Jordynne Grace was revealed as Roxanne Perez’s opponent for Battleground during this week’s episode of NXT, surprising both fans and the NXT Women’s Champion. Fightful Selectreports that Perez was genuinely surprised by Grace’s appearance, as she had insisted on not knowing her opponent beforehand to ensure an authentic reaction. Her reaction on television was organic, which made it an even more memorable moment fans won’t soon forget.
The NXT Women’s Championship match at Battleground is part of an agreement between Grace and NXT, which includes at least three appearances: two advertised matches and her recent appearance. The Fightful report states that Grace is earning at least six figures for these appearances for the NXT brand. She’ll take on Stevie Turner in singles action for the June 4 episode, the go-home show before Battleground.
Andrea Concepcion and Johnny Russo were responsible for organizing Jordynne Grace’s segment, as noted by Corey Brennan. While most talent were unaware, Ethan Page knew about Grace’s appearance in advance due. They reportedly had an encounter at Cezar Bononi’s house.
The possibility of more NXT and TNA crossovers remains open. Despite Scott D’Amore’s departure from TNA, which initially raised concerns about future collaborations, sources within TNA confirm that communication lines remain open. There is a lot more to unpack in this story, as WWE seemingly has their own Forbidden Door to open now.
WWE NXT Battleground will go down on June 9 from the UFC Apex outside Las Vegas. SEScoops will have complete coverage of the show, including the highly-promoted Women’s Title match.
Ethan Page is now an NXT Superstar, and he made a very impactful debut during the May 28 edition of the show. This all built around a mystery attacker storyline.
Noam Dar and Ora Mensa were previously attacked backstage, and the identity of their assailant was unknown until Ethan Page revealed himself as the attacker. During the closing moments of NXT this week, Lash Legend approached NXT Champion Trick Williams to ask if he was responsible for the attacks on Ora and Noam. Williams denied any involvement.
Suddenly, the lights went out, and when they came back on, Williams was being attacked. The announce team couldn’t identify the attacker at first, but it soon became clear that it was Ethan Page.
Watch Ethan Page’s NXT Debut:
Page took the microphone, claimed responsibility for the attacks on Dar and Mensa, and then continued to attack Williams. He posed with the NXT Title, doing his signature cheek dimple pose.
Afterwards, he added insult to injury by trash talking Trick Williams online. Page has made a startling impact upon his arrival in NXT by taking out the brand’s champion. Williams is not one to let something like this go unanswered and we should hear back from him as soon as next week’s show.
I guess I whooped that Trick
— “All Ego” Ethan Page (@OfficialEGO) May 29, 2024
All Ego’s AEW Exit
Ethan Page recently left AEW, making his arrival in NXT a surprise. This came at the end of a night already filled with excitement due to TNA Knockouts Champion Jordynne Grace’s unexpected appearance to challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Title at Battleground.
Page signed with AEW in 2021, but he was moved to the ROH brand in 2022 after a few angles that never elevated him. He had not appeared on the show for several months prior to his May 2024 exit. During this absence, he increased his activities in independent wrestling and resumed promoting his Alpha-1 Wrestling events. His removal from the AEW roster page was officially noted on May 2, confirming his exit shortly thereafter. Page had expressed a desire to leave AEW as early as February, indicating his intent to move on.
When Page left Impact Wrestling, where he was a decorated member of The North tag team, WWE reportedly had interest in him for NXT. However, he decided to take Tony Khan up on his offer. Now the 34-year-old Canadian pro wrestler is finally in WWE.
Roxanne Perez’s challenger for the NXT Women’s Title was a mystery, but nobody expected Jordynne Grace as her opponent.
During this week’s episode of NXT, Roxanne Perez took to the ring to deliver a heel promo. She praised herself before demanding that NXT General Manager Ava reveal her next challenger. Ava responded by making a surprise announcement that shocked everyone.
Jordynne Grace made her entrance, proudly carrying her TNA Knockouts Title on her shoulder. The fans in the NXT Arena erupted into “TNA” chants as she approached the ring. Once inside, Grace remarked about her Royal Rumble cameo, and then she turned her attention to the NXT Women’s Champion.
Grace confidently declared that she would become a double champion after NXT Battleground, challenging Perez for the NXT Women’s Title.
Holy Shit! TNA Knockouts champion Jordan Grace to challenge Roxanne Perez for the NXT Women’s Championship at #NXTBattleground 2024.
This announcement, combined with Sexyy Red’s hosting role and the unveiling of the new NXT Women’s North American Title, has set the stage for a historic event. NXT Battleground will take place on June 9 in the UFC Apex.
It was later announced that Jordynne will compete on NXT next week. She confronted Stevie Turner backstage during a segment later in the show, where the NXT newcomer was complaining about Grace’s title opportunity. This set up a match for the June 4 show.
Jordynne Grace’s husband, TNA star Jonathan Gresham, was apparently just as surprised as everyone else by her appearance. He just thought she was running to the store and would be right back.
SEScoops will provide complete coverage of NXT Battleground, and you can find the updated event card below.
Sol Ruca vs. Lash Legend vs. Fallon Henley vs. Jaida Parker vs. Michin vs Kelani Jordan (Ladder match for the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Championship)
Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee vs. Joe Coffey (Triple threat match for the NXT North American Championship)
Shayna Baszler vs. Lola Vice (NXT Underground match)
Roxanne Perez (c) vs. TBA (NXT Women’s Championship)
Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs The Good Brothers (NXT Tag Team Championship)
Roxanne Perez (c) vs Jordynne Grace (NXT Women’s Title Match)
Rapper Sexyy Red showed up on NXT this week, and it was revealed that she will host NXT’s Battleground.
