Various: Rikishi Underwent Surgery for Unexpected Health Issue, Andrade Reportedly Pulled from 10/18 WWC Event Over Issues with His Non-Compete Clause Situation with WWE, Indies/Misc.

Oct 19, 2025

Rikishi Underwent Surgery for Unexpected Health Issue

PWInsider’s Mike Johnson reported that his sources stated that WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi recently underwent an unexpected surgery.

This surgery reportedly was due to a health issue that had occurred suddenly for Riksihi.

Johnson reported that Rikishi pulled out of several of his upcoming scheduled bookings in order to recover from this unexpected surgery and health issue.

Andrade Reportedly Pulled from October 18th WWC Event Over Issues with His Non-Compete Clause Situation with WWE

As noted before, Andrade El Idolo made his surprise return to AEW at the AEW Dynamite 6th Anniversary show earlier this month. Since then, Andrade has been noticeably absent from AEW for reasons currently believed to be due to WWE sending a letter to AEW and invoking a non-compete clause for Andrade without pay.

Fightful Select reported that Andrade is still facing legal issues over him being able to work in AEW and the indies due to it currently appears that he is still under a WWE contract despite his recent firing from the company.

It was reported that their sources stated that Andrade was pulled from his scheduled match for the WWC Universal Championship for World Wrestling Council’s event on Saturday in Puerto Rico due to his on-going issues with WWE.

Andrade reportedly was backstage at WWC’s show on Saturday and he was doing whatever else he could do to make good for the booking for WWC.

Misc. Wrestling News & Notes

Duke Roufus, legendary MMA coach and founder of Roufussport MMA Academy, passed away on October 17th at the age of 55. Roufus’ passing was first announced by Scott Joffe on Facebook. In MMA and wrestling history, Roufus was known for being the trainer for CM Punk during Punk brief MMA career for UFC.

Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers passed away on October 18th at the age of 48. Rivers’ passing was first announced by the band on Twitter. In wrestlign history, Rivers and Limp Bizkit is most known for their “My Way” song being used in the video package for the Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. The Rock match at WrestleMania X-7 and for their live performance at WrestleMania XIX.

This past Friday’s CMLL Super Viernes show at the Arena Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico featured India Sioux defeating Skadi in the Finals of this year’s CMLL Women’s Universal Championship tournament to become the new champion.

The family of ECW founder Tod Gordon announced that Gordon is currently hospitalized and has been for some time due to health-related issues. Gordon’s family stated “From the Family of Tod Gordon: We wanted to share that, Tod Gordon, is currently in the hospital and has been for some time. If you’ve reached out and haven’t heard back, please know he’s not ignoring anyone – he’s just focusing on his health right now. While he is unable to recieve visitors, we appreciate all your love, support, and prayers during this time. Please keep him in your thoughts. Thank you The Gordon Family.“

As noted before, Steph De Lander has been out of action for TNA Wrestling and the indies since September of 2024 due to a neck injury and surgery. De Lander provided an update on Saturday on Twitter stating that she should have been back in the ring by now but she is not due to her recovery taking longer than expected. De Lander stated “It’s been 1 year since my neck surgery. I should have been back in the ring by now, but I am not. Sometimes I feel like my situation is forgotten about because I don’t complain, I don’t post about it (no hate to those who do), I just get on with it and focus on what I can control. Although I am frustrated with certain things, I am proud of myself for always pushing forward and keeping a positive attitude and spirit 🙏🏼“

New Japan Pro Wrestling reportedly drew a paid attendance of 5,372 for their Oct. 13th King of Pro Wrestling 2025 event in Tokyo, Japan, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

NJPW recently announced one new match for the card of their Purge Night of Torture event on November 19th in Tokyo, Japan: