Welcome to the AEW News and Rumor Roundup for December 3, 2024. In today’s edition, we’ll take a look at a few interesting details regarding top stars like Mercedes Mone and Ricky Starks.
Plus, a new update on the future of an injured star, how Tony Khan could capitalize on Triple H’s Bloodline blunder, and more.
#5. Juice Robinson could be replaced in the Continental Classic 2024
On the latest episode of AEW Collision, Juice Robinson engaged in a hard-hitting 13-minute bout with Will Ospreay. It was a night to forget for The Stray Bullet, as he failed to get the win over The Aerial Assassin. Moreover, Robinson might have sustained an injury in this bout, as he was spotted leaving the Wintrust Arena on crutchesafter his match against Ospreay.
The 35-year-old star was also spotted at the WrestleCade convention this weekend, where he confirmed that he indeed hurt himself during the latest episode of Collision. Robinson’s ankle was fully wrapped up, and he had to rely on crutches to move around the convention.
While the extent of his injury is still unknown, AEW is likely to name a replacement for the Flamboyant One in the Continental Classic. The company is yet to announce Robinson’s next match in the C2, hinting that The Rock Hard might be pulled away from the grueling tournament.
#4. Tony Khan had to cancel creative plans for Britt Baker due to a scheduling clash
Britt Baker is one of the most influential stars in the AEW Women’s division. After a nine-month-long absence, The Doctor made her return to the Jacksonville-based promotion in June 2024. Surprisingly, Baker has not been consistently featured on television since her loss against Mercedes Mone at All In 2024.
The DMD recently ventured into the entertainment industry, making an appearance in the sixth season of the Netflix show Cobra Kai. However, Baker has been significantly inactive in AEW over the last few months.
As per recent reports, the former AEW World Women’s Champion seemingly had scheduling conflicts, which kept her away from the company’s programming. To make matters worse, The DMD then fell sick, prompting the creative team to scrap their plans for Baker for the time being.
Britt Baker’s recent appearance came three weeks ago on Dynamite, where she scored a convincing victory over Penelope Ford. After the match, Baker was confronted by Serena Deeb, who seemed eager to continue her rivalry with The Doctor.
#3. Veteran claims that Tony Khan is compelled to push a certain ex-WWE star due to her hefty salary
In the past two years, Tony Khan has brought in several international stars to All Elite Wrestling. Intending to win the bidding war for these stars, TK offered numerous wrestlers financially lucrative contracts. However, the huge amount of money spent on acquiring these talents might be affecting the company’s booking process.
WCW veteran Konnan recently made a bold claim about Tony Khan. As per the 60-year-old personality, the head booker of AEW is forced to push Mercedes Mone, as he is paying a significant amount for her services to AEW.
“As far as Mone, bro he is paying her $5 million, he has to use her, you know.”
While she has been presented as a legitimate star in AEW, The CEO has struggled to generate the desired reaction from the audience. Despite Mone’s lack of connection with the crowd, Tony Khan seemingly can’t halt her ongoing push, as he is apparently paying $5 million to keep The CEO on the roster, as per Konnan on his Keepin It 100 podcast.
#2. Details on how Triple H’s blunder with The Bloodline storyline could be beneficial to AEW
Vince Russo recently commented on the state of The Bloodline in WWE, and how Triple H might be making a significant mistake with the hottest storyline in the company. The former WCW booker criticized The Game for dragging his storylines, explaining how it could create an opening for AEW in the future.
The 63-year-old veteran referenced the booking of nWo in WCW. Russo stated that once the nWo story got “old and stale,” it began to impact WCW’s booking structure negatively. The downfall of nWo paved the way for the Attitude Era, where WWE crushed its arch-nemesis by snatching away its core audience.
As per the renowned booker, Triple H might hand over the lead to Tony Khan in the WWE vs. AEW ratings war, if he continues to stretch the story involving the Samoan Dynasty. Russo believes that AEW could take a huge leap in its competition with WWE if Khan manages to lure in the irate WWE fanbase, who would be disappointed about not getting a satisfactory conclusion to the company’s biggest storyline in years.
#1. Potential reason why Tony Khan is not letting Ricky Starks go
Ricky Starks has been absent from AEW television since March 2024. Tony Khan seemingly does not have any solid creative plans for The Absolute One, prompting him to keep the charismatic star on the sidelines.
The head booker of All Elite Wrestling is also unwilling to part ways with the underutilized star, leaving Starks in limbo altogether. Speaking on his Drive-Thru podcast, Jim Cornette assessed the reason behind Tony Khan refusing to let go of the 34-year-old star.
As per the legendary manager, TK might be keeping The Stroke Daddy on a payroll to avoid the scenario of him possibly signing with WWE. Cornette also stated that TK apparently wants to avoid a heated confrontation with The Absolute One, leading to him keeping Starks at home and sending him regular paychecks.
