Archive for June, 2022

Will Ospreay Retains IWGP US Heavyweight Title, Katsuyori Shibata Appears At Forbidden Door

At Sunday’s AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view event from Chicago, Illinois at the United Center, Will Ospreay defended the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship against Orange Cassidy.

The match opened with Ospreay beating Cassidy down. Orange had some offense after fighting out a stretch hold. Orange with a superkick then several head kicks. Orange with a stunner then a driver for 2. Orange rammed Ospreay’s face into the corner camera.  There was a botch when Orange hit powerslam and the referee counted the three. Orange kicked out of Hidden Blade. Will won the StormBreaker.

Post-match, Ospreay beat down Cassidy. Best Friends tried to make the save, but were taken out. Katsuyori Shibata made the save. 

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541240556252274688
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AEW confirmed this bout during the Road Rager special edition of Dynamite when Ospreay defeated Dax Harwood in his AEW debut. Post-match, the United Empire group attacked Harwood. Roppongi Vice and Cash Wheeler made the save with Orange Cassidy making a surprise appearance to face down Ospreay. 

Andrade El Idolo revealed while speaking to Hugo Savinovich of Lucha Libre Online that he was going to be Ospreay’s opponent before politics got in the way. He was not able to work the event due to the rivalry between CMLL and AAA as NJPW has a working relationship with AAA. 

Ospreay beat SANADA in the co-main event of NJPW Dominion to win the IWGP United States Championship.

What are your thoughts on Will Ospreay retaining the IWGP US Heavyweight Title? Was this the right call by AEW officials? Sound off in the comment section.

Thunder Rosa Retains Women’s Title At AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door

Thunder Rosa made her latest title defense as the AEW Women’s Champion against Toni Storm at Sunday’s AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view event from Chicago, Illinois at the United Center.

The match saw Storm get the early advantage early. They brawl around the ring and Storm hit a DDT. It ended when Rosa hit a Final Reckoning for the pinfall 

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541235678943510529
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Storm defeated former champ Britt Baker on the June 14th edition of Dynamite. She had a staredown with Rosa for the second consecutive week and the match was officially announced later in the show. 

Rosa made her previous title defense on pay-per-view as the AEW Women’s Champion against Serena Deeb at the Double Or Nothing. 

The former WWE star made her promotional debut on the March 31 edition of Dynamite as AEW President Tony Khan’s latest mystery signing where she beat The Bunny in the Women’s Owen Hart Foundation tournament qualifying match with her finisher.

Time will tell whether AEW continues this feud or goes into a different direction heading into Wednesday’s Dynamite. 

What are your thoughts on Thunder Rosa retaining the AEW Women’s Title? Was this the right call by AEW officials? Sound off in the comment section.

PAC Becomes Inaugural All-Atlantic Champion At AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door

PAC, Miro, Clark Connors, and Malakai Black battled it out in a fatal 4-way bout at Sunday’s AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view event from Chicago, Illinois to determine who would become the inaugural AEW All-Atlantic Champion.

The match saw Miro dominate most of it. Black with a springboard dive to Miro. PAC with a spinning kick to Miro. PAC took out Black with an outside dive. Clark speared Miro through a table. The finish saw PAC hit the 450 splash to Black then locked in a submission on Clark for the win. 

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541227882382561281
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All of these stars earned their way into the match as Miro defeated Ethan Page at AEW Dynamite Road Rager to advance while PAC defeated Buddy Matthews on the June 8th edition of Dynamite. 

Malakai Black and Penta Oscuro battled it out on the June 22nd episode of Dynamite to determine the third entrant. 

The fourth entrant in the bout was decided in Japan earlier this week as Tomohiro Ishii faced Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Clark Connors took on Tomoaki Honma. The winners of those two matches face off the next day at New Japan Road with the winner getting the final spot. 

AEW President Tony Khan explained earlier this month that the reason for the title is to include international talent and not just those based in the United States. 

AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door Results (6/26/22): Interim AEW Champion Crowned, Claudio Castagnoli Debuts

AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door aired live tonight from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. AEW will battle NJPW in several matches throughout the PPV. Jon Moxley battled Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event to determine the interim AEW Champion.

Forbidden Door Results

  • Chaos def. The Factory (Buy In)
  • Lance Archer def. Nick Comoroto (Buy In)
  • Keith Lee & Swerve Strickland def. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (Buy In)
  • Gunn Club & Max Caster def. Alex Coughlin, The DKC, Yuya Uemura & Kevin Knight (Buy In)
  • Chris Jericho, Minoru Suzuki, Sammy Guevara def. Shota Umino, Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta
  • FTR def. United Empire, Roppongi Vice to win the IWGP Tag Team Championships and retain the ROH Tag Team Championships
  • PAC def. Clark Connors, Miro, Malakai Black to become the inaugural All-Atlantic Champion
  • Dudes with Attitudes (Sting, Darby Allin, Shingo Takagi) def. Bullet Club (Young Bucks & El Phantasmo)
  • Thunder Rosa def. Toni Storm to retain the AEW Women’s Championship
  • Will Ospreay def. Orange Cassidy to retain the IWGP US Championship
  • Claudio Castagnoli def. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Jay White def. Adam Cole, Kazuchika Okada, Hangman Page to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
  • Jon Moxley def. Hiroshi Tanahashi to become the Interim AEW Champion

Here are the takeaways from Forbidden Door:

JAS Will Have The Advantage At Blood & Guts

Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevary, Minoru Suzuki battled Wheeler Yuta, Shota Umino, Eddie Kingston. The winning team will have the advantage at Blood & Guts on Dynamite. Tay Conti accompanied Sammy to the ring. Wheeler Yuta and Chris Jericho started off the action. Wheeler hit him with a bunch of German Suplexes in a row as the crowd cheered. Yuta planted The Wizard with a Samoan Drop and went for a Crossface but Minoru broke it up.

Shota and Minoru traded strikes outside the ring as Jericho took control. Sammy tagged in and delivered a knee to Wheeler’s ribs. Shota Umino tagged in and beat Guevara down for a bit. Eddie Kingston got the tag and wanted a fight with Minoru Suzuki. They traded chops to the chest as the crowd chanted along.

Jericho tagged in and stomped Eddie down to the canvas before taking a break to pose for the booing crowd. Kingston battled back and lit up Jericho’s chest with a flurry of chops. Kingston bashed Guevara off the apron but Suzuki got him in an armbar in the ropes. Jericho capitalized with a DDT before applying a submission hold in the middle of the ring.

Suzuki tagged in and caught Kingston with a running kick for a two count. Wheeler and Sammy then battled in the ring. Guevara connected with a standing Spanish Fly but Eddie attacked from behind. Kingston connected with a Suplex and locked in a submission hold. Suzuki broke it up but Kingston leveled him with the Backfist to the Future. Shota knocked Jericho out of the ring as Wheeler connected with a big Frog Splash.

The Wizard (Jericho) tagged in and hit Shota with a Codebreaker for a near fall. Jericho made his way to the top rope but Shota caught him with a punch to the face. Shota Umino hit an avalanche Powerslam for the cover but Suzuki broke it up. Sammy hit Wheeler with a GTH outside the ring. Jericho went for the Lionsault but Eddie broke it up with a punch to the head. Shota hit Jericho with a Tornado DDT and followed it up with a Brainbuster for a two count.

Shota applied a Boston Crab but Sammy broke it up with a couple of Superkicks and Suzuki planted Kingston with a Piledriver. Shota sent Sammy and Minoru out of the ring but turned around into a Judas Effect from Chris Jericho for the pinfall victory. Jericho Appreciation Society will now have the advantage in the Blood & Guts match against Blackpool Combat Club this Wednesday on Dynamite.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541217160051171328?s=20&t=zWL2p7Xp57j3X-KaLvYDNw

FTR Are Now The ROH & IWGP Tag Team Champions

Roppongi Vice (Trent & Rocky Romero) faced IWGP Tag Team Champions Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan and ROH Tag Team Champions FTR (Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler) in a winner’s take-all match. Dax and Trent started off the action and locked up in the middle of the ring. Harwood got Trent Beretta in a headlock before leveling him with a shoulder tackle.

Cash Wheeler and Rocky Romero tagged in and Cash took control. Harwood tagged in and went for an Elbow Drop. Harwood connected but grabbed his arm in pain before rolling out of the ring. Wheeler and Romero battled in the ring as an AEW official checked on Harwood. Dax made his way to the back and Wheeler was Clotheslined out of the ring.

Jeff Cobb and Great-O-Khan took control of the match. Khan beat Cash down before launching him into the turnbuckle. Great-O-Khan smooshed his buttocks in Cash’s face before tagging in Cobb. Jeff planted Cash Wheeler with a Suplex and beat him down in the corner.

Trent tagged in and battled with Great-O-Khan. Trent connected with a Tornado DDT and Khan tumbled out of the ring. Beretta went for a Tornado DDT on Cobb but he countered into a Suplex. Rocky connected with a Hurricanrana and the two teams battled to the outside. Romero hit Cobb with a flying knee of the ring apron and rolled Khan into the ring. Trent hung up Khan on the ropes and Romero hit a Dropkick for a two count.

