Jon Moxley will be sharing the ring with a former WWE superstar for the first time.
Moxley has been on a roll as of late. He’s a currently member of the Blackpool Combat Club and he’ll be vying for the interim AEW World Championship. He’ll take on Japanese wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi at Forbidden Door on June 26.
Moxley also happens to be the reigning GCW World Champion.
Jon Moxley’s Next GCW Title Challenger
(via AEW)
Jon Moxley had a successful GCW World Title defense over Tony Deppen at the GCW You Wouldn’t Understand event. After the match, Blake Christian made his way to the ring and he had a staredown with Moxley.
It was then shown on the screen that Moxley will defend his GCW gold against Christian at The People vs. GCW in Nashville on July 29.
Christian was known as Trey Baxter on WWE’s NXT brand. He was released from the company back in Nov. 2021.
A big-time WWE superstar appeared at this year’s IMPACT Wrestling Slammiversary event.
IMPACT is celebrating its 20th anniversary and what better way to do so than Slammiversary? The show had brought plenty of other surprises such as an appearance from America’s Most Wanted (James Storm and Chris Harris).
The company also had a touching tribute to former IMPACT commentators Don West and Mike Tenay.
AJ Styles Appears
(via IMPACT Wrestling)
A special video message was also sent in by none other than “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles.
Styles is considered to be “Mr. TNA” but his appearance will certainly come as a surprise. He has been with WWE since 2016 but this isn’t the first time WWE and IMPACT have worked together.
Many years prior, WWE arranged an agreement to have Christian appear during a Slammiversary event in exchange for allowing Ric Flair another Hall of Fame induction.
Here is what AJ Styles had to say during his Slammiversary appearance.
It seems WWE officials are going out of their way to clear Sasha Banks’ name from its programming.
The June 17 episode of Friday Night SmackDown took place inside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show featured an Undisputed WWE Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Riddle.
After the match, Brock Lesnar returned and attacked The Bloodline.
Fans also took notice of something rather interesting following a Money in the Bank qualifying match between Raquel Rodriguez and Shayna Baszler.
WWE Digitally Removes Sasha Banks Fan Sign
After Rodriguez defeated Baszler, a camera shot captured a sign in the crowd that read “Sasha Krew 4 Life.” The production team quickly cut away to a view of the two MITB briefcases hanging above the ring.
While some may have thought there wasn’t much to this, WWE later released an image on its website with the fan sign edited to remove Sasha’s name entirely.
(via WWE)
Sasha had been suspended by WWE along with Naomi for walking out of the May 16 episode of WWE Raw. Raj Giri was the first to report that Banks was released by WWE. Other trusted names in the industry later backed Giri’s report.
There has been no word on Naomi’s status with the company at this time, other than she remains suspended.
Some details on the return of Brock Lesnar have emerged.
The June 17 episode of WWE SmackDown was headlined by an Undisputed Universal Championship match between titleholder Roman Reigns and Riddle. Reigns ended up hitting a spear on Riddle, who attempted a springboard, for the win.
Now, Riddle can never challenge Roman for the gold again.
After the match, Roman Reigns grabbed the mic and said there’s no one left. Brock Lesnar’s music then hit and he ended up hitting an F5 on Reigns.
It was announced after SmackDown that Roman Reigns will take on Brock Lesnar in a Last Man Standing Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam.
Notes on Brock Lesnar’s Return
Before the Brock appearance, Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter did note that WWE had a plan B for Reigns’ SummerSlam opponent and it wasn’t Riddle.
WWE had to come up with a plan B as the initial idea was to book Roman vs. Randy Orton. That plan went awry as it became apparent that Orton may need back surgery and could be out for the remainder of 2022.
Fightful is now reporting that Brock Lesnar’s return was in the works for roughly three weeks. This dispels rumors that he was brought in for shock value to take attention off the Vince McMahon investigation as The Wall Street Journal report hadn’t been released at that time.
As expected, Lesnar’s return was not listed in the internal run sheets as it probably would’ve leaked ahead of time.
This week’s episode of AEW Rampage has come to a close and there was something extra for fans in attendance.
The June 17 Road Rager edition of Rampage was held inside the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. The show featured Darby Allin vs. Bobby Fish, a TBS Championship match, Jon Moxley vs. Dante Martin, and more.
Once the show went off the air, Tony Khan made his way out and he introduced HOOK and Danhausen. Sting grabbed the mic and called himself “Stinghausen.”
Sting was still in the ring as he had made his return to close the show. He helped Darby Allin even the odds as Kyle O’Reilly tried helping Bobby Fish put Darby out of action.
Commentator Tony Schiavone was also in the ring and Sting had some fun with his good friend.
In the end, Tony Khan thanked the fans of St. Louis for attending Dynamite and Rampage.
The June 17 episode of WWE SmackDown is history and something went down after the show.
This edition of SmackDown featured an Undisputed Universal Championship match between Roman Reigns and Riddle. Reigns retained his championship in an action-packed match. As a result, Riddle can never challenge Roman for the gold again.
Vince McMahon also appeared for a very brief promo. Many believe this was a ratings ploy with Vince capitalizing on the news that he has stepped away from CEO and Chairman duties amid allegations.
Once The Broadcast Ended
There was no dark match when the show went off the air. Instead, Brock Lesnar simply posed for the crowd and gave some high fives.
Lesnar had returned to WWE TV after Roman defeated Riddle. He fooled Reigns into giving him a handshake and planted him with the F5. Lesnar also sent The Usos packing.
After SmackDown ended, WWE announced that Brock Lesnar will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed Universal Title.
The status of WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis for the June 17 episode of SmackDown is now clear.
Much has been made following a Wall Street Journal report. The news outlet revealed that the WWE board is investigating an alleged $3 million pact Vince McMahon made with a former employee.
McMahon was said to have had an affair with the women. A source from the report claimed that Vince passed the woman onto Laurinaitis “like a toy.”
John Laurinaitis Will Not Attend SmackDown
(via WWE)
Many have speculated that John Laurinaitis will ultimately be the scapegoat in this situation. At least for right now, he’s definitely feeling some of the effects.
PWInsider is reporting that Laurinaitis will not be attending the SmackDown taping in Minneapolis tonight.
Reports have been surfacing that a lot of female talent in WWE have felt uncomfortable about Johnny “Ace.”
One current anonymous female star in WWE told Fightful that she’d rather have her belongings sent to her in a trash bag if she’s fired than have to deal with Laurinaitis.
The Wall Street Journal reported news of the investigation, while WWE announced Stephanie’s new interim roles.
Maria Kanellis Slams Vince McMahon
Former WWE talent Maria Kanellis took to her Twitter account to say that while she doesn’t want to see WWE fall, she hopes that there is a shift in power.
Vacation days, child care, and a clear direction for the future. This is going to be an anxiety filled time for a lot of people that work there. Hopefully, the COMPANY CULTURE will change. And people will still have jobs they love to feed their families. ?
— MariaKanellisBennett (@MariaLKanellis) June 17, 2022
“Let’s not wish that. There are a lot of good people that work there. WWE employs hundreds of people. Let’s just hope the company is bought out by someone/company that will treat WWE like a business and not a boys club. Health insurance, retirement plans, parental leave.”
“Vacation days, child care, and a clear direction for the future. This is going to be an anxiety-filled time for a lot of people that work there. Hopefully, the COMPANY CULTURE will change. And people will still have jobs they love to feed their families.”
WWE talent releases aren’t anything new but there had been some mystery surrounding one in particular.
These days, WWE’s primary reason for releasing someone is budget cuts. Usually, WWE releases talent in waves and one superstar isn’t singled out.
When it comes to this situation, however, the release wasn’t due to budget cuts. It left many wondering what exactly happened and now we have the answer.
Why Troy “Two Dimes” Donovan Was Released
(via WWE)
When word first broke that former NXT talent Troy “Two Dimes” Donovan was released from his WWE deal, it was said that a policy issue was the cause. Details were scarce as to what rule Donovan broke.
In an update, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Donovan was released due to a failed drug test.
It’s been said that the company is open to bringing Donovan back a year from now if mutual interest is still there.
Following his release, Donovan took to social media and admitted he made a mistake and will take this as a learning lesson.
It had been reported that there were plans in place for a big WWE Undisputed Universal Title match at SummerSlam but some changes are likely in order.
Backup Plan For Roman Reigns’ Opponent
(via WWE)
WWE had been targeting a title match between WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Randy Orton for SummerSlam. Fightful has reported that WWE now fears that Orton’s back injury could keep him out for the remainder of 2022.
Orton may need surgery.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that WWE does have a backup plan in the event Orton can’t go. It’s noted that the backup plan is not Riddle.
Roman is scheduled to put his gold on the line against Riddle on the June 17 episode of WWE SmackDown. If Riddle loses, then he can never challenge Roman for the championship again.
In the midst of an investigation, Vince McMahon will be making an appearance on WWE SmackDown tonight.
The June 17 episode of SmackDown will take place inside the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. WWE Undisputed Universal Champion Roman Reigns will put his gold on the line against Riddle. If Riddle loses, he can never challenge Roman for the gold again.
We’ll also get to see a “Last Laugh” match between Madcap Moss and Happy Corbin. Max Dupri will also unveil the first member of his Maximum Male Models faction.
Vince McMahon Appearance
WWE has also announced that Vince McMahon will be making an appearance during a crucial time.
McMahon is being investigated by the WWE board for allegedly making a $3 million pact with an ex-employee. He reportedly had an affair with the woman and paid her to keep quiet.
As a result of the investigation, McMahon has stepped down from his role as WWE CEO and Chairman for now. Stephanie McMahon is the interim CEO and Chairwoman.
He will retain his role as far as WWE creative is concerned.
It was reported by Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Vince is expected to address the talent before SmackDown goes on the air.
Keep it locked on the SEScoops homepage for live coverage of WWE SmackDown tonight.
Stephanie McMahon is now the interim CEO and Chairwoman of WWE and she has addressed the news with company staff.
Earlier this morning, WWE announced that Vince McMahon has voluntarily stepped back from his role as the WWE CEO and Chairman. In his place for the time being is Stephanie McMahon.
The news comes in the midst of the WWE board investigating allegations that Vince made a $3 million pact with an ex-employee. The two reportedly had sexual relations and the woman allegedly received payment to keep quiet.
Stephanie McMahon’s Message To WWE Staff
(via WWE)
Brandon Thurston has taken to Twitter account to reveal the internal message Stephanie McMahon sent announcing she’s taking over in the interim.
“I will be returning from my leave of absence and assuming the role of interim Chairwoman and CEO. I love our company and am excited to continue to work with our President & Chief Revenue Officer Nick Khan and our Chief Financial & Administrative Officer Frank Riddick.
And of course, I look forward to working with all of you. My door is always open.”
– Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie McMahon also tweeted the following on Friday morning, in reference to WWE’s bombshell management shakeup:
Until the conclusion of the investigation into recent allegations, I am honored to assume the role of interim Chairwoman & CEO. I love @WWE and all it continues to do to entertain billions around the world. https://t.co/E2MushpoSG
This is quite the turnaround for Stephanie. She had announced a leave of absence back in May to focus on her family. While things seemed to be amicable, reports started surfacing that there was internal doubt over Stephanie’s abilities.
The stories making rounds seemed like a bit of a hit job and Vince McMahon was said to have allowed those reports. The belief was that the odds of Stephanie returning to the company were slim.
Vince McMahon will keep his role as it relates to WWE creative.
It didn’t take long for a law firm to have its own investigation of WWE.
The Wall Street Journal recently reported that the board of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc is investigating an alleged $3 million pact made by Vince McMahon to a former employee. Vince allegedly had an affair with the ex-employee and paid her to keep quiet.
The report also noted that McMahon allegedly passed the former WWE worker onto Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis “like a toy.” The woman was said to have initially made a salary of $100,000 but it was supposedly bumped up to $200,000 after having sexual relations with McMahon.
Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP Opens Investigation
In a press release sent to Business Wire, Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP announced an investigation into WWE directors and officers for breach of fiduciary duties.
“NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Scott+Scott Attorneys at Law LLP (“Scott+Scott”), a national securities and consumer rights litigation firm, is investigating whether certain directors and officers of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (“WWE”) (NYSE: WWE) breached their fiduciary duties to WWE and its shareholders. If you are a WWE shareholder, you are encouraged to contact attorney Joe Pettigrew for additional information at (844) 818-6982, or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com.
“Scott+Scott is investigating whether members of WWE’s board of directors or senior management failed to manage WWE in an acceptable manner, in breach of their fiduciary duties to WWE, and whether WWE and its shareholders have suffered damages as a result.
“On June 15, 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that the WWE board was investigating an alleged $3 million settlement that CEO Vince McMahon agreed to pay in January 2022 to a former WWE employee with whom he allegedly had an affair.
“What You Can Do
“If you are a WWE shareholder, you may have legal claims against WWE’s directors and officers. If you wish to discuss this investigation, or have questions about this notice or your legal rights, please contact attorney Joe Pettigrew toll-free at (844) 818-6982 or jpettigrew@scott-scott.com.”
Time will tell what exactly is going to be the fallout of this. There are some who feel Vince McMahon is bulletproof, while others believe this is a real threat to his power in WWE.
There is a strong universal belief, however, that John Laurinaitis’ job could be in jeopardy.
One superstar on the WWE SmackDown roster believes he has what it takes to defeat Roman Reigns.
The “Tribal Chief” is the reigning WWE Undisputed Universal Champion. He was promoted to undisputed status after defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 38. Going into that match, Reigns was the Universal Champion, while Lesnar was the WWE Champion.
Reigns has long dominated the main event scene but could his time be running out?
“Why Not Madcap?”
(via WWE)
During an appearance on KFAN 100.3’s Power Trip Morning Show After Party Podcast, Madcap Moss expressed his belief that he can be the one to take the undisputed gold from Roman Reigns in due time.
“Then, you know, this one at this point may seem like a bit of a stretch to some people. Because the guy’s just an absolute all-time run right now. But I’d love to get a shot at Roman Reigns.
“I mean, he is the pinnacle of the business right now. He likes to say he’s in God mode, and it’s hard to disagree with him. God meaning ‘Greatness On a Different Level.’ I mean, it’s just unbelievable what he’s done over the past 8-10 years, but specifically in the last few.
“He’s really just been untouchable in every aspect of the business. But I think that someone needs to eventually dethrone the guy I look at myself and I say, ‘Why not Madcap?’ So, I got my work cut out for me.
AEW wasted little time referencing the latest drama surrounding WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
McMahon could be in hot water after The Wall Street Journal reported that the WWE boss made a secret $3 million pact with a former employee. Vince was said to have had an affair with the ex-WWE worker and paid the person to keep quiet.
The report also notes that Vince allegedly passed the former employee off to WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis “like a toy.”
The WWE Board is investigating the allegations.
Max Caster Drops Rap Referencing Vince McMahon Drama
Max Caster was in action during a recent taping for AEW Rampage, which is set to air on June 17. Caster usually does a rap during his entrance and as expected, he wasn’t about to let this investigation slide.
At one point in the rap, Caster said, “Honestly I have something to say/But somebody made me sign an NDA.”
This isn’t the first time Max Caster has tried ruffling the feathers of the WWE Chairman. He recently flipped the bird at McMahon’s Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Many have been wondering what the potential fallout could be for Vince McMahon and WWE as a whole. Many experts believe that this is a legitimate threat to Vince’s power in WWE.
Some also feel that John Laurinaitis could be the scapegoat here and eventually get released. For now, it’s “business as usual” as PWInsider reported that McMahon is expected to be behind the scenes for this week’s episode of SmackDown.
The show, which is set to air on June 17, featured Jon Moxley vs. Dante Martin, Max Caster and The Gunn Club in action, a TBS Title match between champion Jade Cargill and Willow Nightingale, and Darby Allin vs. Bobby Fish.
It’s Sting!
(AEW)
Of course, Bobby Fish wasn’t alone on Rampage. He tried to get Kyle O’Reilly in on the action but a familiar face put a stop to that.
Sting made his return to even the odds for Darby. O’Reilly had put “The Icon” out of commission after placing his ankle through a chair and crushing it with a diving knee drop last month.
It’s clear that Sting is back for revenge.
I WAS SO CLOSE TO STING TONIGHT I COULDN’T STOP SCREAMING WHAT AN AMAZING NIGHT pic.twitter.com/81y1jr4sDO
It’s been a wild turn of events for Vince McMahon and WWE.
The Wall Street Journal recently dropped a bombshell report of an investigation. McMahon allegedly made a secret $3 million hush pact who a former employee. Vince supposedly had an affair with the ex-employee.
WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis may also be in hot water. The report notes that Vince allegedly passed the ex-employee to Laurinaitis “like a toy.”
The investigation is being conducted by the board of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc.
Vince McMahon’s Potential Replacement
(via WWE)
The belief is that this could be the greatest threat to Vince McMahon’s power in WWE since the 1994 steroid trial. While Vince was facing prison time for that trial, this current situation is still serious and pressure could mount on the WWE Chairman.
During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted that there are two key people to look out for should Vince McMahon actually be forced to step down.
Bruce Prichard has been described as the “number two guy” in WWE right now in terms of booking the shows. Meltzer notes that many within the company don’t believe Bruce would be able to fill Vince’s shoes due to health problems and other things.
Triple H is still in play as well. He also has had some major health issues and many wonder if he should even take on such a role if offered. Of course, his vision for NXT being dismantled has many skeptical that he’d be the first choice to take over the booking.
PWInsider is reporting that WWE is taking the “business as usual” approach for the June 17 episode of SmackDown. The WWE crew has been informed that Vince McMahon will be at the show.
Another episode of AEW Dynamite is over and something took place after the June 15 airing.
AEW stacked this Road Rager special for Dynamite. Fans got to witness a stellar main event for the AEW World Tag Team Championships. The Young Bucks are now two-time AEW World Tag Team Champions after defeating Jurassic Express in a ladder match.
After the match, Christian Cage turned heel by hitting the Killswitch and a Conchairto on Jungle Boy.
That wasn’t all for the show as Will Ospreay and Dax Harwood had a fantastic match. Orange Cassidy also made his return from injury and it was announced that he’ll take on Ospreay at Forbidden Door.
After The Show
(via AEW)
Asa Gray was kind enough to send us the following recap of what transpired once the cameras stopped rolling:
“After they went off the air, Cage confronted the crowd and went to the back. Tony Khan came out to check on Jungle Boy, he apologized to the crowd for what we just saw and then plugged the Rampage matches. Moxley vs. Dante Martin. Jade Cargill vs. Willow Nightingale for the TBS title, Max Caster and The Ass Boys (Gunn Club) vs. Ruffin It (Leon Ruff & Bear Country), Darby vs. Bobby Fish.”
Here is footage of Tony Khan’s speech to the crowd following Dynamite:
The Road Rager edition of AEW Dynamite ended with a big heel turn.
The June 15 episode of Dynamite emanated from the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri. This was a stacked show that featured a hair vs. hair match, a fantastic outing featuring Will Ospreay and Dax Harwood, Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker, and much more.
Of course, the night ended with a ladder match for the AEW World Tag Team Championship. It was Jurassic Express putting the gold on the line against The Young Bucks.
This was a thrilling match that ended with The Young Bucks capturing the gold.
After the match, things went awry for Jungle Boy.
Christian Cage Turns Heel
After the title match, AEW doctor Michael J Sampson was checking on Jungle Boy inside the ring. Christian Cage went inside the ring and initially appeared to assist him.
Instead, Christian planted Jungle Boy with the Killswitch. He then nailed him with a Conchairto.
AEW has teased Christian Cage eventually turning on Jurassic Express for a while now. The plan has finally been executed and a fresh feud between Christian and Jungle Boy has begun.
The Road Rager edition of AEW Dynamite took place on June 15. The action was held inside the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis, Missouri.
The show opened with a hair vs. hair match between Chris Jericho and Ortiz. Jericho won the match thanks to interference from Sammy Guevara. Ortiz ended up shaving his own head.
Road Rager also featured one heck of a match between Will Ospreay and Dax Harwood. Ospreay won the match and after the fact, there was a surprise return.
Orange Cassidy Returns
After the match, a brawl broke out between members of the United Empire and CHAOS. Suddenly, a familiar tune blared out of the speakers.
It was none other than Orange Cassidy returning from injury.
OC had a staredown with Will Ospreay before the United Empire leader bailed.
Orange Cassidy suffered a shoulder injury during the Face of the Revolution ladder match back on March 6. He had made some appearances after the injury but he would soon be off TV to heal.
A WWE female star has spoken out after news broke of an investigation on Vince McMahon’s alleged $3 million pact.
WWE Chairman Vince McMahon is in hot water following a report from The Wall Street Journal. The report revealed that the WWE board is investigating allegations that McMahon gave a former employee a secret $3 million dollar settlement to keep quiet about their affair.
The report notes that the employee’s salary went up from $100,000 to $200,000 when she began having sexual relations with McMahon.
WWE Talent On John Laurinaitis
(via WWE)
John Laurinaitis, the head of WWE Talent Relations, is also involved in the investigation. It’s been alleged that McMahon passed the ex-WWE employee to Laurinaitis “like a toy.”
One anonymous female WWE talent briefly spoke to Fightful and she made it clear that she does not feel comfortable around John Laurinaitis.
“I’d rather get all my s**t sent to me in a trash bag when I get fired than have to deal with him, and neither are good options.”
Anonymous WWE female talent on John Laurinaitis
There is a feeling among many within the industry that Laurinaitis could soon find himself out of a job. That isn’t a report but just the general feeling.
Sean Ross Sapp noted during a recent live stream that several former female WWE workers have told him that they didn’t feel comfortable around Laurinaitis.
As far as McMahon goes, the ramifications could be significant. Some experts are saying that this is the biggest threat to his power within WWE since the steroid trial.
That isn’t to compare the two situations either. With the steroid trial, Vince was facing prison time and had plans in place if he had been found guilty of distributing steroids to his roster.
Nonetheless, this is a serious situation and we’ll keep you posted as updates continue to roll out.
A former WWE referee will be hanging up his uniform.
Referees have the best view of the action but there are some real dangers. Oftentimes, officials are asked to take bumps which can lead to injuries. Outside of the risk factors, referees are also crucial inside the ring and sometimes can make or break a match.
If the referee botches a spot, it can derail the entire match.
Brian Hebner Retiring
(via IMPACT Wrestling)
One referee who has called some big matches and always came through is Brian Hebner. With that said, it’s time for new ventures.
During the latest edition of his Refin’ It Up podcast, Brian Hebner announced that he will be retiring from the full-time referee gig. He says that after Slammiversary on June 19, he will work the TV tapings before riding off into the sunset.
“I’m announcing that I’m going to retire from professional wrestling as a full-time referee. I will no longer be under contract with anybody. I will be working for myself.
“This is a move that I’m making because of the fact that there’s a lot of different reasons. I’m not bitter towards the business at all. This has nothing to do with anybody making me mad or anybody making me angry. This is a move on making a personal decision. I’m healthy. I’m in great shape. I’m not beat up. I have a lot of life left to spend with my kids, my family, and my friends.
“I have other projects that I’m working on, this podcast being one of them that I’m really trying to dig into. Some people may think it’s something that I shouldn’t take seriously. Some people think it should be. What it means to me is that I’m doing what Brian Hebner wants to do on my own terms.”
Hebner has called many matches over the years for the likes of WWE, IMPACT Wrestling, and NWA.
An AEW star didn’t appreciate how one former WWE executive handled things following tryouts.
For many wrestlers, WWE is the pinnacle. From a business standpoint, it truly doesn’t get any bigger. In some cases, however, the money and fame aren’t enough to sway a talent. Sometimes, it comes down to other preferences such as having family time and creative input.
In the case of this AEW talent, it was a conversation that rubbed him the wrong way.
Daniel Garcia on Not Signing With WWE
(via AEW)
Daniel Garcia appeared on Talk is Jericho and he revealed that he initially thought WWE was going to sign him after a few tryouts. He claims Triple H even told him, “Welcome to the team.”
Things went awry, however, when Garcia had a conversation with now-former Senior Vice President of Talent Development Canyon Cemen.
“I talked to Canyon Ceman right before I left. He said, ‘Hey, let me know if any other place has interest because we’ll sign you sooner.’ In my mind. I’m like, that’s disrespectful to me. If you want to sign me, just sign me,” he said.
“I was like, Okay, if he wants to play that, I’ll play it back to him. At the time, I had an interest from Ring of Honor and I knew AEW wanted to bring me back in for extra work. But I was like, I’m gonna make this seem bigger than it actually is. So I said to him, ‘With that being said, I’ll talk to you very soon.’
“I think he got kind of hot at me for that. I think it shook him up a little bit. They emailed me a couple weeks later, kind of saying like, ‘Oh, we’re gonna stay in contact, blah, blah, blah’, and then that kind of made me mad. Then I went on a crazy Indie run and then I signed with AEW.”
Garcia has been working his way to main event status in AEW. He’s headlined several Dynamite and Rampage shows already. He is currently aligned with Chris Jericho in the Jericho Appreciation Society faction.
A former WWE producer has revealed frustrations he had working with the company.
WWE is the most successful wrestling company and has been for quite some time. Business-wise, the promotion is making bank with massive broadcast deals among other areas.
With that said, the company has long faced criticism over its creative process. Many feel the storylines on WWE TV leave a lot to be desired.
One former WWE producer has explained why good ideas often don’t go through.
Pitching For An “Old Guy”
(via WWE)
Ex- WWE producer Dan Ryckert took to his live stream on Twitch to dish out his take on what goes on behind the scenes.
“There was a lot of pitching, a lot of brainstorming. It was tough because it’s like how many times over two and a half years can you sit in these long-ass brainstorming meetings coming up with a bunch of good ideas that you know are good and that you know that people will listen to?
“And people around you, the people on your team going, ‘Yeah it’s a good idea’ …. But because you’re just waiting for an old guy up top to look at something and he never does, or he does and he forgets about it, and you never get to do it.
“So, kind of hard to get that enthusiasm up for brainstorming two and a half years in.”
Just about anyone who has worked for Vince McMahon has said that they are working for “an audience of one.” That was quite apparent during the closing segment of the June 13 episode of Raw.
That show ended with a pose-down between WWE United States Champion Theory and Bobby Lashley.
There is frustration brewing over the booking of one AEW star.
AEW’s success has been quite impressive considering the company has only been around since 2019. Tony Khan has been able to score a TV deal with WarnerMedia and figures to be in for a massive broadcast deal once it’s time to renew.
Just as is the case with any other company, AEW does have its faults. Fans and experts have criticized the promotion for signing so much talent that many of them are off TV for weeks and only return in random spots.
It has left one Hall of Famer frustrated.
Jake Roberts Not Happy With Lance Archer’s Booking
(via AEW)
Jake Roberts, a wrestling legend who currently manages Lance Archer, had some things to say on a recent edition of the DDP Snake Pit.
Jake “The Snake” expressed frustration over how AEW has been using Archer.
“It is so frustrating for me to see Lance in the spot that he is in. He’s such a phenomenal athlete, he’s in such great shape, he’s got an unbelievable look. The only thing Lance doesn’t do really well is talk and that’s why they brought me.”
Archer has more often been seen on AEW Dark and when he has appeared on AEW TV, he’s been used to put others over. He did have a title match against Hangman Page but the booking just seemed random as AEW didn’t do much to build him up before he attacked Hangman to set up the match.
It’s a far cry from the promo Sting cut on Archer and Roberts back in 2021. Sting told Archer on an episode of Dynamite that he thinks he has what it takes to win the AEW World Championship.
It had been reported by Voices of Wrestling that there are some other stars in AEW that aren’t happy with how they’ve been used.
Archer will be able to show off more of what he can do soon as he’s been announced for this year’s NJPW G1 Climax.
