WWE & AEW Rumours: Ava-Charlie Kirk Controversy, SmackDown Spoiler, Future Plans For Joe Hendry Revealed

Ava received backlash following her comments about the shooting of Charlie Kirk and there is an update on why WWE didn't ask the NXT GM to take down her posts, something which the company has typically done in the past. WWE will also hold the go-home edition of SmackDown before Wrestlepalooza tonight, and a potential spoiler on a full return at the show has been revealed.

A push is also planned for Rey Mysterio, and WWE are planning to add another title match to Wrestlepalooza. El Grande Americano also could be at the centre of a new WWE sponsorship deal.

Pro wrestling rumours for September 19, 2025:

Why WWE Didn't Take Action Against Ava Over Charlie Kirk Posts

The shooting of Charlie Kirk has dominated news coverage in the United States and WWE NXT General Manager Ava appeared to share her own views on the shooting, reposting: "If you want people to have kind words when you pass, you should say kind words when you’re alive."

This caused a backlash against Ava, but she doubled down on the repost, writing: "And i'll stand behind this. be kind, now more than ever."

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that if the posts had been retweeted or made by almost anyone else, they would have been asked to take them down. As it was Ava, however, nobody will tell her.

Ava, of course, is the daughter of The Rock.

Why WWE Banned Fans From WrestleMania 43-Saudi Arabia Announcement

The announcement by Triple H and Turki Alalshikh of WrestleMania 43 being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was somewhat bizarre as they utilised a press conference setup despite there being no fans or media present for the announcement.

Dave Meltzer reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that TKO decided to ban fans from the announcement over fears that fans would boo. Press were also not allowed to attend due to the possibility that some of them might ask "real questions."

Shinsuke Nakamura In Town For WWE SmackDown

Shinsuke Nakamura has not wrestled on WWE programming since the June 13 episode of Friday Night SmackDown when he failed to advance beyond the first round of the King of the Ring tournament.

Nakamura was lurking in the background throughout last week's SmackDown, though, particularly behind United States Champion Sami Zayn. Nakamura may make his proper return on tonight's SmackDown, as PWInsider has reported the King of Strong Style has been spotted by fans in Ohio, with WWE holding tonight's taping in Toledo.

Future WWE & TNA Plans For Joe Hendry Revealed

While he is still under contract with TNA until the end of the year, Joe Hendry has rarely been featured by TNA Wrestling since the post-Slammiversary tapings of IMPACT. He has been regularly featured on WWE NXT TV, however, and is now even a part of the opening crawl of the Tuesday night show.

Hendry looks set to remain a part of NXT for the foreseeable future, with The Takedown on SI reporting that Hendry is currently being largely phased out of TNA programming and integrated into WWE TV. The expectation is Hendry will be with WWE on a full-time basis by the beginning of 2026.

TNA President Carlos Silva noted to SI that NXT and TNA coordinate their talent usage together as part of the working relationship that was formalised in January 2025.

WWE Planning To Add Another Title Match To Wrestlepalooza

A WWE Women's Title match of Tiffany Stratton vs. Jade Cargill vs. Nia Jax was featured on merchandise for Wrestlepalooza, although the match has yet to be officially announced by WWE.

WrestleVotes has reported that the Triple Threat is planned for Wrestlepalooza, although it depends on if Stratton is able to compete at the pay-per-view. The WWE Women's Champion sustained an injury on last week's SmackDown when her head hit the floor following a moonsault to the outside.

The Triple Threat took place five times during WWE's Road to Clash in Paris house show tour of the United Kingdom in late August.

International Locations Under Discussion For Future WWE PPVs Revealed

WWE holding international pay-per-views will continue in 2026 following the recent announcement by WWE President Nick Khan about a PLE in Italy next year. There have also been rumours about a push within WWE to hold a pay-per-view in Hong Kong.

Beyond Italy and China, however, BodySlam has reported there have been talks within WWE about holding pay-per-views in Japan, Mexico, and Spain over the next few years.

Since 2022, WWE have held several pay-per-views outside of the United States, including in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.

AAA Push Planned For Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio has been out of action since sustaining a torn groin on the go-home episode of SmackDown before WrestleMania 41. Mysterio is working to be cleared, though, and there is an update on WWE's plans for him.

According to WrestleVotes on WrestleVotes Radio, WWE are planning to feature Mysterio in a major role in Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide. Mysterio has been featured across AAA programming through appearances, including at Worlds Collide where he placed the AAA Mega Championship around Dominik Mysterio's waist.

WWE are also considering holding at least one more AAA streaming event before the end of 2025.