The fallout from the Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize walkout at AEW Collision has deepened, with backstage reactions in direct conflict with Newell’s public insistence that there was “no bad blood” between the team and management. While both wrestlers have maintained a diplomatic front on social media, sources within All Elite Wrestling suggest the reality behind the scenes is far more complicated and potentially damaging to their future with the company.
The Walkout: What Happened
On November 8, 2025, Nixon Newell (formerly known as WWE’s Tegan Nox) and Miranda Alize left the AEW Collision taping in Houston roughly an hour before their scheduled tag team match against Tay Melo and Anna Jay[1]. The duo, both unsigned talents, were replaced at the last minute by Hyan and Maya World[1][5]. Initial reporting indicated the walkout centered on creative differences, specifically the proposed length of the match and the direction of their programs[1][2].
According to one AEW producer who spoke on condition of anonymity, “The plan was to give TayJay momentum heading into the tag tournament, and the match was structured accordingly. When Nixon and Miranda pushed back, it created a situation no one wanted. We had to pivot fast.”[3]
Diverging Narratives
Newell took to social media to refute early reports, stating, “Not everything you read is true,” and Alize hinted that there was “soooooooo much to say”[1]. Newell later elaborated on her Twitch stream, explaining that she and Alize had pitched numerous ideas to establish themselves as a credible tag team, only to be told their match would be a three-minute loss to TayJay[2]. While the loss itself wasn’t the issue, Newell stressed that such a short match would not benefit anyone involved, and they respectfully suggested the opportunity be given to others instead[2].
“There was no shouting, no ‘f**k you, we’re leaving.’ We just felt it was best to step aside that night,” Newell said on Twitch[2]. She also noted the venue was small and crowded, making it sensible for them to leave to free up space[2].
Backstage Fallout and Internal Frustrations
Despite Newell’s “no bad blood” claims, multiple sources have painted a different picture. According to a WWE insider with close ties to AEW talent relations, the walkout “didn’t go over well at all. Management views this as unprofessional, especially from unsigned talent. It’s one thing to have creative disagreements; it’s another to walk out before showtime.”
Dave Meltzer, citing his own sources, noted that AEW has no plans to bring Newell or Alize back, with some decision-makers viewing the incident as a breach of trust[5]. One source close to AEW’s women’s division added, “There are always creative talks, but you have to work through them. Leaving puts everyone in a tough spot—crew, other talent, production. It’s not a good look, no matter how you spin it.”[5]
Diverging accounts of the situation don’t end there. Earlier reports suggested that Newell and Alize refused to lose after a previous loss, while others claimed the issue was strictly about match length[1]. There were also whispers of tension during Newell and Alize’s debut match, with Megan Bayne reportedly frustrated by a lack of cooperation in the ring[3]. Newell has denied those allegations, but the conflicting reports only deepen the uncertainty surrounding their AEW status.
Fan Backlash and Social Media Fallout
The controversy has spilled over into fan communities, with Newell revealing on Twitch that she received multiple death threats following the incident[2]. “It’s lovely. I’ve already had three today,” she said sarcastically during her stream, highlighting the toxic side of wrestling fandom[2]. Alize and Newell have both retweeted supportive messages from fans criticizing the booking decisions, but the online discourse has been overwhelmingly polarized.
A veteran wrestling journalist, speaking off the record, remarked, “The fans who love Nixon and Miranda see this as them standing up for themselves. But anyone who’s worked in the business knows how delicate these situations are. Walking out is a nuclear option—especially when you’re trying to get your foot in the door.”
Broader Implications for WWE and AEW Talent Relations
While the incident centers on AEW, it has sent ripples through the wider wrestling industry, including WWE, where Newell previously wrestled as Tegan Nox. According to a WWE talent relations source, “We’re always watching how people handle themselves in other companies. Professionalism matters, especially if someone wants to come back someday.”
The walkout also raises questions about how AEW manages its unsigned and lower-card talent. With both Newell and Alize lacking contracts, their leverage was minimal but their actions may have lasting repercussions. “The door isn’t completely shut, but it’s a lot harder to open now,” said one AEW official[5].
The Road Ahead
For now, Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize’s future in AEW appears uncertain at best. While both have supporters in the locker room and among fans, the internal consensus is that their exit was far from amicable despite their public statements. As one AEW veteran put it, “You can say there’s no bad blood, but actions speak louder than words. Management won’t forget this.”
Meanwhile, Hyan and Maya World have filled the void, and the AEW Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament moves forward. The incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between creative collaboration and professional expectations in the wrestling business a lesson that resonates from the indies to the global stage.
Key Takeaways for Fans and Industry Observers
- Creative disagreements are common, but walking out before a scheduled match is rare and rarely ends well for the talent involved.
- Internal reactions often contradict public statements, especially in high-pressure environments like professional wrestling.
- Professional reputations matter: Unsigned or lower-card talent have little margin for error when it comes to backstage conduct.
- Fan reactions can be extreme, but they rarely influence management decisions in these situations.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: The Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize walkout is more than just another backstage rumor—it’s a case study in the complexities of modern wrestler-promoter relations, with consequences that could echo far beyond a single night in Houston.