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The shocking return of CM Punk to WWE at Survivor Series 2023 was a monumental moment for the company, but it also reportedly caused significant creative plans to be scrapped. According to Wolfgang of the NXT faction Gallus, his group was scheduled to be called up to the main roster and was slated for a storyline with Drew McIntyre, but those plans were abruptly canceled when CM Punk returned.

The revelation sheds new light on the ripple effect that a major signing can have on the rest of the roster, as creative directions are forced to shift to accommodate the new top star. Speaking on the “Mic Check with Mr. Anderson” podcast, Wolfgang revealed that Gallus was on the verge of their main roster debut, only to have the plans repeatedly delayed.

“We were ready for main roster, even when we got to NXT, it was good to get there and get involved but we were ready to go at the drop of a hat to main roster. And I know for a fact that we were scheduled to be there. We were like three weeks out, and then three weeks came and they said ‘itâ€s actually like three months†and the phrase they used was the ‘can keeps getting kicked down the roadâ€.â€

Wolfgang also provided evidence for his claim, noting that Gallus was the only NXT act featured in the official event programs for major main roster shows, and they were positioned next to Drew McIntyre.

“If you go look at the 2023 Survivor Series program for the main roster, or the 2024 Royal Rumble, thereâ€s no one else in NXT in that, except for Gallus. And weâ€re right next to a full page spread of Drew McIntyre.â€

He then stated that he believes CM Punk’s return at that same Survivor Series event was the direct cause for the plans being changed, as the company’s creative focus immediately shifted.

“So I think there was a plan for us to join Drew McIntyre at some point, and then CM Punk showed up and the can kept getting kicked down the road and they didnâ€t need us anymore. And I think they got stuck. ‘This is what weâ€re doing, weâ€ll get to it at some pointâ€. They never even considered how else weâ€re going to do it.â€

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AEW rescinded plans for a former WWE star, highlighting AEW’s fan-driven booking.

Max Casterâ€s rise as a solo competitor in All Elite Wrestling forced the creative team to scrap plans for a tag-team reunion, leading to the effective removal of former WWE star Billy Gunn from his role alongside The Acclaimed. Caster earned unexpected crowd support as a babyface after a challenge on AEW Dynamite, prompting AEW President Tony Khan to shift course.

Fightful Select revealed that the reunion of The Acclaimed was never in the original roadmap; instead, Caster and Anthony Bowens were slated to pursue individual storylines. Casting aside Billy Gunn, who had joined The Acclaimed as an honorary partner, marked a clear end to his on-screen presence with the team. Gunn, a WWE Hall of Famer known for Road Dogg and D-Generation X, saw his role reduced as Casterâ€s momentum grew.

AEW initially planned separate pushes: Bowens aiming for singles glory and Caster exploring a gritty, heel persona. However, fan reaction to Casterâ€s babyface turn far exceeded expectations, climbing social media and live-event polls. This audience response led AEWâ€s creative team to prioritize momentum over the original blueprint. Reports indicate that Gunnâ€s segments were quietly written off TV, with no future television appearances scheduled alongside The Acclaimed.

WWE Star Off TV Due to Unexpected Fan Reaction

AEWâ€s pivot reflects a broader trend of responsive storytelling, where audience engagement can override preplanned angles. Casterâ€s breakthrough began with backstage vignettes that showcased his charisma and in-ring skill, generating chants and merchandise buzz. As fans rallied behind ‘Platinum Max,’ AEW had to choose between loyalty to an established star and capitalizing on fresh heat, and Tony Khan opted for the latter, confirming that Gunn would no longer be featured in The Acclaimedâ€s storylines.

Bowens and Caster reunited as a duo to chase the AEW World Tag Team Championship. Their recent victory at Collision cemented their status, illustrating the benefits of agile booking. Meanwhile, Gunnâ€s absence remains unexplained on air; his focus seems to shift to backstage coaching and occasional commentary roles.

