Eric Bischoff remains outspoken about All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and company president Tony Khan.
Bischoff’s 83 Weeks podcast released a video on YouTube this weekend featuring the former President of WCW answering questions from fans. One of the questions was from a fan who was hoping to get a response from Bischoff on comments Tony Khan made in an interview with the Financial Times.
To recap, Khan told the Financial Times that he looks to mistakes WCW made for lessons.
“I’m not taking positive business lessons from other companies. Most of the lessons I’m taking are examples of what not to do…WCW was badly mismanaged. They teased audiences with matches that never materialized and lost tens of millions of dollars on talent, some earning six figures without ever working. It was a real disservice to fans.”
Eric Bischoff did not take kindly to Tony Khan’s remarks and had this to say in response:
“That’s an interesting thing for Mr. Khan to say,” Biscoff began. “He’s been in the professional wrestling business for…what time is it? It’s about a cup of coffee, I think. I think your coffee could still be warm at this point.”
“So far he’s spent – from what I’ve heard, I don’t know if its accurate or not, I want to make sure I say that- somewhere between $30 and $50 million to prove that he can be competitive with WWE’s developmental territory.”
“Call me in a couple of years and tell me what you’ve done that’s really unique. Call me in a couple of years when you’ve changed the industry.”
Bischoff continued:
“Call me in a couple of years when you’re #2, #3, #4 in all of cable programming for the night in primetime and then let’s talk about it.”
Bischoff’s comments can be heard in the player below:
Comments Ronda Rousey made recently on Jackass star Steve-O’s podcast have struck a chord with members of the WWE locker room. Rousey has now fired back at those who have criticized her for using the ever-polarizing “fake” word to describe pro-wrestling.
Rousey referred to pro-wrestling as “fake fights” during the podcast while explaining that she quite enjoys participating in them.
“Running out there and having fake fights for fun is just the best thing,” Rousey said. “I love choreography, I love acting, I love theatre. Live theater and some of the last forms of live theatre. But, I was doing basically part-time and I was away from home 200 days out of the year.”
This led to Lana posting a lengthy Tweet criticizing the former RAW Women’s Champion.
“I can’t wait for Ronda 2 one day return 2 WWE. Even if WWE orders me to make Ronda look good in the ring, which is the ONLY way for Ronda 2 look good in the ring w/me. I’ll risk my job 2 go down in history as the one from this biz that knocked her the F**K out! #TestMeBitch,” Nia Jax Tweeted.
Ronda Rousey Responds
Rousey then issued the following statement on the matter:
An on-screen talent in WWE has fully recovered after resting positive for COVID-19, a WWE statement today revealed. The person is not on the roster but is an on-screen talent with the company. This could mean a commentator, ring announcer, backstage interviewer, or similar role.
Pro Wrestling Sheet and Fightful both reported on Saturday that an on-screen talent in WWE tested positive for the virus. According to the report from Pro Wrestling Sheet, the person attended a dinner with people in the health care field after the last set of tapings. They began to develop symptoms in the days following. WWE released a statement to media saying that the person did not have any contact with other WWE employees following their exposure.
“A WWE employee has tested positive for COVID-19,” a WWE statement reads. “We believe this matter is low risk to WWE talent and staff, as the individual and a roommate became symptomatic in the days following exposure to two people working in acute health care on the evening of March 26, after WWE’s TV production on a closed set was already complete. The employee had no contact with anyone from WWE since being exposed to those two individuals, is doing well, and made a complete recovery.”
Memo To Employees Regarding Positive COVID-19 Test Of WWE On-Screen Talent
Fightful is reporting that the following memo was distributed to WWE employees recently:
“We have just been notified that (name redacted) was diagnosed with COVID-19. WWE doctors spoke with (redacted) this morning and reported (they) last had contact with anyone at WWE on March 26 at the Performance Center. As you know, (redacted) is not an in-ring performer and we believe this matter is low-risk to you per the following chronology:”
The name of the person was published in the memo with their permission. It has been redacted in the report by Fightful, however.
