The Blade Makes In-Ring Return

The Blade Makes In-Ring Return

The Blade Makes In-Ring Return – All Elite Wrestling’s The Blade has officially returned to in-ring competition, marking a major milestone in his recovery after a lengthy absence.

The veteran wrestler stepped back into the ring at the Blissmas 25 event in Buffalo last weekend, nearly two years after he last competed. Footage of the match has since surfaced on social media, showing The Blade performing in front of a live crowd and signaling that his long road back to action has reached an important turning point.

This appearance was The Blade’s first match since February 2024. His last bout before being sidelined took place at Alpha-1’s Watch The Throne 7 The Kings Are Back event, where he defeated Kody Lane. Shortly after that match, ongoing health issues forced him away from the ring and ultimately put his career on pause.

In April 2024, The Blade revealed that he was dealing with a serious lower back injury. The condition worsened to the point where surgery became unavoidable. In September 2024, he underwent fusion back surgery, a significant procedure that required extensive recovery time and rehabilitation. The surgery was necessary to stabilize his back and give him a chance to wrestle again in the future.

AEW President Tony Khan played a key role throughout The Blade’s recovery. Khan covered the cost of the surgery and his physical therapy, providing continued support during the rehabilitation process. That backing allowed The Blade to focus entirely on healing and regaining strength without added financial pressure, which can often complicate recovery from major injuries.

The Blade debuted in AEW in 2019 alongside The Butcher and The Bunny. The trio quickly became known for their rugged style and unique presentation, establishing themselves as a consistent presence in AEW’s tag team division. His most recent AEW match took place in January 2024, shortly before his injury issues forced him off television.

While it remains unclear when or if The Blade will return to AEW programming, his appearance at Blissmas 25 represents a meaningful step forward and confirms that he is once again medically cleared to compete.

The Blade Makes In-Ring Return

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Damian Priest Working Reduced WWE Schedule Due To Injuries

Damian Priest Working Reduced WWE Schedule Due To Injuries

Damian Priest Working Reduced WWE Schedule Due To Injuries – Damian Priest has revealed that WWE is intentionally limiting his in-ring workload as he deals with several ongoing injuries. The former World Heavyweight Champion shared the update during an appearance at Prince St. Pizza, explaining that the decision to slow things down was made by WWE management rather than at his own request.

Priest made it clear that taking time off has never been part of his mindset. Since arriving in WWE, he has prided himself on being available and pushing through physical issues without asking for rest.

“It’s unfortunate, and I don’t like to bring it up too much, and I don’t take breaks,” Priest said. “Since I’ve been in WWE, I’ve literally taken zero days off. I’ve never asked for time off because I’ve been hurting. The company now, this year, decided like, ‘Let’s take it easy on him,’ because I’ve been going hard for a while.”

Priest went on to detail the toll that schedule has taken on his body. He disclosed that he has suffered multiple shoulder injuries over the past year and a half, along with ongoing knee and back problems. Despite the wear and tear, Priest emphasized that he prefers rehabilitation and pain management over surgery or extended absences.

“Tore my shoulders a couple of times within the last year and a half,” Priest said. “My knees are banged up. My back is ooph. I need a lot of work done, but I choose to not, because if I don’t have to, I won’t.”

He added that WWE ultimately stepped in to protect his long-term future with the company, even if it has been difficult for him personally to slow down.

“They’ve been forcing me to take it easy, put it that way,” Priest said. “Not the easiest thing to do when you want to just go out there and perform because you love what you do.”

The reduced workload is evident in his match count. Priest has wrestled just 24 matches in 2025, with only nine occurring in the second half of the year. That number is a sharp decline from 76 matches in 2024 and 100 matches in 2023.

Priest opened 2025 with a Street Fight win over Finn Balor, followed by a program with Drew McIntyre that concluded on the May 24 episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Since the summer, he has been involved in a feud with Aleister Black and recently reunited with Rhea Ripley as the Terror Twins to defeat Black and Zelina Vega on the December 12 episode of SmackDown.

Despite the current limitations, Priest’s future with WWE remains secure. He signed a new contract in early 2024, ensuring he will remain with the company for the foreseeable future.

Damian Priest Working Reduced WWE Schedule Due To Injuries

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R-Truth Reflects On Retirement Timeline

R-Truth Reflects On Retirement Timeline

R-Truth Reflects On Retirement Timeline – R-Truth has opened up about his future in professional wrestling and how he approaches the idea of retirement after a career that has spanned several decades. During an appearance on the Saturday Night’s Main Event Recap, the longtime WWE superstar was asked whether he has begun thinking seriously about when he might finally step away from the ring.

Rather than pointing to a specific age or date, R-Truth explained that his decision will be guided by how his body feels. He made it clear that he is not interested in forcing an ending or setting an artificial deadline. Instead, he relies on physical feedback to determine when the right moment arrives.

“I always like to say, I steal this from The Rock, I let pain in my body be my guide as far as when it’s time for me to go,” R-Truth said. “Right now, I still feel good.”