The May 28 edition of WWE NXT began with a major announcement from General Manager Ava, who praised the show’s women’s division and introduced Sexyy Red as the special guest for the evening.
Upon entering the ring, Ava revealed that Sexyy Red had an important announcement regarding NXT’s upcoming special event, Battleground, scheduled to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on June 9, 2024.
WWE has a history of incorporating outside celebrities into various roles, adding excitement and mainstream appeal to its events. Sexyy Red’s viral capabilities were noticed by Shawn Michaels, who extended an invitation for her to participate in the brand after she posted about Noam Dar attacking Trick Williams.
In addition to Sexyy Red’s appearance, WWE also unveiled the new NXT Women’s North American Title. Seizing the moment, Sexyy Red posed with the title, further engaging the audience.
SEScoops will provide complete coverage of NXT Battleground, and you can find the updated event card below.
Sol Ruca vs. Lash Legend vs. Fallon Henley vs. Jaida Parker vs. Michin vs Kelani Jordan (Ladder match for the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Championship)
Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee vs. Joe Coffey (Triple threat match for the NXT North American Championship)
Shayna Baszler vs. Lola Vice (NXT Underground match)
Roxanne Perez (c) vs. TBA (NXT Women’s Championship)
Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs The Good Brothers (NXT Tag Team Championship)
Roxanne Perez (c) vs Jordynne Grace (NXT Women’s Title Match)
WWE has revealed a new title for the NXT women’s division, the Women’s North American Championship. Fans got their first look of that new title on this week’s show.
WWE is introducing a new title for the NXT women’s division. A new Women’s North American Champion will be crowned at Battleground, and the title was revealed during the May 28 episode of WWE NXT. Fans immediately commented on the design via social media.
Sexyy Red was on hand to help NXT General Manager Ava reveal the new title. This coincided with the announcement that the famous rapper will also host NXT Battleground.
The title will be awarded to the winner of a multi-woman ladder match at NXT Battleground. Sol Ruca, Lash Legend, Fallon Henley, Jaida Parker, Michin and Kelani Jordan will compete in the match.
The event will take place on June 9, 2024, at the UFC Apex. SEScoops will provide complete coverage of the event. You may find the updated card for NXT Battleground below.
Sol Ruca vs. Lash Legend vs. Fallon Henley vs. Jaida Parker vs. Michin vs Kelani Jordan (Ladder match for the inaugural NXT Women’s North American Championship)
Oba Femi (c) vs. Wes Lee vs. Joe Coffey (Triple threat match for the NXT North American Championship)
Shayna Baszler vs. Lola Vice (NXT Underground match)
Roxanne Perez (c) vs. TBA (NXT Women’s Championship)
Axiom & Nathan Frazer vs The Good Brothers (NXT Tag Team Championship)
Roxanne Perez (c) vs Jordynne Grace (NXT Women’s Title Match)
AEW’s locker room was getting crowded, but there have been a few departures in recent memory. Now we can add Jake Hager’s name to the list. Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net reports that Hager’s contract has recently expired, and he did not re-sign with All Elite Wrestling, making him a free agent. The decision is believed to have been mutual.
The former Jack Swagger in WWE debuted with AEW on October 2, 2019, during the premiere episode of Dynamite, where he joined The Inner Circle. He made his in-ring debut for AEW on February 29, 2020, at AEW’s Revolution pay-per-view, where he defeated Dustin Rhodes. Following the disbanding of The Inner Circle, Hager became part of the Jericho Appreciation Society. However, he had not been used much since the stable’s breakup in late 2023.
WWE Hall of Famers Mark Henry and Arn Anderson have also announced their departures from AEW. While Jake Hager’s exit is notable, it is worth mentioning that the company had not used him frequently in recent times.
Hager’s last match in AEW took place on February 21, 2024, when he was defeated by Roderick Strong on AEW Rampage in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio’s storyline is generating significant buzz. Fans have speculated about a potential hidden relationship between the two, and recent events have added more fuel to the fire.
This week’s WWE RAW ended with Liv Morgan defending the WWE Women’s World Title against Becky Lynch. The match saw Dominik Mysterio get involved, similar to his interference at King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia.
During the match, Dominik came out to open the cage door, seemingly to help Becky win. Braun Strowman then appeared to chase JD McDonagh away, who, along with Finn Balor, tried to reason with Dominik. Dominik explained he needed to help Becky win the title back for Rhea Ripley.
As Strowman chased JD around the ring, he accidentally shoved Dominik into the open cage door just as Becky was exiting. This caused Becky to fall back into the ring, allowing Liv Morgan to crawl out of the cage and secure the win.
The RAW broadcast on the USA Network ended with Liv Morgan staring down Dominik. However, those watching on a different feed saw Morgan grab Dominik’s face and kiss him. Dominik resisted and walked away, adding more intrigue to their storyline.
Becky Lynch’s Contract Status
Becky Lynch’s loss is also significant, as her WWE contract expires on June 1. If she doesn’t reach a new deal, this match could mark her final appearance on RAW.
