WrestleMania XL was a massive night for the company, and now gamers can relive the card however they like on WWE 2K24.

The new WrestleMania 40 arena dropped for the upcoming DLC content on WWE 2K24. The new model for Lincoln Financial Field will be available on June 5.

WWE Games’ official Twitter/X account revealed the new playable venue, and the reception from fans has already been very positive. Many of them can’t wait to get inside the stadium and create their own WrestleMania moments.

WELCOME TO WRESTLEMANIA!!!! ? 6/5 #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/KLq7DHtM3n

— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) June 3, 2024

Community Creations

This official update from WWE 2K24 is awesome, but the creator community has also been going in overdrive. We invite you to check out the first of our weekly feature highlighting the incredibly talented people who are making custom content for the new 2K game.

Future DLC Packs

Here’s a look at future WWE 2K24 DLC packs:

• June 26: DLC Pack #2 (“Post Malone & Friends Pack) includes Post Malone, Sensational Sherri, Mosh, Thrasher, Honky Tonk Man, and a Jimmy Hart Manager, along with MyFACTION Superstar Cards.
• July 24: DLC Pack #3 (“Pat McAfee Show Pack) features Pat McAfee, Ty Schmit, Boston Connor, AJ Hawk, Darius Butler, and additional MyFACTION Superstar Cards.
• September 20: DLC Pack #4 (“Global Superstars Pack”) includes Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Michelle McCool, Carlito, Kairi Sane, Lyra Valkyria, Dragon Lee, and MyFACTION Superstar Cards.
• November 13: DLC Pack #5 (“WCW Pack”) features Diamond Dallas Page, Iron Sheik, Mr. Perfect, Great Muta, Lex Luger, and MyFACTION Superstar Cards.

WWE 2K24 Reception

The standard edition of WWE 2K24 features Cody Rhodes on the cover. The special edition marks a milestone with Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, the first time female wrestlers have shared the cover. Initially, the “40 Years of WrestleMania” special cover included Brock Lesnar, but he was later removed.

The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Critics have praised WWE 2K24 for its significant improvements and refinements over previous versions.

It received scores of 8/10 from IGN and GameSpot, and an 81% on Metacritic. Users have rated it 3.7 based on 316 reviews. We rated the game an 8.5/10 in our exclusive review:

WWE Clash at the Castle is set for June 15 in Glasgow, Scotland. Sami Zayn will be there with an Intercontinental Title match.

On this week’s WWE RAW, Sami Zayn appeared, soon joined by the Alpha Academy. Maxxine Dupri read a note from Gable, who didn’t show up himself. Zayn then booked an IC Title match against Gable at Clash at the Castle.

Alpha Academy out here doing the dirty work…#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/b92NqT4DNs

— WWE (@WWE) June 4, 2024

Gable then attacked Zayn, leading to chaos. Akira Tozawa and Maxxine were knocked off the apron, and Otis acted like he would stand up to Gable. This gave Sami time to recover and get his revenge.

BREAKING ALL OUR HEARTS RIGHT NOW ???#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/v2t9TiVEsW

— WWE (@WWE) June 4, 2024

After the segment, Alpha Academy was shown backstage, with Chad Gable the only happy one. Maxxine Dupri and Tozawa sold their injuries, while Otis looked conflicted. Gable kissed Otis on the cheek, saying they will come together at Clash at the Castle to ensure he wins the IC Title.

With Gable’s WWE contract nearing its end and this storyline heading to the premium live event, it seems the Alpha Academy’s meltdown will happen in Scotland.

• Damian Priest (c) vs. Drew McIntyre – Singles match for the World Heavyweight Championship
• Bayley (c) vs. Piper Niven – Singles match for the WWE Women’s Championship
• Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable – Singles match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

WWE contracts are running out all over the place, and while some are re-signed, there is no guarantee that a new deal will be reached. Now, Angel Garza’s WWE contract is in the picture.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that Angel Garza is set to have his WWE contract expire on August 1. This information, which Sapp and Corey Brennan have confirmed, follows a recent report by Lucha Libre Online about Garza’s contract status. Garza, also a former 24/7 Champion, has been performing with Legado Del Fantasma lately.

Negotiations between the former Cruiserweight Champion and WWE are ongoing, and there is an offer on the table from WWE. Angel’s last match on WWE television was on May 17, 2024, when #DIY defeated Legado del Fantasma on WWE Friday Night SmackDown.

The 31-year-old Garza has also performed in TNA and AAA, among other companies. He signed with WWE in the spring of 2019, after wrestling under the name Garza Jr. Interestingly, his real first name is Humberto, the same as his tag team partner. Garza has been performing on the Smackdown brand and is scheduled for this weekend’s show. He can continue using the “Garza” name outside WWE, but not “Angel.”

It may be a strategic play to allow your contract to expire, so a new one can be arranged. We will have to see what the future holds for Garza.

Other WWE Contracts & Cuts

Chad Gable’s WWE contract expires within the next two weeks, and Becky Lynch became a free agent on June 1. WWE also opted not to renew Jerry Lawler’s contract, although he remains under a Legends Contract.

On the corporate side, WWE recently cut several executives. Michael Levin, former Vice President of International Events, was let go on May 11. Steve Rubin, Senior Director of TV Event Relations, and Kristen Prouty, Senior VP of Entertainment Relations, were also released in May. Additionally, Tavia Hartley, Talent Operations and Appearances Manager, and Beth Fisher, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, were let go in late May.

You can find our updated 2024 WWE Releases and Departures tracker below.

Liv Morgan shocked the WWE Universe when she defeated Becky Lynch in a steel cage match on RAW last week. Then she doubled-down on that by kissing Dominik Mysterio. They opened this week’s show by continuing that storyline.

The WWE Women’s World Champion started RAW by welcoming fans to the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour. She said that while some claim revenge isn’t as sweet as it seems, she disagreed. Morgan gloated about taking out Rhea Ripley and becoming Women’s World Champion. She added that she put Becky Lynch into early retirement last week, and the cherry on top was kissing Dominik Mysterio.

Dominik’s music hit, and he made his way out. The injured Judgment Day member said he didn’t know what game she was playing, but Rhea Ripley wasn’t playing it.

