WWE & AEW Rumours: Tony Khan's Nickname In WWE, Gunther's Return, WWE Wrestlers Unhappy

The rumour mill continues to turn as we head into September 20, which is a big day for both WWE & AEW as both Wrestlepalooza and All Out events are set to take place. Ahead of those big shows, rumours and reports concerning both promotions are making headlines, including WWE’s internal nickname for AEW president Tony Khan, an update on the absent former world champion Gunther, and some unhappiness from some WWE wrestlers. 

WWE's Internal Name For Tony Khan Revealed

WWE have more or less made it clear that they are seeking to do damage to AEW’s business with several head-to-head shows within 2025, and reportedly more being planned too. The idea seems to be to affect AEW enough that they are prevented from securing another TV deal after their current one expires. When it comes to how WWE discusses Tony Khan and AEW, a report has revealed an… interesting nickname. 

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the relationship between AEW & Ariel Helwani was discussed, in which it is stated that things have been smoothed over after appearances from Toni Storm & Ricochet on his show. Dave Meltzer mentions that Helwani’s interview with Tony Khan was described as being the most frustrating of Helwani’s career, with him even calling Khan “Snowman”. It is then stated by Meltzer that “Snowman” is the WWE insider term among some for Khan. 

The “Snowman” term is in relation to substance use and meant as a derogatory one. Despite the negative connotations, it isn't much of a surprise that WWE may be using it after a rather bizarre PR year for the company. 

Gunther Expected To Make WWE Return Soon

Gunther has been out of action since SummerSlam 2025 after his loss to CM Punk over the World Heavyweight Championship. It was reported at the time that Gunther was set for time off to receive nose surgery. WWE explained his absence by claiming that Gunther has suffered a septal hematoma and orbital blowout fracture after his bout with Punk. 

When it comes to his WWE return, it is reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Gunther will be “back very soon”. Gunther is one of the names WWE have reportedly considered involving in John Cena’s retirement run. 

WWE Wrestlers Unhappy About Change To Comp Tickets

WWE have made several changes under the TKO banner when it comes to tickets, and one of those has come to the chagrin of WWE talents. It is noted by Fightful Select that the changes to comp tickets is something that many of WWE’s talent “hate”. 

To combat this, many have begun working comp tickets into their contracts, with it being reported that Roman Reigns has given other wrestlers advice that if they want something, such as comp tickets, to work it into their deals. Fightful Select did also cover the opinions of WWE talent about Saudi Arabia trips, but noted that these are not met with outrage or issues, as they are considered an inevitability and given the logic that money often comes from somewhere dirty. 

WWE Felt Buyer's Remorse Over Bringing Back Andrade

Andrade was released from WWE over the last week, shocking fans with a sudden exit after only re-joining the company in 2024 after his spell in AEW. This reportedly came down to a Wellness Policy violation, and due to WWE not being able to contact him. More has been learned about WWE’s feelings towards signing Andrade, as they reportedly felt “buyer’s remorse” according to a report from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. 

There was a feeling in WWE that they believed Andrade would become a huge deal, similar to that of CM Punk and Cody Rhodes after their respective AEW runs. It was believed that he’d be given the same sort of rub especially as he’d been featured on AEW programming and in big matches up until his exit in December of 2023. However, excitement surrounding Andrade died down fairly quickly, leading to some remorse from WWE. Frustration was also reported that his English didn’t get better. 

Potential Spoiler For Wrestlepalooza 2025

Wrestlepalooza 2025 takes place later tonight as WWE heads to Indianapolis for the premium live event, and there seems to be an interesting name in town that could suggest a potential spoiler for the show.

According to PWInsider, LA Knight is in Indianapolis for tonight’s Wrestlepalooza show, despite not being scheduled to compete in a match. He has been involved in the ongoing storyline involving The Usos & The Vision, who are set to be in tag team action. Knight being around implies that he may very well make his presence known during that particular matchup and influence the result. 

WWE Expecting Shayna Baszler To Re-Sign With The Company 

Shayna Baszler showed up in a backstage segment in NXT this week during the homecoming show at Full Sail University, which featured a whole bunch of cameos from previous eras of NXT. Baszler had been absent from WWE programming since her release earlier in 2025, but there were talks of her returning to work in a backstage capacity as a producer in NXT. 

Per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Baszler’s recent appearance has sparked talk about her being in WWE, with the expectation and hope is that she takes up a full-time coaching or producing role within the company. Baszler had previously stated that she’d be open to signing with AEW.