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Newsweek
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Released WWE Superstar Wants To Join AEW
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Elayna Black, known to WWE fans as Cora Jade until her release on May 2, 2025, has stated her openness to joining All Elite Wrestling. The former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion shared her thoughts on her future and AEW's creative environment during a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. Black expressed a clear interest in potentially working with AEW. "I would definitely be open to going to AEW. I loved my time there. I have a lot of friends there," she said. The former WWE star made a brief appearance on AEW Dark in 2020 as Elayna Black before signing with WWE. Her positive sentiment towards the promotion is also fueled by its creative approach. "I watch all the shows. I love the fact that they have as much creative freedom as they do," Black noted. She further explained her appreciation for AEW's style. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation She stated, "I'm so much for storylines and character, so I feel they are very creatively free in that way." Black signed with WWE in early 2021 and quickly made a name for herself in NXT as Cora Jade. She developed a rebellious "Generation of Jade" persona. She captured the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship alongside Roxanne Perez, with whom she also had a memorable, intense feud after turning heel. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More Throughout her NXT tenure, she was involved in several prominent storylines and was considered a key part of the brand's women's division. Following her WWE departure, she has reverted to her Black ring name and has been actively preparing for the next chapter of her career. She's done so by launching an OnlyFans account and taking independent bookings as her 30-day non-compete period ended around June 1, 2025. Her comments about AEW signal a significant potential landing spot for the young star. AEW may be the right landing spot for her, considering that she is still so young and could use the rival promotion as a launching pad for her career on a short-term basis. A one or two-year deal would be something she could use greatly to her benefit and perhaps make her way to WWE one day if she impresses enough. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former AEW Wrestler To Make WWE In-Ring Debut
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Mike Santana made a surprise WWE debut appearance at the NXT Battleground premium live event on Sunday, May 25, 2025. This signals a new chapter for the acclaimed wrestler, who is now set for his first-ever match on WWE television. It was reported earlier on the day of the show that Santana was present backstage, and he appeared in an interview segment. During the NXT Battleground broadcast, Santana was being interviewed by Sarah Schreiber when the No Quarter Catch Crew confronted him. This led to a heated argument, particularly with Tavion Heights, culminating in a challenge being issued and accepted. As a result, it was announced that Santana will face Heights in his "first ever match on WWE television" on the upcoming week's episode of NXT. Santana's journey to WWE has been noteworthy. He initially rose to up the ranks in AEW as one-half of the popular tag team Proud N' Powerful alongside Ortiz, debuting with the company in August 2019 as part of Chris Jericho's Inner Circle. During his AEW tenure, Santana participated in numerous high-profile feuds and notable matches, including Stadium Stampede and Blood & Guts, before an ACL injury in June 2022 sidelined him for an extended period. Upon his return in 2023, he embarked on a singles run before his AEW contract reportedly expired in early 2024, leading to his departure. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE... LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: A WWE logo is shown on a screen before a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was announced that WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will face heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury and WWE champion Brock Lesnar will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. More More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Following his AEW exit, Santana significantly impacted the independent circuit and notably returned to TNA Wrestling. In TNA, he quickly re-established himself as star, even recently having a backstage encounter with Trick Williams on TNA iMPACT!, teasing a potential future program there. Santana's appearance at an NXT event occurs amidst an unprecedented working relationship between WWE and TNA Wrestling. This collaboration has seen former TNA Knockouts World Champion Jordynne Grace compete in the WWE Women's Royal Rumble and challenge for the NXT Women's Championship, and former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry defended his title at NXT Battleground. Tatum Paxley from NXT also appeared on TNA programming. This "forbidden door" activity has created considerable buzz, with Santana's arrival in NXT further fueling speculation about the depth and future of this inter-promotional synergy. It will be interesting to see if he gets more chances in WWE to shine. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Photos: Cain Velasquez through the years
WWE Announces Matches With Tyson Fury And Cain Velasquez At Crown Jewel Event LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez (L) speaks as WWE… LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 11: Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez (L) speaks as WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio looks on at a WWE news conference at T-Mobile Arena on October 11, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Velasquez will face WWE champion Brock Lesnar and WWE wrestler Braun Strowman will take on heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury at the WWE's Crown Jewel event at Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on October 31. (Photo by)