If this is the end of the road, thank you Billy Gunn for 34 years of greatness. What a career. pic.twitter.com/UT6PDDSt3o

— 🉠(@JustinsFrame) July 23, 2023

While some viewers lament the loss of the veteranâ€s presence, most agree that the decision underscores AEWâ€s commitment to elevating rising talent. Fans can expect The Acclaimedâ€s push to continue without Billy Gunn as they target new milestones and rivalries in AEW.

MROE: Devastating Update On 3-Time WWE Titleholder Currently On Indefinite Injury Hiatus

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A former WWE star is set for her first singles match in 870 days.

Scarlett Bordeaux left WWE in August this year, along with her husband, Karrion Kross. Both stars have since lit up the independent wrestling world with multiple appearances across several promotions. While Kross has already returned to the ring, Bordeaux is still waiting to make her singles return. The star is now set for her return to the ring after 870 days.

Former WWE Star Scarlett Bordeaux Will Be In Action At HOG

Scarlett Bordeaux‘s last singles match came at a WWE live event on June 29, 2023, 870 days ago, against Lyra Valkyria. Bordeaux ended up on the losing side. The star has since been featured in mixed action only, but it’s time she can showcase the world her insane abilities.

The former WWE star will finally be in action at House Of Glory Superclash on November 15. The event’s poster officially states that she will be in action and has not been announced for a tag match. It can safely be assumed that she will be in singles action as fans will look to cheer her on.

Scarlett Bordeaux returns to the ring and will be in action at House Of Glory Superclash on Nov. 15! ðŸŒðŸŒ pic.twitter.com/OmKDlXYRoV

— ðƒð«ðšð•ðžð§ (@WrestlingCovers) October 20, 2025

The event will take place at the Suffolk Credit Union Arena in Brentwood, New York.

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A former WWE star quietly ended their wrestling career on October 19 in a final match that brought their friends and fans together.

Former WWE star, Wild Boar, retired from professional wrestling on Sunday, October 19. After the match, he shared an emotional post on Instagram with his child, writing, The bout took place at Riot Cabaret Pro Wrestling, marking the end of nearly 20 years in the ring.

I will get back to everyone as soon as I can. Overwhelmed is an understatement… it’s hard for me to put tonight into words.”

His fellow wrestlers and old friends posted their own tributes. The WWE star Pete Dunne wrote on Twitter:

Many wrestlers are said to be overlooked or under appreciated, truth is some of the best really do go under the radar

Wild Boar would be top of that list. Epitome of a top class pro-wrestler

Glad we crossed paths one last time at RIOT before tonightâ€s retirement ðŸ

Many wrestlers are said to be overlooked or under appreciated, truth is some of the best really do go under the radar

Wild Boar would be top of that list. Epitome of a top class pro-wrestler

Glad we crossed paths one last time at RIOT before tonightâ€s retirement ðŸ pic.twitter.com/ScPSyvfP3G

— ‘The Bruiserweight†Pete Dunne (@PeteDunneYxB) October 19, 2025

The British Indie wrestler and former WWE star Mark Andrews shared a longer, heartfelt message via Instagram. Along with the emotional message, he also shared many of their images, perfectly capturing the strong bond between the two wrestlers. He wrote,

Today one of my oldest friends retires from professional wrestling.

I met Hitch in 2006 in Newport Leisure centre and recognised him from some crazy backyard wrestling videos I watched online (Go check those out if you havenâ€t already 👀).

Since then heâ€s become one of my best friends, the person Iâ€ve been in the ring with most and a huge mentor to the Welsh wrestling scene.

Iâ€m a better wrestler and a better person for knowing Hitch. Heâ€s one of the best wrestling coaches in the world, and one of the best to ever come out of the UK.

His work in and outside the ring has left the Welsh wrestling scene in a much better place than where it was in 2006.

Hereâ€s to an incredible in ring career ðŸ»

And hereâ€s to many more years making the Welsh scene as good as it can be behind the scenes ðŸ—

Another close friend of Wild Boar, the indie wrestler and former WWE star Flash Morgan Webster, posted multiple images of these stars from their time together in the ring. With this collage, he wrote,

We are destined to do this forever! No words will do justice the impact youâ€ve had on my life. Enjoy today! Love you mate! TRAPPER KEEPER EVERYONE! #wildboar

These emotional tributes from multiple stars highlight the strong bonds in professional wrestling that stay outside the ring, even after leaving particular promotions. It is an emotional moment in the entire English wrestling scene as a major star has just hung up their boots, deciding to put an end to an impressive career.

MORE: Real Truth About WWE Using AI Revealed; Talent Displeased

Wild Boar’s Wrestling and WWE Career

Wild Boar (aka Mike Hitchman) started wrestling in 2006 with NWA Wales under the ring name Mike Kannon, before he changed to the Wild Boar name in 2009. He won several titles during his time on the independent circuit. In 2017, he won the ICW Tag Team Championship with Mike Bird, which they held for 287 days as a faction, The Marauders. He also won the ATTACK! Championship twice and the ATTACK! 24:7 Championship five times in his nearly 20-year-long career.

WWE acknowledged Wild Boar’s talent and signed him in 2018 for NXT UK, where he wrestled under both names, Mike Hitchman and Wild Boar. He teamed with Primate as The Hunt, facing teams like Pretty Deadly, Moustache Mountain, and Grizzled Young Veterans. In April 2022, he beat Eddie Dennis in a Dog Collar Match, one of only three such matches in WWE history. His last WWE match was on June 6, 2022, against Josh Morrell, before WWE let him go on August 18, 2022.

Wild Boar co-owns Pro Wrestling Chaos with Morgan Webster and now focuses on raising his daughter and training young wrestlers in Wales.

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It’s hard to think of a more likeable WWE star than Sami Zayn. A big reason for that is that the WWE United States Champion’s authenticity; what you see with Zayn is what you get. And Zayn has had no problem showing that off ever since he first started gaining momentum in “WWE NXT” a decade ago, and has continued regardless of whether he was a babyface or a heel. Where some wrestlers would be a little weary of expressing their beliefs, Zayn hasn’t been shy at all; he is open about being a Muslim, his support for Palestine throughout the Israel-Palestine conflict, and has run several successful campaigns under the name “Sami for Syria” in order to raise funds for Syria. Even with less serious matters, his relationship with Kevin Owens has been an open book, with Zayn, Owens, and WWE not being shy of highlighting just how far back the friendship goes, and how significant it’s been to both men’s careers.

These factors would make it seem like Zayn is overall a very public person; in reality though, it’s the exact opposite. When you take away Zayn’s activism, his religion and his friendship with Owens, you’ll find that Zayn was largely a blank slate for years when it came to his personal life, to the point that fans wondered if he had any sort of family. It was a question that wasn’t answered until, arguably, the zenith of Zayn’s career to this point at Elimination Chamber 2023, when Zayn challenged Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship in his hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Leading into that show, WWE decided to profile Zayn with a video diary, which gave wrestling fans the first ever glimpse of Zayn’s wife, Khadija, as she discussed his feud with Reigns, how proud she was of him, and revealed the existence of not just herself, her and Zayn’s son as well.

Zayn’s Wife, Khadija, Lives A Private Life

That video may have informed fans that Zayn had a wife and child, but it naturally didn’t tell them any more about Khadija as a person. As is the case with most spouses of wrestlers living out of the limelight, that may have been by design. Like her husband, Khadija has lived a very private life, and most knowledge pertaining to her can be found from the limited appearances she’s made in WWE to support him. The first of those appearances came just days after she recorded the aforementioned video diary, as Khadija could be spotted in the front row at Elimination Chamber for Zayn’s match against Reigns, which unfortunately ended in defeat for Zayn.

It was a much happier moment a year later, when Zayn brought her and their son to WrestleMania 40, and both witnessed Zayn becoming the WWE Intercontinental Champion by ending GUNTHER’s historic championship reign. Beyond that, only bits and pieces of Khadija are out there. From what can be gathered, Khadija, like Zayn, is also from Montreal, has worked in the film and TV industry, and first met Zayn in 2014, initially unaware of his wrestling career. After dating for several years, the couple got married in 2018; Khadija would give birth to their son three years later in 2021, with the couple naming him after Zayn’s real name, Rami Sebei.

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Karrion Kross has reverted to his previous moniker, Killer Kross, after his WWE exit this summer.