“Those of you who were potentially exposed would be cleared for travel by the evening of Thursday, April 9 at the latest, since the last possible exposure to any WWE talent personnel should have been at least 14 days prior.”
This news comes on the heels of reports WWE will return to broadcasting live shows. WWE plans to air RAW live on Monday. The company then plans to air live episodes of RAW, Smackdown, and NXT weekly. WWE had originally planned to tape several weeks of programming this weekend.
WWE normally utilizes a single-elimination format for its tournaments. This will not be the case for the upcoming NXT cruiserweight tournament, however. The promotion announced the upcoming tournament in order to declare a new interim NXT cruiserweight champion. This is due to the travel restrictions faced by the current champion and member of the NXT UK brand Jordan Devlin.
The format utilized for the upcoming cruiserweight tournament will resemble the one used in New Japan Pro Wrestling for its annual G1 tournament. 8 Superstars will be split into two groups. Each superstar will have 3 round-robin matches, 1 against each other wrestler in their group. The wrestlers with the best record in each group will then face each other in the finals. The winner will then be declared the new NXT interim cruiserweight champion.
If two wrestlers have the same record at the end of the round-robin stage, the tie-breaker will be the head-to-head record between the tied participants.
WWE has also announced that the participants and groups will be revealed tomorrow.
Current NXT Cruiserweight Champion Jordan Devlin won the title at the Worlds Collide event in January. He won a fatal 4-way match against champion Angel Garza and Isiah Scott and Travis Banks.
Not only was Big Show’s new series on Netflix released recently, but he also received a WWE title shot on Monday’s edition of RAW. According to the big man, he’s not worried about wrestling during the ongoing pandemic. He told TMZ recently that WWE is being very cautious with its performers and keeping everyone safe.
“I think anyway of escaping is good,” Big Show said during the interview. “Any way that people can find escaping whether it’s in a book whether it’s in your favorite program on TV or favorite streaming service or break out your favorite board game at home. Whatever you can do to stay engaged, to take your mind off everything that’s going on.”
“My attitude is if they need me, I’m always willing to help and do whatever I can to help,” Show said about WWE.
He was then asked if he felt safe going out there and performing during this time.
“Absolutely 100%. Our Performance Center, the way it’s set up, the way it’s been shot, the way that our company is taking this very seriously and at the same time still being able to provide some type of escape for our fans to keep our fans engaged, I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”
Big Show’s comments can be heard in the player below:
Netflix’s documentary “Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem, and Madness” is currently a popular hit on the streaming service. Many pro-wrestling personalities have spoken about Joe Exotic’s history in the wrestling industry ever since its release.
Vice recently spoke to promoter Robert Langdon from Texoma Pro Wrestling who worked with Joe to promote multiple shows. The events served as a fundraiser for Joe’s zoos. Joe Exotic served as the color commentator for the shows which were streamed on his official YouTube channel.
“Joe knew nothing about wrestling. And we knew this,” Langdon said. “We spent a lot of money on the show to make sure Joe looked professional.”
The first show took place in the parking lot of Joe’s zoo and included a nighttime fireworks display. A second show was organized two years later in the zoo itself. This show featured WWE alumni Charlie Haas and former NWA World Heavyweight Champion, Tim Storm. Wrestler Moonshine Mantell was also on the show and spoke about his experience with Vice.
“You meet the biggest characters in (wrestling), so when I first met Joe Exotic, it was just another night. I didn’t think anything of the stuff he wore, the tigers, anything like that, I was just like, ‘yeah, this is definitely pro wrestling,’” Mantell said. “He fit right in just perfectly.”
Langdon also spoke about how he didn’t make any money on the show but that didn’t matter to him. As others who worked the shows have mentioned, they enjoyed being around the big cats.
“It was really different. We didn’t pull a large crowd, so I kinda lost my butt on it,” Langdon continued. “But it wasn’t about the money; it was about the animals.”