He also said that The Nightmare will “kill” her when she comes back. Morgan replied that Ripley will probably “kill” Dominik, too. This is interesting, because the term “kill” has been on WWE’s banned words list for a long time, because that’s just a promise you can’t deliver on in a pro wrestling match if you expect to keep making money in the business.

Liv Morgan then asked how long Dirty Dom would keep lying to himself. Morgan followed up as she said Dominik came to the ring last week to be closer to her. She moved closer to him, saying she wanted to take everything from Ripley, including him. Dominik backed away as Morgan flirted with him. Liv said that she meant it when she said she is going to take everything from Rhea Ripley, and that includes Dominik Mysterio.

Suddenly, Finn Bálor entered the ring and told Morgan that Dominik and Judgment Day wanted nothing to do with her. Morgan asked Bálor “what if Dominik didn’t want her to leave,” but agreed to exit the ring. Morgan flirted with Dominik once more by playing with his hair before she left.

they won't give dom a chance?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/twLLoD2CPG

— WWE (@WWE) June 4, 2024

This is obviously not the end of this storyline, as things are just heating up. Rhea Ripley is out of action with an A/C joint injury, which usually takes two to three months to recover. So, Morgan may not have much longer to play her games until The Nightmare returns.

Is it getting hot in here? ?

What happened next between @YaOnlyLivvOnce and @DomMysterio35 on #WWERaw? pic.twitter.com/5zQHIHNTJj

— WWE (@WWE) June 4, 2024

Later on, in a backstage segment, Finn advised Dominik to not play with fire. When WWE World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest asked about the situation, Finn assured him that it was taken care of. Dominik Mysrterio said that he has spoken to Rhea, and he’s giving Mami “her space.”

After WWE RAW was over, Morgan carried on with her Dirty Dom obsession. While quoting Katy Perry’s breakout hit, the WWE Women’s World Champion proclaimed that she kissed a boy, and she liked it.

https://twitter.com/YaOnlyLivvOnce/status/179782782310283720

In May 2024, WWE Shop saw notable sales in their apparel category, and we have a full list of top-selling products.

Wrestlenomics reports that CM Punk emerged as a top seller for May 2024, showing his strong connection with fans, even though his injury hiatus. Jey Uso followed closely, which shouldn’t be a huge surprise considering the incredible reception his Yeet entrance has received in recent memory.

Cody Rhodes, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and The Rock also featured in the sales rankings, showcasing the appeal of both current and legendary figures in wrestling. Other superstars such as Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Rey Mysterio, and Liv Morgan also made the top ten list, reflecting a range of interests among the WWE fan base.

Best-Selling Items

When it comes to individual items, the “Men’s Black Jey Uso Yeet T-Shirt” led the pack, staying in the top 10 for 22 days throughout the month. This was followed by the “Men’s Black Return of CM Punk T-Shirt,” which also enjoyed significant daily sales.

“Stone Cold” Steve Austin’s merchandise, particularly the “Stone Cold” Steve Austin & Booker T Rivals T-Shirt and the classic “Stone Cold” Steve Austin 3:16 T-Shirt, remained fan favorites. CM Punk’s “Best In The World” ringer T-shirt and The Rock’s “Final Boss” T-shirt also saw strong sales.

It’s also notable that Liv Morgan topped WWE’s sales charts after her King & Queen of the Ring Women’s World Title win, which landed her the #10 spot for the entire month.

Top-Selling WWE Merchandise for May 2024

Top Superstars:

• CM Punk
• Jey Uso
• Cody Rhodes
• Stone Cold Steve Austin
• The Rock
• Randy Orton
• Roman Reigns
• Bray Wyatt
• Rey Mysterio/Mysterios
• Liv Morgan

Insights and Trends

The data from May 2024 reveals a few key trends. The continued sales of CM Punk’s merchandise underline his lasting impact and popularity. Jey Uso’s rise in the rankings reflects his growing influence and appeal within the WWE universe.

The presence of both legendary figures like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock, alongside current superstars such as Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, indicates a broad spectrum of fan interests spanning different eras of WWE.

Overall, WWE Shop’s apparel sales for May 2024 highlight the dynamic nature of wrestling fandom and the continued popularity of both past and present WWE superstars.

Best-Selling Items:

• Men’s Black Jey Uso Yeet T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s Black Return of CM Punk T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s Black “Stone Cold” Steve Austin & Booker T Rivals T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s White/Black CM Punk Best In The World Ringer T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s White Jey Uso Yeet T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s Black The Rock Final Boss T-Shirt (Shop)
• Youth White Jey Uso Yeet T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s Black “Stone Cold” Steve Austin 3:16 T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s Black Cody Rhodes Smelting Logo Sleeveless Hoodie T-Shirt (Shop)
• Men’s Black Roman Reigns Family Above All T-Shirt (Shop)

In May 2024, ShopAEW saw strong sales across various categories, with Double or Nothing capping off the month to give them a new boost of momentum. The month’s top merchandise sellers reflects who is on top in the fans’ eyes. 

Wrestlenomics reports that AEW branded merchandise led the way with the highest number of items in the top ten daily rankings. Will Ospreay followed, showing significant sales. 

Top-Selling AEW Merchandise for May 2024

Top Superstars:

• AEW
• Will Ospreay
• ROH
• Swerve Strickland
• Adam Copeland
• Kenny Omega
• Young Bucks
• Mercedes Moné
• Toni Storm
• Jack Perry

In terms of individual items, two Blu-ray disc releases top the list. The AEW WrestleDream October 1, 2023 Blu-ray Disc stayed in the top ten for 19 days. The AEW ALL IN LONDON August 27, 2023 Blu-ray 2-Disc Set performed well, remaining in the top ten for 18 days. 

Will Ospreay’s “The Feeling” also saw consistent sales, along with the pre-order for the ROH Final Battle 2023 DVD 2-Disc Set. The ROH Final Battle 2022 DVD 2-Disc Set maintained a strong presence in the rankings.

