Backstage News on Swerve Strickland’s AEW Absence

Backstage News on Swerve Strickland’s AEW Absence

Swerve Strickland has been absent from AEW programming in recent weeks, and a new report has clarified the reason behind his time away.

According to Fightful Select, Strickland recently filmed promotional content for Warner Bros. Discovery. While the exact details of the project have not been disclosed, the work explains why he has not appeared on AEW television and why he was not part of the AEW Dynasty event on April 12 in Vancouver.

Strickland’s last appearance came in late March on Dynamite, where he faced Kenny Omega in a high-stakes match. The bout had major implications, as Omega’s EVP status was tied to the outcome. With the win, Omega secured a shot at the AEW World Championship against MJF at Dynasty.

Omega went on to challenge for the title in the main event of Dynasty but was unsuccessful, as MJF retained the championship. Meanwhile, Strickland was not scheduled for the show. Fightful noted that he attended a signing on the same day as the pay-per-view rather than appearing at the event.

The connection to Warner Bros. Discovery is significant, as AEW’s weekly programming airs on networks under that umbrella, including TBS and TNT. Strickland’s involvement in promotional work tied to the company suggests his absence was planned rather than related to injury or creative changes.

Over the past two years, Strickland has remained a key figure in AEW. He held the AEW World Championship in 2024 before eventually losing it to MJF, solidifying his position near the top of the roster.

At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for Strickland’s return to AEW television. Additional details about the promotional project he filmed have also not been revealed.

Backstage News on Swerve Strickland’s AEW Absence

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Boxing Star Alycia Baumgardner Confirms WWE Talks

Boxing Star Alycia Baumgardner Confirms WWE Talks

Boxing champion Alycia Baumgardner has revealed that discussions with WWE are currently taking place, as she continues to explore opportunities beyond the boxing ring.

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Baumgardner was asked about the possibility of getting involved with WWE. She confirmed that both sides have already opened communication and are actively talking.

“Oh, listen, it’s in the works. Conversations are being had — as we speak,” Baumgardner said. “Again, I don’t turn no deal down if it makes sense. And when we talk about building a brand, we talk about bigger and better. I’m not just a fighter, I’m not just a boxer. I think that’s why they [haters] mad, because they’ve got to box. I don’t have to box. I love to box. I choose to box. And, yeah, we’re building something big. We’re building a brand that is made to last.”

Baumgardner also spoke about her long-time interest in WWE, noting that she was a fan growing up. She shared a story about trying to recreate WWE-style entrances at home.

“I was a big fan growing up,” she said, recalling how she once lit fireworks in her room while imitating entrance pyro.

She named Trish Stratus and John Cena as some of her favorite performers from that time.

Baumgardner added that she has a personal connection within WWE, as she is friends with Jade Cargill. She praised Cargill for how she represents Black women in the company.

At this stage, Baumgardner has not begun any wrestling training. She explained that her focus remains on her current fight camp, as she prepares to face Bo Mi Re Shin in New York City this Friday night.

She also revealed that she invited Cargill to attend the fight, but Cargill will not be able to make it due to her WrestleMania commitments.

While nothing has been finalized, Baumgardner’s comments confirm that discussions with WWE are ongoing as she continues to build her career.

Boxing Star Alycia Baumgardner Confirms WWE Talks

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Michael Cole and The Miz to Host WWE Hall of Fame 2026

Michael Cole and The Miz Announced as Hosts for 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony

WWE has confirmed that Michael Cole and The Miz will serve as hosts for the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, set to take place during WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas.

The ceremony is scheduled for Friday night at Dolby Live at Park MGM, traditionally held on the eve of WrestleMania. Fans in the United States will be able to watch the event live on the ESPN app, while international viewers can stream it on YouTube. The show is set to begin at midnight Eastern Time (9 p.m. Pacific).

This year’s Hall of Fame class features several notable names. Stephanie McMahon, AJ Styles, Demolition, Sid Vicious, Bad News Brown, and Dennis Rodman are all set to be inducted.

WWE will also present the Immortal Moment Award, recognizing one of the most iconic matches in company history. This year, the honor goes to Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant from WrestleMania III. The award was introduced in 2025 to celebrate historic moments that helped define WWE’s legacy.

While The Miz is not scheduled to compete at WrestleMania 42, he has remained active during the week by promoting the event across various platforms. He recently appeared on American Idol as part of that effort.

In addition to his WWE commitments, The Miz will also have a major television debut on the same day as the Hall of Fame ceremony. His revival of American Gladiators is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video this Friday.

With Cole and Miz leading the ceremony, WWE is set to spotlight both current stars and legendary figures as part of WrestleMania 42 weekend.

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WWE’s The Miz Reviews Concessions At The Masters Tournament

With five different championship runs and a 20-year-long career in WWE, The Miz doesn’t compete nearly as much as he used to, but still keeps himself busy with golf; often taking part in celebrity tournaments. The Miz is currently attending The Masters Tournament in Augusta, GA as a celebrity guest, and while he isn’t teeing off, he took the time to get review the food options the event had to offer.

In a clip shared on social media, Miz explained that he’d grabbed several sandwiches from The Masters Tournament menu, while claiming he was the best-dressed at the event. The Miz started with the “Eight Salad Sandwich,” Augusta National’s take on egg salad, and seemed impressed. 

“I get why people are talking about the Eight Salad Sandwich, lot of mayo – which is not going to go good with my WrestleMania diet,” Miz said, “but here at the Masters, you don’t need to be on a diet.” 

The star then went toward the Ham & Cheese on Rye sandwich and was taken aback by the sandwich. Miz then proceeded to the Master’s Club and Pimento Cheese sandwiches, while still being giddy about the Ham & Cheese on Rye sandwich. 

“It so weird, you open it up, and you’re like ‘oh, it’s a simple sandwich,’ right?” Miz said. “They’re really not.There’s a lot of taste to it.”

The Miz notably had the best reaction to the Pimento Cheese sandwich, expressing that he was in disbelief at how great all the sandwiches were, and recommended people get the aforementioned sandwich. 

“I would go [Pimento], [Pimento] with a side of pulled pork, then I’d go Ham & Cheese on Rye, I’d go Egg Salad, Masters, and Classic Chicken,” he stated. “Amazing haul, amazing day. The Masters is Awesome.”

The Miz was recently announced as the host of the WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, alongside Michael Cole.

The Miz Hosting HOF Ceremony Alongside WWE Broadcaster

WWE revealed the hosts for its 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony on social media on Tuesday. The company posted a graphic to X (formerly Twitter) that announced WWE star The Miz will co-host the show alongside veteran commentator Michael Cole. Miz also shared the graphic to his own page.

“Truly honored to host the 2026 WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony alongside @MichaelCole,” he wrote, alongside the details of how to stream the event, which Cole re-posted.

The ceremony is set to stream on the ESPN app in the United States and on YouTube internationally. It’s set to begin at 12 a.m. EST, following the conclusion of “WWE SmackDown” at 11 p.m.

Stephanie McMahon and AJ Styles will headline the Hall of Fame class. McMahon was the first person revealed, back in September. Both were notified of their inductions publicly by The Undertaker, who told Styles he’d be going in this year, as well, after he left his gloves in the ring during a February episode of “WWE Raw” in Georgia. Styles wrestled his final match, a loss against GUNTHER, at the Royal Rumble.

Demolition will also be inducted, and Sycho Sid and Bad News Brown will go into the Legacy wing. Dennis Rodman is the celebrity inductee this year. As for the Immortal Moment, WWE will honor Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant’s match from WrestleMania 3. It will be the late Hogan’s third time in the Hall of Fame, as he has been honored individually and as a member of the nWo. It will be Andre’s second honor after he was inducted during the inaugural ceremony in 1993.