The wrestling world saw a seismic shift this week as the New Day officially parted ways with WWE, triggering a wave of tributes and speculation about their future. While headlines were dominated by this unexpected exit, the industry also grappled with recent talent cuts and a chaotic news cycle surrounding AEW media rights rumors.

The New Day Split: What’s Next?

Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods stunned the industry on May 2 by mutually parting ways with WWE after an iconic 12-year run. Big E, sidelined from active competition, issued an emotional tribute, while former peers ranging from Ricochet to various AEW roster members weighed in on the legacy of the most successful stable of the modern era.

Where they land remains the biggest question in the sport. While TNA has already signaled interest in bringing the pair into their promotion, the sheer magnitude of their brand suggests an independent run or a splashy AEW debut could be on the cards. Losing such a staple act feels like the end of an era for WWE, and their absence leaves a massive void in the mid-card and tag team divisions.

AEW’s Media Rights Standoff

Speculation surrounding AEW’s broadcast future reached a fever pitch this week. Nick LoPiccolo persists in his claims that Warner Bros. Discovery has flatly denied an option to renew the current television deal, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for a company approaching its Double or Nothing pay-per-view on May 24.

This ongoing narrative is becoming a persistent distraction for the product. Whether these reports hold water or are merely click-driven noise, the uncertainty surrounding their primary platform looms over every booking decision made on Collision, including the recent title-heavy episode featuring the TNT, TBS, and National championships.

NXT Roster Cuts and Talent Evaluations

WWE continued its internal restructuring with a series of releases, most notably impacting Sirena Linton. Unlike previous financial-driven purges, these moves are reportedly framed as talent evaluations, suggesting a shift in strategy for developmental talent.

It is difficult to view these cuts as strictly performance-based when seasoned talent is moved out to make room for newer prospects. While Linton issued a defiant statement regarding her future, the revolving-door nature of the Performance Center ensures that the pressure on the remaining roster members to justify their spots remains at an all-time high.

Persephone Sidelined

The women’s division took a hit this week as Persephone was ruled out indefinitely following a mist attack by Julia Hart. The injury forced an immediate reshuffle of an upcoming Ring of Honor title match, highlighting how quickly booking plans can collapse due to physical setbacks.

This kind of momentum-killer is the worst-case scenario for rising stars. You have to wonder why the promotion didn’t have a more robust contingency plan in place to handle the immediate fallout of the match update.

Retirements and Wrestling Health

Trevor Murdoch officially retired this week, ending a storied 27-year career. His departure marks the loss of a gritty, old-school worker who held the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Championship twice and represented a specific style of regional wrestling that is increasingly rare today.

On a more somber note, Tommy Rich provided a grim update on Abdullah the Butcher, noting that the legend is in failing health. These stories offer a grounded reminder of the toll this career takes on the body, juxtaposed against newer, lighter-hearted moments, like Danhausen trolling for partners ahead of Backlash.

Looking Ahead

With WWE Backlash just around the corner on May 9, the focus shifts to whether the current roster can deliver in the absence of legacy acts like the New Day. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on AEW’s Double or Nothing, and fans will be watching closely to see if any of this week’s major departures make a surprise appearance in Las Vegas.