Pro Wrestling Updates: Mercedes Mone’s Contract, Elaina Gu’s WWE Tryout, NJPW Renews AXS TV Deal, And January Schedule Revealed

As early as December, there were rumours among wrestling fans that Mercedes Mone would team up with AEW. But according to Fightful Select, tentative plans had been derailed. By all accounts, it seems AEW and Mone’s cooperation was further than ever apart on contractual terms.

The details of these contractual disagreements remained shrouded in mystery, forcing fans to guess about the nature of this impasse. Fightful Select explained that when social media said this door was closed between AEW and Mone’, there has been no confirmation received. Fightful Select ruled out headline-making rumors that Mone’s AEW debut plans had been cancelled. There were never any concrete plans for her big stage première in the first place.

NJPW expressed willingness to bring Mone’ back into the fold. Mone’ is not working with NJPW right now, but there have been no reports of any recent discussions between the two. Sidelined with a broken ankle, her most recent appearance was at the NJPW Resurgence in May 2023.

WWE’s 2024 Plans and an Unlikely Turnabout for Elaina Gu

Looking forward, it looks like WWE is preparing for discussions with a number of free agents at the beginning of 2024. But at present, the word going around does not include Mercedes-Benz’s. According to Fightful Select, as of now, there are no plans or discussions within the creative team about Mone’s possible return.

At the same time, a rather unexpected newcomer to pro wrestling is Elaina Gu. She was just a Princeton University swimmer not long ago. Gu, who was at the last WWE tryout of 2015 in Orlando, Florida, has an unusual background for a potential grappler. A graduate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Gu swam in her youth, then went on to fitness training after graduation. With an impressive social media fan base, her transition from swimming to wrestling could throw another into the mix in a truly wide-ranging field of talent in wrestling.

The WWE tryout gathered together athletes from a wide range of sports realms, including boxers and weightlifters, as well as players from rugby teams or even football (soccer) clubs. Also of note, among those in the group were also people with titles ranging from nurses to cosplayers and fitness instructors—a testament that there are all manner of backgrounds undoubtedly found across professional aggregators.

NJPW’s Continued Partnership with AXS TV: What’s in Store for 2024?

TV-wise, AXS TV has an official extension of its programming contract with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. They are now set to work together through 2024. So the deal promises fans 45 new episodes next year. The season will start on January 11, 2024. Users of AXS TV Now receive a special treat as well when classic NJPW matches air every Sunday beginning January 7, 2024.

As the pro wrestling world turns, rumours and speculations often take centre stage, providing fans with a rollercoaster of emotions. Recently, the spotlight has been on Mercedes Mone’, whose contractual status has been a topic of much debate. Additionally, the wrestling landscape has seen some intriguing developments, including Elaina Gu’s WWE tryout and NJPW renewing its deal with AXS TV. Let’s dive into the details and unravel the latest happenings in the squared circle.

AXS TV has announced an exciting schedule for January. Set to broadcast on January 11, Wrestle Kingdom 18 includes a triple threat match for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship between Will Ospreay, Jon Moxley, and David Finlay. One week later, on January 18, O.K.D. takes place with a rematch between The Rainmaker Kazuchika Okada and the American Dragon Bryan Danielson, who met back in June at Forbidden Door 2. Finally, on January 25, G1 CLIMAX 33 winner Tetsuya Naito faces off against SANADA in a quest to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

AXS TV NOW’s January schedule of classic NJPW episodes pairs up with new content, featuring the best moments from Wrestle Kingdom 7 to 13. A diverse lineup should entertain even the most jaded of New Japan pro-wrestling fans and possibly win over a few newcomers to boot.

Meanwhile, every day, the pro wrestling scene changes. Contract negotiations, the new guy on the block overnight, and television partnerships determine what we see each week. 2024’s coming The extensive interest in professional wrestling that is just around the corner means that these developments can now be seen unfolding before your very eyes within weeks.

A new chapter of excitement is about Begin Ransha Guilian. Whether it’s the mysterious uncertainty about Mercedes Mone (how much longer she will be with WWE and when), Elaina Gu on her big journey to try out for a pro contract in Florida, or whether they are still deeper into NJPW and making their presence felt yet unknown, or even if it is continuing what they began last fall, either way, that world of wrestling