Lynch made it very clear that she wanted to evoke her rematch clause, and they hot-shotted that match to the very next episode of RAW.
WWE continues to build toward a huge angle with QR codes. The trend continued during this week’s episode of RAW.
During Ilja Dragunov’s entrance before his match against Ricochet, another QR code appeared on the screen. Michael Cole, once again, pointed it out, saying, “there’s that damn QR code, again.”
The QR code this week led to a video featuring a woman who had been reported missing. In the video, she spoke about her captor, stating she was never in any harm and was happy that he “set her free.”
A lot of hype is growing about Uncle Howdy’s new stable, with Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross, and Erick Rowan reportedly involved. Fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of this new faction.
The teases began at the end of the Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal documentary, suggesting someone might continue Wyatt’s legacy. With Bo Dallas taking on the Uncle Howdy character, Wyatt’s story may carry on in this way.
WWE has strategically placed these hints across various platforms, including their WWE 2K24 video game. We will continue to monitor for any new updates on this unfolding storyline.
Becky Lynch’s loss of the Women’s World Title to Liv Morgan at King & Queen of the Ring has surprised many fans. They have quickly scheduled her rematch for RAW this week in a steel cage match, bringing her contract status into sharp focus.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that, as of this morning, Becky Lynch and WWE had not yet reached an agreement on a new contract, although they have been in contact. It is unclear if a deal is imminent or if it will affect her match tonight.
Lynch’s current WWE contract is set to expire on June 1, which would make her a free agent unless a new deal is reached. Many in the industry expect Lynch to receive the largest offer ever for a female wrestler.
Beck Lynch Wasn’t Worried
In an interview with Chris Van Vliet before WrestleMania XL, Lynch stated she wasn’t worried about her contract status. When Ariel Helwani asked if she could engage with other companies, she replied, “Ahhh…I’m with WWE,” adding uncertainty about her situation and noting it is uncommon for her not to have a new deal as her current one nears expiration.
Helwani also asked if she felt offended by not having a new deal. Lynch responded confidently, “At this stage in the game, contrary to a lot of the thoughts in this book of where I was coming up, I am so confident in my ability and my worth. Nah, I’m not worried.”
Endeavor is handling WWE contracts differently, as seen with Lynch’s husband, Seth Rollins, who re-signed a new deal before his contract expired. It remains to be seen what will happen with Lynch, but she could become a major free agent in June if WWE does not finalize a new contract.
Mark Henry surprised a lot of fans in 2021 when he showed up in AEW. Now, he has bid the company farewell.
During today’s edition of Busted Open Radio, Mark Henry announced that his time in AEW is over. Henry stated that his contract with AEW is set to expire tomorrow, and he wanted to address the matter. Henry mentioned that Tony Khan expressed his happiness and pride in what they achieved together, a sentiment Henry shares. Henry appreciated his time at AEW but felt it was time to focus on TheMarkHenry.com and the ReMarkable brand, so he decided not to renew his contract.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion explained that the decision was mutual and based on the understanding that he could not dedicate 100% of himself to AEW. He emphasized the positive experiences he had and his efforts to help as many people as possible. Henry mentioned that he is not leaving pro wrestling entirely but needs time to work on some projects before returning full force.
The WWE Hall of Famer and former World Heavyweight Champion signed with AEW in 2021, debuting at that year’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view. Since joining, Henry has served as an analyst, coach, scout, and mentor, with most of his on-screen work being as an interviewer and personality on AEW Rampage.
Neither Henry nor AEW President Tony Khan have publicly discussed Henry’s future. When not appearing for AEW, Henry hosts the Busted Open Radio podcast with fellow WWE Hall of Famer Bully Ray and other industry names.
Mark Henry’s Future
Triple H has brought back several names since he took control of the company’s creative direction. It is not hard to imagine that Henry will find his way home in WWE eventually.
Henry has not competed since WWE’s Greatest Royal Rumble 2018 Premium Live Event, where he participated in the titular match won by Braun Strowman. His most recent singles match was on the February 13, 2017, edition of Monday Night Raw, where he was also defeated by Strowman. While Henry has teased a return to the ring for one last match, he has said he is unsure what it would take to make that happen.
Although Mark Henry never won a title in AEW, he held the World Heavyweight Championship for 91 days in 2011 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.
On the home front, Mark’s son, Jacob Henry, is making his own waves. The massively talented athlete just signed to wrestle for the University of Oklahoma.
The former Sasha Banks made her AEW debut at Double or Nothing and left the MGM Grand Arena as a champion.
Mercedes Mone faced Willow Nightingale for the AEW TBS Title at Double or Nothing. Their match was the first of three main event matches for the night.
After a competitive match, Mercedes executed the Mone Maker and secured a clean win, marking her in-ring debut for AEW and making her the new TBS Champion.
Mercedes and Nightingale entered the match with history. They previously faced off in NJPW, where Mercedes suffered an ankle injury that cost her the NJPW Strong Women’s Title and led to nearly a year on the sidelines.
Mercedes had a notable entrance for her match. A drum line accompanied her to the ring, adding to the moment as they kept pace with her CEO music.
The CEO Mercedes Moné makes her AEW in-ring debut as she looks to capture TBS gold & revenge!
This victory established Mercedes in AEW, setting the stage for her future in the company. Excalibur sang her praises after the win, saying that Mercedes will be tough to beat with a finisher like the Mone Maker.
