Morning Daily News Update: August 19, 2026 – Paul Wight Reveals Exact Moment He Knew His WWE Career Was Over

Morning everyone!

It’s Wednesday, and it’s time for the Morning Daily News Update!

Let’s have a look at what’s new on the blog:

Mike uploaded a new edition of “Mike Looks Back” for part two of the WWE European Title history
Niz reviewed last night’s episode of WWE NXT

Paul Wight Says He Knew His WWE Career Was Over When Vince McMahon Used His First Name

Paul Wight has revealed that he knew his WWE in-ring career was effectively over when Vince McMahon called him “Paul” for the first time after years of referring to him as Big Show or Show. Speaking about the moment during the COVID era, Wight said he realised McMahon no longer viewed him as an active talent and intended to transition him into ambassadorial roles. Wight instead joined AEW in February 2021 because he was not ready to stop wrestling.

Despite undergoing replacements on both knees and hips, the 54-year-old still hopes to wrestle again, primarily in tag team situations where he can help younger talent. Wight stressed that he has no interest in another championship run, saying his continued training and weight loss are motivated by his desire to teach and contribute in the ring.
Jim Johnston says Triple H isn’t a big fan of his

Former WWE music composer Jim Johnston has claimed that Triple H isn’t a fan of his and believes that perception contributed to him no longer working with the company. Speaking on the All Access Entertainment podcast, Johnston discussed creating Triple H’s WWE themes alongside Motörhead and suggested Triple H still wants people to believe the band wrote the songs. Johnston believes that when Triple H began transitioning into a backstage role, he wanted to surround himself with his own people and viewed Johnston as “Vince’s guy”. Johnston spent nearly three decades with WWE before leaving in 2017, with his final theme for the company being Baron Corbin’s “I Bring the Darkness.”

Former WWE Star Lance Anoaʻi Announces Retirement From Professional Wrestling

Lance Anoaʻi has announced that he will retire from professional wrestling in March 2027, ending his in-ring career after approximately 17 years. The 34-year-old explained that he wants to spend more time with his wife and children after years of wrestling taking him away from his family. Anoaʻi, the son of Samu and cousin of Roman Reigns, was trained by his grandfather, Afa Anoaʻi, and uncle, Afa Jr. He debuted in April 2010 and has competed for promotions including MLW, Pro Wrestling Noah, and House of Hardcore. His most prominent run came in MLW, where he and Juicy Finau held the MLW World Tag Team Championship for 182 days in 2023.

AEW Dynamite Lineup Confirmed For August 19, 2026

Check out the lineup for tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite.