AEW has been growing steadily since its launch in 2019. The company even managed to survive and grow during the pandemic era and DDP believes it has finally risen to a level where it can be considered competition for WWE.

The WWE Hall Of Famer recently had an interview with Foundation Radio. He talked about the growth of the company and claimed that it now looks like AEW is not just another wrestling organization:

“All of a sudden, it looks like AEW is not just another wrestling organization,” said DDP, “They have risen to the level of like real competition for WWE and I never thought that would be possible again.”

“Real Competition”

The former WCW champion then talked about the company’s ticket sales. He mentioned how AEW sold tickets for their Chicago shows very fast. He compared the ticket sales for Rampage to WWE’s shows:

“I know they just sold tickets for Chicago, and it was a number of shows like three nights in a row.” mentioned DDP, “They all sold out. I would say it’s about ten, eleven thousand people, and then they got the United Center.

They’re doing a new show now. I think it’s called Rampage. They sold out the United Center in 30 minutes. You can’t tell me they ain’t the real deal. WWE’s tickets aren’t selling like that.”

Apart from this, DDP also offered praise to AEW President Tony Khan calling him ‘the most amazing cat.’ He claimed that you’d never know he is a billionaire by seeing him because he acts like a regular dude.

Raw star Keith Lee and several NXT stars were in action tonight and they wrestled dark matches before this week’s episode of SmackDown went on air.

Lee wrestled in a very short match against an enhancement talent who wasn’t introduced to the crowd. He squashed the unnamed star for a quick win.

The second match of the night saw NXT star Ridge Holland facing the high flyer Austin Theory. Holland picked up a victory over Theory in this singles match.

The final dark match before the episode of SmackDown kicked off was a tag team bout featuring female competitors from NXT. It saw Xia Li and Aliyah teaming up for a match.

The duo faced the team of Dakota Kai and Kacy Catanzaro during this dark match. The team of Li and Aliyah ended up defeating Kai and Catanzaro after a standard match.

• WWE SummerSlam Updated Card: New Match Confirmed

Keith Lee recently posted a video explaining his absence from WWE programming over the last few months. He revealed that some post covid complications led to him not being able to wrestle for an extended period.

This week’s episode of SmackDown featured many notable developments including a big title change. You can check out the full SmackDown results at this link.

Wrestling legend and trainer of veterans such as Mick Foley and Shane Douglas, Dominic DeNucci has passed away at the age of 89. The news was confirmed by Cauliflower Alley Club.

The wrestling veteran stayed active in the business for over 5 decades. He wrestled for many well-known promotions across the globe after making his debut in 1958.

Starting his career as The Masked Marvel in Montreal, DeNucci later formed a tag team with the original Dino Bravo. He was built as Dino’s brother Dominic Bravo.

The Italian-American professional wrestler achieved success in Australia while competing for the Australian wrestling promotion World Championship Wrestling.

Dominic DeNucci made his debut for the World Wide Wrestling Federation now known as WWE in 1967. He went on to win multiple titles in the company.

He won the WWWF International Tag Team Championship and WWWF World Tag Team Championship. DeNucci teamed with names such as Bruno Sammartino, Pat Barrett and Victor Riviera during his time with the promotion.

Dominic DeNucci became a professional wrestling trainer after his retirement from active competition. He is known for training people such as Moondog Spot, Mick Foley, Shane Douglas, and Preston Steele.

SEScoops extends our condolences to the family and friends of Dominic DeNucci.

Having competed in multiple different promotions, Stephen Amell is no stranger to wrestling. With his wrestling drama Heels premiering this week, many wonder if we will see him having a live match again anytime soon.

The acting star recently had an interview with WrestlingInc. He talked about things like watching tapes of legends such as Dusty Rhodes, Ric Flair, and Harley Race for the preparation of his new TV series and more.

When asked about a potential return to the ring for either WWE or AEW, Amell claimed that he has a man-crush on Kevin Owens, before mentioning how he has been discussing ideas for a singles match against Cody Rhodes as well:

“My man-crush on Kevin Owens is alive and well. I love the way that guy works and the way he works a crowd. Cody and I have been circling a singles match for the longest time. I know that he’d take care of me and that we can tell a story in there. You’re going to have to convince my wife first ultimately.”

• Stephen Amell On How CM Punk Replied When Asked About Wrestling Return

Stephen Amell went on to talk about his upcoming TV show. He claimed that it would be worth it if he can convert one person into a wrestling fan who didn’t like it before.

Wrestling drama series Heels featuring Stephen Amell and Alexander Ludwig among others is set to premiere on Starz at 9 PM ET on August 15.

Zelina Vega was released amidst some controversy over WWE’s new third-party edicts in November 2020. It’s believed that her firing was the result of opposing the company’s new policies. So many were surprised when she returned.

The former NXT star recently had an interview with Digital Spy. She talked about a number of things and also explained why she decided to return to the promotion.

Vega explained that she felt like she had unfinished business in WWE and becoming a champion was the reason for her return more than anything else:

“I think, more than anything, WWE has always been a place that I felt like I had some kind of unfinished business with, and, for me as a kid, you look and you’re like, ‘I want to be a champion,’

There’s so many things that you want to accomplish and coming back. I set my eyes on the SmackDown Women’s Championship,” said Zelina Vega, “And that’s what I’m focused on the most and seeing where that takes me.”

• News On How Zelina Vega’s Return Was Made Possible

The SmackDown star also revealed that she considered returning as a babyface when she came back last month but ultimately decided against it because it made more sense storyline-wise to be a heel.

Bianca Belair is currently scheduled to defend the SmackDown women’s championship against Sasha Banks at SummerSlam. We will have to see if Zelina Vega gets a shot at the title afterward.

The WWE release of Malakai Black was one of the most surprising occurrences in the company this year, especially because he had only returned to WWE programming after months of absence, a week before his firing.

The former WWE star provided some more insights on the circumstances leading to his release while appearing on Talk Is Jericho. He detailed a meeting with Vince McMahon that took place before his WWE release.

Black explained that he had a normal conversation with the boss two weeks before his final WWE appearance. They talked about the future plans for him:

“Two weeks before I attacked Big E, on the night of the last vignette, I had a sit down with Vince. He was convinced of it and liked it. I wanted to get his thoughts as I hadn’t seen him in six months and a lot had happened.

I wanted to see how he was doing. We had a normal conversation. We did the attack on Big E and something about it didn’t feel right. I told my wife [Zelina Vega] as well.”

However, according to Malakai Black, the Boss looked at him with a feeling of disconnect which makes him think that he had already made his mind about the future of the former NXT champion:

“The way he looked, there was a disconnect. Not a disconnect as in, ‘I don’t get it,’ but I felt he made up his mind, even back then. It’s his company, it’s fine. When (the release) happened, Johnny Ace [John Laurinaitis] called me and even he was confused.

My wife was crying because she knew. She was about to come back and one of the main reasons she wanted to come back was because I was there.”

Malakai Black made his return to WWE programming during the May 21 episode of SmackDown. He ended up getting released after another week of absence on June 2. Black has since signed with AEW.

Finn Balor recently returned to the main roster after completing his second NXT run. Though the former champion is hoping to return to the brand for another run somewhere down the line.

The former NJPW star recently had an interview with WWE Die Woche where he talked about a number of things. He also explained how important NXT is for him.

Balor first explained how he used to think Japan was his home before encountering NXT. He then claimed that his NXT runs have been the most beautiful periods of his career and he hopes to have a third run there:

“The two times in NXT, for different reasons, have been two of the most beautiful periods in my career. Personally and professionally. I feel like I’ve grown so much in NXT and I feel part of the team. I bond with the guys that are there.

Not only the guys in the ring but the staff behind the scenes, the producers, the trainers.” said Finn Balor, “Something that I really feel attached to and feel passionate about. I’ve had two runs there and hopefully, in the future, there will be a third.”

• Finn Balor Thinks There Is Still Life Left In His Demon Character

The former NXT champion made his return to the Black and Yellow brand in October 2019. He went on to have his second reign with the NXT title during his run.

Finn Balor made his return to the main roster during the July 16 episode of SmackDown last month. He is expected to face Baron Corbin at SummerSlam.

John Cena brings a different energy to the WWE programming whenever he makes an appearance. He always seems to be a cut above the other competitors and his charisma in the ring is unmatched.

With so many stories about the company holding the performers back from unleashing their full potential, many wonder if the Cenation Leader has more creative control over his character.

John talked about this notion from fans during a recent interview on ID1OT with Chris Hardwick. While many believe the former world champion gets to do whatever he wants, Cena claimed otherwise:

“I heard it so much in WWE, ‘Well, Vince lets him do whatever he wants. That’s why he can consistently perform at a level that is acceptable and entertaining to the audience. He gets to do whatever he wants.’

Nope, I ask, I execute, I invest, and I’m meticulous with the detail, I’m consistent night in and night out, trustworthy, giving of self. The perception everyone else has is, ‘he has a better situation.'”

• John Cena: “I Will Keep Doing This Until I Feel I’m Offending The Customer”

John Cena continued his explanation saying he is not taking away from anyone’s struggles because he has learned to appreciate everyone’s struggles:

“I’m not taking away from anyone’s struggle and I have learned to appreciate everyone’s struggle and everyone has a different struggle. I can understand where those feelings come from.”

John Cena made his most recent WWE return during the Money In The Bank PPV last month. He is currently scheduled to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal championship at SummerSlam.

Matt Riddle has made a successful transition from MMA to the world of wrestling. He has found himself a place on the WWE roster but the former UFC star believes Conor McGregor will have trouble doing the same because of the PG code.

The talk of the former UFC champion possibly trying his hands at pro wrestling has been heard many times. His recent losses have only fuelled the discussion about him potentially joining the WWE roster.

Riddle was asked about the same during his recent interview with SportsKeeda. Replying to it, he said that he doesn’t know if McGregor would pass the PG code:

“He’s Conor McGregor. The guy puts bu**s in seats. The guy has a mouth on him. I don’t know if he would pass the PG WWE code. But I guess he could do his best.

At the end of the day, it’s like Jake Paul or any of them…I don’t know how they’re doing it,” said Matt Riddle, “but they get people talking, they’re controversial, they make money with fights and drama.”

• Big E Unsure WWE Locker Room Would Welcome Conor McGregor

The former NXT star continued by saying that Conor would only fit in WWE if he is willing to put in the work, similar to Ronda Rousey or himself:

“Do I think he’d be a good fit for WWE? If he’s willing to do the work and work hard and put his time in, yeah.” said Riddle, “Just like Ronda was good. Just like I’m good.”

Matt Riddle was part of the UFC roster from 2008 to 2013. He was released from the promotion in February 2013 for failing his second drug test within a year after testing positive for marijuana.

ROH has announced that they are moving their upcoming Death Before Dishonor PPV out of its original destination in Lakeland, Florida.

The company made the announcement with a post on Twitter. They noted that they are moving the show out because of the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the state:

“Due to the recent covid surge in Florida ROH is moving the site of the Death Before Dishonor Pay Per Event. Details to follow shortly. Your safety health and well-being remain our top priorities. Thank you for your continued patronage.”

The PPV event was originally scheduled to take place from the RP Funding Center on September 12. There is no word yet on if there will be any change to the date of the show as well.

A total of two matches have been announced for the upcoming ROH PPV so far. One of them is the finals for the women’s world championship tournament to determine the inaugural champion.

• Bully Ray Comments On The Current State of ROH

The second match which has been confirmed for the show is the Pure championship match where the #1 contender Josh Woods would challenge for the title.

There is no word yet on where ROH officials are planning to move the PPV. We will keep you posted when the company announces more details about the new destination for the show.

The story of CM Punk and Daniel Bryan potentially joining the AEW roster has been the buzzing topic among fans in recent times. Former WWE and current AEW star Mark Henry recently commented on the same.

The world’s strongest man recently had an interview with New York Post where he talked about a wide variety of topics including the upcoming Rampage premiere, different in philosophies of AEW and WWE, and more.

Discussing the potential of the two former world champions joining the roster of AEW, Henry claimed that such an addition would be great for any company:

“I think it would be great for [any company] because you have unbelievable talent and two of the more master psychologists that I’ve worked with, guys that you sit down and you think, what’s not being done in pro wrestling?

When you have a mindset of, ‘I want to do something everybody else don’t do,’ then automatically you are ahead of the game. You already have everybody.”

• Mark Henry Says His Retirement Match Is ‘Definitely Gonna Happen In AEW’

Mark Henry On Four Men Commentary Booth For Rampage

AEW recently announced that Rampage will feature a four men commentary booth. This news concerned fans as many believed that it will lead to conflict between the announcers and restrict them from showing their full potential.

When asked what challenges it will bring for him, Mark Henry claimed that the four men booth is kind of a safety mechanism that has been put in place by Tony Khan because he is new to the role:

“I’m the new guy. They already have a great relationship and they can put on a great show. I think it’s a safety mechanism. I think just in case that I get on there and I’m not good, (AEW president) Tony (Khan) had to put the safety mechanism in place and throw Chris (Jericho) out there just in case we have to save this thing.

I don’t think he has that to worry about. I think we’ll start off a four-man booth and I think once they realize that I can handle it we’ll go to a traditional three-man booth.”

AEW Rampage will premiere on TNT on Friday, August 13. It will feature Excalibur, Taz, Chris Jericho, and Mark Henry as the commentators of the show.

Former WWE star Daniel Bryan is said to be interested in competing for NJPW. The current IWGP US champion Lance Archer is not backing away from a fight if he does show up at the company.

The NJPW and AEW star recently had an interview with WrestlingInc where he talked about things such as the success of AEW through the pandemic era and more.

One of the reasons why Bryan has chosen AEW over WWE is said to be the freedom to compete in NJPW as well. When asked about these rumors and potentially facing the former world champion, Archer said that he hears the same rumors as everyone else:

“I hear the same rumors you hear. I’m only talent, so I just kind of step in the ring, and if he wants to show up, I’ll gladly kick his butt too, that’s kind of how I view any of the rumors. That just makes it fun for any pro wrestling fan because you hear those rumors, and you just never know who’s gonna show up where, when and how.”

• Lance Archer On Signing with AEW and Receiving a Full-Time NJPW Offer

Lance Archer On Possibly Facing CM Punk

Lance Archer went on to praise Bryan as one of the best in the world before also commenting on the rumors of CM Punk showing up in AEW as well:

“I think he’s one of the best in the world, He’s always proven himself time and time again wherever he’s gone. He’s an amazing talent. Wherever he goes, it’s gonna be a good show, but if he shows up and tries to fight me, sorry, bad luck, brother, if he (CM Punk) shows up, he shows up, and I’ll kick his ass too.”

Apart from this, the IWGP champion also discussed the upcoming Rampage episode from Chicago on August 20 selling out very quickly and more.

Ember Moon was expected to compete in a one-on-one match on this week’s episode of NXT but she was deemed unfit by the doctors and pulled from the show.

The former women’s champion took on her Twitter recently to comment on this development. She claimed that this has been an extremely rough month for her and she is angry with the situation:

“@wwenxt This has been an extremely rough month,” wrote Ember Moon, “I am angry and gutted! I was really looking forward to this match and getting back on track but just got another pothole in the road. I’m sorry!,”

The former Raw star has not wrestled since the July 13 episode of the Black and Yellow brand. She competed against Dakota Kai on the show and lost the bout.

• Ember Moon On The Origin Of Her Finishing Menuever

Moon was expected to face Sarray on this week’s episode of the show but WWE announced in the evening that “Moon was declared unable to compete by the NXT Medical Staff earlier today.”

The announcement did not provide any further details on the reason behind this decision. The NXT star herself did not reveal the reason for her troubles either so it’s hard to say when we might see her returning to the ring.

Bray Wyatt had not been seen on WWE programming for months before his surprising release from the promotion last month. His absence had been the cause of many rumors about his health and status.

Fightful has provided some clarity on the various rumors that were being shared before his release, including speculations regarding his mental health.

According to the site, they reached out to the sources connected to Wyatt and confirmed that his absence had nothing to do with what were described as “falsely reported mental health issues.”

The former Universal champion is 100% healthy. He was able to wrestle without any problems and the former WWE star was cleared to compete by the doctors.

During his absence from TV, Bray Wyatt had been working on adding more elements to his character. He was even slated to make his return during last night’s episode of Raw in Orlando before being let go.

• Bray Wyatt Shares Cryptic Message In First Tweet Since WWE Release

Wyatt’s last official match with the company was at WrestleMania 37. He competed against Randy Orton on the show and lost the bout after being distracted by Alexa Bliss.

Bray Wyatt was released from his WWE contract on July 31. His firing from the company created a lot of confusion and even concerned executives from WWE’s TV partners in addition to the company’s fans.

Wrestling fans often find themselves taking sides between WWE and AEW. They nurture the narrative of a war between the two promotions where you have to pick a side. Though Renee Paquette has a different approach.

The former WWE star talked about this rivalry between the fans of the two companies during a recent interview with WrestlingInc. She mentioned how many people want everyone to take a side:

“It does very much feel like you’re either ‘in’ or you’re ‘out,’ whether it’s WWE or AEW,” said Paquette, “wrestling fans, they very much so want to take a side, they want it to be ‘us vs. them,’ WWE vs. AEW, however you want to look at that.”

• Renee Paquette Will Be A Free Agent Soon, Open To Working For AEW

The former WWE star explained how saying something positive or negative about either of the promotions seem like drawing a line in the sand. According to her, you can enjoy all of it and still be happy:

“If you say something positively or negatively about either promotion,” said Renee Paquette, “It seems like you’ve drawn your line in the sand, where you’re like, ‘I love this and hate this.’ I’m not like that!

You can enjoy all of it and be happy there’s more wrestling to enjoy, and that there’s different styles to enjoy, different performers, there’s so much more to really sink your teeth into, and I think it’s really great for everybody.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Renee mentioned how she has no ill will towards WWE. She said that she will always have love for the company and claimed that the fans can follow shows from both the promotions since they are on different nights.

While John Cena has moved on from being a full-time WWE star and made a spot for himself in Hollywood, he still has a special place in his heart for the company where he originally made his name.

The Cenation Leader recently appeared on ID10T with Chris Hardwick podcast where he talked about a number of things including his recent WWE return.

During the interview, Cena revealed that the officials had originally asked him to come back for only a few dates but he decided to do more shows than that:

“They asked me to come back for only a few dates. I was like ‘no, I want to do all these dates.’ To one, get back in front of an audience, two to help the brand get audiences back in the building.

And then when you offer all these dates, someone may say ‘well what about this? What about that, now that you’re in? I know that you may have some time.’” said Cena, “‘No, these are my expectations. This is the best I can do with the best I can give you.’”

• John Cena Finds WWE Future Less Stable With Reliance on Older Talent

Apart from this, the former champion also talked about making a WWE return at the age of 44 and how he has been open about the effects his age is showing on his body.

John Cena said that he does not have a lot of time left when it comes to wrestling but he explained that he will keep doing it until he feels like he is offending the customer. You can check out his comments here.

AEW EVP Cody Rhodes recently took part in a media conference call where he discussed a number of things including the recent controversy over the match between Chris Jericho and Nick Gage.

Domino’s Pizza threatened to pull their advertisement from AEW programming over a spot in the bout. This started the debate on whether or not death matches should be a part of mainstream wrestling.

When asked this question, Cody Rhodes mentioned that the advertisement for the bout was very clear about being an extreme match. He then claimed that such bouts do have a place in cable TV programming:

“And I think the answer to your question about does it have a place in television, well, we were the number one show on cable. And that is a huge honor, three weeks in a row. That’s a huge honor and responsibility to our fanbase,

During the Olympics we were the number one show on cable!” said Cody Rhodes, “So yes, I think it does have a place. I don’t think it is something you will see often. That’s just my opinion, as asked for.”

• Cody Rhodes On Wanting To Face Former WCW Champion

The former TNT champion later reiterated his comments about how we are not gonna see this type of matches very often but they do have a place.

Apart from this, Cody Rhodes also discussed things such as keeping the momentum of AEW going from week to week and show to show and more.

Several NXT stars were reported to be backstage for this week’s episode of Monday Night Raw and at least four of them competed during the night, taping matches for the upcoming episode of Main Event.

The first match of the night saw Aliyah facing Dakota Kai in a one-on-one bout. Aliyah ended up picking the victory in this match against Kai.

The second bout which was taped for the show before Raw was between Odyssey Jones and Austin Theory. The heavyweight star managed to defeat Theory in this fight.

Odyssey Jones is competing in the ongoing Breakout Tournament on NXT. He is scheduled to face Trey Baxter in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Theory on the other hand walked out of The Way faction led by Johnny Gargano. The former Raw star has been on a hiatus from the black and yellow brand since then.

Dakota Kai is involved in the feud for the women’s championship in NXT currently. She is expected to challenge the current NXT women’s champion Raquel Gonzalez at NXT Takeover 36.

Aliyah was rumored to be sent to Raw after Mandy Rose was traded to NXT. Though there hasn’t been a solid update in that direction recently.

WWE has released over 50 superstars this year alone. A lot of them didn’t even get an opportunity to showcase their talent properly during their time with the company and Jinder Mahal has an advice for the released stars.

The former WWE champion recently had an interview with SK Wrestling. The Modern-Day Maharaja said that his advice for anyone who has been let go recently is to look at it as an opportunity to redefine themselves:

“The door is always open in WWE, My advice to anyone who just got released is to look at this as an opportunity.” said Jinder Mahal,” An opportunity to redefine yourself. Make some noise.”

• Ryback Talks Jinder Mahal Never Being In The ‘Inner Circle’ of WWE

The former NXT star continued by mentioning how wrestling is super hot right now both in WWE and outside as well. With the return of fans, it’s a great opportunity to plant a flag and make a name for yourself:

“You know wrestling in WWE is super super hot. Internationally everything. We got crowds back. But wrestling outside of WWE is also picking up steam

And that’s a great place to plant your flag, make a name for yourself and eventually make it back to WWE.”

Jinder Mahal has firsthand experience of rebuilding himself after a WWE release. He was let go in 2014 but he continued working hard. He made his return to the company in 2016 and went on to win the WWE title in May 2017.

WWE has made contact with Chelsea Green and informed the former NXT star that they are going to release the trademark on her name, according to latest reports.

It was reported earlier yesterday that both WWE and the female star were trying to trademark the name she used as a performer in the company.

The news was especially surprising as Chelsea Green is the former WWE star’s birth name. The officials were trying to trademark it after letting her go.

The Ring of Honor star had expressed frustration over the situation with a tweet yesterday saying that she had never thought she would have to go in a legal battle over her birth name.

Now Fightful Select is reporting that the promotion contacted Chelsea Green on Sunday. They informed her that they were going to release the trademark and Green herself has confirmed the news to the site.

• Chelsea Green Reveals She Was ‘Jealous’ of Alexa Bliss Character

The 30-year-old was signed by WWE back in 2018 and she was assigned to the development territory NXT. She made her SmackDown debut in November last year.

However, WWE decided to release Chelsea after months of inactivity in April this year. She has made her ROH debut since then and returned to Impact wrestling as well.

Former WWE star Rene Dupree recently appeared on the That 90’s Wrestling podcast where he talked about a number of things. He also detailed his experience of wrestling with Goldberg.

The former Universal champion has a reputation for being an unsafe worker. He has injured many stars during his career which includes the infamous injury that ended the career of Bret Hart.

Dupree also recalled one such time when he was having a match with Goldberg. According to him, the former champion dislocated his collarbone:

“Yeah he dislocated my collarbone, we (La Resistance) had a pre-tape in the back with Goldberg and he hit me with the French flag and we had to do 5 takes.

To this day, if I try to flex it, it still hurts. Yeah he’s the s***s. He’s horrible; many wrestlers will tell you that.”

• Rene Dupree Says He Suffered 25 Concussions In WWE, Bubba Ray Was Reckless

Rene Dupree then discussed Goldberg’s return to WWE programming in recent times. He said that the company must be really desperate to bring him back:

“To me they (WWE) must be desperate, that’s the only thing I can figure. They can’t create new stars or they don’t have confidence in the people they have.”

Apart from this, Rene also talked about things such as his WWE career from 2002 to 2007 and a potential return to the company in future.

Malakai Black was one of the talents Paul Heyman tried to push during his time as the Executive Director of Monday Night Raw. Though he got lost in the shuffle not long after Heyman was removed from the position.

The former NXT champion discussed his relationship with Heyman during a recent appearance on Talk Is Jericho and claimed that they ‘meshed’ from day one.

Talking about Heyman’s run as the Executive Director of Raw, Black claimed that the former ECW owner told him that he only had ‘one night of control’ over things:

“He once told me that he had one night of control. That was the first night he was on, and after that, everything became a fight. Well, maybe ‘a fight’ is not the right word but a debate, which I can understand, but sometimes it makes you wonder.”

• Malakai Black On Advice Shawn Michaels Gave Him

Malakai Black also revealed the plans Paul Heyman had for him and Buddy Murphy, another former WWE talent who Heyman saw as a big future star:

“He’s like, ‘I want to set something up between you and Buddy, that we can come back on WrestleMania in three – four years, maybe five years down the line. We lay a foundation now, and then five years from now, we circle back around,

But we make it bigger. We put it on a bigger stage, and we can draw from what you guys did there.’ It writes itself because that’s how wrestling’s done.”

Paul Heyman was made the Executive Director of Raw back in June 2019. He tried to push young talents as opposed to WWE’s approach of relying on older stars before being relieved of his position in June 2020.

Paul Wight, fka Big Show recently had an interview with The Ring Report where he talked about a number of things such as the recent WWE releases and more.

The former world champion was asked about the recent WWE releases potentially ending up in his new promotion. Replying to it, he claimed that the momentum is with AEW and explained why he made the transition himself:

“Anyone now who has been in this business long enough is smart enough to see where momentum is going and you’ve got to agree that it’s with AEW. It’s got a great groundswell of support from fans who are really into the product.

The storylines are unique. They have a different flavour and excitement about them. I made the transition myself because after four decades, I left as I could see the writing on the wall of where professional wrestling was headed.”

• Shaquille O’Neal Teases Paul Wight Match In AEW, Wight Responds

He was then asked specifically about Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman and Ric Flair potentially joining the promotion. Paul Wight claimed that there is always an opportunity for them to contribute:

“For those other talents like Bray Wyatt, Braun, Ric Flair, and all those guys, there’s always an opportunity for people of that caliber to be a part of AEW and contribute, that’s the thing with wrestling. You never say never.

Wight continued to explain that the young prospects can learn from these veterans and the former WWE stars can prepare young AEW names for the future.

Kurt Angle was offered contracts by both AEW and Impact Wrestling after his retirement match in WWE but the Olympic Gold Medallist turned them down. The former world champion recently had an interview with Fightful where he discussed a number of things.

He also explained why he turned down offers from both promotions during the interview. Angle claimed that he wishes he could take the offers. However, he explained that after his long career his body is too banged up to continue wrestling:

“Well, I had had AEW, TNA, they’ve offered, but I can’t do it, I wish I could. My body’s too banged up, I’m 52 years old, just trying to live my life now and try to live it in less pain.  And I’m in a lot of pain right now, so I’m suffering from the career that I’ve had, but I don’t regret it.”

• Kurt Angle on Life After Wrestling: “I’m In Extreme Pain All Day Long”

Kurt Angle On Deals Offered By AEW And Impact

Kurt Angle also went into the details of the deals he was offered by both the promotions. According to him, AEW offered him a seven-match deal while Impact wrestling wanted him on board for just one match:

“AEW, I think it was like a seven-match deal, TNA I think they were just gonna do one match, but I just felt like my final matches in WWE, I knew that I’d lost a step, I wasn’t the same as I was in my prime, and I didn’t like the person I was, the performer I was.

So if I can’t perform at that level that I was in my prime, I’m not gonna do it anymore. And that’s why I turned down the offers from AEW and TNA.”

Kurt Angle wrestled his retirement match in WWE at WrestleMania 35. He chose Baron Corbin as his opponent for the bout and lost to the lone wolf during the event.

The dark main event after last night’s episode of SmackDown saw both John Cena and Roman Reigns competing on the opposite sides in a six-man tag team match.

The Cenation Leader formed a team with Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio. The Tribal Chief on the other hand was joined by his cousins and the current SmackDown tag team champions The Usos.

The match continued for several minutes before the referee got knocked out during a spot. Roman Reigns took the opportunity to deliver a superman punch to all three of his opponents including Cena.

Though John Cena came back from this attack. He dodged a spear from Roman and converted it into an Attitude Adjustment, getting a big pop from the crowd.

The 16-time world champion delivered another AA to Jimmy Uso. He covered Uso for the pin and picked the win for his team as the referee woke up.

This week’s episode of SmackDown saw Finn Balor getting attacked by Baron Corbin when he was about to sign a SummerSlam match contract against Roman Reigns.

John Cena then came out and signed the contract, making his long-rumored Universal title match against the Head Of The Table official for the upcoming event.

• WWE SmackDown Results (7/30): Sasha Banks Returns, Roman Reigns & John Cena