After the match, Kris Statlander turned on Willow, hit her, and ripped off her friendship bracelet, adding insult to injury. Stokely Hathaway approved of this turn, marking a separation with Nightingale.
Adam Copeland, a WWE Hall of Famer, signed with AEW after a notable career that included memorable character work and his breakthrough with The Brood. The WWE stable, consisting of Edge (Copeland), Christian, and Gangrel, has long been defunct. Copeland wanted to revive the faction during his last WWE run, but it was rejected.
At AEW Double or Nothing, Copeland introduced a new entrance featuring “The Brood” on the screen and music similar to their original theme, a trademark not owned by WWE. This moment was well-received by fans in Las Vegas.
The fires of Hell can't contain #TNT Champion Adam Copeland, but let’s see if a BARBED WIRE STEEL CAGE can as he faces off against #HouseOfBlack’s Malakai Black!
In the match’s closing moments, Gangrel appeared just as the House of Black was about to execute Copeland, who was positioned with a crown of barbed wire around his head and arms outstretched. The Vampire Warrior intervened and laid out the House of Black, allowing Copeland to secure the win.
After the match, Copeland and Gangrel celebrated on the entrance ramp, marking a reunion of sorts for the former Brood members. Despite his absence from WWE, Copeland showed he remains a strong performer, canceling a two-day event in Germany to appear at Double or Nothing.
Gangrel’s appearance was a significant highlight, and it remains to be seen if he will make more appearances for AEW. Fans appreciated seeing him in Las Vegas, adding a nostalgic element to the event.
AEW Double or Nothing began with a strong start. Following an International Title match, a surprising segment took place.
Will Ospreay won the AEW International Title, but Adam Cole interrupted his celebration with a promo, calling himself The Devil. The lights flickered, and a video played on the big screen.
The video showed what appeared to be MJF’s home, followed by a photo of Cole and MJF, former ROH Tag Team Champions, ripped apart to separate them.
Then MJF’s music hit, and he entered the MGM Grand Arena to a big reaction. He confronted Cole in the ring, and as the crowd chanted “You F*cked Up,” MJF kicked Cole.
Adam Cole may be the devil, but it's time to face his demons in MJF!
MJF then cut a promo, declaring that his actions are driven by hate and that no one is safe. Fans chanted “He’s Our Scumbag!” as MJF stated there would be no more friendship activities from him.
He finished by saying he’s done apologizing and that “nobody is more complete in this sport than me.” The crowd responded with chants of “Holy Sh*t” during his promo.
Then MJF made his contract status very clear by showing off a new “bet on yourself” tattoo with the AEW logo on his ankle. This was followed by The Salt of the Earth quoting Jordan Belfort as he said, “When it comes to MJF and AEW, you can call me the Wolf of Wrestling, because I’m not f*cking leaving!”
This tattoo, while it is new for AEW fans, did not look like fresh ink. MJF likely got the tattoo during his time off from the company. It has also been the thought for quite some time that MJF actually inked a new AEW agreement in the middle of 2023.
— AEW?Jamie Hayter ??Skye Blue?TheOutrunners?? (@JaxIrvin) May 27, 2024
MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, likely to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, this suggests a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing.
Phoenix is about 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, a manageable drive for a pro wrestler. Wrestle Votes reported that AEW Double or Nothing could feature a major surprise early in the event.
Will Ospreay entered AEW months before his NJPW contract was over. He broke into the scene, starting in 2024, and he was off to the races. AEW Double or Nothing saw him win his first championship with the company.
Roderick Strong defended the AEW International Title against Ospreay in the opening match of Double or Nothing.The fans were behind Ospreay the entire time, and they were electric for the entire match.
In the end, Ospreay pulled down the win to capture his first title in AEW. In the middle of his celebration, Adam Cole made his big return to the company, and that shocked everyone. That was followed by MJF’s long-awaited return to AEW television.
Will Ospreay entered AEW with an impressive list of accolades from his time in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. He has held the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship once, the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship twice (being the final champion), and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship three times. Ospreay has also held the NEVER Openweight Championship once. Additionally, he won the New Japan Cup in 2021 and the Best of the Super Juniors tournament in both 2016 and 2019.
AEW Double or Nothing 2024 is an important event for the company, showcasing a new generation of talent and several established names while they start their fifth year in existence. As the show progresses, there is much to unpack.
AEW Double or Nothing Notes:
There were no massive streaming issues reported by fans. This is very different from past experiences with B/R Live, where even Tony Khan has been required to comment on the platform dropping the ball with their events.
The Las Vegas Golden Knights mascot made an appearance during the AEW Double or Nothing Zero-Hour kickoff show. He was around a bit for the night, but it doesn’t seem like he gained much trust with his appearance.
Tony Khan and Martha Hart made an announcement about the 2024 Owen Hart tournament. The winner of this year’s tournament will receive a title shot at AEW All In at Wembley Stadium on August 24.
The MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas was filled with AEW fans, eager to see what the company had planned. During the Zero-Hour match, The Acclaimed defeated Cage of Agony, but a notable moment occurred when Anthony Bowens had an unusual interaction with a fan during his entrance.
The crowd was very hot for the opening International Title match with Will Ospreay vs Roderick Strong. They chanted “Ospreay!” incredibly loudly during his entrance, and they were on fire for the opening contest.