Best-Selling Items:

• AEW WrestleDream October 1, 2023 Blu-ray Disc
• AEW ALL IN LONDON August 27, 2023 Blu-ray 2-Disc Set
• Will Ospreay – The Feeling
• Pre-Order: ROH Final Battle 2023 DVD 2-Disc Set
• ROH Final Battle 2022 DVD 2-Disc Set
• Limited Edition – Kenny Omega Vs King – Tekken 8 Series
• Pre-Order: Matthew & Nicholas Jackson AEW Micro Brawler Tag Team 2-Pack
• 2023 AEW Trading Cards (Blaster)
• Nyla Rose – HER (All Royalties Will Go To Freedom Oklahoma’s 501c3)
• Orange Cassidy Beaded Bracelet 3-Pack

Pro wrestling is going through a booming period, and let’s take a look at some of the biggest players in their advertising game.

EDO, a TV advertising analytics company, has profiled WWE and AEW, giving strong marks to both. Wrestling remains a major draw for TV advertisers due to its large, engaged audience.

WWE’s Monday Night Raw, the longest-running weekly episodic program, will move to Netflix in January 2025. This transition signifies a major shift in the platform for WWE’s flagship show. Meanwhile, AEW has established itself as a strong competitor in the wrestling world. Its Dynamite show frequently tops cable ratings on Wednesday nights, demonstrating its popularity among viewers.

WWE’s rise is thanks to Endeavor merging the company with the UFC and Vince McMahon departed from the company, leaving things to Triple H and Nick Khan’s vision. That momentum has been noticed all over.

AEW’s ad effectiveness has seen notable growth, particularly on its Rampage program. Brands such as Bud Light and Crest have experienced increased engagement through their advertising on AEW shows.

WWE’s programs, including Raw and SmackDown, also show significant ad engagement. Top advertisers like Credible and Purple have reported impressive results from their campaigns on these shows. Advertisers benefit from the high engagement rates of these programs, making them effective platforms for brand promotion.

Top 10 AEW Advertisers

Here are the top 10 most effective advertisers on AEW programming, among brands with 10 or more airings from April 2023 through March 2024:

• Innovation Refunds (+284% more effective than the average AEW advertiser)
• Just for Men (+201%)
• Pampers (+195%)
• Ferrero Rocher (+182%)
• Bud Light (+169%)
• Crest (+108%)
• Miller Lite (+102%)
• Schwarzkopf (+97%)
• Applebee’s (+93%)
• Diet Coke (+93%)

Top 10 WWE Advertisers

The top 10 most effective advertisers on WWE programming, among brands with 10 or more airings from April 2023 through March 2024, include:

• Credible (+2,978% more effective than the average WWE advertiser)
• Purple (+490%)
• Dawn (+224%)
• Depend (+215%)
• Hot Pockets (+200%)
• NyQuil (+194%)
• Mattel (+190%)
• Puffs (+180%)
• Miller Lite (+177%)
• Mr. Clean (+177%)

Seth Rollins’ Monday Night Messiah character dominated WWE television for a good run, but the idea was allegedly jacked from another Superstar.

Elias, who was released from WWE last year, claims the company stole one of his ideas. He shared with Metro.co.uk that he was always brainstorming to evolve his character. One idea he was enthusiastic about was the “Monday Night Messiah.”

“There was a character that I really thought could have been incredible myself, it was the Monday Night Messiah. And if you realize, Seth Rollins and AOP ended up – for lack of better terms, they just gave it to those guys.”

“I had a real vision of me being the Pied Piper of Monday Night Raw and controlling people, with kind of a cult-like leader. The biblical themes and things like that, I always love that Messiah stuff,” he added.

No Hard Feelings

The former WWE Superstar, who was best known for his musical Drifter persona, insists there is no ill will towards Seth Rollins, though he feels he had a great vision for the character.

Elijah mentioned that his pitch was just one of many he submitted to the creative team until his last day, noting that it’s common for such ideas to be given to wrestlers who are more prominent.

Elias explained that higher-paid wrestlers or those in the spotlight often receive more resources and attention. He emphasized that this was not a criticism of Seth Rollins, whom he acknowledged as an incredible talent, but rather an observation of how the system operates and the inherent risks in sharing creative ideas.

Seth Rollins found great success with the “Monday Night Messiah” persona, which eventually evolved into his “The Visionary” character.

Pro wrestlers rely on their bodies to make a living, and keeping in peak shape is a priority for a majority of them. MJF recently showed off his physical transformation, and it’s quite impressive. 

MJF has worked hard to reach the top of the pro wrestling world. His impressive physique is the result of his dedication, but he didn’t achieve it alone.

He recently posted a before-and-after photo on Instagram, showcasing his progress. In the post, he credited Adam Pfau, a personal fitness coach, for helping him achieve his current look.

https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C7p6g5Euioz

Double or Nothing Return & Nixed Plans

MJF returned to AEW at Double or Nothing, ending his hiatus since losing the AEW World Title to Samoa Joe at Worlds End. During his return, he also revealed a new tattoo, signifying that he re-signed with AEW and bet on himself.

Although MJF missed the Dynamite episode following Double or Nothing, he is set to appear on next week’s show. Fans are eager to see what the former AEW World Champion will say and who he will face next.

Adam Cole’s injury forced AEW to alter plans for him and MJF. A match was planned for 2023 but did not happen. While the timing of their face-off remains unclear, Cole’s involvement in MJF’s return segment is promising.

MLW Battle Riot VI featured a surprise appearance by wrestling legends Mark Henry and Teddy Long.

The two WWE Hall of Famers surprised fans as they oversaw the Ritual Combat match between Alex Kane and AJ Francis, seated beside the victor’s throne. Their appearances were not promoted for the show, but there are also a few surprises for MLW fans on the show.

Teddy Long and Mark Henry just showed up in MLW tonight! #BattleRiot #MLW pic.twitter.com/0QaSk3MYs3

— ?????? (@WrestlingCovers) June 2, 2024

Recently, Long appeared on WWE television during the 2024 draft as he took part in announcing a round of picks for the SmackDown brand. Mark Henry’s contract with AEW expired in May.

Other Possible MLW Surprises

Sean Ross Sapp on Fightful Select reported that WWE Superstar Xavier Woods and former TNA producer David Sahadi were backstage.