Cash Wheeler tagged in and started unloading uppercuts. Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb beat him down and sent Roppongi Vice to the floor outside the ring. Khan and Cobb beat the hell out of Cash before Dax made his way back down the entrance ramp to a pop from the crowd. Harwood immediately tagged in and unloaded some strikes to Cobb & Khan. Khan accidentally hit Cobb and Harwood caught him with a couple Clotheslines. Dax sent him down with a third before giving Cobb a few German Suplexes.

Cobb bashed Harwood into the turnbuckle and hit him with a headbutt. They battled to the top rope and Trent joined them up there. Wheeler tagged in as Trent & Dax hit Cobb with a Superplex. Cash followed it up with a Splash off the top rope but somehow Cobb kicked out at two.

Khan sent Harwood to the outside with a big boot. Wheeler hit Khan with a Piledriver as Roppongi Vice leveled Cobb with a knee strike. Romero hit Wheeler with a Splash outside the ring. Khan hit Harwood with a Suplex and Cash with a Slingblade. Cobb connected with a Clothesline and a standing Moonsault on Trent for a two count.

Harwood dragged Khan out of the ring but Rocky hit them both with a dive. Trent hit Cobb with Strong Zero and went for the cover but Cash Wheeler broke it up at the last moment. Harwood tagged in and Romero rolled him up for a two count. Romero booted Dax on his injured shoulder and ran towards the ropes. Dax popped him up in the air and FTR hit Romero with the Big Rig for the pinfall victory. FTR are now the ROH and IWGP Tag Team Champions.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541222422376058880?s=20&t=uviRS5zWfyDUY_V0GhAKrg

PAC Captured The All-Atlantic Championship

Clark Connors, PAC, Malakai Black, and Miro battled in a 4-Way to crown the first All-Atlantic Champion. Malakai and Pac battled out of the ring to begin the match. Miro sent Connors to the corner and unloaded some strikes. Clark tried to battle back with some chops but Miro shrugged them off.

Miro connected with a Body Slam before getting knocked out of the ring with a shoulder tackle. Connors went for a Crossbody but Miro caught him with ease and slammed him down to the floor. Malakai leveled Miro with a Dropkick through the ropes and then battled with Pac in the corner.

Pac set up for a Sunset Flip Powerbomb but Malakai landed on his feet. Miro got back in the ring and caught Malakai with an uppercut. Malakai responded with a springboard Moonsault that knocked Miro out of the ring. Malakai applied a Heel Hook on Connors but Miro grabbed him by the hair and dragged him to the outside to break the hold.

Miro sent Pac flying across the ring with a Fallaway Slam before battling with Connors once again. Clark got in some strikes before Miro sent him down with a Uranage. Miro hit a Gutwrench Suplex for a two count and threw Connors out of the ring. Malakai and Miro teamed up for a moment to stomp on Pac.

Malakai and Miro then stared at each other as the crowd cheered. They then started arguing over who gets to beat Pac up and had a stare down. Miro and Malakai traded punches in the middle of the ring. Miro got the better of the exchange and knocked Malakai out of the ring with an uppercut. Miro planted Pac with a Samoan Drop for a near fall.

Pac sent Connors flying out of the ring with a Back Body Drop before hitting Malakai with a flip. Pac climbed to the top rope and delivered a Missile Dropkick to Miro. Malakai hit Pac with a knee strike but turned around into a Suplex from Connors. Miro hit Connors with a Clothesline and battled with Malakai Black. Malakai rolled out of the ring and grabbed a table. He set it up between the steps and the barricade outside the ring.

Malakai tried to put Miro through the table but he blocked it. Pac went for a Crossbody but Miro caught him. Pac escaped and shoved Miro into the ring post. Clark Connors then came out of nowhere and Speared Miro through the table. Connors rolled Malakai into the ring and fired up the crowd. Clark hit a series of Clotheslines and followed it up with a Powerslam. Pac got back into the ring and Connors caught him with a Spear. Connors followed it up with a slam but Malakai broke up the cover. The crowd got behind Clark as he battled with Pac in the ring. Pac caught Clark with a Superkick and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Malakai broke it up and set up for a Superplex.

Clark joined them on the top turnbuckle as Miro got back into the ring. Miro hit Clark and Malakai with a Powerbomb as they delivered a Superplex to Pac (Tower of Doom spot). Miro then hit Pac with a big boot and applied the Game Over on Pac in the middle of the ring. Malakai spit the mist in Miro’s eyes and followed it up with Black Mass. Miro fell out of the ring as Malakai locked in a submission hold on Connors. Pac broke it up with the 450 Splash on Malakai. Pac then quickly locked in the Rings of Saturn on Connors for the submission victory. Pac is the first All-Atlantic Champion.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541227477581893636?s=20&t=uviRS5zWfyDUY_V0GhAKrg
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Dudes With Attitudes def. Bullet Club

The Young Bucks, El Phantasmo battled Sting, Darby Allin, Shingo Takagi. Sting hit a Splash during their entrance. Young Bucks and Phantasmo controlled the match early and isolated Darby Allin in the ring. Matt beat Allin down in the corner as Nick posed on the ring apron. They got Darby in the Tree of Woe and connected with three Dropkicks.

Allin eventually escaped to the corner and tagged in Shingo Takagi. Shingo unloaded some punches to Nick in the corner. Shingo hit Nick Jackson with a snap Suplex for a two count. Sting tagged in and as Darby Allin connected with a Stunner on El Phantasmo. Sting hit the Young Bucks with a Clothesline and crawled to the corner.

Darby Allin tagged in and climbed to the top rope. Allin went for the Coffin Drop but Matt got his knees up. Nick hit a Splash and Phantasmo followed it up with one of his own. Nick went for the cover but Shingo broke it up. Phantasmo hit a Moonsault onto everyone outside the ring.

Sting was about to hit a Splash but Young Bucks broke it up. Young Bucks went for the BTE Trigger but Sting dodged it. Sting planted Young Bucks with a double Scorpion Death Drop and then exited the ring. Sting then realized he was supposed to do something else and returned to the ring to boot Phantasmo in the balls. Darby hit Hikuleo with a Coffin Drop outside the ring. Shingo turned Phantasmo inside out with a Clothesline and went for the cover but he kicked out at two. Shingo followed it up with Last of the Dragon on El Phantasmo for the pinfall victory.

Thunder Rosa Retained The AEW Women’s Championship

Thunder Rosa defended the AEW Women’s Championship against Toni Storm tonight at Forbidden Door. Toni kept Thunder Rosa grounded early but the champion escaped back to her feet. Storm and Rosa locked up in the middle of the ring. Thunder Rosa hit Storm with a shoulder tackle and started focusing her attack on Toni’s arm.

Storm rolled up Rosa for a two count and Thunder responded with a boot to the ribs. Thunder Rosa hit Storm with some chops but Toni bounced off the ropes and delivered a big boot for a near fall. Rosa sent Storm to the corner and hit her with a Clothesline. The champion followed it up with two Dropkicks and a Northern Lights Suplex for a near fall.

Rosa hit a Double Stomp and went for the cover again but couldn’t put Toni away. Storm sent Rosa out of the ring and went for a Tornado DDT but the champ blocked. Rosa connected with another Northern Lights Suplex on the floor before the action returned to the ring. Storm bashed Rosa in the face and the champ tumbled through the ropes.

Toni climbed to the top turnbuckle but Rosa tripped her up. Thunder Rosa set up for a Death Valley Driver on the apron but the challenger escaped. Toni connected with a Belly to Back Suplex on the apron and then hit the Tornado DDT on the floor. Back in the ring, Storm hit a Hip Attack in the corner and then another Tornado DDT for a near fall.

Rosa responded with a running knee strike to the face and a Death Valley Driver. Thunder Rosa followed it up with the Fire Thunder Driver but Toni somehow kicked out at two. Rosa followed it up with the Final Reckoning (Dustin Rhodes’ finisher) for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541237328408084485?s=20&t=F3sDdXpmh9JWjjyyQfi7bg

Will Ospreay Retained The IWGP US Championship

Will Ospreay defended the IWGP US Championship against Orange Cassidy. Jim Ross joined commentary before the match. Ospreay went for a Dropkick right away but Cassidy dodged it. Cassidy hit a shoulder tackle with his hands in his pockets. Orange avoided Ospreay’s offense and mocked him.

Cassidy hit a headscissors takeover and then posed like Ospreay in the middle of the ring as Will regrouped on the outside. Back in the ring, Ospreay responded with a massive kick to the face and Cassidy collapsed to the canvas. Ospreay sprinted around the ring and hit Cassidy with a running Dropkick.

Ospreay sent Cassidy into the turnbuckle and then did some sit-ups in the ring. Will spun Cassidy around several times before planting him with a Backbreaker for a two count. Ospreay sent Cassidy into the turnbuckle again for another near fall. Will locked in an Abdominal Stretch in the middle of the ring but Cassidy was able to counter into an Arm Drag.

Orange hit a Splash off the top rope but Ospreay quickly responded with a slam and a flipping kick to the face. Ospreay made his way to the top rope and connected with a diving elbow strike for a near fall. Will bashed Orange with several kicks to the face but Cassidy popped back up. Cassidy put his hands in his pockets and hit Ospreay with a Dropkick.

