WWE rumor roundup: Punk–Rhodes WrestleMania talk, Sheamus and Samantha Irvin linked to AEW, Rey Mysterio retirement update
On October 24, 2026, reports covering WWE and AEW included speculation over CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 43 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, discussions about Sheamus and Samantha Irvin potentially joining AEW, and an update on Rey Mysterio’s reported 2027 retirement plans.
Fightful and Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter were cited across the items making headlines, with Fightful reporting on AEW interest in former WWE names and Meltzer relaying backstage reaction to comments by Dwayne Johnson and updates on WrestleMania planning. The item set also noted upcoming television clashes between WWE and AEW around the turn of the year and changes to NXT’s schedule linked to US midterm election coverage.
Fightful reported AEW has not shown significant urgency to sign Sheamus despite interest from established names, and that Claudio Castagnoli and Adam Copeland have reportedly expressed support for bringing him in. The outlet said it remains unclear whether Sheamus has held direct talks with AEW and added that the former world champion left the Stamford-based promotion after a long run that included multiple championship victories and major career milestones. The report stated there is currently no confirmation that he has signed with the promotion or that a deal is imminent, and that his next wrestling destination remains uncertain.
Fightful also reported former ring announcer Samantha Irvin will become a free agent this month after her two-year non-compete clause expired, and that AEW has internally discussed bringing her in on several occasions despite no expectation of an immediate move. The piece said Irvin left the promotion in October 2024 after establishing herself as one of the promotion’s most recognizable ring announcers, and that no confirmed agreement between Irvin and AEW exists at this time.
Dave Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that people within WWE continue to mention the video Dwayne Johnson posted following the death of PAC, in which Johnson described AEW as "a phenomenal wrestling company" and referred to Tony Khan as a friend. Meltzer’s item noted Johnson later clarified "that humanity mattered more to him than competition between promotions," and added there is no confirmed indication the tribute has affected Johnson’s relationship with WWE or his position on the TKO board.
AEW announced the two-day New Year Smash for January 1 and 2, 2027, and the report said the January 1 show will go head-to-head with Friday Night SmackDown. The newsletter also reported that NXT’s regular Tuesday broadcast was affected by US midterm election coverage, prompting an episode to go head-to-head with AEW’s annual Blood & Guts special on a Wednesday — the first Wednesday-night clash between the two programs since 2021 — and that the November 4 ratings could offer a snapshot of audience interest in both shows.
Early WrestleMania 43 discussions mentioned CM Punk versus Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns against Oba Femi for the 2027 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but Meltzer wrote the Reigns–Femi direction is currently the consistent plan while Rhodes versus Punk is not presently the plan. Meltzer cautioned that WrestleMania plans can change significantly in the months leading up to the event.
Rey Mysterio, who the report described as 51 years old and looking in strong shape in recent matches, has been the subject of retirement rumors pointing to a possible 2027 farewell tour. Dave Meltzer addressed those reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter at F4WOnline.com, writing: "Regarding the rumors of a 2027 retirement tour and such for Rey Mysterio, we were told ‘It’s quite possible,." The report added there is no confirmation from WWE or from Mysterio himself that he has retired.