The Battle Riot match included notable names like Paul Walter Hauser, Violent J, and Chris Danger. Additional surprises were anticipated during the show, so keep checking back for more updates.

MLW Changing Pay-Per-View System

During Battle Riot, Major League Wrestling announced that its pay-per-view events will move to YouTube for MLW Members. This change marks the end of MLW’s partnership with Triller TV, which began airing MLW events in May 2023.

Upcoming MLW pay-per-views include:

• MLW Blood And Thunder on July 29 in Tampa, FL
• MLW Summer of the Beasts on August 29 in New York City, NY
• MLW Fightland on September 14 in Atlanta, GA

You can find our full results for the MLW Battle Riot event here. There was certainly a lot to unpack when the show was over. 

Swerve Strickland is enjoying his time as AEW World Champion and recently showed off a new grill.

Formerly known as Swerve Scott in WWE, he was released during the pandemic. By the time Triple H wanted him back, Swerve was already under contract with AEW and couldn’t enter talks. Tony Khan has taken good care of Strickland, and he is now sitting on top of the Land of All Elite.

Swerve’s hard work has paid off, leading to his reign as AEW World Champion. He’s living it up and has plenty to be proud of.

https://twitter.com/puroresuflow/status/1796941947052970101

Strickland’s Next Title Defense

Swerve Strickland will defend the AEW World Title against Roderick Strong on the June 5th episode of AEW Dynamite.

The bout came together on the June 1st episode of AEW Collision, with Strong saying he was supposed to be the last man in the Casino Gauntlet on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite. Strong suggested to Tony Khan that he should face Swerve for the championship on Dynamite. Tony Khan agreed that it was a good idea, giving him the title match.

Roderick Strong makes a HUGE CHALLENGE for #AEWDynamite NEXT WEEK in Colorado!

Watch #AEWCollision on TNT!@RoderickStrong | @TonyKhan | @FACDaniels | @SwerveConfident pic.twitter.com/83dOVmv4kf

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 2, 2024

Roderick Strong has a message for Swerve Strickland, which he shared in a viral video after the June 1 AEW Collision broadcast.

“SWERVE! Listen, I don’t care what you do when you drive. I care what you do in that ring. When I’m looking back through the history books, I’m 2-0 against you. So, you may be the AEW World Champion for now, but come Wednesday in Colorado, I will be your new AEW World Champion.”

After defeating Lio Rush on June 1, 2024, AEW Collision, Strong appealed to Tony Khan for a match for the AEW World Title on the June 5 episode of AEW Dynamite. Now, Strong has the chance to win the most prestigious prize he has yet to challenge for in his AEW career. Obviously, Swerve Strickland is not ready to give up his title just yet.

EXCLUSIVE: The Undisputed Kingdom couldn't be happier that Roderick Strong has a shot at the #AEW World Champion @Swerveconfident this Wednesday at #AEWDynamite LIVE from Colorado!@roderickstrong | @RealMikeBennett | @MattTaven pic.twitter.com/2zMm5OBQgd

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 2, 2024

Chris Jericho has taken on many roles in AEW. He is a former World Champion, Wizard, and currently the Learning Tree. However, he is stepping down from his commentary duties. 

AEW has named Jericho’s replacement: Matt Menard, Jericho’s former Jericho Appreciation Society teammate, will take over commentary on AEW Rampage.

Author and podcast host Pat Laprade announced the news via X on Saturday. Menard has experience in commentary, having worked on AEW Dark and Dark Elevation. This led to occasional Rampage appearances when Jericho was unavailable.

Matt Menard is officially replacing Chris Jericho on AEW Rampage’s commentary team from now on.

– @PatLaprade

🙌 pic.twitter.com/DDEIXmJdor

— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) June 1, 2024

On Friday’s Rampage, Jericho revealed his decision to leave commentary. He wants to focus more on appearing on Dynamite and Collision. Jericho will still carry on in his Learning Tree gimmick alongside Big Bill and Bryan Keith. 

Matt Menard’s Commentary Experience

Menard, previously known as Matt Lee in WWE’s NXT brand, signed with AEW in August 2021 with his partner Angelo Parker. They joined forces with Daniel Garcia and eventually became part of Jericho’s faction. Together, they competed in the first-ever Anarchy in the Arena match and a Blood & Guts match in 2022.

Since the faction dissolved, Menard has wrestled infrequently, with just six matches this year. His last match was a win over Mike Bennett in Ring of Honor in early May. Parker has been off following his recent marriage to Ruby Soho. Now, Menard has a spot on television every week, and he gets to stay out of action in the process. 

WWE fans have gotten used to the QR Code teases at this point, when even Michael Cole referring to them as “those damn QR Codes,” and now whoever is behind this has taken over WWE’s official website.

Uncle Howdy’s influence is spreading across WWE. His presence has been felt in 2K24, TV shows with QR codes, and the company’s Twitch stream. Recently, WWE.com was hacked, displaying a message that seems connected to the enigmatic figure.

The message tells a story about value, explaining that value isn’t tied to utilization. Even if something is crumpled and ignored, it retains its worth. This concept extends to people, who often feel devalued due to others’ ignorance. The message admits to having once allowed others’ expectations to determine self-worth but emphasizes that understanding one’s true purpose can lead to liberation from such negativity.

It conveys that the writer, identifying with everyone and no one, found freedom by rejecting others’ preconceived ideas and lies. This realization allowed them to help others see the truth. The message ends with a call for redemption, stating that the past must be destroyed, and warning that a “massacre is coming.”

Uncle Howdy took over

A massacre is coming…

Full Text:

hello.
hello.
I’d like to tell you a story.⁰A story about value.⁰We often equate value with utilization.⁰That is not the case.⁰If a piece of currency is crumpled, ignored, and tossed to the side, does it lose its… pic.twitter.com/AdHMMzZ5hd

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) June 1, 2024

Impending Teases & QR Code Fun

During WWE SmackDown this week, a QR code went to a link on WWE’s website, which included video links to a variety of different messages from Uncle Howdy, most of which have already appeared throughout his takeover of WWE programming on various platforms.

This week’s QR Code fun#SmackDown

Link: https://t.co/GAJArME5Rr

— Aaron (@AaronVarble) June 1, 2024

The first tease of this new faction appeared during the closing moments of the Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal documentary. The idea being shared at the time was that Wyatt’s creative legacy may live on, as someone else carries the torch.

Something is coming, and it’s only a matter of time before it happens. Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan are expected to join the new faction linked to Uncle Howdy, forming a new iteration of the Wyatt Family.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylgwlnDxIk4

Cody Rhodes needs a new challenger for the Undisputed World Title, and AJ Styles figured out a great way to jump the line.

AJ Styles is at an important moment in his career. He wanted another shot at the World Title, but SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis told Styles that he’s at the back of the line. Styles has made it clear that he doesn’t have the patience for this setback.

In the closing segment of SmackDown this week, AJ Styles addressed the WWE Universe. While he was accompanied by Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows, Styles explained his reasons for considering a step back from the business. Styles mentioned it might be time for him to focus on being a father instead.

Styles then invited Cody to the ring, stating that SmackDown is the house he built, and he was now handing the keys to The American Nightmare. What started as a touching moment took a dramatic turn as Cody was raising Styles’ hand in front of the fans.

Styles turned on Cody, launching a brutal attack on the Undisputed WWE World Champion. The assault concluded with a Styles Clash onto the floor from the ring steps. SmackDown ended with Styles looking very pleased with himself, and Cody was selling the attack.

WHAT THE?!@AJStylesOrg lured @CodyRhodes here to attack him! ?#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/58cxwXlr7Y

— WWE (@WWE) June 1, 2024

Legendary WWE Call-Back

This segment was very reminesant of another classic angle, one that fans might remember as Mark Henry’s most memorable segment that didn’t involve Mae Young giving birth to a hand.

In 2013, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry faked a retirement speech to get one over on John Cena. While wearing a now-legendary orange suit, The World’s Strongest Man acted like he had wrestled his last match, only to change his mind by attacking Cena. This time it was AJ Styles playing the same trick on Cody Rhodes.

WWE 2K24 was released on March 8, 2024, and the creator community hasn’t stopped since. There are a ton of amazing creations, and we’d like to spotlight them here. SEScoops has been providing in-depth coverage of WWE 2K24 since the game was announced, including DLC releases and updates, like the recent WWE 2K24 Patch 1.08 that includes new wrestler animations and other enhancements.

Each week, we’re going to 

Liv Morgan’s Queen of the Ring Attire: Morgan captured the WWE Women’s World Title at King & Queen of the Ring. Her red jumpsuit was a hit with fans, and now that attire made the community creations.

Superstar: @YaOnlyLivvOnce
Gear: King and Queen of the ring’24
Hashtag: 2KBYME
Cc: Yes dawls ??
Enjoy!! pic.twitter.com/iosT8mNDxs

— ????????????? ?? (@2kattiresbyme) May 26, 2024

Biased Referee: First off, we’d like to say that Roman Reigns is a terrible referee. A new video is going viral from royszn__ I TT of the Tribal Chief playing the special referee role, but giving a ton of favoritism to his cousin, Solo Sikoa as he battled The American Nightmare.

Roman the ref? ?

(via royszn__ I TT) pic.twitter.com/ffcxhMBBP1

— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) May 31, 2024

AEW Revolution Attire: CM Punk was included in the ECW DLC pack, which dropped on May 15. Since then, fans have been going crazy over new attires. This week, @GameVolt1 dropped Punk’s attire from AEW’s 2022 Revolution event, and they nailed the look.

Check it out https://t.co/YbJ88FTEmk#WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/fdbEZvwltJ

— ? WWEADDICT4LIFE (XBOX Series X) | WWE2K25 |? (@NODQCreations) May 31, 2024

CM Punk’s 1 Million: Fans have really reacted to CM Punk’s inclusion in WWE 2K24. So far, gamers have raked up over 1,000,000 plays with the Second City Savior’s playable character:

“He prayed for this and it happened” ? #WWE2K24 pic.twitter.com/HvNspcWs5j

— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) May 25, 2024

MJF in WWE 2K24: No, MJF isn’t going to WWE anytime soon, but he still made the creator community for WWE 2K24. You can check out his model, with attire credit going to @Kamillion2k, and @HarvAddy doing the move set, below, and it’s very impressive.

Nobody on the Level of the Devil! ???@The_MJF 2024 return look is now available on #WWE2K24

Credits:@Kamillion2k – Attires@HarvAddy – Moveset pic.twitter.com/EjJMMD9SHx

— Mr.FiendX (@MisterFiendX) May 28, 2024

QR Code Madness: Uncle Howdy’s stable is still making waves with QR codes everywhere. One even made it into WWE 2K24.

Nightbird Card: On another Uncle Howdy note, 2k dropped the card with the Nightbird logo for the game. He is listed as a manager, so take that for what it’s worth.

? HESEESYOU2K24 #???2?24 pic.twitter.com/9kqvpZa6aq

— #WWE2K25 (@WWEgames) May 30, 2024

Tax Season Is Coming: IRS was created by @The_SkyFactor and @DW_Federation. This is a very nice replication of IRS’ look and we bet he is a hit in the community.

?? See where the Rotunda Family Legacy began. Download I.R.S. today for @WWEgames #WWE2K24! Via @IconsOfTheRing. Search #DrGorillaNuts!

Moves: @The_SkyFactor
Render: @DW_federation @irsmikerotunda @Smacktalks @TheSDHotel @ElementGamesTV @Assemble_Show @TPWSpodcast… pic.twitter.com/noeLJla6Ee

— Dr Gorilla Nuts (@DrGorillaNuts) May 28, 2024

Jeff Hardy is WWE2K24: Although he may be with AEW right now, that didn’t stop him from making the community creations. This 2008 and 2009 attire by @Azorthious and @WhatTheStatus is spot-on.

NEW! #WWE2K24 Upload To Community Creations!

? Jeff Hardy '08 & 09

? Search Tag ? HARDYAZOWTS or WhatsTheStatus
? Collaboration with @azorthious
? Support Me ? https://t.co/i4esMk0C5E

? INCLUDES
? Custom Portrait
? 2008 & 2009 Attire
? Hidden Commentary (Jeff Hardy)… pic.twitter.com/xG1dFE2nf6

— ??????™ (@WhatsTheStatus) May 28, 2024

NJPW Venues: WWE 2K24 gives gamers a chance to create custom venues as well. Osaka Dream Cinderella and Korakuen Hall got that treatment, and it’s very impressive.