That mindset has helped him remain active and productive on WWE television well into a stage of his career where many performers have already retired. Despite being one of the most experienced talents on the roster, R-Truth continues to work regularly and remains a reliable presence in various roles.

R-Truth also credited his longevity to lessons he learned earlier in his career, particularly advice from Booker T. He explained that focusing on in-ring psychology and working a sustainable style has been key. By choosing moves he can perform safely and consistently, he has avoided many of the serious injuries that often shorten wrestling careers. This careful approach has allowed him to stay healthy and relevant for years.

The conversation also addressed his contract situation. R-Truth confirmed that he signed a new WWE deal in June, shortly after being released by the company only days earlier. While he is grateful to be back, he acknowledged that this contract could realistically be his last as an in-ring competitor.

“I’ve thought about it,” R-Truth said. “I just renewed my deal, so this could be the last one. We all have to have that time. We all have to get off the ride at some point.”

R-Truth Reflects On Retirement Timeline

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TNA Wrestling Adopts Short-Term Contract Strategy Heading Into 2026

TNA Wrestling Adopts Short-Term Contract Strategy Heading Into 2026

TNA Wrestling Adopts Short-Term Contract Strategy Heading Into 2026 – TNA Wrestling has reportedly taken a new approach to roster management as the company looks toward the start of 2026. According to Fightful Select, the promotion has finalized multiple short-term contract agreements with members of its roster, signaling a strategic change in how deals are being structured moving forward.

The new agreements are said to be roughly three months in length, covering talent through the beginning of 2026. While specific names were not disclosed in the report, the move represents a notable departure from the traditional longer-term contracts that have historically been standard within the company. This shift appears to be a mutually beneficial arrangement for both TNA and its wrestlers.

From the talent side, the preference for shorter deals is tied to flexibility. Wrestlers reportedly favor these agreements because they allow them to reassess their value more frequently and keep future options open. Rather than committing to multi-year terms, talent can revisit negotiations sooner or explore opportunities elsewhere if circumstances change. This approach reflects a broader industry trend in which wrestlers prioritize control over their careers and leverage their momentum when contract talks resume.

TNA officials, meanwhile, view the short-term structure as a way to maintain financial adaptability. By avoiding long-term guarantees, the company can manage its budget more efficiently while still retaining key performers for specific creative cycles. Sources indicated that this strategy also helps attract talent who may not be interested in lengthy exclusivity, including free agents or international wrestlers looking for limited runs. The result is a roster that can evolve more quickly without being weighed down by long-term financial commitments.

Several notable contracts are currently set to expire toward the end of 2025. Among those mentioned in the report are Jake Something, Zachary Wentz, AJ Francis, and Steve Maclin. Maclin, a former TNA World Champion, has been positioned as a central heel for the brand, while Wentz has remained active in the X-Division and tag team scene. AJ Francis has also become a recognizable presence through consistent character-driven segments. Whether these names are included in the newly signed short-term deals has not been confirmed.

This internal reshuffling comes on the heels of a major departure. Former TNA World Champion Joe Hendry has officially left the company and signed with WWE, where he has already begun appearing on NXT programming. Hendry also made a surprise appearance at Saturday Night’s Main Event prior to John Cena’s final match, underscoring his transition to WWE. His exit leaves a noticeable gap in TNA’s lineup, one the company will need to address as it heads into 2026.

WrestlingAttitude.Com will continue to follow updates regarding TNA contract developments as more details become available.

TNA Wrestling Adopts Short-Term Contract Strategy Heading Into 2026

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Logan Paul Offers Theory On Why Travis Scott Stopped Working With WWE

For a brief moment, it appeared rapper Travis Scott was heavily figured into WWE plans in 2025, after he was involved in John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber, and helped Cena defeat Cody Rhodes to win the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania. Scott never appeared again after WrestleMania, however, and by the summer was no longer associated with WWE after a “falling out,” much to the relief of many fans and pundits who felt Scott’s WWE work was poor.

On a recent episode of “IMPAULSIVE,” Logan Paul was discussing Scott’s short WWE tenure and why things didn’t work out. He proceeded to confirm previous reports that WWE had for Scott following WrestleMania, which would’ve involved Scott and Paul working together.

“I was very excited, obviously, for him to enter the WWE,” Paul said. “And we were supposed to team up with one other person. It was supposed to be a three on three. And the day it was supposed to be announced, he didn’t show up.”

Paul admitted he didn’t know the exact reason Scott no-showed and ultimately decided against working with WWE any further. However, he theorized that Scott ultimately balked at going forward upon realizing how physically taxing wrestling a match would’ve been.

“Wrestling is a lot about navigating pain,” Paul said. “It all really hurts. And some things hurt less, but it all hurts. And so, I think a lot of people think that the mat is bouncy and soft. I certainly thought that before I got in WWE. And the first time I touched the canvas, I was like ‘When do they bring in the trampoline mat?’ They’re like ‘No.’ I’d go ‘Okay, but what about the prop chairs?’ There’s no prop chairs. And I’m not saying this is real. [But] it hurts, and I think at some point Travis probably realized it’s really hard.”

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “IMPAULSIVE” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription