• AEW Stars Can’t Stop Praising Commentator – “Beloved” Behind the Scenes
AEW’s commentary booth has seen a familiar voice step in more frequently this year, and insiders say it’s been a welcome addition. Ian Riccaboni, known for his work in Ring of Honor, has been called upon several times to cover stretches of Dynamite broadcasts, particularly during marathon double-taping nights. His presence has allowed veterans like Tony Schiavone to catch a breather during the lengthy sessions, while also giving Riccaboni a chance to showcase his style to a wider audience.
Behind the scenes, the reception has been overwhelmingly positive, according o Fightful Select. Wrestlers and staff alike describe him as “beloved,” and several performers expressed that they’d like to see him become a steady fixture on AEW programming. Company officials are said to be pleased with the work he’s done so far, especially after the most recent Philadelphia events where his performance once again drew strong internal praise.
Earlier this year, Riccaboni committed his future to the company by signing a new deal. While AEW has extended the door for more regular appearances, Riccaboni has made it clear he values balance – maintaining his full-time day job and ensuring time for his family remain priorities. AEW has respected those boundaries, giving him the flexibility to contribute without disrupting his personal life.
Fans can expect Riccaboni to appear more often during AEW’s Philadelphia stretch of shows, with his role continuing to evolve as the company looks to strengthen its broadcast team while keeping its on-air voices fresh.
• Top AEW Star Is Dealing With Very Serious Pain
Despite making a high-profile return to AEW cards like Forbidden Door, Kenny Omega is reportedly struggling through significant physical pain. The Wrestling Observer stated Omega is currently contending with very serious pain.
Omega has endured a tumultuous stretch over the past year. His prolonged absence stemmed from a dangerous bout with diverticulitis, which required surgery and forced him out of action for months. After that health scare, he came back in early 2025, returning strong but far from 100%.
According to Fightful Select, Omega has accepted that pain will be a constant part of his career, and that’s already proven true this year.
• Why Brooke Hogan No Longer Believes Her Father’s Death Was Suspicious
In the weeks since Hulk Hogan’s passing, questions and speculation have swirled, including from within his own family. Brooke Hogan initially admitted she wasn’t entirely convinced by the early explanations surrounding her father’s death. Now, after seeing his body firsthand, she says her doubts have eased.
Speaking on TMZ Live, Brooke explained that while she never truly suspected foul play, she needed closure for herself. Viewing her father gave her reassurance that nothing suspicious had taken place. Describing the moment, she said he had been embalmed, dressed in a black suit with his trademark bandana and mustache intact – a sight that left her imagining he could step back into the ring.
One of the lingering concerns involves Hulk’s recent neck surgery. According to police records, an occupational therapist told investigators that the procedure may have damaged the phrenic nerve, which controls breathing. Brooke confirmed an autopsy has been performed and that she saw evidence of the procedure on his chest, though she has not yet seen the full report. She suggested his widow, Sky Daily, likely has those details in hand.
Brooke admitted that listening to Sky’s emotional 911 call was even harder than seeing her father’s body. The call captured the harrowing moments at the couple’s Clearwater home when Hulk stopped breathing.
Earlier in August, Brooke had publicly raised concerns on Instagram, saying she believed authorities knew more than they were sharing. Having now seen her father and accepted the findings so far, she says she feels more comfortable assuring fans that everything appears legitimate.
• Top AEW Babyface Cleared To Return
AEW may be welcoming back one of its most popular babyfaces soon. Orange Cassidy, who has been out of action since March, is now cleared and expected to rejoin the roster in the near future.
Cassidy was forced out after suffering a shoulder injury that led to surgery, with many initially fearing a torn labrum would keep him out well into next year. Instead, his recovery has progressed faster than expected, and sources indicate he won’t face the same lengthy absence other AEW names are currently dealing with.
Throughout the summer, Cassidy has been present backstage at multiple shows while rehabbing. Reports from BodySlam and Fightful Select both confirm that the “Freshly Squeezed” star is in good shape and likely to return sooner rather than later, barring any setbacks.
The timing is significant for AEW, which has recently lost Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay to injuries. Bringing Cassidy back into the fold could help stabilize the roster and inject fresh energy into storylines heading into the fall.