During MJF’s return, AEW made no attempts to censor fans as they chanted “You F*cked Up” at Adam Cole. The “Holy Sh*t” chants were also clearly heard on-air. Also, MJF was not bleeped as he quoted the Wolf of Wall Street when he said, “I’m not f*cking leaving!”
Jim Ross updated fans to let everyone know that he is on the mend, trying to rid himself from the flu. He is watching the event from his hospital bed.
I’m on the mend trying to chase this pesky flu virus away. Watching @AEW from my hospital room. ?
MJF kept cutting a promo online after his surprising AEW Double or Nothing return. He wanted to hammer home his return, which he did with a post on Twitter/X.
Y’all were gagging on it with a smile on your face for 5 years straight, then pretended you didn’t like the taste?
If I were you I’d grab some chapstick cuz I’m about to take over the game you love, AGAIN. #Betterthanyou
— Maxwell Jacob Friedman™? (@The_MJF) May 27, 2024
Fans were on fire all night, and they had many inventive chants. During the FTW Title match, they chanted, “Teach Us!” at Chris Jericho. They also chanted “LUTHER!” during the AEW Women’s World Title match, as LUTHER accompanied Toni Storm. Of course, they also chanted “Donkey D*ck” during the show, and it wasn’t bleeped.
The barbed wire steel cage was impressive in person. Fans were red-hot for this match, with a ton of chants, and they were into the violence. They chanted “You Sick F*ck” at Adam Copeland as he wrapped Malakai Black in barbed wire while he was on the table. The spot that followed received “Holy Sh*t” and “This is Awesome” chants. Tony Schaivone also repeated their chant to say that a “holy sh*t chant has never been more appropriate.”
Gangrel’s big surprise during the TNT Title match caught fans by surprise. Nobody at ringside reported seeing anyone move under the ring, but there were plenty of black out moments during the entrances of that match to get the Vampire Warrior in place.
Mercedes Mone received an amazing entrance as she made her way to the ring. A drum line was a nice touch for her CEO music.
The CEO Mercedes Moné makes her AEW in-ring debut as she looks to capture TBS gold & revenge!
After Mercedes Mone’s TBS Title win, Kris Statlander turned on Willow Nightingale. This turn didn’t receive a huge response from the crowd, because it wasn’t the focus of everyone’s attention. This is why the reaction from fans didn’t seem as active when they pulled the trigger on that moment.
Other AEW DoN Notes Before The Show:
MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, it’s possible AEW flew him there to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport, suggesting a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing. Phoenix is about 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, a manageable drive for a pro wrestler.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Selectreports that AEW sources were surprised by Mercedes Mone saying that she was cleared to compete in December 2023, stating it was not consistent with their information. NJPW sources indicated that if she had been cleared to wrestle in January, they would have booked her for Wrestle Kingdom and Battle in The Valley. AEW sources confirmed that Mercedes was not expected to wrestle until May due to her injury.
ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta is also in Las Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing. Yuta has been out of action since January 10, following his match against Eddie Kingston at an AEW Rampage taping. Juice Robinson is also in Las Vegas, though Britt Baker has not been seen.
NJPW sources mentioned that multiple names were considered as the AEW World Title challenger for Forbidden Door. They also hinted at some unconventional choices being discussed for the event. Fans can expect to see more New Japan wrestlers appearing in AEW in the coming weeks, potentially as soon as this week. Other familiar faces are also expected to appear in AEW.
Pat Buck assigns producers for AEW shows. WrestleVotes tweeted, “Hearing from sources in Las Vegas to not miss the beginning of tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV. Big happenings are expected very early in the show! #AEWDoN.” We will have to see how things go as the show progresses.
The top WWE merchandise sellers bring in a lot of money for the company, and their royalty checks also reflect that. Since WWE is always going, a lot of factors can play into someone’s rise up the charts, especially a title win.
For women’s apparel as of May 26, 2024. Leading the pack is Liv Morgan, whose ‘ProSphere Purple Liv Morgan Revenge Tour T-Shirt’ has become the top-selling item in WWE. Morgan, the new Women’s World Champion, will continue her reign on RAW this week after clinching the title at King & Queen of the Ring.
Following Liv Morgan in the rankings are the Kabuki Warriors, Bayley, Tiffany Stratton, and Lyra Valkyria. These stars have maintained strong merchandise sales, showcasing their significant fan bases and influence within the WWE universe.
Liv Morgan
Kabuki Warriors
Bayley
Tiffany Stratton
Lyra Valkyria
The top WWE merchandise sellers for men’s apparel includes CM Punk’s BITW Ringer T-Shirt tops the list, marking a significant achievement for the returning superstar. Jey Uso’s ‘Yeet’ T-Shirts, available in both black and white for youth and men, also made a strong showing, highlighting his continued popularity.
Fans have patiently been waiting for the return of former AEW Champion MJF for the past few months and latest developments suggest that tonight could finally be the night for his comeback.
According to PW Insider, MJF flew to Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday. With Phoenix just a few hours from Las Vegas, it’s possible AEW flew him there to avoid being seen at the Vegas airport. This suggests a strong possibility of his return tonight at Double or Nothing.
Phoenix is about 4 1/2 hours from Las Vegas, which isn’t that long of a drive, especially for a pro wrestler.
Wrestle Votes also reported that they have heard that AEW Double or Nothing could see a very big surprise early on in the event.
