The Pro Wrestling Rant

2026 has started out with a major bang. Wrestling icon and Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi retired, Chris Jericho is possibly heading back to WWE, some great main roster call-ups and a bunch of talent are becoming free agents, and it’s only a few days deep into the year. The bar is being set extremely high, and it’s positioning itself to be one heck of a year in professional wrestling.

Colby Corino (both WWE & AEW interested) and EC3 depart NWA

There seems to be a lot of great talent out there whose contracts are ending over the next few months. NWA just took a hit as both EC3 and Colby Corino have hit the free agent market.

EC3 had a tremendous run as NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion and was a key figure in the introduction of Exodus Pro, NWA’s official developmental territory.

Corino, who has become a major name on the indie scene, has had WWE’s eyes on him for a few years now. It even went as far as him being offered a WWE contract, but due to Colby’s past, that contract was revoked. Colby himself said that door is not closed and has remained on WWE’s minds ever since. WWE has proven they can work with a criminal record, so this shouldn’t be a be-all and end-all situation.

While EC3 remains active, Corino has been sidelined with a neck and back injury which required surgery. Even with that, both WWE and AEW are interested in acquiring his talents, which speaks volumes to his body of work.

Getting ArounD

He has competed in some of the biggest companies: WWE, TNA, ROH. Maybe adding AEW to the list might help solidify his legacy in the business. I don’t see it happening, but I could be wrong.

I think his best move would be to re-sign with NWA but as a VP of Talent Development in Exodus Pro Wrestling since he was the one who founded the company. He needs to use all his knowledge, both positives and negatives, and help create some true gems of the next generation.

I have been a fan of Colby’s for a while now, and to see how much he has grown both personally and professionally is inspiring. I do believe Corino would thrive in WWE due to his story and how he overcame all obstacles to get to where he is at—all hard work and no handouts from his father, Steve Corino, who just so happens to be a producer in WWE. When people fall and work and grind nonstop to pick themselves up, that is always a story an audience can get behind.

NXT

While recovering, he can be used to help down in NXT. Just because he can’t currently wrestle doesn’t mean his talents can’t be used. I would have him down there helping the younger, raw talent find their footing. His knowledge could be extremely valuable for the up-and-coming WWE superstars.

Then again, maybe NWA will give him an offer he can’t refuse. Maybe he will stick with the company who gave him an opportunity to shine. I think Colby will go with whatever suits his family the best. Having a wife and child, he will sign the contract that benefits his family. I think he would sign with WWE, especially given their lighter schedule than how it used to be. WWE might not offer him a better salary starting off, but I think once trust has been built, WWE would invest financially in him.

These two are a major loss for NWA and a major win for whoever they go with. At the end of the day, it is a win-win situation wherever they land, but Colby is the one who will garner the most interest as EC3—no offence—isn’t a sought-after talent anymore. Sorry-not sorry.

Matt Cardona signs with WWE

From “Woo Woo Woo, You Know It” to “Alwayz Ready,” Matt Cardona came back to WWE a different man—a man who not only rebuilt himself but completely changed the game on the independent scene.

Cardona was always a great talent; just “The Long Island Z” became very gimmicky, and management didn’t really take him seriously as a legitimate talent. When the former Zack Ryder was released from his WWE contract, nobody in the business would have bet money on how Matt would not only reinvent himself but change the way indie shows are run and the potential to make an incredible amount of money simply by setting up merch tables.

He went from just being a typical “former WWE superstar” to the “Indy God” and quickly became the hottest, most in-demand indie talent in wrestling.

At a typical indie show, fans get the chance to meet talent. Matt used that as a way to mingle, make new fans and make a boatload of money. Anything he deemed as a possible income he created. Everything from shirts to 8x10s to foam fingers—anything related to buzz he created, he used to market. He viewed the merch table as a way to make easy money, and he wasn’t wrong.

Woo Woo WOo

Using all social media platforms brilliantly as free advertisement and got himself booked all over the world. Matt literally was one of the biggest names in wrestling all the while working for himself.

Cardona forced WWE to take notice and thanks to their partnership with TNA, the Cardona-WWE partnership started. He was involved in the whole NXT-TNA feud and then was featured on an episode of SmackDown as Zack Ryder and took on LA Knight. He looked great and the audience loved every minute of it.

