Pull Up a Barstool

Pull up a barstool and pour yourself a double of whatever cheap whiskey is on the bottom shelf. We are sitting here on June 30, 2026, and the pro wrestling industry is running on pure, unadulterated adrenaline. If you aren't scratching your head over the latest contract rumors, check your pulse.

The biggest news is the impending departure of Big Bill from AEW. According to reports from Fightful Select, he has officially given notice, and his contract is set to expire in just under seven days. This is a massive roster shakeup, and fans are tearing each other apart online trying to decide if this is a brilliant homecoming or a desperate nostalgia act.

And he might not be coming alone. Word is WWE wants to pair him back up with Enzo Amore. While Enzo hasn't officially signed as of mid-June, the internal expectation is that the deal will lock in once Bill is clear of his AEW obligations. The internet is already split into three camps, and the arguments are getting loud.

The SWAFT Reunion: Is WWE Buying a Ticket to 2016?

On the forums, enthusiasts are booking the return match already. They believe the tag division is starved for genuine charisma, and Enzo on the microphone alongside Big Cass throwing dudes is an instant recipe for success. They argue that this team had a unique connection with fans that cannot be manufactured by corporate scripting.

But skeptics are slamming the brakes on the hype train. They point out that Big Bill spent years putting his life back together, overcoming sobriety issues, and completely rebuilding his wrestling style. In AEW, he showed he could be a serious player, winning tag team gold alongside Ricky Starks and working under Chris Jericho's Learning Tree. Tying him back to Enzo's decade-old, loudmouth gimmick feels like a massive regression.

Then you have contrarians, who are yawning at the whole situation. They claim Bill was just a background body in AEW and that Tony Khan won't miss him. To them, Bill is just a tall guy whose ceiling has already been reached, and WWE is wasting television time on an act that peaked a decade ago.

Here is how the internet is dividing their takes:

  • The Enthusiasts: WWE's tag division is starved for star power, and Enzo and Cass are tag team gold.
  • The Skeptics: Bill worked too hard to rebuild his career to be dragged back down into a comedy act.
  • The Contrarians: Bill was just Jericho's sidekick, and AEW loses nothing by letting him walk.

Let's look at the facts: Big Bill has improved dramatically. His dropkick is cleaner and his boots are stiffer. But Enzo's in-ring work was always the weak link. If WWE brings them back just to do the old routine, it will get old fast. Bill has the stronger argument here; he doesn't need a nostalgia act to succeed.

Forbidden Doors and Dungeon Keycards: White and Dragunov on the Move

If you thought the Big Bill drama was the only news, you missed the chaos at Forbidden Door on Sunday. Jay White made a shocking return, interfering to cost David Finlay and Clark Connors their World Tag Team Championship challenge. Switchblade has been out of action for 15 months dealing with hand and shoulder injuries, but he chose the perfect moment to get payback.

The history between White and Finlay goes deep. Finlay took over the Bullet Club and booted White from NJPW back in 2023 after White lost a Loser Leaves NJPW match to Eddie Kingston. During the Forbidden Door post-show press conference, Tony Khan confirmed that White was officially cleared to return just last week. This feud is going to be incredibly stiff.

Meanwhile, over in WWE, the mystery surrounding Ilja Dragunov is finally getting some clarity. Dragunov has been completely absent from television since the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal in April. Reports indicate that the Mad Dragon is expected back sooner than later. He has been spotted training at the Dungeon with Natalya and TJ Wilson, showing he is getting ready for a physical return.

Fans are already theorizing that Dragunov is the perfect weapon for SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. Dragunov has a history of brutal matches with Gunther and actually holds a pinfall victory over him from NXT UK. Dragunov returning to dismantle Gunther would be absolute cinema.

The GM Graveyard: Gunther Sends Nick Aldis Packing

Speaking of the power struggle, yesterday's Raw gave us a massive storyline update on SmackDown GM Nick Aldis and Gunther. After Gunther lost the WWE Championship match at Night of Champions, he went completely ballistic backstage. He confronted Aldis, called him a "failed wrestler," and poked him in the chest, leading to a shoving match that security broke up.

The punishment was handed down last night, and it is severe. Both Gunther and Aldis have been sent home, and Aldis has been placed on administrative leave. Adam Pearce has been tasked with running both Raw and SmackDown as General Manager. This is a massive blow to SmackDown, showing Gunther's frustrations are boiling over.

Gunther has been complaining about officiating for weeks. He lost at Clash in Italy despite his foot being on the ropes, and referee Sami Zayn cost him his rematch. At Night of Champions, Zayn rolled up Cody Rhodes to win the three-way match, leaving Gunther empty-handed. Gunther is a ticking time bomb, and Aldis paid the price.

UK Tears and Slater's Tagged Phone Line

Let's talk about a return that actually went well. Last Friday, SmackDown was live in London, and Paige made an emotional homecoming match in London. She defeated Jacy Jayne in front of an incredibly loud British crowd, marking her first match in her home country in nine years. Last week on Raw, she and Brie Bella successfully retained their Tag Team Titles.

Paige was emotional during her entrance, admitting she teared up seeing the posters and shirts. Having her parents in the crowd made the night special for the Norwich native. The UK fans are interactive, giving her a hero's welcome after nearly a decade away.

Finally, Heath Slater is making it clear that he wants in on the return action. Speaking on a podcast with David Otunga, Slater addressed the rumors of a WWE comeback. He noted that he only has a handful of years left in the ring and would jump at the chance if WWE called him. He even pitched a 3MB reunion with Drew McIntyre and Jinder Mahal.

“They got my damn number, my email. All they have to do is call me and hit my damn music because I’m ready for it. I’ll go and do it. You know, why not? I only have a handful of years left, like I said before in this podcast.”

Slater's attitude is exactly what makes him a fan favorite. He isn't begging for a job, but he is staying ready for the call. With the roster shifting and old names popping up every week, don't be surprised if Slater's music hits. The wrestling business is running on pure chaos right now, and we are just along for the ride.