Cassidy followed it up with some lazy kicks that annoyed Orpreay. Will battled to his feet but Orange caught him with a Superkick and some real kicks. Ospreay went for a springboard Cutter but Orange Cassidy dodged it. Orange went for a Tornado DDT but Ospreay blocked it. Cassidy hit the Stundog Millionaire and then a Michinoku Driver for a near fall.

Ospreay and Cassidy battled in the corner. Orange connected with a Tornado DDT and followed it up with a dive through the ropes. Cassidy hit Aussie Open with a Splash on the outside and climbed to the top rope. Orange delivered a diving DDT to Ospreay and went for the cover but Will powered out at two.

Orange went for a Clothesline but Ospreay beautifully countered into a standing Spanish Fly in the middle of the ring. Ospreay trapped Cassidy’s head under the turnbuckle and delivered a Superkick to his face. They battled to the top rope and Ospreay hit some elbow strikes. Cassidy bounced Will’s head off the turnbuckle camera but Ospreay responded with an elbow strike. Will went for a moonsault, missed, went for another one, missed, and then hit Cassidy with a Shooting Star Press for a near fall. Cassidy hit the Air Raid Crash but Ospreay wouldn’t stay down.

Cassidy geared up in the corner and went for the Orange Punch but Ospreay countered into a Cutter. Ospreay followed it up with another Cutter but Cassidy somehow kicked out. Ospreay went for the Stormbreaker but Cassidy countered into a Hurricanrana for a two count. Will hit an elbow strike for another two count. Ospreay then planted Cassidy with the Stormbreaker for the pinfall victory.

Will Ospreay is still the IWGP US Champion. United Empire attacked after the match but Trent and Rocky Romero rushed the ring. Roppongi Vice got beaten down as the numbers game was too much. Katsuyori Shibata then made the save to a great reaction from the crowd. Shibata hit Ospreay with a Dropkick and applied a rear choke. Aussie Open dragged Ospreay out of the ring and retreated. Orange Cassidy then put his glasses on Shibata and posed with him to end the segment.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541244151383162881?s=20&t=F3sDdXpmh9JWjjyyQfi7bg

Claudio Castagnoli Debuted With A Win

Zack Sabre Jr. battled a mystery opponent tonight at Forbidden Door. It was originally supposed to be Bryan Danielson but he’s out with an injury. Claudio Castagnoli (FKA as Cesaro in WWE) made his debut and is a member of the Blackpool Combat Club. Claudio hit an uppercut and a Neutralizer right away for a two count. Zack rolled out of the ring as the crowd erupted for Claudio.

The action spilled out of the ring and Claudio delivered a massive uppercut against the barricade. He went for another but Zack got out of the way and rolled back into the ring. Claudio leveled him with an uppercut and Sabre Jr. rolled to the apron. Claudio brought him back into the ring and sent him to the mat with a massive vertical Suplex for a two count. Sabre Jr. applied an armbar and started bending back Claudio’s fingers.

Zack Sabre Jr. controlled the next couple of minutes and kept Castagnoli grounded. Claudio battled back with a couple of Backbreakers and shoved Zack to the corner. Castagnoli leveled Sabre Jr. with an uppercut for a near fall. Sabre Jr. took Castagnoli down again and locked in an armbar. Sabre Jr. kept the hold applied as they tumbled to the floor. Castagnoli then carried Sabre Jr. with one arm up the steel steps and Powerbombed him back into the ring.

Castagnoli went for the Swing but Sabre Jr. countered into a Guillotine choke in the middle of the ring. Claudio escaped and hung up Zack on the top turnbuckle. Sabre Jr. applied a submission hold while on the top rope before knocking Claudio down with an uppercut. Claudio responded with a leaping uppercut of his own and followed it up with a Gutwrench Suplex off the top rope.

Claudio went for the Swing again but Sabre Jr. wiggled away. Castagnoli hit him with some uppercuts for a two count. Claudio followed it up with the Swing for a few rotations and went for the Sharpshooter but Sabre Jr. booted him away. Castagnoli dragged him back into the middle of the ring but Sabre Jr. countered into a Heel Hook.

Castagnoli escaped and slammed Sabre Jr. to the mat for a two count. Claudio unloaded another massive uppercut and Zack collapsed to the canvas. Sabre Jr. hit a Pele Kick and applied a choke hold in the middle of the ring. Zack transitioned into an armbar but Claudio escaped via an elbow strike to the head. Castagnoli hit a big uppercut, a lariat, and the Ricola (Powerbomb) for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541250235321704449?s=20&t=F3sDdXpmh9JWjjyyQfi7bg

Jay White Retained The IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Jay White defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Kazuchika Okada, Adam Cole, and Hangman Page in a 4-Way tonight at Forbidden Door. Adam Cole dragged Hangman out of the ring and Jay White attacked Okada from behind to start off the action. Okada and Hangman leveled Jay White with a Clothesline and he rolled out of the ring. Adam Cole and Jay White started conversing and it backfired.

Hangman and Okada got out of the ring and attacked them. Cole rolled Hangman into the ring but the former champ bounced off the ropes and caught Adam with a Suicide Dive. Jay White slammed Okada on the ring apron as Cole & Hangman battled on the ramp. Hangman set up for a Powerbomb but Jay White broke it up. Cole and White teamed up again for a big vertical Suplex on Hangman onto the entrance ramp.

Jay rolled Okada into the ring and Adam Cole unloaded some punches to the face. White launched Okada into the turnbuckle and leveled him with a chop to the chest. Hangman got back up and dragged Jay out of the ring. Hangman launched Jay into the steel steps but turned around into a big boot from Cole. White and Cole then beat Okada down some more before Hangman got back into the ring.

Hangman sent Jay to the outside with a Clothesline and delivered a Fallaway Slam to Adam Cole. Page hit White with a Crossbody and hit a Flying Clothesline off the top rope on Cole for a near fall. Kazuchika sent Jay White into the barricade as the action spilled out of the ring. Okada then booted Jay in the face and threw him into the seats with Adam Cole.

Okada pounded on the steel steps before hitting White & Cole with a Crossbody over the barricade. Back in the ring, Jay went for a deadlift German Suplex but Hangman landed on his feet. Hangman rolled White up but Cole broke it up with a boot to the face. Adam Cole attacked Jay and hit him with a slam for a near fall.

Cole went for the Boom but Jay ducked under it. White connected with a Uranage and everyone was down. Jay hit Cole with a chop to the chest and then a Snap Dragon Suplex. White hit Okada with one as well and delivered a third to Hangman. Cole hit the Boom on White, Okada hit Cole with a Clothesline, and Hangman leveled Okada with a Clothesline sending everyone back to the canvas again.

Hangman Page and Kazuchika Okada unloaded punches to Jay White and Adam Cole. Hangman caught Okada with a boot to the face and then planted Jay with a Powerbomb for a two count. Page set up on the apron for the Buckshot Lariat but Cole broke it up. Page booted him away and hit Cole with a Moonsault. White blocked the Buckshot but Hangman caught him with the Dead Eye. Page then hit the Buckshot Lariat and went for the cover but Okada broke it up at the last moment.

Okada and Hangman had a stare down and talked some trash as the crowd cheered. Okada and Hangman began trading haymakers in the middle of the ring. Kazuchika went for a Dropkick but Hangman held onto the ropes. Okada went for the Rainmaker but Hangman dodged it. Cole dragged Hangman out of the ring and sent him into the ring post.

Cole booted Okada in the knee and went for Panama Sunrise but Okada countered into a Neckbreaker over his knee. Okada hit a Body Slam and climbed to the top turnbuckle. Okada delivered an Elbow Drop and the crowd. Cole hit Okada with a Superkick after avoiding the Rainmaker. Okada responded with a Dropkick and went for the Rainmaker again. Cole dodged it once again and delivered an Enziguri.

Cole booted Page in the face and he fell out of the ring. Okada connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with the Landslide. Okada went for the Rainmaker AGAIN but Cole dodged it. Jay hit Okada with Bladerunner and pinned Adam Cole for the victory to retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

It was an odd finish in an otherwise great match, as Okada didn’t hit Cole with the Rainmaker and it appeared that Adam may have been injured. You can see the finish just before the cover in the short video below. Cole ducks under the Rainmaker and rolls to the mat. White hits Okada with the Bladerunner, and then pinned Cole in a sequence that had to have gone wrong.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541258899327688704?s=20&t=F3sDdXpmh9JWjjyyQfi7bg

Jon Moxley Won The AEW Interim Championship

Jon Moxley faced Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event of Forbidden Door to crown the Interim AEW Champion. The current champion, CM Punk, is out of action with a broken foot. William Regal walked Moxley through the crowd for the match.

https://twitter.com/AEW/status/1541260152766189569?s=20&t=F3sDdXpmh9JWjjyyQfi7bg

Tanahashi tripped Moxley up and applied a headlock to begin the action. Moxley escaped but Tanahashi caught him with a Crossbody. Jon got up and started trading punches with Hiroshi. Both men would not back down and Tanahashi caught Moxley with a Dropkick to the knee. Hiroshi sent Jon to the mat with a Dragon Screw and focused his attack on Moxley’s knee.

