AEW Newcomer To Debut On Rampage, Tony Khan Comments

This week's Rampage will host a notable AEW debut.

Madison Rayne Rampage
AEW

Madison Rayne will make her in-ring debut for All Elite Wrestling on this Friday's Rampage.

This was announced during last night's episode of AEW Dynamite, following yesterday's news that the IMPACT Wrestling legend had signed with the promotion as a coach in the women's division.

AEW's 3 August press release said the following on Rayne:-

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Madison Rayne (Ashley Nichole Lomberger) will join AEW as a coach in the women’s division, and kick-off her new role tonight in her hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Madison has competed in numerous professional wrestling promotions where she has held multiple championship titles, including 5-time Women’s World Champion. She has more than 15 years of experience in professional wrestling, and is also a proud mom to a daughter.

Company founder and CEO Tony Khan was quick to clarify that he wasn't against Rayne wrestling for the promotion, which transpired on Dynamite.

Khan praised Madison on Busted Open Radio yesterday, saying she was going to be "great for the team", pointing out that other AEW personnel balance behind-the-scenes duties with an in-ring role:-

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“I'm really excited. She's going to be great for the team. She's excited. Everyone is excited to have Madison Rayne as part of AEW. I'm not saying she wouldn't wrestle anymore, we're open to it. We have other people in the office who do wrestle as part of their schedule, so I'm open to it. I haven't talked a lot about it because right now, I'm primarily focused on the whole company, but it's definitely something I'm open to and would like.”

A wrestler since 2005, Rayne is best known for her work in TNA/IMPACT Wrestling, where she is a five-time Knockouts Champion. She last wrestled for the Anthem-helmed group on its 16 July television tapings, where she lost to Mia Yim.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.