Nixon Newell’s brief tenure with All Elite Wrestling in late 2025 has been the subject of much speculation, particularly following rumors that her departure was caused by a refusal to lose a match. However, the former WWE Superstar, known to many as Tegan Nox, has come forward to set the record straight. On a recent edition of the Wrestling Classic podcast, Newell addressed the reports directly, asserting that there was “never any negative” energy between her and the company. She explained that the narrative of her and her girlfriend “storming out” was a fabrication created by dirt sheets, and that the actual separation was a mutual understanding based on logistical issues rather than creative ego.
The core of the issue, as clarified by Newell, was not the outcome of the match but the time allotted for it. Reports indicate that she and Miranda Alize were scheduled for a tag team bout that was only given three minutes of airtime. Feeling that this was insufficient to deliver a quality performance, they raised concerns, which ultimately led to them being replaced by Maya World and Hyan. Newell emphasized that the conversation with AEW management was professional, with both sides agreeing, “Yeah, okay, cool. No worries, we get it.” Despite the abrupt end to her run, Newell remains optimistic about a potential return, stating that the door is not closed because the bridge was never burned.
Following the incident, the spot intended for Newell and Alize proved to be a lucrative opportunity for their replacements. Maya World and Hyan not only took the match but ended 2025 by signing contracts with AEW, highlighting the high stakes involved in these opportunities. For Newell, the experience adds another chapter to a career that has seen its share of ups and downs, including two stints in WWE and a series of injuries that hampered her momentum as Tegan Nox. Her ability to pivot back to the independent scene and maintain a positive relationship with major promotions suggests she remains a valuable asset in the wrestling market.
As Newell continues her journey as a free agent in 2026, her name has surfaced in connection with several promotions. Recent reports have linked her to TNA Wrestling, where the Knockouts division continues to thrive, as well as a return to the UK independent circuit with Attack! Pro Wrestling. With her status as one of the most talented free agents on the market, it remains to be seen where “The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard” will land next, but her clarification on the AEW situation confirms that a return to national television is still very much a possibility.