The state of the roster
April 2026 is shaping up to be a chaotic month for professional wrestling talent management. While the focus remains on the upcoming Backlash event, the internal machinery of companies like WWE and the fallout from recent AEW departures suggest a shifting power balance within the industry.
Reports confirmed this week that former IWGP Heavyweight Champion EVIL has officially inked a deal with WWE. This acquisition follows his departure from NJPW earlier this year, marking a significant move for a performer with his specific technical pedigree. As WrestleTalk reported, the signing signals that WWE is still aggressively hunting high-profile international talent to bolster the show's bench.
Contractual friction and public exits
Not everyone is finding the transition between promotional homes seamless. Mercedes Martinez recently voiced her frustrations regarding her final stint with AEW, questioning the organization's business logic. She spent months under contract with the promotion but rarely appeared on television, leading to a candid breakdown of her time there after parting ways in January 2026.
Martinez noted a recurring issue for veterans: the disconnect between receiving a paycheck and meaningful creative engagement. Her comments touch on a broader ailment in the industry where long-term contracts are often used as tools to sideline talent rather than develop them for key storylines. When a performer of her caliber is left off the card for months, it raises questions about the efficiency of current booking departments.
Backstage viral moments
Outside the squared circle, WWE talent remains glued to media obligations, though some are testing the limits of those commitments. Seth Rollins recently made headlines for walking off the set of NFL Network's Good Morning Football. The incident occurred after a host took aim at the legitimacy of professional wrestling, prompting a visibly irritated Rollins to depart the broadcast early.
The move is a rare instance of a high-level performer refusing to participate in a segment they viewed as disrespectful. While some critics might call it an unprofessional escalation, vocal fans view the move as a protective stance for the industry. Whether this leads to future broadcast sanctions for Rollins is currently unknown, but he remains a crucial pillar for the upcoming May 9th Backlash event.
Rising tides in NXT
In contrast to the friction seen in the main roster and outside media, the atmosphere in NXT is currently focused on talent elevation. Tatum Paxley has been heavily featured following her recent win at the Revenge special, and she has received public backing from a major figure of the past decade. AJ Lee, having returned to the company, has publicly called Paxley 'the coolest' in a move that has only served to increase fan interest.
Paxley responded in kind with a nod to the past, citing the infamous 'I also dig crazy chicks' line. The engagement has generated a noticeable uptick in organic social media impressions for the NXT brand. It serves as a reminder that when veteran legends effectively endorse younger stars, it resonates more effectively than traditional promotional pushes.
Reflecting on the state of the business, the contrast between the frustration expressed by Martinez and the organic momentum of acts like Paxley creates a divided narrative. Companies that fixate on hoarding talent without active utilization risk negative PR, while those that align legacy stars with up-and-coming talent continue to win the engagement battle. The coming weeks will determine if these recent moves can sustain momentum heading into the late spring schedule.