Matt had stated that he would love to return to WWE but would only re-sign if he could be himself. Recently he appeared once again on SmackDown as the surprise opponent for Kit Wilson, but this time was different. Once the “Woo Woo Woo, You Know It” part of his entrance ended, it changed to “Alwayz Ready” and “Matt Cardona” appeared on the screen.

Not only did the announcers state he had re-signed with the company, but he was also back home as himself, Matt Cardona. He didn’t take his WWE release as a negative, he took it as motivation. He took his opportunity and ran with it. Making WWE take notice. His wife, current WWE star Chelsea Green, did the same thing, so no wonder the couple got married.

I am beyond excited to have Matt Cardona back home, and I am excited to see where he takes it from here because we all know what he can do with just a little bit of creative freedom.

Jordynne Grace and Trick Williams SmackDown call-up, Je’Von Evans Raw call-up and possible Blake Monroe call-up

WWE isn’t playing. They know now is the time to hit that refresh button because over the next few years they are about to lose a massive chunk of their roster.

The recent edition of SmackDown featured Trick Williams appearing and making the announcement that he had signed with the blue brand, and Jordynne Grace appeared in a backstage segment with SmackDown GM Nick Aldis where Aldis said he wanted her on his brand. The skit also laid the foundation for a Grace vs. Chelsea Green feud as Green and Alba Fyre interrupted Jordynne’s moment.

Then what do we see? Jordynne interrupts an interview involving current WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill, again laying the work for a possible colossal showdown between the two.

Making the jump

I think Trick will have an easier transition than Jordynne will, due to the fact of how NXT showcased them. Williams is a 2-time NXT Champion, North American Champion and TNA World Champion, with the latter during the popular NXT-TNA invasion storyline.

Grace came into WWE with massive momentum having been a surprise Royal Rumble entrant while being the TNA Knockouts World Champion and received a massive reaction from the crowd in St. Petersburg, Florida.

While her NXT run wasn’t a flop by any means, they just didn’t showcase her like the natural beast she is. Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer became the top attractions while Jordynne played second fiddle.

I feel like Shawn Michaels knew her time in NXT was limited so he didn’t put a whole lot of focus on her. Truthfully, she didn’t need to go to NXT as she not only works the American style but also has experience working the television side of things as well.

Big Player

Williams should be pushed heavily right out of the gate. He’s got a solid amount of momentum going for him now and WWE would be silly to dismiss that. Jordynne does have more of an uphill climb, but she is still extremely over, and I think Triple H sees the potential for some serious marquee matchups in the near future.

NXT standout Je’Von Evans is now a part of Monday Night Raw and is seemingly being positioned as the future of the company. He has been showcased as the extraordinary athlete he is, who has become so beloved by the audience that WWE sees him as the one who will be a mega star in the not-so-distant future.

His match at Saturday Night’s Main Event alongside TNA star and most obviously future WWE talent Leon Slater against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee was absolutely incredible. They had the audience eating out of the palms of their hands with their incredible arsenal.

Evans is so good WWE had no choice but to call him up. I just hope they don’t rush him to the top, but rather let him climb the ladder organically. It’ll make the outcome that much more rewarding for everyone.

The Glamour

Much like Jordynne Grace, current NXT star Blake Monroe is rumored for a call-up as well, which should not come as a surprise. The only reason she started out in NXT was to get the WWE fanbase accustomed to her before she makes the jump to the main roster.

WWE fans can be fickle and completely oblivious to talent outside the WWE bubble, but the former AEW Mariah May (now known as Monroe) is not only main event ready, but she is ready to be the leader of the new era of women’s wrestling in WWE. Much like Grace, she is a major money-making talent who deserves the rocket to be strapped to her back right away. If you have money, why burn it? WWE needs to go all in on the former AEW Women’s Champion.

Judging by these four call-ups, it looks like WWE is ready to start releasing some of its younger/newer talent into the wild as, as we all know, this is going to be a fantastic ride.

Mercedes Martinez and Matt Taven no longer in AEW

It looks like AEW is finally ready to start trimming its bolstering roster as Mercedes Martinez and Matt Taven are no longer under contract to the company.