Hearing from sources in Las Vegas to not miss the beginning of tonight’s Double or Nothing PPV. Big happenings are expected very early in the show! #AEWDoN
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select also reported that ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta is in Las Vegas for AEW Double or Nothing. Yuta has been out of action since January 10, following his match against Eddie Kingston at an AEW Rampage taping. Britt Baker has not been seen in Las Vegas, but Juice Robinson is in Las Vegas.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman has not been seen since he lost the World Championship to Samoa Joe at the Worlds End pay-per-view in December 2023. The former World Champion has been on hiatus, dealing with multiple injuries he sustained leading into the match. MJF chose to drop the title instead of vacating it.
Shortly after Worlds End, it was reported that MJF would require shoulder surgery and could be out for up to a year. However, a new update suggests that The Devil may be returning much sooner than expected. His presence in Phoenix only further hints at a possible surprise appearance at Double or Nothing.
Fans might also see former WWE Superstar Gangrel at the event. He withdrew from an indie show in Germany he was booked for this weekend, and Adam Copeland’s current storyline has been full of hints pointing towards a Brood reunion.
Final Double or Nothing Match Card
SE Scoops will provide ongoing coverage of AEW Double or Nothing. The event starts at 8:00 PM EST, with a Zero-Hour kickoff show at 6:30 PM EST.
Check out the final complete card below and stay tuned for live updates and highlights.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
AEW Double or Nothing is happening tonight in Las Vegas, and fans can expect some surprises. One possible surprise is the appearance of Gangrel on the pay-per-view.
Gangrel, also known as The Vampire Warrior, was initially advertised for the WrestlingKult event in Germany on the 24th and 25th. However, the event stopped promoting his appearance.
— Wrestlingkult – WK (@WrestlingKult16) May 1, 2024
Adam Copeland, formerly known as Edge, is set for a barbed wire steel cage match against Malakai Black at Double or Nothing. Copeland has been making many Brood references recently, including a bloodbath segment on Dynamite to build up the match.
Die letzten Stunden des VVK sind angebrochen. Um 22 Uhr ist Zapfenstreich. Lasst euch diesen Kader nicht entgehen!
Speaking with Chris Van Vliet on Insight, Copeland was open about his attempt to revive the Brood entrance for WWE Day 1 in 2022. He wanted Gangrel to join him, reminiscent of their Attitude Era days, but WWE rejected the idea, believing fans wouldn’t remember. Copeland disagreed, feeling that wrestling fans appreciate nostalgia and should be rewarded for their loyalty. Despite his efforts, WWE shut down the idea, and Copeland realized it wasn’t his decision to make.
Copeland also mentioned starting talks with AEW right after his WWE contract expired. He referenced Matt Cardona’s recent return to AEW, where Cardona challenged him for the TNT Championship, recognizing that fans remember Cardona’s ‘Edge Head’ days. Although WWE didn’t support bringing back Gangrel, Copeland continues to find ways to engage the audience through his work in AEW, leaving the possibility of Gangrel’s appearance open.
Christian Cage, another member of The Brood, is also scheduled for a major match at AEW Double or Nothing. He will face Swerve Strickland for the AEW Title, a match that has become personal with many insults about Swerve’s personal life and career.
You can find the full AEW Double or Nothing card below. The pay-per-view starts at 8:00 EST, with a Zero-Hour show beginning at 6:30 PM EST.
Thunder Rosa vs. Deonna Purrazzo: Singles match (Zero-Hour Match)
The Acclaimed (Max Caster, Anthony Bowens, and “Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn) vs. Cage of Agony (Brian Cage and Gates of Agony (Toa Liona and Bishop Kaun)): Trios match (Zero-Hour Match)
Adam Copeland (c) vs. Malakai Black: Barbed Wire Steel Cage match for the AEW TNT Championship
Roderick Strong (c) (with Matt Taven and Mike Bennett) vs. Will Ospreay: Singles match for the AEW International Championship
Bang Bang Gang (Jay White and The Gunns (Austin Gunn and Colten Gunn)) (c) vs. Death Triangle (Pac, Rey Fénix, and Penta El Zero Miedo) (with Alex Abrahantes): Trios match for the Unified World Trios Championship
Chris Jericho (c) (with Big Bill) vs. Hook vs. Katsuyori Shibata: Three-way FTW Rules match for the FTW Championship
Jon Moxley vs. Konosuke Takeshita (with Don Callis): IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Eliminator match (If Takeshita wins, he will receive a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match)
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Luther and Mariah May) vs. Serena Deeb: Singles match for the AEW Women’s World Championship
Willow Nightingale (c) vs. Mercedes Moné: Singles match for the AEW TBS Championship
The Elite (Kazuchika Okada, Jack Perry, and The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson)) vs. Team AEW (Bryan Danielson, Darby Allin, and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood)): Anarchy in the Arena match
Swerve Strickland (c) (with Prince Nana) vs. Christian Cage (with Killswitch, Nick Wayne, and Mother Wayne): Singles match
Another WWE executive has departed from the company.
Beth Fisher, WWE’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, was let go after 13 years with the company per Post Wrestling. This follows many other employee departures due to the TKO merger finalized last fall.
Fisher started with WWE in August 2011 as an assistant to Vince McMahon. She later became a senior manager in the Marketing and Communications department and was promoted to her most recent role in November 2019.
Her release adds to the list of notable departures in the past month. Our 2024 release and departure tracker has been updated. We’re sending our best to everyone that WWE has cut in recent memory, and we’re hoping they find new work very soon.