Moxley and Tanahashi traded forearms to the face in the middle of the ring. Jon hit a Clothesline and perched Tanahashi up on the top turnbuckle. Moxley applied a chokehold before raking Tanahashi across his back. Jon then brought Hiroshi back into the ring with a Superplex and followed it up with a Piledriver for a two count.

Jon got Tanahashi on the mat and booted him in the face a couple of times before applying the Texas Cloverleaf submission hold. Hiroshi escaped and reached the bottom rope to break the hold. Tanahashi connected with a slam and followed it up with a rolling Senton for a near fall.

Moxley threw Hiroshi over the top rope but he held on and got back into the ring. Jon was ready for him and sent him over the top rope and to the floor with a Clothesline. Moxley went after Tanahashi on the outside and cleared off the timekeeper’s table. Jon put him through the table with a Uranage and got back into the ring.

Tanahashi went for a Dragon Screw but Moxley blocked it and tried for an armbar. Hiroshi blocked it and started stomping on Jon’s face. Moxley was busted open and rolled out of the ring to regroup. Hiroshi climbed to the top turnbuckle and hit a Splash on Moxley that sent both competitors to the floor.

Back in the ring, Moxley went for the Paradigm Shift but Tanahashi blocked it. Moxley hit a release German Suplex and then the Paradigm Shift for a two count. Jon unloaded some elbow strikes to the head and went for another Paradigm Shift but Tanahashi countered with a headbutt.

Hiroshi climbed to the top rope and hit a Crossbody before going right back to the top turnbuckle. Tanahashi hit a Frog Splash but couldn’t get the cover right away. Jon kicked out at two and applied the Bulldog Choke in the middle of the ring as the blood poured down his face. Tanahashi battled to his feet and rolled Jon up for a two count.

Moxley went for the Bulldog Choke again but Hiroshi countered into a cradle for a two count. Jon responded with a massive Clothesline but Tanahashi kicked out at one to a big pop from the crowd. Jon unloaded a series of elbow strikes and got the Bulldog Choke applied in the middle of the ring. Hiroshi wouldn’t stay down and battled to his feet. Jon quickly planted him with the Paradigm Shift/Deathrider to win the Interim AEW Championship. Moxley and Tanahashi showed each other respect after the match.

After the match, Jericho Appreciation Society rushed the ring and attacked Moxley & Tanahashi. Eddie Kingston stumbled his way down the entrance ramp and tackled Jericho. Wheeler Yuta, Santana, Ortiz, Hager, Sammy Guevara, Daddy Magic, Daniel Garcia then rushed the ring for a big brawl. Claudio Castagnoli ran down to the ring and traded punches with Jericho. Claudio decked him with a giant uppercut and started beating everyone else down as William Regal smirked on the entrance ramp. Claudio hit the Swing for 21 rotations and posed with Blackpool Combat Club to end the show. Kingston and Claudio have a history and he wasn’t too pleased that he was there. Blackpool Combat Club will battle Jericho Appreciation Society at Blood & Guts.

https://twitter.com/MadKing1981/status/1541252332163309568?s=20&t=F3sDdXpmh9JWjjyyQfi7bg

AEW X NJPW Forbidden Door Live Stream (Buy-In)

It’s time for Forbidden Door (see predictions here) and the live stream for the Buy-In is coming at you.

Tonight (June 26), Forbidden Door will take place inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. In the main event, Jon Moxley and Hiroshi Tanahashi will compete to determine the interim AEW World Champion.

There will also be a four-way match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. It’ll be Jay White putting his gold on the line against Kazuchika Okada, Hangman Page, and Adam Cole.

There will be plenty of more action and title matches on the PPV but first, we’ve got the Buy-In.

Featured on the preshow will be the following matches:

  • Gunn Club (Billy, Austin, and Colten Gunn) and Max Caster (with Anthony Bowens) vs. Yuya Uemura and New Japan LA Dojo (Alex Coughlin, The DKC, and Kevin Knight)
  • The Factory (QT Marshall and Aaron Solo) vs. Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi)
  • Swerve In Our Glory (Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee) vs. Suzuki-gun (El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru)

The live stream for the Buy-In will begin at 7 p.m. ET. You can peep the stream below.

Be sure to check back on the SEScoops homepage for live results and video highlights throughout the Forbidden Door event.

AEW Reportedly Dealing With More Injuries, Talent Contracts Expiring

For weeks AEW has been feeling the repercussions of the injury bug, as top stars like CM Punk, Bryan Danielson, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish, Jungle Boy, Red Velvet, Leyla Hirsch, and more have been sidelined to some extent. The timing could not have been worse as the promotion was forced to make several big changes for tonight’s Forbidden Door pay-per-view in Chicago.

Now a new report from Fightful Select reveals that there is even more talent banged up. While no names were given the publication states that there are injuries that have yet to be disclosed to the public. We will have to see how it affects AEW’s booking plans going forward.

In the same report it is mentioned that AEW did not bring in a lot of talent to Chicago for Forbidden Door as only a portion of the roster was needed since the event is a joint collaboration with New Japan Pro Wrestling, who are also dealing with a string of bad luck as several stars were pulled from tonight’s show due to injury or illness, including Tomohiro Ishii and Hiromu Takahashi.

Finally…Fightful reports that a select number of wrestlers on the AEW roster are currently under a per-appearance agreement, and that some of those deals, which also haven’t been disclosed to the public, are set to expire this year.

Stay tuned for more AEW updates.

Cody Rhodes Remains in AEW Video Game

Cody Rhodes has not been removed from the upcoming AEW video game.

Rhodes sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling industry when he made his return to WWE earlier this year. He appeared at WrestleMania 38 to serve as Seth Rollins’ mystery opponent.

Cody ended up winning the match, making his promotional return a triumphant one.

At the time, many were surprised that Cody, the man who helped build AEW, felt it was time to come back to WWE. While he’s no longer with AEW, there is no bad blood and that is quite evident with this latest bit of news.

Cody Rhodes Staying in AEW Video Game

Kenny Omega has had a big hand in helping with the upcoming AEW video game. During an interview with Sports Illustrated, he revealed that despite leaving the company, Cody Rhodes will still be in the game.

“This may come as a surprise to people, but Cody is still in the game. I was very passionate about making sure his legacy and position within the company were preserved.”

– Kenny Omega

Omega continued, “We’ve built this game from the ground up, starting everything from scratch. That’s why I thought this game could coincide with the birth of this company. You get to experience AEW from the beginning, from day one. The game is going to reflect a lot of that, even though our locker room is ever-changing.”

The AEW video game doesn’t have a solid release date. It was reported that the company was shooting for a September release but many agree that is a big ask.

Kenny told SI that he’s trying his best to get the game out before the end of 2022.

AEW Star Set For A Major Change

Change is coming for one AEW star.

In the wrestling business, characters often switch things up. Whether it’s a babyface or heel turn, or an entirely new gimmick, change happens all the time in this industry.

AEW has certainly made some adjustments to its performers but Tony Khan’s favorite change seems to be licensed music. That is apparent with this latest transition set for an AEW star.

Orange Cassidy Getting New Theme Song

Fightful is reporting that AEW has secured the rights to use “Jane,” which is a 1979 track by Jefferson Starship. OC used this song while he was on the indies and he will be using it once again.

Orange Cassidy teased “something new” in a Tweet just before the June 26 Forbidden Door event.

“This is tomorrow. Will said he has a special costume. I guess I’ll get something new too. Oh, and the IWGP US Championship.”

Cassidy will be challenging Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship at Forbidden Door. There will be no physical title, however, as in storyline Juice Robinson hasn’t let go of the championship despite being stripped of it officially.

SEScoops will have you covered throughout the Forbidden Door PPV event. We’ll be providing live results and video highlights throughout the night.

For our predictions, click here.

Natalya Reveals Childhood Wrestling Crush

Natalya’s childhood wrestling crush was Shawn Michaels.

The former SmackDown women’s champion recently visited Dr. Beau Hightower. She was asked which wrestlers she grew up watching during the treatment. Replying to it, she took the name of people such as Randy Savage, Kenta Kobashi and Bret Hart. She then revealed that Michaels was her childhood crush:

“Shawn Michaels was like my very first crush. When I was a little girl I loved The Rockers. When they were the Rockers, I had a huge crush on Shawn Michaels. My little sister liked Marty Jannetty. We would always watch them wrestle my dad and my uncle.”

I Find Him To Be A Stand Up Guy

This is an interesting answer because of the infamous Montreal Screwjob and the strained relationship between Michaels and Natalya’s uncle Bret Hart. When asked if she is allowed to say this about Shawn, the female star mentioned how the wrestling veteran has always been very nice to her. She explained that the two stars will never be over that, but the rivalry is something that is between Michaels and her uncle:

“I don’t really know if we’ll ever be past that. Well see, I love Shawn Michaels. He’s been nothing but wonderful to me. I worked with him a couple weeks ago at NXT, and he’s just a really nice person. I find him to be a stand-up guy but, you know, with his situation with my uncle, it was something between the two of them.”