Martinez is a remarkable talent who played a major role in helping usher in the era of actual women’s wrestling. Along with talent like LuFisto, Cheerleader Melissa, Kimber Lee and MsChif, women’s wrestling finally got the respect it most certainly deserved.

After years of busting her ass, Martinez signed with WWE and was part of the iconic black and yellow NXT brand. She just wasn’t given the prime opportunity to showcase her true talent, and she was eventually released by the company.

When she signed with AEW, I figured she would play a major role in building the Women’s Division. Much like her NXT run, Mercedes did extremely well, but something just didn’t click for me. Then, like a lot of the roster, I forgot she was still a part of the company, so I wasn’t shocked to hear of AEW letting her contract expire.

She truthfully has a Hall of Fame worthy resume. With some incredible matchups, she still has some gas left in the tank. I would love for her to finish off her career in TNA, where she can either help teach at the Performance Centre or help teach at Nattie’s Dungeon because her knowledge needs to be passed on and her body of work needs to be studied by future students looking to learn the craft of professional wrestling.

COntract’s up

Much like Mercedes, AEW allowed Matt Taven’s contract to end, officially putting him back on the market.

With his previous experience in TNA—short tenure though—I am sure that door is still left open and if so, I think he could have a great run with some potential main event matchups all on deck.

Prior to signing with AEW, WWE had strong interest in landing Taven, but alongside Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis, The Kingdom went with Tony Khan.

I would love to see him finally land in WWE. I think he would be a great fit for the company due to his worldwide experience both in-ring and on television. He not only knows how to work, but he knows how to work with the audience sitting at home watching on a screen.

I am not sure of Bennett and Maria’s AEW contract status, but I think The Kingdom would do really well in the WWE Tag Team Division. Since they all signed at the same time and there is no word on them signing a new contract, one would assume they are free agents as well.

It would be a shock if WWE wasn’t interested in landing Matt Taven. I would be even more shocked if they weren’t interested in landing The Kingdom if the opportunity is there. I mean, WWE was also interested in Mike and Maria prior to them also signing with AEW.

Come on Hunter, make this happen. Heck, even give Mercedes Martinez the proper send-off she most definitely deserves by giving her a final run with some of the best WWE has to offer. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Tommaso Ciampa rumored to leave WWE when contract is up

The news of Ciampa potentially leaving WWE was a shocker. I figured at the age of 40 and with his best years behind him, he would stay put with WWE and finish out his career with the company.

Having spent the past decade with WWE, I never imagined him wanting to dip his toes elsewhere. I don’t want to say “the loyalty,” because business is business and like anybody, you do what is best for you. But I figured at this stage in his career he would be content on doing what he has been doing.

He has had an incredible WWE run, at one point being the hottest heel in the business. He would walk out with no music and be showered with jeers. It was quite exciting to witness somebody generate that level of heat by just appearing. Iconic.

Maybe Ciampa will stay somewhat close to home and finish out his career in TNA. That way he is still somewhat under the WWE umbrella. He could have quite the final run down in TNA for a bit.

what’s next?

I am not sure how much he has left in the tank, but I don’t see an AEW run in his picture. With an already overloaded roster, Tommaso would just get lost in the shuffle. He would be better off staying with WWE, especially if a simple conversation with Triple H about a final run could give him what he feels like he is missing.

Maybe he just wants one last run on the indies. He would have no issues at all getting booked and would make a nice chunk of change selling merchandise and doing Meet & Greets.

I don’t think HHH would let him go without trying to work out something. Heck, look at Santos Escobar; he was out the door but through conversations he came back (still not used yet so kind of a bad analogy). If he and Trips put all their marbles in one basket and they can’t come up with the right solution, then walking away would be the best for the 2-time NXT Champion.

There is still loads of money to be made off him and WWE still has time to capitalize on that. If not, someone else just might, and WWE would have regretted letting him walk. Plus, Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae wouldn’t let him go that easily.

Well there you have it. First Rant of 2026 is in the books. Time to put my feet up and re-watch some old school Royal Rumbles to jump start my Rumble excitement. We are that much closer to WrestleMania season, the best season of the year, and with all these working relationships, free agents, and new signees, this season could be the best season yet.

Nick Whitworth