Now on CC as part of the @GTEO2K project #stardom Osaka Dream Cinderella and Korakuen Hall V2. Stoked on my first drop as part of the team. Enjoy! #GTEO2K #WWE2K24

S/O to @noahforever21 for the base K- Hall textures
and @PrinceMartyM for the arena template. pic.twitter.com/h0QkGibzu4

— Henry Finch · (?????????) (@henry_finch) May 26, 2024

Amazing Creations: @GameVolt1 released some incredible new textures for new ring gear. These attires include Awesome Truth from RAW on May 20, 2024, Jey Uso from Backlash 2024 and WrestleMania 40, and Carmelo Hayes from SmackDown on May 17, 2024.

WWE 2K24 Release & Reception

The standard edition of the game features Cody Rhodes on the cover, while the special edition marks a milestone with Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, the first time female wrestlers have shared the cover. Originally, the “40 Years of WrestleMania” special cover included Brock Lesnar, but he was later removed.

The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Critics have praised WWE 2K24 for its significant improvements and refinements over previous versions.

WWE appears to be in cost-cutting mode again, and NXT star Brooks Jensen is no longer with the company.

Brooks Jensen tweeted a screenshot with his booking information and the caption, “You know how it goes #WWENXT,” indicating his departure from the company.

SEScoops will keep our eyes open for any further updates, because WWE often releases talent in waves. 

https://twitter.com/BrooksJensenWWE/status/1796180057662038390

Brooks Jensen’s Last NXT Storyline

On the December 27, 2023 episode of NXT, Josh Briggs, Fallon Henley and Jensen agree to go their separate ways splitting up the team.

Jensen’s recent storylines in NXT didn’t showcase him positively. After his partnership with Josh Briggs and Fallon Henley ended, with Henley and Briggs moving on to bigger roles as singles stars, he didn’t do much. 

Jensen’s character struggled with a depressed storyline, questioning his place in NXT. Brooks Jensen’s last match was on March 12, 2024, at WWE NXT. He competed for the WWE NXT North American Title, where Oba Femi defeated him in 11 minutes and 34 seconds.

We hope Brooks Jensen finds great success in his next venture.

WWE has released several talents and executives this year. This does not include lower-level office employees whose departures don’t make headlines. You can check out our ongoing WWE release and departure tracker for 2024 below.

TNA Wrestling has undergone numerous changes recently, raising many questions about the company’s future operations. These developments have caused considerable concern within the professional wrestling community, highlighting the uncertain direction in which TNA is heading.

One of the most alarming changes was the ousting of Scott D’Amore, which sparked significant unrest. In response, some members of the TNA locker room signed an open letter urging the company to reconsider their decision. This move reflects the deep unease and desire for stability among the talent and staff.

In the new Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer detailed further significant developments behind the scenes. Robert Evans, a central figure on the creative team, resigned last week. Additionally, several other key personnel have been dismissed. Notably, there are no scheduled events beyond the tapings on August 2nd and 3rd in Tampa, indicating a possible hiatus or reorganization period.

PWInsider also reported that RD Evans, who served as both the head of creative and a producer, resigned from TNA last week. Furthermore, Dave Sahadi, the Creative Director, along with several members of the live events division, were dismissed. These departures signal a major shakeup within the company’s creative and production departments.

The timing of these changes is particularly interesting as TNA is rumored to be on the verge of a deal with WWE. Jordynne Grace is set to face Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Title at Battleground in the UFC Apex on June 9, which is said to be just the beginning of crossover efforts between WWE and TNA. This potential collaboration adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing developments within TNA Wrestling.

Gable Steveson’s WWE release came as a surprise to many fans, as the company was expected to give him a major push. Now, he is pursuing a different career path.

According to Adam Schefter, Steveson is signing with the Buffalo Bills, as confirmed by his agent, Carter Chow. Steveson will now aim to join Bob Hayes as one of the few athletes to win both a Super Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal.

There had been previous reports of NFL interest in Steveson, and it appears the Bills have officially secured his services.

Gable Steveson is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant college wrestlers in NCAA history, but he has never played organized football.

Steveson’s crossover to football is particularly notable because he never played high school football. This move highlights a trend where NFL teams, similar to WWE’s Next In Line program for collegiate athletes, are recruiting players with little to no prior experience.

Gable Steveson’s WWE Tenure

Many believed that Gable Steveson had a bright future in WWE. To support his development, WWE established a remote training facility for him while he completed his studies at the University of Minnesota. Despite being featured in significant WWE events like WrestleMania 38, fans did not connect with him as expected, often resisting the Olympian’s rapid push.

In 2022, Steveson underwent a heart ablation to treat Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and took time off to recover before resuming training. As WWE’s first NIL signing, his struggle to succeed highlights the unique skills needed in professional wrestling. His match against Baron Corbin at NXT’s Great American Bash underscored these challenges, with the crowd’s “You’re Not Angle” chants, so fans were not eager to latch onto him.

Gable Steveson getting “You’re Not Angle” and “Bullshit” chants from the crowd in his debut pic.twitter.com/jfcsledaXP

— Vick (@Vick_8122) July 31, 2023

We’d like to wish Gable Steveson the best in his new career with the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. Ironically, he may be a part of games that directly compete with WWE RAW as part of Monday Night Football.

Brock Lesnar has not been seen for quite some time, and that is not going to change until his legal situation is resolved. SEScoops exclusively reported in March, “No one is going to get involved in that situation. This is a legal issue, and until the lawyers decide that Brock is to be brought back, there is no movement at all, or a movement on his behalf.” In the latest Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer corroborates our scoop with this note:

“Regarding any rumors of Lesnar returning, he has to be cleared by WWE legal (remember WWE is still a defendant in the Janel Grant lawsuit), and that hasn’t happened yet.”

Janel Grant’s court battle against WWE and Vince McMahon will be delayed, but that’s not necessarily good news for the company.  Grant has agreed to postpone the lawsuit at the request of the U.S. Department of Justice, an ominous sign for McMahon that indicates additional legal pitfalls ahead.

