• Latest AEW Signing Revealed
All Elite Wrestling is on the verge of officially claiming another international standout. Following his appearance on AEW Collision this past weekend, Fightful Select reports that Clark Connors is expected to sign a full-time contract imminently.
Connors was a pillar of the Bullet Club War Dogs stable in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His deal with NJPW reportedly expired recently, making him one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. His recent battle against Darby Allin served as a live audition of sorts, capped off by a post-match assault alongside Gabe Kidd that signaled his arrival as a permanent threat to the AEW roster.
The signing of Connors may be part of a much larger strategy for Tony Khan. Internal buzz suggests that AEW’s aggressive move for Connors is a direct prelude to their pursuit of David Finlay.
As the ex-leader of the Bullet Club War Dogs heads toward his own free agency, AEW sources believe that securing Connors provides the perfect bridge to lure Finlay stateside, potentially reuniting the stable under the AEW banner and changing the power dynamic of the midcard overnight.
• Why Royal Rumble 2026 Stadium Looked Half Empty
If you watched the Royal Rumble and thought the stadium looked half-empty, WWE says your eyes were playing tricks on you. Despite the hollow look on the broadcast, internal sources confirmed that 25,000 tickets were moved for the Riyadh event, making it a legitimate sell-out for the custom-built venue.
The culprit behind the ghostly atmosphere was a failed experiment with LED seating lights, according to PWInsider. WWE tried a new production element where lights were integrated into the stadium seats to create a vibrant, colored-coded crowd effect.
While it looked impressive to the fans in person, the high-intensity glow completely washed out the audience on camera. Instead of seeing a packed house, viewers at home saw what looked like rows of empty chairs reflecting the stage lights.
One production source noted that while they are always looking to innovate, this particular lighting setup will not be returning for future Saudi Arabia shows. WWE officials were reportedly frustrated that the 25,000-person atmosphere they worked to build was lost in translation due to a technical oversight in the camera shots.
• Backstage Confusion In WWE Over Royce Keys’ Debut
The man formerly known as Powerhouse Hobbs didn’t just debut at the Royal Rumble; he made an immediate statement to the entire WWE roster. Under his new moniker, Royce Keys, the super-heavyweight standout earned “very positive” reviews from both peers and management during his first night on the job, according to Fightful Select.
Keys’ introduction to the WWE staff was described as a massive success, with many backstage noting his professionalism and undeniable presence. While his physical performance in the ring met high expectations, the chatter behind the curtain centered on how well he integrated into the WWE system in such a short time.
However, the transition wasn’t without its questions. Some within the company were “confused” by how WWE was able to use the “Powerhouse Hobbs” name on the entrance screen and even on commentary, as that name is owned by AEW.
Also Read: Tony Khan Made An Insane Offer To Powerhouse Hobbs To Stay In AEW