Michael Levin, Vice President of International Events and General Manager of Emerging Markets, was let go on May 11. Steve Rubin, who had been with WWE for 26 years and was the Senior Director of TV Event Relations, also left the company on the same day.
Kristen Prouty, who had been instrumental in securing the Logan Paul deal, held the position of Senior VP of Entertainment Relations for nearly 20 years. Her release was announced on May 23.
Tavia Hartley, listed as a Talent Operations and Appearances Manager, was also released, with news of her departure breaking on May 23.
Senior Vice President of Entertainment Relations Kristen Prouty, who had worked with the company since 2000, was also cut.
The winners of the King & Queen of the Ring tournaments were promised a title match at SummerSlam for their respective brands. Nia Jax has already secured the crown for the women, and Randy Orton and GUNTHER followed with a highly anticipated and intense match.
Orton and GUNTHER delivered a physical battle as expected. Orton took many hard hits but used his veteran ring psychology to compete against The Ring General.
The Apex Predator took a beating, but he was still able to execute his signature moves, but GUNTHER countered an RKO with a slam followed by a massive top-rope splash. Orton nailed an RKO outta nowhere after that, but GUNTHER rolled to the apron as he avoided the pinfall attempt.
Gunther se CORONA King of the Ring tras recibir el RKO de Randy Orton, pero que este no pudiese hacer el pin por la rodilla. Lo aprovecha Gunther con ese pin para llevarse la victoria.
GUNTHER tried to wear Randy Orton down with some submission holds, but then he ate another RKO. After kicking out at two, GUNTHER scored a roll-up pinfall for the win.
With this victory, GUNTHER secured a main event match at the Biggest Party of the Summer. He will now face the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, currently Damian Priest, at SummerSlam. It was later announced that Priest will defend the title against Drew McIntyre at Clash at the Castle.
GUNTHER recently concluded a historic WWE Intercontinental Championship reign, which lasted 666 days and ended at WrestleMania XL when he lost to Sami Zayn. He quickly set his sights on winning the 2024 King of the Ring tournament to become the Undisputed WWE World Champion. Long title reigns are common for GUNTHER at this point, as he held the NXT UK Title for 870 days during that brand’s era.
Randy Orton returned to WWE at Survivor Series for WarGames last year after a 10-month hiatus due to back fusion surgery. Since then, he has remained active, including teaming with Kevin Owens. Orton received a massive babyface reaction upon entering the Jeddah SuperDome.
The 2024 Queen & King of the Ring in Saudi Arabia was a newsworthy event throughout the show. We saw many unexpected moments, but we already knew a new queen would be crowned. Now, Nia Jax is the new Queen of WWE.
The winner of the 2024 Queen of the Ring tournament is guaranteed a match at SummerSlam against the champion on their respective brand. That gave Lyra Valkyria and Nia Jax even more to fight for.
The finals of the Queen of the Ring was certainly a David vs Goliath match for the women’s division. Lyra fought on, as she took a ton of punishment from the Irresistible Force.
In the end, Nia Jax’s force was just too much for Lyra, and she secured a clean pinfall. To her credit, Valkyria put up an incredible fight, as Corey Graves and Michael Cole sang her praises after the match. Now, Jax will take on Bayley in Cleveland at SummerSlam, provided the former Hugger maintains her championship status.
After the match, Triple H got in the ring with the Queen of the Ring crown, and he placed it on Jax’s head. This was followed by a heel promo from new queen.
Triple H le otorga la corona de Reina a Nia Jax de manera muy emotiva. Y Michael Cole recordando lo mal que lo ha pasado Nia estos años. #WWEKingAndQueenpic.twitter.com/1QdT0IVXJb
Lyra Valkyria, a former NXT Women’s Champion who took the title from Becky Lynch, was recently drafted to RAW as part of the 2024 WWE Draft. She is new to the main roster and quickly rising with this opportunity.
Nia Jax, was released from WWE in 2021, but she returned when Triple H took over creative control. She has steadily worked her way back up the roster with strong booking. Her imposing presence was evident when she told Bayley to prepare her WWE Women’s Title for SummerSlam.
King & Queen of the Ring took place in Saudi Arabia, and WWE included another cryptic QR Code during the event.
The latest QR Code appeared during WWE King and Queen of the Ring. A QR Code surfaced ahead of the WWE Intercontinental Championship match at WWE King and Queen of the Ring, leading to a new video.
The new video shows a connection being established and someone playing WWE 2K24 with Bianca Belair and Bayley. The person approaches a door and says “hello” as an image reflects on the window. The feed then cuts off, and the connection is lost.
WWE has been hinting at plans involving Uncle Howdy. Vignettes have interrupted Twitch streams and other broadcasts for weeks with QR codes, all leading to cryptic images and videos. These clues suggest a new stable is on the way.
Currently, four names are expected to join Uncle Howdy’s new faction: Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, and Erick Rowan. The former Wyatt Family member was recently spotted at the WWE Performance Center, and Dexter Lumis is now sporting a much different look, with a beard and longer hair, in preparation for this new role.
WWE started a cryptic campaign leading up to WrestleMania 40. The first teaser for Bo Dallas’s return appeared at the end of the Bray Wyatt: Becoming Immortal documentary. Since then, QR codes have been appearing for fans to scan, and an ominous tune titled “Nightbird” has been playing before and during WWE live events.
Liv Morgan is now the new WWE Women’s World Champion, but her victory over Becky Lynch came in a controversial manner.
WWE’s King & Queen of the Ring event took place in Jeddah, where it was 92 degrees outside the Jeddah SuperDome and in the mid-70s inside the arena. Despite the cooler temperatures inside, Morgan’s revenge tour was on fire.
Rhea Ripley was WWE Women’s World Champion, but she was put out of action by a backstage attack from Liv Morgan after WrestleMania XL. After that, Morgan’s Revenge Tour intensified, as she went after the now-vacant title. The whole time, Dominik and Morgan have found a reason to cross paths, and these interactions have proven pivotal.
The event began with the Women’s World Title match between Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan. The match had an unexpected ending when Dominik Mysterio got involved, assisting Morgan in securing the win and the title.
During the match, Becky and Liv went back and forth, with a couple of near-falls along the way. Then Dominik appeared at ringside, initially causing a distraction that did not immediately help Morgan win. However, a few moments later, Dominik slid a chair into the ring, which Morgan used to her advantage by hitting a DDT on it while the referee was distracted.
With the referee’s attention back on the match, Morgan executed her Oblivion finisher and secured the pinfall victory. Following the match, Morgan and Dominik celebrated with fireworks in Jeddah, marking her controversial win.
For weeks, some eagle-eyed fans have noticed hints about a connection between Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan. This development has sparked interest among the WWE Universe, especially since Rhea Ripley’s injury, leading to speculation about Morgan and Dominik’s alliance.
Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio seen together AGAIN ?
During an appearance on The Masked Man show, Dominik addressed the fan theory about him and Morgan. He used the “innocent until proven guilty” way to get out of the question.
“I think at the end of the day, everyone is innocent till proven guilty. And I’m just (…) I’m here protecting Mami. And I’m trying to make sure she’s good when she comes back and that everything is all set in order. She comes back straight to the top. Take her title back, no harm no foul.”
Although Dominik initially said that he was in Saudi to make sure Liv didn’t win the title, the opposite happened instead. Now the discussion among fans who were shipping Dominik and Morgan for a while has only intensified.
Liv Morgan: What are you doing here?
Dominik: You know what I'm doing here, I flew all the way from America so you don't get your hands on Mami's championship.
It’s a new era for women’s wrestling in WWE and a ‘fun fact’ about this year’s Queen of the Ring tournament shows exactly how far we’ve come: one match from this year’s tournament lasted longer than the sum of all of the matches in the entire 2021 competition.
Since taking over WWE from Vince McMahon, Triple H has made significant strides in advancing the company, particularly the women’s division. While McMahon’s era initiated the Women’s Revolution, Triple H has amplified its momentum. The 2024 Queen & King of the Ring tournament exemplifies this progress, capturing fans’ attention.
This week on WWE RAW, fans witnessed an intense match where IYO Sky faced Lyra Valkyria. The bout was a highlight, as Lyra emerged victorious, setting her up to face the winner of Bianca Belair and Nia Jax on SmackDown for the Queen of the Ring crown.
The match between IYO Sky and Lyra Valkyria captivated audiences and achieved a significant milestone. It was longer than all the matches from the 2021 Queen of the Ring tournament combined. The IYO Sky vs. Lyra Valkyria match lasted approximately 19 minutes, surpassing the 18 minutes total of the 2021 tournament matches.
2021 Queen of the Ring
In the 2021 Queen of the Ring tournament, Zelina Vega emerged victorious over Doudrop, celebrating her win after a 5:55 match with a crown and scepter. She also briefly adopted a British accent. Unfortunately, Vega couldn’t participate in the 2024 tournament due to injury. However, the current tournament reflects a renewed focus on the women’s division, providing more time and spotlight than ever before.
This renewed emphasis on the women’s division under Triple H’s leadership is evident. The 2024 Queen & King of the Ring tournament showcases the talent and potential within the division, promising an exciting future for WWE’s female Superstars.
2021 Queen of the Ring tournament bracket via Wikipedia
WWE SmackDown took place in Saudi Arabia this week, setting the stage for the 2024 King & Queen of the Ring event. The premium live event will take place on Saturday, starting at 1:00 PM EST, with an hour-long kickoff show prior to the event.
The 2024 King & Queen of the Ring event is available for streaming on Peacock, but requires a premium or premium-plus subscription. International viewers can watch the event on WWE Network.
Triple H announced that the winners of this year’s tournaments will earn title matches at SummerSlam, raising the stakes significantly and adding more intensity to the competition.
SmackDown in Saudi Arabia opened with Nia Jax defeating Bianca Belair to secure her spot in the Queen of the Ring finals. Jax will now face Lyra Valkyria for the crown.
After her win, Nia cut a fierce promo, where she promised to roll through Lyra on Saturday.
Despite her loss to Jax, Bianca Belair will still compete at King & Queen of the Ring, teaming with Jade Cargill to defend their titles against Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell. This match was set up quickly after LeRae and Hartwell taunted Belair, prompting Cargill to arrange the title match. Interestingly, Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark had just won a #1 contenders match for these titles on RAW.
In the main event, Randy Orton faced Tama Tonga for the final spot in the King of the Ring finals. Orton emerged victorious, and following the match, he had a tense stare-down with GUNTHER, setting up their clash in Jeddah.