Former WWE Star Pulled From Independent Wrestling Show By AEW

AEW

A former WWE star has been pulled from an independent wrestling show due to AEW Collision and ROH tapings taking place this week.

Last seen on ROH on HonorClub on July 31, defeating Rachael Ellering in a Pure Rules match, Steph De Lander is set to make her return, with Mance Warner also seemingly scheduled.

The announcement was made by New South Pro Wrestling, confirming that Warner and De Lander were set to be part of the AEW Collision and ROH tapings and wouldn’t be at Millbrook Reloaded on Saturday, posting to Twitter:

“BREAKING: We have just been informed that both Mance Warner and SDL have been called to be at AEW Collision/ROH tapings this Saturday in Reading, PA, and will not be at Millbrook Reloaded.

“We never want to get in the way of a pro wrestler’s career when it comes to national television opportunities and wish them the best of luck. You will see both Mance and SDL at New South Pro Wrestling as soon as it works for all parties!

“We will be looking to replace Kelsey Raegan’s opponent, and we hope that Team New South (Dump Sanders, Big Dave, and Shean Christopher) can find a new 4th man ahead of the Atomic Warfare 4 vs 4 Cage Match against The Program’s Tim Bosby, Jamesen Shook, Erron Wade, and Kohnor Martin!!

“We will keep everyone in the know as this story develops!”

Warner was last seen on ROH on HonorClub on July 23, teaming with Alex Zayne in a losing effort to RPG Vice (Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta).

De Lander signed with WWE in March 2021, debuting as Persia Pirotta and featuring on NXT until her release in April the following year.

Heading to TNA Wrestling in January 2025, De Lander would be joined by Warner, her real-life husband, with the pair leaving in March of this year.

Pulling Talent For Opportunity Elsewhere

For independent wrestling talent, opportunity can come at the drop of a hat, particularly with the touring nature of major companies such as WWE and AEW.

In the run-up to AEW All In: London on August 30, producers and scouts will no doubt have been contacted by a wide range of local talent offering their services in a variety of capacities, whether it be backstage of on-screen, likely in a “security” role during any of the moments where such a presence would be needed.

For some of those reaching out, there’s the likelihood that they may have to pull out of independent wrestling books, although some will already be in or near Wembley thanks to their association with Revolution Pro Wrestling, which runs its own 14 Year Anniversary show at the OVO Arena Wembley on August 29.

Regardless of the caliber of the independent star in question, an opportunity to feature at an ROH taping, episode of AEW Collision, Dynamite or a pay-per-view is one that is not easy to pass upon. Warner and De Lander are no strangers to Ring of Honor, with both also appearing AEW programming previously.

Clearly, the relationship between talent and promoters is important, particularly when it comes to future bookings, yet recognizing that television can come calling has become a near prerequisite for many independent wrestling companies, especially when it comes to their more prominent stars.

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• AEW
• mance warner
• Steph De Lander

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