WWE & AEW Rumours: Billy Gunn's AEW Absence, NXT/TNA Crossover Payment Details, Negative Reaction To Jey Uso

The rumour mill continues to turn on October 26, with stories covering several promotions today. There are details on Billy Gunn’s AEW absence, details on how wrestlers are paid for NXT/TNA crossover, and how WWE responded to some pretty hefty YouTube dislikes on Jey Uso’s victory on RAW earlier this week. 

Why Billy Gunn Is Not On AEW TV Revealed 

Billy Gunn has been absent from AEW programming for a few months, not being seen since Anthony Bowens has teased a heel turn prior to his reunion storyline with Max Caster. Jerry Lynn had stepped in as a buffer between the two former Acclaimed members, with many questioning why it was not “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn in this role. 

When it comes to the reason behind his absence, Billy Gunn’s team reached out to Wrestle Purists to reveal that he was not on the sidelines due to injury, specifically not due to a back injury he’d recently spoken about. It was explained that he is not on AEW programming simply due to the creative team not booking him, rather than anything else. 

Former WWE Wrestler Makes AEW Debut 

On AEW Collision last night, a former WWE wrestler made her debut on AEW programming. In a backstage interview involving the TayJay team of Anna Jay and Tay Melo, two debuting names interrupted; Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize, who wanted to make themselves known ahead of AEW’s women’s tag title tournament, of which TayJay are a part of. 

Newell was previously Tegan Nox in WWE and was released from her deal for a second time in November of last year. She has since returned to the independent circuit under her previous ring name. In the case of Alize, she is a former ROH competitor who last competed on the brand back in 2023. 

NXT/TNA Payment Structure Revealed 

Over the last year, there has been a whole bunch of crossover between the stars of NXT and TNA, with each having a notable presence on both television and premium live events. When it comes to questions about pay of those appearing in both companies, Fightful Select has revealed some of the payment structure. 

It is noted that for TNA wrestlers who come to WWE, they are paid by WWE per appearance, though the amount varies from individual wrestlers given what they do on the show. For instance, if someone is not used or just appears then they receive the lowest amount, which then goes up if you compete in the ring. There also seems to be a main event bonus too, with those headlining shows getting higher pay than others. When it comes to the other way around, Fightful Select have noted that they’ve been told of several NXT wrestlers who have NOT been paid extra to appear in TNA. 

WWE’s Response To Negative Reaction To Jey Uso Victory On RAW

On Monday Night RAW this week, Jey Uso emerged victorious in a battle royal to earn a spot against CM Punk at Saturday Night’s Main Event to crown the brand new World Heavyweight Champion. Not only was there some outcry on social media, the YouTube dislikes on his battle royal win are way higher than the likes of the video. 

Fightful Select have noted that WWE’s response is essentially no response, with it being said that they pay zero attention to YouTube dislikes, with it having no impact on the creative process.