AEW News Roundup: Star leaves company due to “creative differences,” Congratulations to Adam Copeland, New role for Eddie Kingston

Welcome along to the latest rendition of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s AEW News & Rumor Roundup. Today, we are covering news involving top All Elite Wrestling stars, including Adam Copeland and Eddie Kingston, among others.

A former AEW name has left a major company citing “creative differences.” Meanwhile, Adam Copeland celebrated a major personal milestone, and Eddie Kingston has taken on a new role outside the Jacksonville-based promotion amid his uncertain future with the company. We’ve got some exciting stories coming out of All Elite Wrestling today, so let’s delve into today’s roundup.

#5. Paul Walter Hauser has left MLW due to “creative differences”

Hollywood actor and professional wrestler Paul Walter Hauser has officially parted ways with Major League Wrestling (MLW) after more than a year with the promotion. Hauser, known for breakout roles in hit television series such as Cobra Kai and several critically acclaimed feature films, announced his departure on Instagram, confirming he left MLW late last week due to creative differences. Hauser originally joined MLW in May 2024 at Battle Riot VI, after being introduced to company founder Court Bauer by veteran wrestler Sami Callihan.

Reflecting on his tenure with MLW, Hauser expressed deep gratitude for his time in the organization and clarified that his decision stemmed strictly from creative direction rather than personal animosity.

“With a heavy heart, but a clear mind, I said goodbye to the MLW family late last week. Before speculation or conjecture try to rear their ugly, & needless, head – my decision was simply rooted in creative differences….,” said Hauser.

Check out his full statement here.

For those unaware, Hauser has primarily competed on the independent circuit and has made an appearance for Ring of Honor. He has also made multiple guest appearances on AEW programming. He served as a guest analyst during pay-per-view pre-shows and as a guest commentator on Collision in August 2025.

#4. Adam Copeland and Beth Phoenix rang in a bunch of celebrations during Halloween week

Adam Copeland and his wife Beth Phoenix recently celebrated a triple milestone in their personal lives. The former TNT Champion celebrated his 53rd birthday alongside other major family anniversaries. Phoenix took to social media to share a heartfelt post revealing that the couple celebrated 15 years together, their 10th wedding anniversary, and Copeland’s 53rd birthday during Halloween week. Phoenix described living in her own fairytale alongside their children and close family friends.

“This week we had a lot to celebrate: 15 years together. 10 years of marriage. His 53rd trip around the sun. Another chance to trick or treat with our children and beautiful friends and family. It’s never lost on me that I’m living in my own fairytale,” she wrote on Instagram.

Cope has been with All Elite Wrestling since WrestleDream 2023 and has since become a cornerstone of the promotion, capturing the AEW TNT Championship multiple times. Phoenix has also made memorable, sporadic appearances in Tony Khan’s promotion, appearing at All Out 2025 and Double or Nothing 2026 to support her husband during high-profile rivalries.

#3. Eddie Kingston announced for Mystery Wrestling appearance amid uncertain AEW future

Eddie Kingston is set to take on a brand-new role outside All Elite Wrestling. Independent promotion Mystery Wrestling officially announced via Instagram that the former Continental Champion will serve as a special guest commentator for their upcoming event on November 28, 2026, hosted at the iconic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The announcement marks a rare broadcast appearance for Kingston as he continues his hiatus from AEW programming.

The Mad King has not appeared on televised AEW programming since September, when he competed in the Butcher Battle Royal on Collision following the tragic passing of Andy Williams (The Butcher). During his television absence, Kingston has accepted select independent bookings across the United Kingdom and North America.

#2. Paul Wight calls Nigel McGuinness a “complete piece of trash”

Paul Wight recently offered candid remarks about his broadcast colleague Nigel McGuinness while discussing his current duties on the commentary desk. Appearing on First Coast Living, the former WWE Champion expressed his passion for color commentary on Collision, emphasizing how much he enjoys helping bridge the narrative gap between performers in the ring and the audience at home. Wight has become a staple of Collision’s broadcast team alongside play-by-play veteran Tony Schiavone and former ROH World Champion Nigel McGuinness.

During the broadcast interview, the former Big Show playfully took aim at McGuinness while praising Schiavone. Wight praised Schiavone’s work on the microphone, then humorously labeled McGuinness a “complete piece of trash.”

“That’s why I love the commentary. The commentary has been absolutely fantastic, other than my partner Nigel, who’s a complete piece of trash. But Tony Schiavone is amazing. Nigel, piece of trash,” said Wight.

Check out his comments in the video below:

#1. Paul Wight subtly confirms iconic AEW character’s arrival

In addition to his commentary duties, Paul Wight provided an intriguing update regarding the potential return of his famous cinematic alter-ego, Captain Insano. Speaking in an interview on Going Ringside, the AEW veteran confirmed that efforts continue behind the scenes to bring the beloved character back to television in a proper wrestling capacity. Wight originally portrayed Captain Insano in the classic 1998 comedy film The Waterboy alongside Adam Sandler.

Wight made his first AEW appearance as Captain Insano in 2022, starring alongside Bowens and Caster of The Acclaimed in a viral music video. Discussing the character’s status, Wight said he is preparing extensively to present Captain Insano at his best.

“You son of a gun. Captain is a lot of fun. We’re still working on that, actually. I have a lot of fun with it. Of course, that character was iconic in the movie The Waterboy. I’m going through a lot of hard work to bring that character out, to present that character in its best possible format. We might need to update the uniform, though. I don’t know. The stars are cool, but we need to update the gear somehow. So, we’ll work on it,” he said. [H/T – Ringside News]

Wight has not competed in an official AEW match since 2023, though he has repeatedly teased a return to the ring once fully healthy. It will be a sight to behold when the WWE legend finally laces up his boots again in Tony Khan’s promotion.

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Edited by Karan Raj