Below are a couple of top AEW & TNA news stories of the day, featuring Matt Cardona and Tessa Blanchard.
• Former WWE United States Champion Matt Cardona may be close to signing a long-term deal with AEW, or the agreement may already be finalized.
Cardona, who previously appeared on AEW programming without a formal contract, is currently featured in a major storyline in Ring of Honor (owned by AEW’s Tony Khan) and has been involved in a feud with Chris Jericho for the ROH World Championship. This has sparked speculation about a permanent role in AEW.
The Wrestling Observer noted there have been discussions about Cardona joining All Elite Wrestling but no confirmation yet. They suggested that the outcome of Cardona’s feud with Jericho, including a potential victory, could hinge on a finalized contract. Adding to the speculation, Jericho recently appeared at a GCW event to attack Cardona, hinting at a possible collaboration between AEW and GCW.
Cardona, known as Zack Ryder during his WWE tenure, achieved moderate success as a mid-card talent, winning the Intercontinental, United States, and Tag Team Championships.
Since leaving WWE, he has reinvented himself on the independent circuit, showcasing a more versatile character, which now positions him as a strong candidate for AEW’s roster.
WATCH: Revealing Photos Of Chelsea Green (Wife of Zack Ryder / Matt Cardona):
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• Tessa Blanchard’s surprise return to TNA at Final Resolution 2024 has sparked speculation about her wrestling future, with rumors suggesting it could be a step toward a WWE debut.
The Wrestling Observer suggested Blanchard’s TNA stint might serve as a trial to gauge fan reactions and minimize potential backlash:
“It could be a favor for WWE. The idea is that if she’s in TNA for a while, and there is no big backlash or anything, they could bring her into WWE because there are women in WWE that want to work with her. There may be some that don’t, but I know there are some that do.”
WWE and TNA still have a working relationship and we might see some TNA wrestlers enter the 2025 Royal Rumble matches.
In January 2020, several female wrestlers accused Tessa Blanchard of bullying and racism, including an incident where she allegedly spat in a black woman’s face and used a racial slur. The woman involved, Black Rose, later confirmed that the incident had occurred. Blanchard, however, denied the accusations.