Natalya was accompanied by Shayna Baszler and Raquel González. They also talked about things such as the physicality of wrestling and why wrestling injuries are worse than MMA.

More Originals From SEScoops:

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Hulk Hogan Called ‘A Massive Piece Of Sh*t’ By Former WWE Producer

Hulk Hogan doesn’t have the best of reputation among fans especially after some recent controversies. It appears that the backstage perception of the Hulkster isn’t any better either.

Former WWE producer Dan Ryckert recently appeared on MinnMax. He talked about his time in WWE, producing podcasts for the company and more.

Speaking about Hogan, Ryckert offered a bold take on the former world champion. He explained that a lot of people he has worked with are professionals, but not Hogan:

“Hulk Hogan’s a massive piece of sh*t. No, he’s a terrible person, but, you know, I kind of worked to some degree with most of the roster I’d say and a lot of legends and stuff. Ultimately, a lot of these people, they’re pros.”

Hulk Hogan has especially found himself in hot waters after a video of him making racist remarks surfaced online back in 2015. In light of the controversy, Hogan was briefly removed from the WWE Hall of Fame.

WWE removed other mentions of the nWo original from their programming at the time. The Miz replaced him as a judge on Tough Enough.

Though the former face of WWE was later reinstated into the Hall of Fame in 2018. He got inducted a second time in 2020 as part of the nWo.

Quotes via WrestlingInc

Natalya And Shayna Baszler Discuss Physicality Of Wrestling

The recent string of wrestling injuries has affected all major promotions. They have also started the debate about the physicality of wrestling. Both Natalya and Shayna Baszler recently shared their thoughts on the same.

The former Hart Dynasty member visited the clinic of Dr. Beau Hightower. She was accompanied by both Shayna Baszler and Raquel González. During the treatment, the topic of wrestling injuries was brought up. Natalya shared her belief that staying on top of the injuries is the best approach. She then discussed how even the simplest things in wrestling can leave you with bruises:

“I do believe in prehab, not rehab. If we stay on top of our injuries and we keep [working on them]. With what we do it’s so physical. People often say like what we do is fake. It’s like, it’s so hard, Even just hitting the ropes will leave you with bruises. Hitting the mat’s hard, the ropes are hard, the turnbuckles are hard. It’s hard.”

It Starts Adding Up

Shayna Baszler then discussed how wrestling injuries are worse compared to MMA injuries. The former UFC star mentioned that even though MMA injuries are more severe, you get the time to recover from them after every fight. Whereas in wrestling, you have to be on the road five days a week and don’t get any time off:

“There’s less recovery time. You have your fight and then you get a couple of weeks where you’re like eating junk food and you get to live a little. Even when you’re back to training when it’s not fight camp. The research on concussions and stuff is out. So there’s not a lot of camps that do hard sparring every week like old school days. So it’s like, you get time in between but when we’re on the road, five days a week it starts just adding up.”

More Originals From SEScoops:

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Miro Responds To Undertaker’s Comments About The Locker Room

Miro is a flagbearer of the new generation of stars who make formidable opponents in the ring but also join each other in playing video games once the show is over.

Though it’s no secret that stars from the older generations are not a fan of this changed environment in the locker room. People like The Undertaker have claimed that ‘grit’ is missing from today’s wrestling.

The AEW star responded to this sentiment during an interview with Fightful. He mentioned how he doesn’t understand the people who look at video games negatively:

“People are trying to talk bad about video games, which I never understood. We all have our downtime. Some people want to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and do heroin and others want to play video games.”

‘Sorry, Undertaker’

Miro discussed how some of the old-timers have called it a bad thing. He went on to call out The Undertaker for his remarks:

“Some of these old timers are calling this a bad thing. I don’t think it’s a bad thing just because we have more brains now than people before doesn’t mean video games are bad.” said the former TNT champion, “Sorry Undertaker, we don’t have guns and drugs, and don’t fight each other backstage.”

Miro also revealed how he started streaming his gaming sessions after his WWE release. The former US champion said that it all happened accidentally when he was sitting at home, waiting for his non-compete clause to expire.

What’s Next For ROH Under Tony Khan

Only one event has been produced under the ROH brand since Tony Khan bought the company. Fans have been waiting to hear more about the future of the promotion.

Now a new report is suggesting that things may change in future. Per PWinsider, the word-making round is that an announcement regarding the next Ring of Honor event ‘should be coming in the next few days.’

Tully Blanchard who was shifted to ROH previously made an appearance on Rampage this past Friday. He teased that his Tully Blanchard Enterprises faction will be going after Jonathan Gresham.

This might be an indication that a match between Gresham, who currently holds the ROH world champion and Brian Cage will be built up in coming times.

The report also suggests that there won’t be any change to the ROH commentary team. Caprice Coleman and Ian Riccaboni will continue being the voices of the brand.

While it’s unknown what Tony Khan is actually planning, the belief is that Death Before Dishonor will be the company’s next PPV event during the 4th weekend of July.

It’s expected to take place in Lowell, Massachusetts. Several ROH events have been produced there in the past. It’ll also play well with AEW’s touring schedule as the July 27th Dynamite is scheduled to take place from Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Rock Praises SmackDown Promo: “That’s Good Sh*t Brother”

Pat McAfee has continued to impress people with his mic skills ever since joining WWE. This list now includes none other than The Rock.

The former NFL player cut a promo on this week’s episode of SmackDown. He challenged Baron Corbin to a match at the upcoming SummerSlam PPV.

McAfee also paid tribute to The Great One during his promo. He used the Hollywood star’s ‘millions and millions’ catchphrase while calling out the Lone Wolf, dubbing him as ‘bum ass Corbin.”

The Rock is Impressed

This promo was so good that even The Rock took notice of it. The People’s champion wrote on Twitter that this was a great promo which he enjoyed watching:

“In front of the MILLIONS…. AAAAAND MILLIONS….“BUM ASS CORBIN” That’s good shit brother! Great promo. Enjoyed watching this #ISmellIt”

The Rock has not been seen in WWE for a while. His last televised appearance came in 2019. He was involved in a segment with Becky Lynch during SmackDown’s 20th anniversary which also included Corbin.

Pat McAfee last entered the ring as a competitor during WrestleMania 38. He first defeated Austin Theory in a singles match before losing to Vince McMahon in an impromptu bout. The segment ended with Stone Cold Steve Austin coming out and delivering a stunner to everyone involved.

Cesaro’s Whereabouts Ahead of Forbidden Door

Former WWE talent Claudio Castagnoli (FKA Cesaro) seems to be preparing for an in-ring return.

As the All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling event Forbidden Door draws near, fans wonder who will make their debut. The speculation started when Bryan Danielson announced at AEW Dynamite on June 22 that he wouldn’t be able to wrestle Zack Sabre Jr. at the event due to injury.

However, he shared that a debuting replacement, the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club, will take his place.

Some wrestling fans speculate that Castagnoli will be making his AEW debut to take on Sabre Jr.

Fightful reports that he’s been training at Flatback Wrestling School in Orlando, Florida over the last several weeks. However, the report didn’t state that he has signed with AEW or will compete at Forbidden Door on June 26.

Forbidden Door Logo

Forbidden Door Injuries Taking A Toll

It’s unclear if Castagnoli will debut at Forbidden Door, but the event could use an extra superstar. Both AEW and NJPW are dealing with talent unable to compete at Forbidden Door because of an injury or illness.

AEW shared today that Hiromu Takahashi won’t compete on the card due to dealing with a fever. Takahashi was supposed to be in an eight-man tag team match with Sting, Darby Allin, and Shingo Takagi against The Bullet Club (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) and The Young Bucks.

The match will now be a six-man tag team match with Sting, Darby Allin, and Shingo Takagi against El Phantasmo and The Young Bucks.

Danielson vs. Sabre Jr. is a match some fans have wanted to see happen. While it’s unfortunate that Danielson’s injury has prevented it from happening, a debuting Castagnoli against Sabre Jr. could make for a great match.

However, we also don’t know if AEW has a different opponent in mind for Sabre Jr.

NJPW Star Out Of Forbidden Door Due To Fever, Updated Card

The curse continues.

AEW announced this afternoon that top NJPW star and former multi-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion Hiromu Takahashi is dealing with a fever, and will be unable to travel to the United States for tomorrow’s AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view event.

This news comes days after fellow NJPW star Tomohiro Ishii had to be pulled due to injury, one of many changes that have occurred since the show was announced, which includes AEW world champion CM Punk missing the show due to a broken foot. Takahashi was set to team with Shingo Takagi, Sting, and Darby Allin an eight-man tag team bout against The Bullet Club (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) and The Young Bucks.

With the Timebomb out the match will now be a six-man tag. Hikuleo will still accompany his team, but will no longer wrestle.

Check out an updated look at the Forbidden Door card below.

  • Interim AEW World Championship: Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Adam Cole vs. “Hangman” Adam Page
  • AEW Women’s World Championship: Thunder Rosa (c) vs. Toni Storm
  • AEW All-Atlantic Championship: PAC vs. Miro vs. Clark Connors vs. Malakai Black
  • IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Orange Cassidy
  • ROH & IWGP Tag Team Championship: FTR vs. United Empire vs. Roppongi Vice
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs Replacement for Bryan Danielson
  • Bullet Club (Young Bucks, El Phantasmo) vs. Sting, Darby Allin, & Shingo Takagi
  • Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara, Minoru Suzuki v. Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta, Shota Umino
  • Gunn Club & Max Caster vs. NJPW Dojo (Buy-In Show)
  • Aaron Solo & QT Marshall vs. Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI (Buy-In-Show)
  • Keith Lee & “Swerve” Strickland vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (Buy-In-Show)

Kris Statlander On Mixed Tags, Intergender Matches, Being More Than A Woman (Exclusive)

AEW star Kris Statlander spoke with SEScoops correspondent Jaychele Nicole this week.

Since AEW Double Or Nothing, we have seen Statlander pair up with Athena and sometimes other women in the division to take on Jade Cargull and The Baddies. Kris Statlander has long been a crowd favorite. Particularly in her Owen Hart Tournament match with Ruby Soho, Statlander was able to turn the crowd around and gain overwhelming support during the match. 

Kris Statlander On Mixed Tag Team & Intergender Matches

On the January 19 edition of AEW Dynamite, we saw Kris Statlander pair up with Orange Cassidy to take on Adam Cole and Dr. Britt Baker DMD in a mixed tag team match. This was one of the few mixed tag team matches that we have seen in AEW. 

Kris Statlander spoke with Jaychele Nicole about the possibility of there being more mixed tag team matches in AEW and her desire to participate in them. 

Statlander said, “Yeah, absolutely. I would love to. If anyone has been following my career since before AEW, they knew that at one point, the majority of my matches were intergender matches. So, I know that I can hang with the guys and be better than them. And I’m bigger than some not going to be humble about it. I’m bigger than some of the guys. Not necessarily on the roster. But you know, just in general. And, like, it’s a lot of what made me so different. And it’s like, if I didn’t have all those intergender matches, it wouldn’t have got me to the level that I’m at today.

So, as much as some people like don’t like it because of the ‘domestic violence’ it kind of ‘insinuates’. It’s like we’re wrestlers. If I take a suplex from Nyla versus I take a suplex from Orange Cassidy, it’s still a suplex, like it’s still wrestling. That’s kind of like people have to remember, like, we’re trained professional wrestlers. Most of the time when we’re in training we’re training with more guys than we are girls, unless you find an all girls wrestling school, which you most likely won’t. This just got very intergender preachy and I apologize, but yes, I would love to participate and do more mixed tag and intergender maybe, but that’s probably not gonna happen. Yeah, intergender probably not.”

Kris Statlander had participated in many intergender matches prior to joining AEW. She has had matches with the likes of John Silver, Orange Cassidy, Nick Gage, MJF and many others. 

Kris Statlander’s ‘More Than A Woman Branding’

Statlander has recently transitioned to brand herself as ‘More Than A Woman.’ During her feud with Leyla Hirsch, Kris debuted new music, new hair, and a new titantron. Her merchandise now describes her as ‘More Than A Woman.’ At the beginning of her matches, Kris signs ‘More Than A Woman’ in American Sign Language. 

When asked about where the ‘More Than A Woman’ branding came from, Stalander had this to say, “It came from the song. Not the Aliyah one, the Bee Gees one. Yeah, I had the Bee Gees version of the more than a woman song as my entrance on the Indies for a while because it was just so different. And it was just so fun. And it was one of those like, everyone knew it. Just got a crowd in a good mood before a match and stuff. Like it’s like just one of those, like, feel good songs.

And then, when I was doing the alien thing, still, I would be like, ‘Oh, she’s more than a woman because she’s an alien.’ And now it’s more than a woman leaves what I am up to interpretation by the audience now. So, it’s kind of like I can be whatever you want to be. Or whatever, however you want to perceive me is whatever you want, because being more than a woman as being more than what meets the eye and stuff like that. So I took it from the song, but then I made it more deep than it is.”

Kris Statlander’s Use of ASL

Statlander also commented about the reasoning behind her using ASL to communicate her ‘More Than A Woman’ message before her matches. 

“I think it was something that I wanted to do something different, I don’t actually know anyone that’s deaf. I don’t have a reason to know ASL. Once I started doing it, some people were raising questions about do I have a reason to use it in my life? And I don’t, I just thought it was something useful to learn. It’s kind of an underappreciated language. So, I figured, why not try something different? And it seems to be getting a really good reaction. I’m not fluent in sign language. But I could do a basic sentence like, ‘Do you want water? Are you hungry? My name is Kris.’ Like, I can do all that stuff.

But, I originally got the idea to do some side language because on the Indies, sometimes if I was a bad guy, I would do like an F and a U. So, I’d say FU to my opponent and like no one knew what it meant, butI did and it was funny to me. So, sometimes I would do that. And that’s kind of where I got the idea to find a way to incorporate sign language a little bit more just because it’s so different. And especially like if there is a deaf person watching TV, and they actually see something like that instead of just having to read the subtitles all the time. So, you can actually like focus on the action for a moment. I think it’s a cool little way to reach out to that underserved community,” she said.

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

Kris Statlander On Jade Cargill & The Baddies, Slapping Stokely, Working With Willow (Exclusive)

AEW star Kris Statlander spoke with SEScoops correspondent Jaychele Nicole this week.

Since AEW Double Or Nothing, we have seen Statlander pair up with Athena and sometimes other women in the division to take on Jade Cargill and The Baddies. Kris Statlander has long been a crowd favorite. Particularly in her Owen Hart Tournament match with Ruby Soho, Statlander was able to turn the crowd around and gain overwhelming support during the match. 

Kris Statlander’s Feud With Red Velvet

Kris has been in a feud with Red Velvet who she has a long history with. Prior to Kris’ recent character change, she teamed with Red Velvet and Leyla Hirsch a few times. Leyla would eventually turn on Kris and Velvet, which led to Statlander’s character change. When Hikaru Shida needed to be replaced in the Women’s Owen Hart tournament, Statlander took her place and defeated Red Velvet to advance. They also faced off on the June 10 edition of AEW Rampage where Statlander once again defeated Velvet.

Kris Statlander commented on the possibility of her feud with Red Velvet continuing despite the history of their friendship.

Stalander said, “Uh, it might. If it is, I am not complaining because she’s small and she’s very easy to throw. And you know, when we were friends I loved her to death and you know, everyone goes their separate ways sometimes friends don’t last forever, unfortunately. But I don’t mind if she’s someone that I have to see all the time.”

Statlander On Slapping The Back Of Stokely Hathaway’s Head

Statlander recently slapped Jade Cargill’s publicist Stokely Hathaway on the June 17 edition of Rampage. Following Willow Nightingale’s match with Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship, Kris Statlander came out to help rescue Willow and Athena from the beatdown that they were receiving from Jade and The Baddies (Kiera Hogan and Red Velvet). While running down to the ring, Statlander slapped Stokely on the back of the head before getting into the ring. 

Statlander had the following to say about slapping Stokely, “I mean, I saw him as I was getting ready to run out. I saw him walking down there. And I was like, ‘Oh, he deserves it because he’s annoying that he had it coming.’ So, I guess you can say, sort of planned it as in like, we all want to. But, just when the opportunity arrives. Oh, it was gonna happen for sure.”

Statlander On Working With Willow Nightingale

Statlander and Athena said on the June 22 that they had Willow Nightingale in their corner when taking on Jade and The Baddies. Willow has been a big crowd favorite and has received great reactions during her AEW appearances. Willow took on Mercedes Martinez at ROH Supercard of Honor for the Interim ROH Women’s Championship back in April. Since they, Willow has been fighting off Jade and The Baddies. 

Statlander spoke about the possibility of Willow joining her and Athena and Willow being on TV more.

“I hope so considering that we said that we had her on our side. So, it’d be great if she were able to join us. So yeah, I really hope that you know if there ever comes a time to do maybe we gotta take down Jade and The Baddies all together as a group. I do hope that she’s one that’s on our side. She’s someone that I’ve known for a very long time, way before AEW, so I love working with her,” Statlander commented.

The Possibility Of Kris Statlander Vs Jade Cargill

Kris Statlander vs Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship is a match that has been long hyped up. Many believe that Kris Statlander may be the first person to defeat Jade Cargill, and that she will be the one to take the belt away from Jade. Especially during her recent feud with Jade and The Baddies, many believes that the booking around the TBS Championship may be working towards having Kris finally challenge Jade. These two have never faced each other one on one.

When asked about the possibility of facing Jade and what fans could expect from the match, Kris said, “I’m gonna say you’re gonna see Jade’s toughest challenge ever. Yet. Ever, maybe, we’ll see. But um, I appreciate everyone that’s supporting the idea of me being the first one to beat her. That would be really cool, but we gotta get the match booked first. So don’t don’t get your hopes up until we see that graphic. Okay. That’s all I’m gonna say is, if it happens, it happens if it doesn’t. Don’t get your panties in a twist over it. Life goes on. I’ll get something one day, maybe one day will be my time to shine, but if not.”

If you use the quotes above, please credit the original course with a h/t and link back to SEScoops for the transcription. 

AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door Predictions

This Sunday, All Elite Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling join forces to present the historic AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door pay-per-view.