NWA World Heavyweight Champion recently spoke about his experience working with Joe Exotic. He noted that he was shocked by what he was charged and convicted of in a video posted to the NWA YouTube channel.
Vince McMahon has reportedly made the decision to return to live programming beginning with this Monday’s edition of RAW. Smackdown, NXT, and RAW are currently scheduled to air live every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from the WWE Performance Center moving forward.
According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, McMahon made the decision to move back to live shows on Friday. This was as the company had plans to run tapings all weekend. The move is possibly due to WWE’s contracts with both Fox and NBC Universal. The contracts only allow for a certain number of shows to be prerecorded per year.
Speculation currently holds that if WWE were to air more taped shows, they risk violating the terms of its contracts. This could potentially lead to the networks withholding money or finding a way to restructure the deals. It is not clear, however, if Fox or NBC Universal would be motivated to do this.
Some in WWE are said to have been shocked by Vince’s decision. Others, however, have defended the move due to the potential financial implications. It is also not clear if Vince was instructed to return to live shows by the networks or if this is something he decided to do on his own.
Lana recently took offense to some comments made by Ronda Rousey on Steve-O’s podcast. During the podcast, Rousey talked about the difficult WWE travel schedule and performing for ungrateful fans. She also used the polarizing word “fake” to describe wrestling, which Lana then reacted to.
“I have NO WORDS for her audacity to save “fake fighting” !!!!!! If it’s fake why can’t Paige & Tyson Kidd can’t wrestle anymore ?? If it is fake why couldn’t Edge wrestle for 11 years ???? This is a contact sport where REAL things happen!” Lana Tweeted.
Rousey referred to wrestling as “fake fights” when talking about how much she enjoyed taking part in the performances.
“Running out there and having fake fights for fun is just the best thing,” Rousey said. “I love choreography, I love acting, I love theatre. Live theater and some of the last forms of live theatre. But, I was doing basically part-time and I was away from home 200 days out of the year.”
I have NO WORDS for her audacity to save “fake fighting” !!!!!! If it’s fake why can’t @RealPaigeWWE & @TJWilson can’t wrestle anymore ?? If it is fake why couldn’t @EdgeRatedR wrestle for 11 years ???? This is a contact sport where REAL things happen! https://t.co/cYvGpTjmci
In storyline, Lana is currently married to Bobby Lashley. She ended up costing him his match to Aleister Black at WrestleMania, however. Lana insisted that Lashley give his opponent a spear but this allowed Black an opportunity to hit Black Mass for the win.
Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder have officially been granted their release from WWE. The former tag champions have not wrestled a match since a March 1st house show in Syracuse, New York.
“Effective today, Friday April 10, 2020, WWE and The Revival have agreed on their immediate release from WWE. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors,” a WWE press release reads.
The Revival was first reported to have first requested their release in January of 2019. They were then reported as having requested their release again earlier this year.
BREAKING: Effective today, Friday, April 10, 2020, WWE and The Revival have agreed on their immediate release from WWE. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors. https://t.co/PjAOuiHoxs
Dash Wilder has trademarked the name “Cash Wheeler” for wrestling purposes. WWE has filed for several trademarks related to the team as well. These include “the Mechanics” “No Flips, Just Fists” and more. The Revival has filed trademarks for “Shatter Machine” “Say Yeah” and others.
The Revival are the first triple-crown winning tag team champions in WWE. They achieved this by winning the NXT, RAW, and Smackdown tag team titles. Dawson and Wilder also once co-held the 24/7 title.
It has been just over 6 years since Corey Graves wrestled a match. He was forced to retire due to concussions in 2014. The 36-year-old has since become a commentator on the main roster currently assigned to Smackdown. Graves also hosts the After the Bell podcast and this week his guest was Edge.
During the podcast this week, Graves noted that Edge’s recent return to the ring after 9 years had him thinking about possibly making his own in-ring comeback. Graves made the comments when talking about the documentary on Edge currently on the WWE Network.
“Watching it, honestly man it was inspiring,” Graves said of the documentary. “I would say at 2 or 3 different points I went ‘man, I live in Pittsburgh now, I should go find Dr. Maroon.’ It just gave me that urge to do all this all over again and I don’t know whether or not that’s a possibility but the thought was planted in my brain for quite some time.”
Graves is a former NXT tag team champion. He and Neville/PAC won the titles. They were the 3rd team to win the belts. PAC and Graves defeated Luke Harper and Erick Rowan for the belts.
Dash Wilder of the Revival recently praised Chad “Shorty G” Gable online. The two have faced each other a plethora of times throughout their careers dating back to 2014 in NXT.
Wilder Tweeted out the following in regard to Gable:
“Chad Gable is a freak of nature. His natural talent is amazing, but somehow his discipline & work ethic surpasses that. Watching him from his first match in NXT until now is unbelievable. We’ve probably wrestled him literally hundreds of times by now & he always makes us better,” Wilder Tweeted.
The two have been in 115 matches together, 19 of which were broadcast on either WWE or NXT programming. Many of these matches were the Revival/Mechanics against American Alpha and then later when Gable was teaming with Robert Roode.
Not everyone online had positive things to say about Gable, however:
Wilder responded to the Twitter user who said Gable had no charisma:
You’re an absolute fool. He has more charisma in his pinky than most do in their whole body. Just because you haven’t seen it doesn’t mean it’s not there. Know facts before speaking. https://t.co/bK8NXmicjC
— Daniel “Cash” Wheeler (@CashWheelerFTR) April 9, 2020
Things continued:
Then don’t state it as fact and I won’t call you on your foolishness. https://t.co/Ltzi6MISlG
— Daniel “Cash” Wheeler (@CashWheelerFTR) April 9, 2020
Dash Wilder Is Becoming Cash Wheeler
On March 9th, Wilder filed to trademark the name “Cash Wheeler” for wrestling purposes. His birth name is Daniel Wheeler. The Revival have not wrestled since March 1st when they performed on a WWE House show in Syracuse, New York.
The arrival of Killer Kross in NXT appears imminent. Triple H was recently interviewed by SI.com and he commented on the potential of the 34-year-old from Las Vegas.
“The first time you see him, you know right away that he’s something special,” Triple H said about Kross. “It’s been a long path for him to get where he is. He is a unique talent that combines what he does in the ring with his charisma and his intelligence. I’m excited for him to be here.”
Kross debuted in Impact Wrestling in the summer of 2018. He would be with the promotion for a year until various conflicts arose between him and the company. He was finally released from his contract last December after not appearing on television for several months.
Recently, Kross performed for Major League Wrestling at a show in Philadelphia at the 2300 Arena. In storyline, he was attacked in the back by King Mo and Team Filthy.
A video teasing Kross’ arrival in NXT begins at the 4:21 mark of the below video:
Triple H’s full interview with SI.com can be read here.
Impact Wrestling will reportedly be filming several episodes of its weekly show from an empty studio setting in Nashville, TN. Tommy Dreamer noted on Busted Open Radio that Impact will be taping 2 months worth of shows over a 2-day period. The Wrestling Observer has since reported that the location of the tapings will be in Nashville.
The tapings will likely include the Rebellion PPV as well. The show may be changed to a special on AXS TV rather than a traditional PPV, however. Similar to both AEW and WWE tapings, various safety measures will be taken including taking performers’ temperatures before they are on set.
The Executive stay-at-home order in Tennessee permits filming for television on a closed set.
2 Knockouts matches were added to the show last night. Jordynne Grace will defend her title against Taya Valkyrie in a Full Metal Mayhem match. Kylie Rae will also face Kiera Hogan on the show.