This decision means it will take longer than initially planned before the two sides face off in court, as the case remains under a non-public investigation. As a result, the timeline for Lesnar wrestling again has effectively been delayed indefinitely.

Brock Lesnar Impacted by Janel Grant Lawsuit

Janel Grant’s lawsuit alleges that in July 2021, Vince McMahon directed her to create personalized sexual content for a WWE superstar he wanted to re-sign. The lawsuit did not name the wrestler but described them as both a UFC fighter and WWE talent. Although Brock Lesnar was not mentioned, the timeline suggests a limited number of possible wrestlers.

The lawsuit claims McMahon shared explicit photos with the WWE Superstar, who responded positively. In December, McMahon allegedly gave Grant’s personal cellphone number to the wrestler. The wrestler then requested a video of her urinating and used derogatory language toward her. A meetup was planned but did not happen due to travel issues.

Brock Lesnar was removed from the WWE intro package and has been absent from promotional materials and vignettes since the controversy. His WrestleMania 40 match against GUNTHER was also scrapped, along with his planned bout against Dominik Mysterio at Elimination Chamber.

In WWE 2K24, Lesnar was removed as a playable character but still exists in the game’s code. He was replaced by John Cena on the Forty Years of WrestleMania cover. He remains under WWE contract.

Chad Gable could become a free agent as soon as next weekend, according to Fightful Select. Sean Ross Sapp reports that Gable’s WWE contract is believed to expire at the end of next week. Now entering the final week of a multi-year deal, it’s increasingly likely that he will at least test the waters of free agency. 

Known for his amateur wrestling credentials and in-ring technical proficiency, Gable signed with WWE in November 2013. The 38-year-old and his former partner Jason Jordan tore it up in NXT as American Alpha. They had some of the best tag team matches in the brand’s history, winning gold in developmental and on the main roster.

Interestingly, Gable has held WWE tag titles on the main roster with three separate partners: Jason Jordan, Shelton Benjamin and Bobby Roode. Today, he’s the leader of the Alpha Academy faction. which haS been dealing with some on-sreen infighting. Gable is urging Tozawa, Maxxine Durpi, and Otis to adopt his more villainous ways, but they are resisting.  

Gable has been involved in countless storylines during his decade-plus in WWE, but  he’s very satisfied with his current work. He told TNT Sports this week:

“This version of [my character], believe it or not, is probably the closest to my real personality than anything else I’ve done. Not to say that I’m a jerk but I am a very hard-nosed disciplined human being in real life.”

As we’ve seen, Gable can more than hold his own in the realm of ‘sports entertainment,’ which makes him even more valuable to companies with a never-ending need to churn out content. Gable is a rare talent who can shine in the ring, on the mic and as a coach, so he will have some serious options to consider in the weeks ahead.

We’ll be following this story closely in the days ahead and will provide an update when additional details are available. For more on Chad Gable’s potential WWE exit, keep an eye on our always-current WWE Releases & Departures Tracker.

Becky Lynch’s WWE contract is set to expire on Saturday. Following her loss on this week’s WWE Raw, it will probably be quite some time before The Man comes back around. Dave Meltzer addressed Lynch’s situation on Thursday’s Wrestling Observer Radio. With just days remaining on her WWE contract, Lynch is reportedly taking an extended leave of absense.

Her husband Seth Rollins is injured and off the road, so it makes sense for her to at least time some time off. However, Lynch’s situation is more than a vacation.

To be continued. pic.twitter.com/oILxlcwIyM

— Rebecca Quin (@BeckyLynchWWE) May 28, 2024

More on Becky Lynch’s Future

Prior to WrestleMania XL, Lynch told Chris Van Vliet that she wasn’t worried about the fact that her WWE contract was running out. Ariel Helwani later asked Lynch if she’d consider working for other companies. She replied, “I’m with WWE,” but expressed uncertainty about her situation.

Endeavor is handling WWE contracts differently, as seen with Seth Rollins, who re-signed before his contract expired. Lynch’s future remains unclear, but she could become a major free agent in June if WWE doesn’t finalize a new deal.

Tony Khan commented on the possibility of making a play for Lynch, and he made it clear that he will not tamper with her contract. She finished her WWE commitments on Monday’s Raw by losing to Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan in a steel cage match.

Chris Jericho has also given his two cents on the situation, as he said that AEW is now an option for her.

“Five years ago, Becky would have no other options. [I’m] not saying that she’s coming but there is an option and who knows what could happen? No one thought that Jericho would come to AEW. No one thought that Moxley would come or Bryan Danielson or Adam Cole or any of these guys that have come over.

So it’s exciting for the fans. It’s exciting for the wrestlers, the talent, because now suddenly if there’s a bidding war that just benefits us. So I think it’s it’s very important.”

Check out our recent review of Becky Lynch’s book:

AEW brought the fallout from Double or Nothing with plenty of action. Dynamite ended with a Casino Gauntlet match to determine who will face AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at Forbidden Door.

The match began with Jay White and Pac, and Juice Robinson, back from injury, was with the Bullet Club Gold faction. Mistico and Will Ospreay joined next, and the first pinfall or submission would determine the winner.

Shota Umino, from NJPW, entered the situation next, and he received a very good response from the LA crowd. Claudio Castagnoli came in next, immediately chasing Jay White out of the ring. Shota and Claudio exchanged forearms, and Umino endured The Swing during the commercial break.

Despite being beaten down by Trent Beretta earlier tonight, Orange Cassidy rolls the dice for his chance to walk through the #ForbiddenDoor!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@OrangeCAssidy | @ClaudioCSRO pic.twitter.com/HmfOZeTgrN

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Lio Rush made his AEW return as a member of the NJPW roster, joining the match through the Forbidden Door. Orange Cassidy, bandaged from an earlier beatdown by Trent, came out next. Hechicero from CMLL joined, diving right into the action.

The Mad Scientist Hechicero goes straight to work!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@_ReyHechicero pic.twitter.com/VxFAoKbGIY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

In the end, Will Ospreay nailed a cutter on Orange Cassidy and secured the win. Already the AEW International Champion, Ospreay now has a chance to become a double champion at Forbidden Door.