Many of the top stars from AEW and NJPW are currently out of action due to injuries, but that hasn’t stopped the companies for putting together a card featuring surreal match-ups that fans never thought they’d see.

SEScoops correspondents Andrew Ravens, Joey G and I got together and run down the card for AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door.

Here are our official Forbidden Door predictions:

The Buy-In: Max Caster & Gunn Club vs. LA Dojo (Yuya Uemura, Alex Coughlin, Kevin Knight & The DKC)

Joey G: Max Caster will cut an epic rap, then get the absolute piss kicked out of him by the LA Dojo boys. (Prediction: LA Dojo)

Andrew Ravens: The match is fine and will be a fun match. I don’t see why the NJPW guys would go over and AEW needs to do a better job protecting The Acclaimed as they’re clearly over with the fans. (Prediction: Max Caster & Gunn Club)

Michael Reichlin: I’m a big fan of Max Caster whole act and the Gunn Club is good in the ring, but I see LA Dojo getting a win for ‘Team NJPW’ – although there has been no mention of formally keeping score of wins for AEW or New Japan. (Prediction: LA Dojo)

Consensus: LA Dojo

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. TBA

Joey G: This will be hard to pick. I presume Danielson would have defeated ZSJ, but since that match hasn’t happened yet it feels like the Brit has to win to eventually build to that. Although, why would a mystery man be brought in just to lose? Too many questions, so instead of a winner I’ll pick who I think the surprise is. Many will guess Claudio (Cesaro), ROH champion Jonathan Gresham, or Johnny Gargano. But me? I think it’s time for a hero. (Prediction: Chris Hero)

Michael Reichlin: It’s unfortunate that Bryan Danielson is out of this one due to injury, but he’s promised a replacement that fans will be excited about. The replacement will be the newest member of the Blackpool Combat Club and will also take Bryan’s spot in Blood and Guts on Wednesday. Who else could it be, but Cesaro? These two will put on a technical classic that will showcase what sets AEW and NJPW apart from the rest. Cesaro (well, Claudio Castignoli) returns and begins the best run of his career. (Prediction: Cesaro)

Andrew Ravens: The mystery opponent has to be Cesaro. He goes back with Bryan Danielson and would fit well in the group. He’s also someone that the fans will be behind in this role and would be a welcome addition to the AEW roster. It would be odd for AEW to beat this mystery person on their first night with the promotion so I’ll side with the mystery opponent who I think is Cesaro. (Prediction: Cesaro)

Consensus: Cesaro

Fatal Four-Way to Crown the First AEW All-Atlantic Champion: Pac vs. Miro vs. Malakai Black vs. Clark Conners

Andrew Ravens: It comes down to one man and one man only for me and that’s Miro. He’s been away for a while and has been booked strongly since coming back. Sure, you can make the case for the other guys, but it’s pretty obvious who should win the title here. (Prediction: Miro)

Joey G: All options are good options in what is sure to be an underrated gem. Ishii going out means the young Clark Conners gets a chance to prove himself on a big stage, and PAC, Miro, and Malakai have all gotten very over to the AEW faithful. Miro feels like he’s ready for to enter the world title scene, and while PAC would be great holding gold, Malakai could kickstart a dominant run for the House of Black by capturing gold here. I’m going Malakai. (Prediction: Malakai Black)

Michael Reichlin: I won’t get into the debate surrounding AEW adding another mid-card championship belt, or the specifics of what makes an “All-Atlantic” champion. I do like the idea of stars like Pac, Miro and Black having a reason to face each other and this match is over-stuffed with talent. I’m a huge Miro guy and he had a memorable run as TNT Champion. Between these four, I see Miro as the best choice to be champion. (Prediction: Miro)

Consensus: Miro

Chris Jericho, Sammy Guevara & Minoru Suzuki vs. Eddie Kingston, Wheeler Yuta & Shota Umino

Joey G: This will most definitely be a lot of fun, but the heels seem destined to take this one. Kingston seeing blood will distract him from going for the win, and while Yuta and Umino are great, Suzuki is evil and Jericho and Guevara are as thick as thieves. Jericho and company get the W here. (Prediction: Jericho, Guevara & Suzuki)

Andrew Ravens: This could be a toss-up as it’s just a match on the card with some history. Jericho has been getting the upper hand a lot on Kingston so I will side with the babyfaces here and Suzuki taking the pinfall loss. (Prediction: Jericho, Guevara & Suzuki)

Michael Reichlin: This could easily be one of the most enjoyable matches of the night. I expect a bunch of crazy spots, including Sammy or Yuta jumping off something high. Kingston always delivers, Jericho adds star power and Suzuki will get violent. (Prediction: Jericho, Guevara and Suzuki)

Consensus: Jericho, Guevara & Suzuki

IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy

Michael Reichlin: Cassidy can go, so don’t write this off as just a comedy match. Ospreay is one of my favorites and I still can’t believe he’s been gracing an AEW ring. I hope we get to see more from him over the next few months, if they could negotiate him doing a tour in the US. The crowd will each this one up and Ospreay will have another showcase performance. (Prediction: Will Ospreay)

Andrew Ravens: It doesn’t make much sense for Cassidy, a comedy guy, to win an NJPW title and then defend it in Japan where they book strong-style wrestling. This could be one of the better matches on the card as Ospreay will be able to tell a great story around Cassidy’s gimmick. (Prediction: Will Ospreay)

Joey G: A match that will exceed all expectations both due to Ospreay’s incredible in-ring agility and Cassidy’s even better character work and sloth-style. However, as much as OC is loved he’s gonna get destroyed by the Aerial Assassin’s Hidden Blade. (Prediction: Will Ospreay)

Consensus: Will Ospreay

AEW Women’s World Champion Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm

Joey G: Rosa and Storm on paper are perfect opponents for one another, so the real hope is that the match is as great as the talent in the ring. Only bad thing about this is that Rosa is still early on in her reign so the outcome is all but determined. (Prediction: Thunder Rosa)

Andrew Ravens: AEW has built up Storm very well in this role and it’s been a fun feud to follow along with. Thunder is still way too early in her title reign to lose the title here and I think that may hurt the crowd reactions to the match. (Prediction: Thunder Rosa)

Michael Reichlin: If you remember what I wrote about Thunder Rosa before Double or Nothing, my opinion hasn’t changed much for this latest match. Her title reign is underwhelming and she hasn’t risen to the occasion as someone who can carry the division, but they haven’t built up her challenger enough to warrant a title change yet. (Prediction: Thunder Rosa)

Consensus: Thunder Rosa

Winner Takes All: ROH World Tag Team Champions FTR vs. IWGP World Tag Team Champions United Empire (Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan) vs. Roppongi Vice

Joey G: This feud has seemed weird from the start, but that won’t stop me from enjoying three very different tag teams tying it up in what should be another fun contest. The most exciting path is that of FTR, because if they grab all the gold that sets up a potential rubber match with the Young Bucks as the main event of ALL OUT 2022 for everything, including the AEW belts. That’s too good of a story to pass up on. (Prediction: FTR)

Michael Reichlin: FTR are the top tag team in the world, but I don’t see them putting another pair of belts on them. That gets complicated, as we saw with Belt Collector Kenny Omega. Cobb and O-Khan retain by pinning one of the members of Roppongi Vice. (Prediction: United Empire)

Andrew Ravens: I believe AEW is heading towards a Young Bucks vs. FTR feud eventually whether that be as early as All Out or at a later date so I do expect them to lose the titles here. It’s a toss-up as to who will win the match, but I’ll side with Jeff Cobb and Great-O’Khan going over as they can always lose the ROH titles whenever needed. (Prediction: United Empire)

Consensus: United Empire

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole

Michael Reichlin: Okada is finally wrestling in an AEW ring and that’s just crazy to me. The dream matches that are now possible should make for some special events in the year ahead. As for the match at hand, I don’t see an AEW wrestler winning the IWGP championship and then going to Japan to defend it regularly. Between White and Okada, I think White retains and these two continue their feud. (Prediction: Jay White)

Joey G: Tony Khan said on the Forbidden Door media call that Okada wasn’t available for AEW television until this past week, so the build of this match was very scattered. That aside, all four competitors are very unique and VERY OVER, so this contest is sure to be red-hot. However, we know whose era this is. (Prediction: Jay White)

Andrew Ravens: White just won the title and it doesn’t make much sense to have AEW talent go over to defend a title in Japan. I see White retaining here and beating either Page or Cole so that still sets up a future White vs. Okada match. (Prediction: Jay White)

Consensus: Jay White

Bullet Club (Young Bucks, El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) vs. Dudes with Attitudes (Sting, Darby Allin, Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi)

Joey G: This might be the match I’m most excited for even though it was only announced last week. If you’ve never seen Hiromu Takahashi in action you are in for a treat. My main prediction? Sting will jump off of the top of the United Center. (Prediction: Dudes With Attitudes)

Andrew Ravens: I see this as being a pick-em type of match as either team could go over. I side with Dudes with Attitudes just because some NJPW need to go over on this show and with Allin and Sting being on the team, it makes even more sense. (Prediction: Dudes with Attitudes)

