“I’m a little careful to criticize it, but it just seems so reactionary and random,” Bischoff said. “Here’s my take, wild ass guess. Brock got emotional, made a decision in the ring, found out shortly thereafter there’s language in that agreement that makes what you did a problem. Creatively, we can figure it out, but we’re not ready there. We’re not ready for retirement yet or something to that effect. Something happened.

“… I get it’s interesting and it’s fun to play out what-if scenarios, but I think Brock realized he was a little premature on leaving the s*** in the ring thing, or because he negotiated really well and got emotional in the process, he got a bucket of money that he wasn’t expecting or was negotiating for,” he continued. “I don’t know, but it is odd. Either way, it’s odd.”

In resurfacing on “WWE Raw” last week, Lesnar dropped Oba Femi, his WrestleMania 42 opponent, with multiple F5s in the ring before heading up the entrance ramp. Backstage, his manager Paul Heyman then revealed that “The Beast” was still in retirement, though he’d come out of it for one more match against “The Ruler,” this time at WWE Clash In Italy.

Heyman handed “Raw” General Manager Adam Pearce a contract already signed by Lesnar, with only Femi’s signature then needed to make the bout official. The rematch graphic was later unveiled during WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, confirming that Lesnar and Femi will indeed meet at Clash In Italy, a premium live event set for May 31. 

Femi defeated Lesnar in a matter of minutes on WWE’s grandest stage, courtesy of a sit-out powerbomb. Afterward, the former WWE Champion appeared visibly emotional as he left his ring boots and gloves in the ring.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit “83 Weeks“ with a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.

Thekla has opened up about the origin of her now well-known “Toxic Spider” nickname, shedding light on how the persona has been tied to her identity long before her rise in All Elite Wrestling.

Speaking on the Sal Licata Show, Thekla explained that the nickname dates back to her debut and is rooted in her real name.

“I came up with it. That was from my debut already. I was already Toxic Spider. Spider is something that’s been with me for a long time, a nickname, because my name, Thekla, is my real name. There was this spider in an old children’s animation, a movie that was called Thekla and Thekla is a very rare name. So all the kids around the block were always like, ‘Hey, Thekla, like the spider.” So it’s always the spider thing is always stuck, and then Toxic Spider just sounds really good, and I was, I was never going to be a babyface either. So toxic is just like, you know, it’s like, it tells you be like, be aware (of) danger. That’s me.”

Her explanation highlights how the nickname blends personal history with her in-ring character, reinforcing the darker persona she has embraced throughout her career.

During the same interview, Thekla also addressed comparisons to fellow Austrian star Gunther, who has established himself as one of the top names in WWE. She described the idea of being ranked among the best Austrian wrestlers as a close competition.

“Oh that’s a tight race, I’m gonna say. I usually do put myself on on the number one spot, but I’m glad, I mean, I’m glad he’s a guy, I’m a girl, you know, we don’t have to actually race for that spot, but i think he can do shit that i can’t do, and vice versa let’s put it that way.”

Now one year into her run with All Elite Wrestling, Thekla continues to build momentum as the reigning AEW Women’s World Champion. She is set for another major title defense at AEW Double or Nothing, where she will face Jamie Hayter, Kris Statlander, and Hikaru Shida in a high-stakes match.

With her unique persona and growing list of accomplishments, Thekla remains one of the most distinctive champions on the AEW roster today.

Thekla Explains ‘Toxic Spider’ Nickname and Addresses Comparison to Gunther

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Wardlow was reportedly backstage at AEW Double or Nothing 2026, which took place tonight in Queens, New York. According to Fightful Select, the former three-time AEW TNT Champion was in attendance at Louis Armstrong Stadium. However, there is still no confirmation that he will appear on the broadcast.

This update comes as Wardlow continues his long road back to in-ring competition. He has not wrestled for AEW since March 2024, when he last competed during his TNT Championship run before stepping away. Since then, his absence has raised questions among fans, especially given his previous position as one of the promotion’s dominant powerhouses.

Recent reports have noted that Wardlow has been present at multiple AEW events while working toward medical clearance. This approach is consistent with how AEW typically reintegrates injured talent. Wrestlers often attend shows and remain active behind the scenes to stay connected with the locker room before making a full return to television.

Wardlow briefly resurfaced at the 2025 AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door event in a surprise appearance. Despite the reaction, that moment did not lead to a sustained comeback. Not long after, reports indicated he may have suffered a torn pectoral muscle, further delaying any plans for a full-time return.

In April, Wardlow addressed his condition during an appearance on BCP+. He confirmed the earlier report regarding the pectoral injury. He also revealed that he tore his left bicep ahead of filming the American Gladiator reboot for Amazon Prime. Wardlow explained that he chose not to undergo surgery at the time and instead wore a sleeve during filming to conceal the visible effects of the injury.

As of now, AEW Double or Nothing 2026 features nine matches on the main card, along with three Buy In matches. While Wardlow’s presence backstage is confirmed, it remains unclear if fans will see him make an on-screen return tonight.

The Buy In:

• Divine Dominion (Megan Bayne and Lena Kross, c) vs Zayda Steel and Viva Van in a 5-Minute AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship Eliminator
• The Opps (HOOK, Anthony Bowens, and Katsuyori Shibata) vs Death Riders (Wheeler Yuta, Daniel Garcia, and Claudio Castagnoli)
• Boom & Doom and The Conglomeration vs Shane Taylor Promotions in a 10-Man Tag Team Match

The full AEW Double or Nothing 2026 main card:

• AEW World Championship Title vs Hair Match: Darby Allin (c) vs MJF
• AEW Women’s World Championship: Thekla (c) vs Jamie Hayter vs Kris Statlander vs Hikaru Shida
• AEW World Tag Team Championship I Quit Match: FTR (c) vs Cage and Cope
• AEW International Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Konosuke Takeshita
• AEW Continental Championship: Jon Moxley (c) vs Kyle O’Reilly
• Stadium Stampede: Jericho, The Elite, and The Hurt Syndicate vs The Demand, The Don Callis Family, and The Dogs
• Owen Hart Men’s Tournament Quarterfinal: Will Ospreay vs Samoa Joe
• Owen Hart Men’s Tournament Quarterfinal: Swerve Strickland vs Bandido
• Owen Hart Women’s Tournament Quarterfinal: Athena vs Mina Shirakawa

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