Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Mark Briscoe, Nia Jax and More

Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors: Latest on Mark Briscoe, Nia Jax and More

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Was Mark Briscoe’s tribute to brother Jay a one-and-done with AEW?Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Mark Briscoe defeated Jay Lethal Wednesday night on AEW Dynamite in a match that served as a tribute to his late brother, Jay, but was his appearance a one-off or the start of a run?

Briscoe’s status headlines this collection of wrestling rumors, which also features the latest on Brian Cage’s contractual status with All Elite Wrestling, an update on the return of The Hurt Business, and a potential surprise appearance by Nia Jax at the WWE Royal Rumble.

Mark Briscoe’s AEW Future

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The wrestling world watched as Mark Briscoe paid tribute to his late brother, Jay, Wednesday night on Dynamite with a victory over Jay Lethal.

Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com reported that it was not a one-off appearance and Briscoe is able to appear as any other AEW wrestler would moving forward (h/t Randall Ortman of Cageside Seats).

It seconds Dave Meltzer’s initial report for the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW had been given the go-ahead to use Briscoe moving forward by Warner Bros. Discovery officials:

This is wonderful news for the 38-year-old, who still has a ton to offer the wrestling world if he so chooses.

Along with Jay, he has been one of the most influential performers of the last two decades. The Briscoes championed tag team wrestling in an era when the company standard was pushing two singles competitors together in a makeshift tandem.

The brothers combined mat technique with the ability to slug it out in a good, old-fashioned Mid South-style brawl.

They set the standard for their art form and helped establish Ring of Honor as the preeminent independent promotion in the business.

One would be hard-pressed to find a single performer on the AEW roster who has not been influenced by the brothers’ work. Mark belongs in that locker room and probably should be in a high-profile position.

Imagine the optics of Briscoe, a Sandy Fork, Delaware chicken farmer, challenging the Burberry scarf-wearing MJF for the AEW World Championship. It’s an easy story to tell with a potentially defining moment to boot.

Nia Jax a Surprise Entry in Women’s Rumble?

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Johnson also reported that, according to several WWE insiders, Nia Jax is expected to be a part of the women’s Royal Rumble match this Saturday night (h/t Ortman).

Jax is no stranger to the Royal Rumble, but her most memorable moment did not take place in the women’s match. Instead, it took place in the 2019 men’s contest, where she enjoyed momentary dominance before enduring a 619 from Rey Mysterio and an RKO from Randy Orton.

Jax was released from WWE as part of the company’s mass firings in 2021 and has not competed for another major promotion since.

There is no indication whether this will be just a one-off appearance, but given the fact that she rose to prominence under Triple H’s guidance in NXT, it would not be surprising to see her back in some way beyond the Rumble.

Where Jax fits in an already packed women’s division is the question.

Back in Business?

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In the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer reported that The Hurt Business may be returning sooner rather than later. “(Bobby) Lashley has been pushing to redo The Hurt Business and the angle for that started last week.”

MVP has been all over Raw of late, talking to former associates Shelton Benjamin, Cedric Alexander and Lashley, teasing fans with the potential return of the faction. That does not happen unless the intention is to bring the group back in some form.

Frustration over Benjamin and Alexander’s loss to The Street Profits on the January 16 episode of Raw following botched interference from MVP suggests there are still fences to be mended, but the return of the stable could be huge for a show that is still looking for star-driven acts and dominant forces to build around.

Lashley is as good as he has ever been, and resurrecting the faction for him to lead would only enhance what is already a bright star.

That The All-Mighty is poised to resume his rivalry with Brock Lesnar following the return of The Beast Incarnate on Monday’s Raw only serves to underline the need for backup.

Now is the time to reinstate The Hurt Business.

Brian Cage’s AEW Contract Status

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Brian Cage has seen his status in AEW improve significantly over the last month, and he was a central figure in the feud between Bryan Danielson and MJF on Wednesday night’s Dynamite.

Will that be enough for the company to retain the services of The Machine, though?

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that Cage’s contract with AEW will be expiring in the coming weeks.

So, it is somewhat surprising that the talented heavyweight has been utilized on television to the extent he has in recent weeks. Even more so that he is currently one-third of the Ring of Honor six-man tag team champions, The Embassy.

Sapp stated, “There have been feelers within WWE that have gauged the company’s interest in bringing Cage in, we’re told. Though we aren’t sure if there’s particular interest on either side.”

Based on his look alone, one would assume there would be WWE interest in Cage. Add in his athleticism and ability to pull off feats typically reserved for much smaller men, and you have a guy who should have the attention of every major company.

Considering his increased presence and role as a reigning ROH titleholder, it’s likely Tony Khan makes some sort of offer to Cage. Whether it’s enough to keep him around after reported frustration and backstage heat with the promotion is another matter.