Triple H unlikely to hire Jim Johnston; Ruby Soho cleared for AEW return

Cageside Seats3 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 5:00 AM

Last updated Aug 20, 2026

Triple H unlikely to hire Jim Johnston; Ruby Soho cleared for AEW return
Summary

In ongoing developments within WWE and AEW, rumors suggest that Jim Johnston is not expected to return to WWE due to perceived preferences from Triple H. Johnston expressed doubts about being invited back, citing a belief that Triple H views him as a holdover from Vince McMahon's era. Meanwhile, Ruby Soho has been medically cleared for a potential return to AEW, but there are no clear creative plans for her involvement. Reports indicate that Steve Borden, Sting's son, is believed to be contracted with AEW despite no formal announcement. Additionally, Eric Bischoff hinted at the possibility of Brock Lesnar joining Real American Freestyle.

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Status Watch
  • Jim Johnston unlikely to return to WWE under Triple H.
  • Ruby Soho medically cleared for AEW but lacks firm storyline plans.
  • Belief persists that Steve Borden has signed with AEW.
  • Bischoff suggests Brock Lesnar's potential involvement with Real American Freestyle.
Latest Updates
  • 5:00 AMCageside SeatsRumor Roundup (Aug. 20, 2026): Triple H not hiring Vince’s guy, AEW star cleared, Lesnar return, more!
What they're saying
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Is there any chance that Jim Johnston will return to WWE to save it from Def Rebel’s crappy music? Let’s see what today’s rumors have to say about it! Top rumor of the day: Triple H is not hiring Vince McMahon’s guy There are plenty of longtime WWE fans who hate Def Rebel’s music and wish the company would bring back composer Jim Johnston, who wrote legendary theme songs for stars like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, The Undertaker, and D-Generation X. Well, you shouldn’t hold your breath waiting for a reunion between WWE and Johnston. In a new interview with All Axxess Entertainment, Johnston said he doesn’t think WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque “is a very big fan” of his. “I think when he was coming out of wrestling into more of a behind the scenes role, he clearly wanted his own guys, and he perceived me as Vince’s guy. So, I think that’s why I’m not being asked to write themes anymore…I think the chances that Hunter’s gonna ask [for me to return] are close to zero.” Johnston also said he believes that Triple H probably “wants to maintain and think” that Motorhead actually wrote the music for his entrance theme “The Game,” even though it was actually Johnston’s work that was performed by the band. The rest of the rumors! According to Fightful Select, Ruby Soho was medically cleared in June for a potential return to AEW. However, she hasn’t been regularly backstage at AEW tapings, and it doesn’t sound like there are any firm creative plans in place for her return. Ruby’s last match took place on AEW Rampage in February 2024, a couple months before she announced her pregnancy. The outlet also says it’s believed that Sting’s son Steve Borden is already under contract with AEW, even though no official announcement has been made. For whatever it’s worth, Ibou of Self Made Sessions says there are people in AEW who have talked to him about a “systematic issue” where they feel pressure to get over with fans working a specific style of match in order to earn more TV time. This is in contrast to the launch of AEW, when wrestlers were encouraged to work their own style to get over. Former WWE referee Mike Chioda posted on X that John Cena was “not happy about doing the job” for The Rock at WrestleMania 28 in 2012. Chioda was the referee for their “Once in a Lifetime” main event match that night. Real American Freestyle’s Eric Bischoff told The Game Plan that “anything’s possible” and “there might be a chance” when asked about retired WWE and UFC star Brock Lesnar joining RAF. Discuss these rumors and others in the comments below, and share your takes on any topic in The Feed!

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