It’s been almost two months since Nixon Newell (fka Tegan Nox in WWE) and her partner, Miranda Alize, walked out of AEW. Newell and her partner (inside and outside of the ring), Miranda Alize, felt they weren’t being used correctly. So, the pair left a Collision taping, leaving AEW scrambling (much like NXT recently did after Blake Monroe lost her North American Title in an unscripted defeat). Thankfully, AEW slotted Maya World & Hyan into the roles of Newell and Alize. Now, AEW signs these two talents to full-time contracts. Here’s the latest on Hyan and Maya World signing with AEW.
AEW Signs Hyan and Maya World After Replacing Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize
Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize left AEW after being pitched to lose in back-to-back squash matches. Recently released from WWE, Tegan Nox felt that she needed to ride that momentum before her career loses steam. So, the Tag Team left AEW, where Hyan and Maya stepped up to take the L to Anna Jay and Tay Melo.
Backstage reports indicate that AEW was impressed by Maya World and Hyan’s willingness to step up on such short notice. However, stepping up paid off, as AEW signed both competitors to full-time deals.
Tony Khan spoke about AEW signing Maya World and Hyan during the World’s End media scrum, stating:
“I think they’ve been doing a fantastic job. Hyan and Maya World came in and delivered time after time. They’ve been more competitive and have put on great matches. Everyone in the locker room respects them. They bring something great to the roster.”
Since joining AEW, they haven’t had their first win yet. Before signing a contract, the pair lost to The Babes of Wrath. They had their match under a first full-time contract at World’s End: Zero Hour. Once again, they found their shoulders on the mat, as Blue Skye pinned Hyan to get the win for The Sisters of Sin.
Who Is Hyan?
While Hyan did step in on a pinch, the newly-signed Superstar has been on Tony Khan’s radar for a long time. Hyan got her start in Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling. The rising star was even in a squash match on Raw. She took the fall to Nia Jax in 2016.
She’s made her way around the independent scene, also wrestling for TNA iMPACT Wrestling. In fact, Hyan was a challenger to Mickie James during the TNA Hall of Famer’s Last Rodeo storyline.
In addition, Hyan has been making sporadic appearances on AEW Dark: Elevation since 2022. She also challenged Mercedes Martinez for the ROH Women’s Television Title in another losing effort.
The journeywoman is undoubtedly excited to get a full-time contract with AEW. She took to social media to announce her official agreement with the company.
Hyan shared:
While Hyan has been working her way around the globe, Maya World is a little greener. However, that’s not stopping the momentum of this fast learner. Let’s get to know Maya World a little better.
Who Is Maya World?
While Hyan is well-traveled, Maya World is just starting to take the world by storm. Maya World has been an active wrestler for just over three years. In the short term, The It Girl has certainly turned some heads.
Maya World reacted to her AEW signing with the confidence that brought her to the dance:
The newly-signed AEW star has been cutting her teeth in the Texas wrestling scene. She was trained by Lou Gotti, getting her start in Dallas’ DFW All-Pro Wrestling. In just one year, Maya World won the All-Pro Women’s Title by defeating Holidead.
Maya World made her way to Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling. She’d capture the ROW Tag Team Titles with Jada Stone. Around this time, Maya World became close with one of Booker T’s mentees, record-breaking ROH Women’s Champion Athena.
Athena helped get Maya in the door, where she’s been paired with Hyan. These two are set to have a more fruitful 2026, as they’re expected to become staples in the Tag Team Division.
What’s Next for Nixon Newell?
AEW signing Hyan and Maya World might be a tough pill to swallow for the former Tegan Nox. She’s hinted that this is her last year in pro wrestling, and rumor has it that she’s having trouble getting bookings. Nonetheless, the former NXT star is looking for work next year.
Her most recent known booking was for December 13th in Cardiff against Rayne Leverkusen, a recent WWE SummerSlam Tryout MVP. They were booked for Day 3 of the 4-night Under the Mistletoe Tour, promoted by Attack! Pro Wrestling.
While Nixon’s Instagram promotes the event from the initial posting, there are no other posts about or from that event. To make matters more confusing, CageMatch notes that Rayne Leverkusen defeated Visage on Night 3 and lost to Women’s Champion Kanji on Night 4. However, Attack! Pro Wrestling uploaded the event that was headlined by Kanji and Rayne, but titled it as Night 4.
We have confirmation, but it doesn’t seem Nixon Newell attended. Interestingly enough, her name is listed in the metadata of the Night 3 video Attack! Pro Wrestling video that was uploaded to YouTube, even though she is not in the video.
Leaving when you’re booked is a big no-no, especially in today’s women’s wrestling. It’s a big part of the reason whyy Bayley launched Lodestone.
So, it’s unknown if Nixon Newell pulled out of this event or if something else happened. We’ll keep you updated when we find out more information!