Backstage WWE and AEW Rumors on Becky Lynch, Orange Cassidy and More

Becky Lynch may be one of the more entertaining performers in WWE but a recent promo may have rubbed the family of a music icon the wrong way.

The reaction to her comments Monday on Raw headline a collection of pro wrestling rumors that is heavy on AEW updates following the company's Forbidden Door pay-per-view, including the return of a former champion at a time of great need.

Dive deeper into that topic and more with these reports from industry insiders.

Reaction to Becky Lynch's Raw Promo

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Monday night on Raw, women's intercontinental champion Becky Lynch cut a controversial promo in which she referenced the late Ozzy Osbourne, the city of Birmingham, England, and how she would have wanted to die, too, if she was from there.

""But in fairness to Ozzy Osbourne, he had the good sense to move to LA, a proper city. Because if I lived in Birmingham, I'd die too," she said.

Osbourne's daughter, Kelly, took exception to the use of her father's name for heat and expressed her dismay online. After calling Lynch a "dirtbag," she wrote, "Shame on the WWE for allowing such things to be said about my father and his home!!!"

Bryan Alvarez reported on Wrestling Observer Live that WWE is embarrassed by the situation and considering issuing an apology.

Considering the number of controversial storylines, including Sgt. Slaughter's wartime heel turn and alliance with Iraq, the Katie Vick nonsense, and Vince McMahon's mockery of God and the match that followed, and the lack of apologies that followed those, it would certainly be surprising if the company did issue one.

With that said, given how important celebrity has become to WWE and their presence at the company's shows, an apology to the Osbournes is not out of the question, whether one believe it is warranted or if it can be chalked up to a villain making a heat-garnering comment.

Orange Cassidy Nearing AEW Return

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Orange Cassidy has not been seen on AEW television since March, when he was part of an AEW International Title Eliminator Tournament Tournament Four-Way also involving Mark Davis, Ricochet, and Mike Bailey.

According to Bodyslam.net, Freshly Squeezed is on his way back to the promotion. He had been sidelined due to a torn labrum.

Cassidy is one of the most popular babyfaces in AEW, a rare homegrown star and one of the young pillars of the company. He was also one of its workhorses, competing in nearly 300 matches for the promotion since his arrival.

At a time when Will Ospreay needs significant neck surgery and Swerve Strickland is expected to miss time following successful knee surgery, getting a star of Cassidy's stature back bodes well for AEW's ability to continue its hot streak post Forbidden Door and down the stretch here in 2025.

Where he slots in to the current landscape remains to be seen but a feud with Kyle Fletcher over the TNT Championship that he once held and defended proudly would make sense.

Update on Jamie Hayter's Return

All Elite Wrestling

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reported that AEW was hoping to have Jamie Hayter back "sooner than they got her, but has been planned for a feud with Thekla since she was written off."

Hayter had been sidelined with an undisclosed injury and was last seen being beaten down by Thekla during the former STARDOM competitor's AEW debut.

One of the most talented wrestlers on the roster, and a former women's world champion, Hayter is a significant addition to a stacked women's division that is seeing increased television time and renewed creative energy.

A feud with Thekla should result in stellar in-ring competition and give the AEW women's division something it has not always had: meaningful rivalries outside of the title picture.

Jim Ross' Contract Status

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Hall of Fame play-by-play commentator Jim Ross' contract is scheduled to be up this month, Sapp reported, but expectations are that he will remain with the promotion.

"Those we spoke to believe he will be staying in AEW."

Ross has overcome significant health issues over his first six years with the company, but remains one of the most respected personalities in the company. He is also the voice of an entire generation of pro wrestling and someone who lends credibility to broadcasts.

While AEW fans may have others they would prefer to hear on the broadcasts, there is no denying that Ross brings a sense of prestige to big matches and moments. More importantly, he appeals to casual fans who may be checking the company out for the first time and the importance of that cannot be understated.