THE BILLY GOAT DID IT!

Will Ospreay will challenge #AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at #ForbiddenDoor on June 30th!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@WillOspreay | @SwerveConfident pic.twitter.com/Ywzbx7Eelf

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

After the match, Swerve Strickland came out to give his new challenger a closer look.

2024 Forbidden Door Event

Forbidden Door event and will take place on June 30, 2024, at the UBS Arena in the Long Island hamlet of Elmont, New York.

We already know that a ladder match will take place for the vacant TNT Title. Adam Copeland was stripped of the title this week during Dynamite due to an injury he suffered at Double or Nothing. 

Adam Copeland suffered an injury at AEW Double or Nothing in a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black. Despite winning the match with Gangrel’s help, he can’t continue as champion.

On AEW Dynamite, The Elite cut a heel promo. They gifted Okada a Lamborghini and failed to get a “You Deserve It” chant for him. Then, The Young Bucks stripped Adam Copeland of his TNT Title due to his injury and attempted to crown Jack Perry as the new champion.

Christopher Daniels, recently fired by The Elite, interrupted them. He revealed that Tony Khan had given him a new job as an authority figure on AEW television. He announced that the TNT Title wouldn’t go to Jungle Boy as The Elite wanted. Instead, a series of matches will determine the participants for a ladder match for the vacant TNT Title at Forbidden Door.

The first qualifying match will take place on Friday night Rampage this week. The Forbidden Door event is scheduled for June 30, 2024, at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York.

Just before The Elite could award Jack Perry the #TNT Championship, "The Fallen Angel" returned to make a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@YoungBucks | @KazuchikaOkada | @boy_myth_legend | @facdaniels pic.twitter.com/IYlHQpApfY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Adam Copeland’s Injury

During the Barbed Wire Steel Cage match at AEW Double or Nothing on May 26, Adam Copeland attempted an elbow drop on Malakai Black. He landed on his feet without hitting Black, raising concerns about a possible injury.

Copeland finished the match but needed help from Gangrel to get to the back, hobbling on one leg. Rumors circulated about his condition, and this morning, Copeland provided an update.

In a video posted on Twitter, Copeland revealed he fractured his tibia and will need surgery. There’s no timeframe for the surgery yet, as he wants to focus on celebrating his daughter Ruby’s birthday first.

Despite the injury, Copeland remains positive, joking about his match and putting over his opponents. He admitted he got cocky and needs to make better choices, acknowledging his age.

Surgery is expected next week, and Copeland, familiar with recovering from injuries, promises to be back soon.

When AEW signed Mercedes Mone to a deal, she had a big target on her. Now we know who was responsible for her backstage attack a few weeks ago, as Skye Blue stepped forward.

Mercedes Mone secured the TBS Championship at AEW Double or Nothing from Willow Nightingale. This week on Dynamite, she celebrated her victory with a big celebration and an unexpected revelation.

Skye Blue interrupted Mone’s celebration by attacking her. She revealed herself as the former Sasha Banks’ attacker from a few weeks ago on Dynamite.

Skye Blue cut the NEW #TBS Champion Mercedes Moné’s celebration short earlier tonight and faces her for the title RIGHT NOW!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@SkyeByee | @MercedesVarnado pic.twitter.com/2qpp5ucUPS

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

Backstory and Match

A few weeks back, Mercedes Mone was attacked backstage during an interview. The mystery was solved when Blue admitted to being the woman behind the attack, and she got a payoff.

A TBS Title match was set for later that night. Mercedes defeated Sky Blue to retain her title. With another mystery solved in All Elite Wrestling, Mone was confronted by NJPW Stong Women’s Champion Stephanie Vaquer. The fact that both Mone and Vaquer were raising their titles at the end of the segment could give us a Forbidden Door preview.

Is #NJPW Strong Women's Champion Stephanie Vaquer calling her shot against #TBS Champion Mercedes Moné?!

Watch #AEWDynamite LIVE on TBS!@Steph_Vaquer | @MercedesVarnado pic.twitter.com/XIzmLS2s14

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 30, 2024

The Don Callis Family has brought a ton of heat so far in AEW. Now, Trent is their newest member.

During AEW Dynamite this week, Don Callis appeared in the ring to kick off the second hour of the show. He was there to supposedly extend an invitation to Orange Cassidy to join his family. Callis praised Cassidy, who then came out to greet him, receiving cheers from the LA crowd. Cassidy took Callis’ contract, ripped it up, and said, “Hey Don, no.”

Kris Statlander and Stokely Hathaway then joined them, as they stood on the entrance ramp. Stokely made a comment about Willow Nightingale, and Statlander accepted the invitation on behalf of her best friend. The attention then turned back to the ring, where Trent was standing in the corner, ready to strike.

Trent attacked Cassidy, bloodying him with punches. After the assault, Trent approached Callis, and they hugged, marking Trent’s entry into the Don Callis family.

Trent Beretta joined the DCF by hugging Don Callis right on top of Orange's Cassidy dead body.

WITH THE BEST FRIENDS ZOOM OUT AND EVERYTHING. He's already giving OC trauma… pic.twitter.com/clDcb0sw7k

— Drainmaker ?? ? (@DrainBamager) May 30, 2024

Backstory

The Don Callis Family, led by Don Callis, consists of Konosuke Takeshita, Will Ospreay, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Kyle Fletcher. Callis has been scouting Orange Cassidy in recent weeks.

Freshly Squeezed beat Trent Beretta at AEW Double or Nothing last Sunday in a grudge match between the former Best Friends. Cassidy won by rolling Beretta into a pinning combination after his usual finishers failed. Devastated, Beretta walked away dejectedly through the crowd without seeking revenge.

Fans wondered what was next for Trent and OC, and now we know that Don Callis is definitely involved.

Trent Beretta wants to take out Orange Cassidy FOR GOOD tonight.

Order #AEWDoN on PPV right now!

?: https://t.co/MpmTCyHt8n
?: https://t.co/GTkwK7GBIn@trentylocks | @OrangeCassidy pic.twitter.com/5oUvIMlZOY

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) May 27, 2024