became a five-time Knockouts Champion, recently competed in what appears to be her final match. Rayne wrestled at an ROH taping, teaming with Deonna Purrazzo in a loss against Billie Starkz and Diamante.

Spoiler on Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes - Check Here!

Shortly after the match, Rayne shared a retrospective Instagram post highlighting moments from her wrestling career, captioned:

“It was the end of an era.”

Check out her post on Instagram here.

Although Rayne has remained involved in backstage and coaching roles for both AEW and ROH since joining the company in 2022, the post sparked speculation that her in-ring career is over.

#3. Bryan Danielson confirms he's done with full-time wrestling; says he's focusing on family

Bryan Danielson has officially confirmed that his days as a full-time in-ring competitor are behind him. The former WWE Champion now serves as a broadcast personality for AEW, transitioning into a reduced physical role following WrestleDream 2024. At the event, the American Dragon lost the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley and was attacked by the Blackpool Combat Club, a moment that effectively closed the chapter on his full-time wrestling career.

Since stepping away from regular competition, Danielson has shifted his focus toward family life. In a recent appearance on the Nikki & Brie Show, he shared details about spending more time at home.

"I was done full-time wrestling and got to be… I got to coach Buddy’s T-ball team. I get to be home more with the kids, like regularly doing stuff... Finally teaching Birdie to ride her bike… she did it this year. One of my favorite things ever is just riding bikes with her now,” said Bryan [H/T: Ringside News].

Check out his comments in the video below:

#2. Dustin Rhodes says he has a couple of years left before retirement

Dustin Rhodes has provided a major update on his wrestling future amid his continued absence from AEW programming. The Natural underwent double knee replacement surgery to address long-term physical issues stemming from decades in the ring. Rhodes has not appeared in the Jacksonville-based promotion since July, when he lost the TNT Championship to Kyle Fletcher in a brutal Chicago Street Fight on an episode of Collision.

While Rhodes is currently focused on rehabilitation, he has indicated he aims to return to the ring by late February or early March. In a recent post on X, Rhodes said he is looking forward to the “last couple of years” of his career.

"Looking forward to my last couple yrs. If I can make it that long!Gonna be a sick comeback for #TheNatural #ToughAsNails @AEW #ROH #Dynamite #Collision," wrote Dustin on X

Check out his post on X here.

#1. Andrade reportedly done with WWE; free to sign with AEW

Andrade has reportedly resolved the legal complications that had limited his wrestling appearances over the past year. WWE had previously issued a cease-and-desist letter alleging that Andrade violated a non-compete clause, resulting in his removal from All Elite Wrestling television after just one appearance. The situation created uncertainty around his availability across multiple promotions.

According to Fightful Select, El Idolo was introduced to a lawyer by AEW star RUSH, which helped him successfully negotiate his release from the restrictions. As a result, Andrade became a free agent around December 12, 2025, making him eligible to sign with any promotion, including All Elite Wrestling. Following the resolution, Andrade appeared for House of Glory and also announced plans to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling, confirming that he is once again active on the international wrestling scene.

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Edited by Karan Raj