Kross has been taking independent bookings lately, with his frame of mind evidently being to play the field. He has openly admitted his interest in making a WWE return. However, the former NXT Champion also did not shy away from discussing the lack of interest higher-ups had in his growing fanbase and the connection with fans he was able to cultivate in 2025.

On X/Twitter, a clip of Killer Kross throwing a female star literally through the ceiling has gone viral. It was during a fight produced by XICW Detroit (Xtreme Intense Championship Wrestling).

In the clip, Kross was hit on the back by the female star with a steel chair. He no-sold the move, before knocking down the chair with his head, and lifting the woman in the air with her head going through the ceiling.

Killer Kross’ wife, Scarlett Bordeaux, also reacted to the clip and stayed in character to note that their antagonists deserved what was coming to them.

If you watch the entire match, itâ€s pretty clear she and her whole crew deserved to be launched through that ceiling,” Bordeaux wrote.

If you watch the entire match, itâ€s pretty clear she and her whole crew deserved to be launched through that ceiling 😂 https://t.co/HUzr5dQpYQ

— Scarlett Bordeaux (@Lady_Scarlett13) October 19, 2025

The Harbinger of Doom had revealed after parting ways with WWE that he was offered a contract before his exit, but it was not satisfactory. In the end, he left the door open for a future return.

Killer Kross And Scarlett Bordeaux Clearly Articulate Their Frame Of Mind Regarding WWE Return And A Potential AEW Debut

In an interview with Chris Van Vliet on Insight recently, Killer Kross noted how “bizarre” his whole conversation was with regard to going back.

Scarlett Bordeaux claimed that if the power couple were to make an AEW debut, they were going to fly its flag. She also stated that whichever wrestling promotion they ultimately join, it would be their “home.”

I mean, Iâ€ll speak for myself. You could answer this separately, if you like. I donâ€t know. I donâ€t know what that door looks like, or whatâ€s even on the other side of it. Iâ€m still completely perturbed by the conversation that we had, it was so bizarre and strange and shocking,” Karrion Kross said.

Scarlett Bordeaux added, “If we ever go to AEW, weâ€re going to be flying the AEW flag. That is going to be our home forever. Whatever our next company is, thatâ€s it.”

Heading into the summer of 2025, Karrion Kross had a noteworthy feud with Sami Zayn, which ended up getting booked on WWE’s premium live events twice. Following their SummerSlam encounter, Kross was released out of nowhere.

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The 2025-26 NBA season will be new Kings guard Russell Westbrookâ€s first campaign in Sacramento and the starâ€s 18th overall in the league.

So, given that the Kings are Westbrookâ€s seventh different team and “The Brodie†is 36 years old, itâ€s fair to wonder if the coming season will be his last.

Westbrook was asked if thatâ€d be the case on Sunday at Kings practice, and he bluntly shut it down.

“Yeah, right,†the former NBA MVP told reporters when asked if heâ€d retire upon the seasonâ€s end.

The idea of calling it quits isnâ€t in Westbrookâ€s DNA.

Instead, the 6-foot-4 guard, with career averages of 21.2 points, 7.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists, intends to keep playing for the foreseeable future.

Westbrook followed his frank response by sharing what keeps him going.

“Family,†he said. “My family. My supporters. The ability to be grateful and blessed to be able to wake up and have limbs and things that work, and be able to use them. Using this platform to build other parts of my life and business.

“You know, just the overall fun I have while playing and enjoying the game; I think itâ€s something I never ever take for granted, and Iâ€m thankful to be able to do that again.â€

The last few seasons have been rough for Westbrook.

But the Kings are betting on the veteran to remain a productive player after he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over a promising 75 games a season ago.

And it appears Westbrook is betting on the Kings to help him have fun, as he avoids talk of retirement.

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Former WWE star Gigi Dolin, now wrestling again under her original name Priscilla Kelly, isnâ€t holding back when it comes to AI-generated content.

On October 18, she jumped on Instagram Stories to vent her frustration with the flood of artificial intelligence videos clogging up her feed. In her post, Dolin admitted she often doesnâ€t realize a video is AI-generated until sheâ€s already halfway through, which kills her interest entirely.

“F*ckin pissed. Every video I watch is AI and I canâ€t tell until about half way through and then itâ€s immediately not funny or interesting.â€

She did make one exception, noting that some AI videos—specifically ones showing distorted or exploding bodies—still make her laugh.

“With the exception of the insanely AI ones of people bodies contorting and exploding. Those are funny.â€

Dolinâ€s frustration reflects a growing backlash against the rise of AI-generated content, a trend thatâ€s become increasingly hard to ignore across social media—and now, even in professional wrestling. As fans and creators push back against the blurring lines between real and artificial, WWE has fully leaned into the AI wave by hiring former BuzzFeed and ONE Championship producer Cyrus Kowsari to lead its creative strategy.

Do you agree with Gigi Dolin that AI-generated videos are ruining online content? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

October 19, 2025 11:25 am

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Missing in action, an injured WWE star has dropped a major update.

Earlier this year, the wrestling world witnessed promising wrestler Zoey Stark suffer a serious setback when she suffered a knee injury during her Money In The Bank Qualifying Triple Threat against Rhea Ripley and Kairi Sane on May 19th, 2025.

Absent for nearly 154 days now, Stark recently dropped a major update on her return. Sharing a video on X(Twitter), Stark captioned it with,

This injury tested me in ways I didn’t expect. Progress doesnt always look pretty. It just takes consistently, patience and faith. Counting the days till I’m back.”

She further shared a massive setback which she suffered,

What’s up guys? Just wanted to hop on and give everyone a quick update. From the last video, one of the reasons why I was having a hard time was because I was told that either I would have get a scope done. Which is, where they go in, clean out my knee, any scar tissue, or two, get a manipulation under anaesthesia.

One of the reasons being, because I didn’t have full range of motion, and that would have pushed my recovery back. That’s why, I was so upset and having a hard time with it. But now we are back on track, that did not have to happen, thank god.

Now, I am running, jumping, I have full range of motion. Things are going great, honestly. I am happy, I am blessed.”

One of the most promising stars and on the receiving end of a push, this injury crushed all of her momentum and set her back.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the source and leave an h/t to ITR Wrestling.

We at ITR Wrestling wish Zoey Stark a quick and safe recovery.

WWE Star Zoey Stark’s History With Injuries

Zoey Stark, a former tag-team champion, has a documented history of knee injuries. In October 2021, Stark sustained a comparable injury while assigned to the NXT roster. In July of the following year, Stark went back to NXT before joining the main roster in the 2023 draft.

In other news: A WWE Hall of Famer shocked Jon Moxley with his appearance at AEW WrestleDream.

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WWE star Zoey Stark shared a positive update with fans regarding her recovery from a devastating knee injury. Stark has been out of action since the May 19, 2025, episode of RAW, where she tore her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. The severe injury required a grueling three-hour surgery and has kept her sidelined for the past five months.

In a new video posted to her Instagram on October 18, Stark joyfully announced that she has passed a major hurdle in her rehabilitation. Stark explained that her recovery had stalled, and she was facing the frightening possibility of a second procedure, which would have pushed her return date back even further.

“In the last video, one of the reasons why I was having a hard time was because I was told that either I would have to get a scope done, which is where they go in, clean out my knee and scar tissue, or to get a manipulation under anesthesia. One of the reasons being is because I didnâ€t have full range of motion and that would have pushed my recovery back and thatâ€s why I was so upset and having a really hard time with it.â€

Stark powered through her physical therapy, and in the new video, she excitedly confirmed that she managed to avoid the second surgery and is now back on schedule.

“But now weâ€re back on track. That did not have to happen. Thank God. Now Iâ€m running, Iâ€m jumping, I have full range of motions. Things are going great. Honestly, Iâ€m happy. Iâ€m blessed.â€

With this setback avoided, Stark is now focused on her eventual comeback and sent a final message to the fans. “I really, really canâ€t wait to get back into the ring and get back to you guys. So thatâ€s all—Stark out.â€

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A post shared by Zoey Stark (@zoeystarkwwe)

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