AEW commentator Tony Schiavone said he was surprised by Malakai Black’s post‑WrestleMania WWE release while speaking on his What Happened When podcast, noting that as a friend he hadn’t heard anything from Black that would have indicated the move was coming. Schiavone suggested Black himself may have been caught off guard, as he hadn’t been told by Black or those around him to expect a release.

Schiavone also addressed the fallout from his recent comments calling Nigel McGuinness the best color analyst he’s worked with, defending the praise by saying McGuinness is the most prepared partner he’s had in a two‑man booth and that AEW is fortunate to have him. He contrasted those remarks against comparisons to other legendary teams and reiterated his admiration for Nigel’s preparation and work ethic.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/tony-schiavone-reveals-surprised-wwe-release-aleister-black/.

Sting, who retired from in-ring competition in 2024 but remains under contract with AEW, says he offers guidance to younger wrestlers whenever he’s backstage. Speaking on the Hunter, Jessica & Cush radio show, Sting explained he doesn’t attend every show but will give feedback on matches, gimmicks, psychology and character work when he is present, and maintains phone contact with several talents — notably Darby Allin.

The Hall of Famer also singled out Kevin Knight as a standout athlete ahead of Knight’s AEW World Championship challenge, and named Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher, Tommaso Ciampa, Kazuchika Okada, Konosuke Takeshita, Orange Cassidy, Samoa Joe and Jon Moxley as performers to watch. Sting added he’s focusing on real estate in retirement and noted his son, Steven Borden, continues to carry on the Borden lineage with regular AEW dark-match appearances.

Originally reported by Wrestling Observer: https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/sting-always-willing-to-give-feedback-to-aew-talent/.