Michael Reichlin: This is another match that seems thrown together but will probably rule. With the grab-bag of competitors involved, how could it not? The Bucks are the AEW World tag team champions, but Sting and Darby are a special act that knows how to get the job done. (Prediction: Dudes with Attitudes)

Interim AEW World Championship Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jon Moxley

Andrew Ravens: Moxley wins it here. I would be shocked to see Tanashi pick up the win. AEW doesn’t have short-term champions so it wouldn’t make sense for an interim champion to have a short reign as the purpose is to fill the role until the actual champion comes back and then the two champions fight. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Michael Reichlin: This might be a surprising pick, but I’m giving this one to Tanahashi. This is a dream match with two of the top pro wrestlers in the world, no question. At the end of the day, I think this comes down to politics. More specifically, I could see Tony Khan putting the Interim AEW World title on Tanahashi, as a gesture of good faith towards New Japan, setting up the eventual Tanahashi vs. CM Punk unification match. Maybe we do see Moxley vs. Punk in a few months, but I don’t see AEW pulling the trigger on that match just yet. (Prediction: Hiroshi Tanahashi)

Joey G: While not the original main event for this first ever dream card, no star has carried the spirit of AEW like Moxley has, and him getting the opportunity to go up against one of the greatest of all-time in Tanahashi has made this substitute feel like a big deal. Moxley gets the win and gets to actually defend the company’s top belt in front of fans, something he was denied during his first reign. (Prediction: Jon Moxley)

Consensus: Jon Moxley

There you have it, our AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door predictions. Check back after the event for our Results and news coming out of the show.

Windham Rotunda Files To Trademark The name, ‘Wyatt 6’

Former WWE champion and two-time Universal champion Windham Rotunda (Bray Wyatt) has filed a new trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

The Eater of Worlds applied for the term “Wyatt 6,” which is his current handle for his social media channels and could potentially be his new in-ring moniker whenever he returns to the squared circle.

Rotunda made the filing on June 21st through wrestling attorney Michael E. Dockins, who has helped a number of top stars secure trademarks with the USPTO.

The “Wyatt 6″ trademark is intended to cover the categories: hats, Shirts, Sweatshirts, Bandanas and Hooded sweatshirts.”

Rotunda was released from his WWE contract back in July of 2021. Reports have since surfaced that there were constant creative clashes between himself and WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and their falling out led to Rotunda being pulled from programming.

His final WWE match was against Randy Orton on night one of WrestleMania 37 a bout he worked as The Fiend and lost.

Rotunda has been largely absent from the wrestling world since his WWE departure, setting his sights instead on film projects. He has hinted in several cryptic tweets that he will be making some sort of return in the near future.

WWE SmackDown Superstars Turn Heel

Two WWE superstars on the SmackDown brand have turned to the dark side.

Face and heel turns happen all the time in the wrestling business. Very few stay on one side of the fence for a long period of time. There are exceptions such as John Cena but even he was a heel at one point in his WWE career.

For one WWE tag team, the time spent as babyfaces has come to an end.

The Viking Raiders Turn Heel

WWE had been advertising the return of former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, The Viking Raiders. The way the company was promoting the team’s return was sort of like a re-debut.

The Viking Raiders ended up appearing on the June 24 episode of SmackDown with a new attitude.

Erik & Ivar attacked Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Shanky from behind. After the vicious beatdown, The Viking Raiders explained their new no-nonsense approach.

The team said they were tired of being sidelined and claimed that now nobody is safe from their wrath of destruction.

It appears now, The Viking Raiders have gotten into a feud with The New Day.

Another Day, Another AEW Star Suffers Injury

AEW just can’t catch a break.

The company has been pelted with talent injuries left and right. The promotion’s current world champion, CM Punk, has been sidelined after undergoing surgery.

Bryan Danielson was expected to compete at Forbidden Door and Blood & Guts but that’s now off the table due to an undisclosed injury.

Kenny Omega has been out for months due to multiple injuries. There are plenty of other AEW stars out of commission to the point where a mega list has been created.

You can add another one to the already brutal list.

Jungle Boy Injured

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer reports that Jungle Boy has now sustained an injury. Details are scarce at the moment.

Jungle Boy is in the midst of a personal feud with Christian Cage. Cage had served as a mentor to the Jurassic Express member before turning heel. Christian hit Jungle Boy with the Killswitch after a tag team title loss and then nailed him with the Conchairto.

Jungle Boy is considered to be a top star of the future for AEW. Depending on the length of his injury, it could be yet another devastating blow to the company. If he’s out for a long period of time, it would force AEW to once again change plans.

We’ll keep you updated on the status of Jungle Boy once more details surface.

Dax Harwood Says He Didn’t See ‘Eye To Eye’ With MJF On The Pinnacle

Pinnacle was a popular but relatively short-lived group in the history of AEW. Dax Harwood of FTR believes it may have been the most mishandled thing in all of modern wrestling. The FTR recently had an interview with Joseph Staszewski of the New York Post. Among other things, they talked about the rise and fall of The Pinnacle.

Cash Wheeler first talked about the recent controversy involving the former leader of the group, MJF. He said that he hopes the young star gets what he wants:

“With Max right now, I don’t really know. I try to stay out of all the office business because I’m not very good at it and I’m not very good at hiding my emotions as it is. It’s just, I hope he gets what he wants. I know what it’s like to be in a spot where you don’t feel like where you want to be. So I hope he finds that.”

Most Mishandled Thing In Modern Wrestling

MJF Faction
MJF with Pinnacle

Discussing the end of the group, Wheeler said that he feels like they could have done things differently. Dax Harwood then shared his belief that it could have been one of the biggest angles in the modern wrestling history before claiming that he didn’t always see eye to eye with MJF on the plans for the faction:

“You called us to talk to FTR. I’m not here to talk about Max. I don’t care what Max does. I will say this, I think the Pinnacle may be the most mishandled thing in modern wrestling history because that could have been one of the biggest angles in the world, one of the biggest groups in the world. Max and I always didn’t see eye to eye and I’ll leave it at that.”

Apart from this, the duo talked about things such as the upcoming Forbidden Door PPV and what it would mean for them to win the IWGP tag team championships. The ROH tag team champions are set to compete in a triple threat match against the IWGP tag champs United Empire and Roppongi Vice in a winner takes all match at the show.

Kenny Omega Gives An Update on the AEW Video Game Release Date

Fans have been waiting patiently for the AEW Fight Forever Video Game. While a timeline for its release is still not set, Kenny Omega is hoping that it will be ready before the end of this year. The former AEW champion recently had an interview with Fightful. He discussed things such as his recovery from the various injuries and more.

Providing an update on the development of the game, Omega mentioned how he didn’t know what ideas they would be able to implement in their budget when he first took on the project. Now they’re at the stage where the creative process is almost complete. They are now fine-tuning things:

“Now it’s almost time for me to find something else within this project to do because the creative process is almost complete where we know how the matches will flow. We know some of the systems. We know how the action-reaction type stuff [will work]. It’s now in a process of being tuned and then finely tuned from there.”

Kenny Omega Undergoing Plasma Treatment on Shoulder & Knee (Video)

When AEW: Fight Forever May Come Out

Kenny Omega then mentioned how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the game. It got to a point where it seemed like they would never be able to release it. Though now with the help of some old contacts that have now joined the project they are hoping to get it out before the end of this year:

“It got to a point where it seemed bleak like maybe we would never release this thing, but we kind of got past that. We hopefully can be on schedule to make sure that we get this game out by this year. Hopefully, fingers crossed.”

Apart from this, Kenny Omega also talked about the upcoming Forbidden Door PPV. He mentioned how his NJPW run was arguably the most important phase of his career. He said that he is very happy and satisfied that they have been able to create a forum with AEW where different companies can work together.

You can check out Omega’s full interview below:

Tony Khan Addresses Jeff Hardy’s DUI Arrest

Jeff Hardy forced Tony Khan and AEW to make major changes to their plans when he got arrested for driving without a license while being intoxicated earlier this month. The AEW owner recently took part in a media call to promote the Forbidden Door PPV. Among other things he also addressed the actions of the Charismatic Enigma.

Khan first mentioned how Jon Moxley also battled with alcohol addiction but he did the right thing by seeking help. What Hardy did was completely different and per Tony, this is why they handled the situations differently:

“With Jeff [Hardy], it’s totally different. The way it went down is totally different and that’s why the statements and the way we handled the two things are different. In this case, I don’t think there is any comparison. Jeff is doing much better. As I understand, Jeff is in treatment. I don’t want to say too much about what is going on because it’s his business, but I’m here for him for whatever he needs. I’m really glad nobody got hurt.”

‘It’s His Last Chance’

Though Tony Khan later said that he’d be remiss if he didn’t give Jeff the credit for finally doing the right thing. The AEW president claimed that this is Hardy’s last chance:

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t give Jeff a lot of credit for now doing the right thing. This is why we said Jeff has to the right thing if he wants to stay with AEW. It’s [his] last chance.”

Khan mentioned how Moxley didn’t put anyone at risk with his actions and so the two things cannot be compared. He also revealed his recent talk with Matt Hardy where he told the AEW star that they will support his brother through his treatment.