Morning Daily News Update: May 21, 2026 – Mick Foley To Make AEW Debut At Double Or Nothing

Morning all!

It’s Thursday! And it’s time for the Morning Daily News Update!

We’ve also got a few blog posts to take a look at this morning:

Jabroniville has a new Dream Matches post
LScisco posted a new WTWWW for WWF Monday Night Raw from January 22, 1996
Phrederic reviewed last night’s episode of WWE Evolve

Hardcore Legend To Make AEW Debut This Weekend

Mick Foley is set to make his AEW debut at AEW Double or Nothing this weekend, although not as an in-ring performer. AEW President Tony Khan announced that Foley will join Renee Paquette as co-host of the Buy-In pre-show. The appearance has already sparked attention due to Foley’s recent criticism of WWE and its association with U.S. President Donald Trump. Earlier this year, Foley stated he no longer wished to represent WWE while Trump remained in office and confirmed he would not renew his WWE Legends contract when it expires in June. The AEW appearance also adds intrigue to MJF’s world title match against Darby Allin, especially after MJF recently insulted Foley during an interview.

WWE Star Ludwig Kaiser Arrested In Florida

Ludwig Kaiser has reportedly been arrested in Orange County, Florida. The WWE star, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was reportedly charged with battery following an alleged altercation with another man at a restaurant. According to reports, Kaiser later posted a $1,000 bond and was released. A few additional details about the incident have emerged so far. The arrest comes amid Kaiser’s heavy presence on WWE television, portraying El Grande Americano while Chad Gable was absent. Kaiser is also currently scheduled to face Gable in a mask-vs-mask match at AAA Noche De Los Grandes on May 30 in Monterrey, Mexico.

MJF Believes AEW Is The ‘Better Alternative’ To WWE

MJF believes AEW is currently the best alternative to WWE and claims some WWE fans have become frustrated with rising ticket prices, talent pay cuts and the company’s current product. Speaking with TV Insider, MJF said he has “no issue” with WWE or TKO but argued that many people are “disenchanted” right now despite WWE’s strong business success. He praised AEW’s recent momentum, calling 2026 a major turnaround year for the company after previous backstage controversies.

WWE Has Signed Three Other Wrestlers That Have Yet To Be Announced

New details have emerged regarding Nikki Blackheart’s recent WWE signing, with Bryan Alvarez reporting that the former independent wrestler was heavily recommended by Bayley before officially joining the company. According to Alvarez, Blackheart previously worked as a cheerleader for the NHL’s Florida Panthers and trained under Gangrel before catching WWE’s attention shortly after WrestleMania 41 in 2025. Alvarez also noted that WWE has signed at least three other talents who have not yet been publicly announced as part of the company’s recent quiet rollout strategy for new Performance Center recruits.