AEW Faces Backstage Drama as Tag Team Walks Out
All Elite Wrestling experienced significant backstage turmoil this weekend when two performers abruptly left the venue following a creative disagreement, forcing the cancellation of a scheduled match.
The incident occurred on Saturday, November 9, 2025, just hours before AEW Collision was set to air. Former WWE superstar Tegan Nox, now performing under the name Nixon Newell, and her real-life partner Miranda Alize were scheduled to face the team of Anna Jay and Tay Conti.
The Creative Dispute That Sparked the Walkout
According to reports from Fightful Select, the conflict centred around the planned match duration and outcome. While both wrestlers understood they were scheduled to lose the bout, they objected to the proposed three-minute time limit.
The pair reportedly wanted more time to showcase their abilities rather than the brief match they were offered. When informed that the show's timing was locked and couldn't be altered, both women made the decision to leave the venue approximately one hour before their match was due to begin.
Sources indicate that Miranda Alize was particularly vocal about the situation, though Nixon Newell remained equally adamant in her position. The timing is especially notable given that this would have been Newell's second match since joining AEW.
Immediate Aftermath and Replacement Match
In response to the sudden departure, AEW management quickly arranged for replacement competitors. Hyan and Maya World stepped in to face TayJay but suffered defeat in under two minutes.
Backstage sentiment appeared divided, with some colleagues feeling the pair should have handled the situation differently, particularly given neither wrestler is currently under contract with AEW.
However, multiple sources confirmed that several backstage personnel advocated specifically for Nixon Newell, who has publicly discussed her struggles to secure regular bookings since her WWE departure.
Social Media Response and Historical Context
Neither wrestler has made direct public statements about the incident, but both have acknowledged fan support through social media activity. Miranda Alize hinted at having much to say about the situation in a cryptic post.
The pair also shared images on Instagram Stories showing them enjoying drinks and food elsewhere during what would have been their Collision appearance time slot.
This incident follows their previous AEW appearance on October 29's Fright Night Collision episode, where they lost to Marina Shafir and Megan Bayne in just 2 minutes and 26 seconds.
Nixon Newell has previously expressed diminishing passion for professional wrestling, citing her positioning in WWE and subsequent release as contributing factors. In an exclusive interview with Metro earlier this year, she revealed giving herself until mid-2027 to rediscover her love for the sport before considering retirement.
The situation highlights the ongoing challenges wrestling promotions face in balancing creative control with performer satisfaction, particularly when working with non-contracted talent.