The announced lineup for Impact Wrestling’s Rebellion show is as follows:
Impact World Championship Tessa Blanchard (c) vs Michael Elgin vs Eddie Edwards
Knockouts Championship Full Metal Mayhem Jordynne Grace (c) vs Taya Valkyrie
Impact Wrestling presented a show on AXS TV and Twitch last night. The show emanated from the Coca-Cola Roxy from Atlanta, GA. The main event for the show was a tag team title match with the North defending against Tessa Blanchard & Eddie Edwards.
Impact Wrestling 4/7/20 Quick Results:
2-on-1: Willie Mack defeated Reno Scum
Chris Bey defeated Daga
Havok defeated Madison Rayne
Rhino & Tommy Dreamer defeated Dave & Jake Crist (OVE)
Impact Tag Team Championships The North (c) defeated Tessa Blanchard & Eddie Edwards
Here are 9 takeaways from Impact Wrestling 4/7/20:
Tessa Blanchard Refuses To Tag Eddie Edwards, Michael Elgin Attacks
After Eddie Edwards and Tessa Blanchard were forced to align last week in order to fend off the North, the two were granted a shot at the tag titles this week. With Tessa scheduled to defend the world title against both Eddie Edwards and Michael Elgin in a triple threat match at Rebellion, however, she was a little hesitant to trust Eddie too much.
The end of the match came when Tessa hesitated to tag in Edwards and it allowed the North to hit their burning hammer into a spinebuster finishing move for the win.
A great tag team should always win against two great singles
After the match, Michael Elgin hit the ring and took out Tessa Blanchard with an Elgin bomb and stood tall with the world title belt to close the show.
Ken Shamrock Is Searching For Sami Callihan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZ8yMxp7vho
Previously on Impact Wrestling, Sami Callihan was revealed as the hacker behind the ICU videos. He also delivered a fireball to Shamrock’s face. This week, Jimmy Jacobs interviewed Shamrock who detailed the impacts of Sami’s attack. The lights in the room began to flicker and Shamrock stated he knew who was behind it. The MMA legend and future Impact Hall-of-Famer then stormed off in search of Callihan.
Madman Fulton Takes Out Some Extreme Legends
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNQKUANlPEc
Rhino and Tommy Dreamer defeated the Crist brothers this week after Rhino hit a Gore on former X-Division champion Jake Crist. After the match, Madman Fulton (who had been ejected from ringside during the match) returned and attacked both Rhino and Tommy Dreamer as the other members of OVE helped. On commentary, it was noted that the 3 members of OVE are lost without the leadership of Sami Callihan. Fulton and the Crists stood tall over a flattened Tommy Dreamer to end the segment.
“Susie” Drops Match To Kiera Hogan
Su Yung’s less murderous persona “Susie” faced Kiera Hogan this week in single’s competition. While Susie kept pace with Hogan throughout the match, a mistake she made would end up costing her. Susie reached for the bloody glove that Su Yung normally uses to apply the mandible claw but said glove was not there. This allowed Hogan to hit a swinging fisherman suplex for the win.
The win for Hogan helps her build momentum heading into Rebellion when she’ll face the newly signed Kylie Rae.
Havok Destroys Madison Rayne
For much of this episode, Madison Rayne was on commentary with Josh Matthews. For one segment, however, she wrestled Havok who is fresh off having stabbed James Mitchell to death in the undead realm. Havok caught Madison with a tombstone piledriver to pick up the win.
Johnny Swinger To Face “Young Buck” M. Jackson Next Week
Johnny Swinger appeared in a video this week with Rosemary. The two were in a bar where Rosemary was scouting souls to steal. Swinger approached Rosemary and said she could steal his soul or take him anywhere if she has a car. Rosemary explained that “the Valkyrie” would never let her live it down if she did anything with him, however. Swinger also said during this interaction that he’ll be taking on a “Young Buck” with the name “M Jackson” next week.
Chris Bey Steals Victory From Daga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6sLhGrQtJw
After a fast-paced match between Daga and Chris Bey, the newcomer to the promotion grabbed the ropes during a pinning attempt to get the 3-count. While the win helps the 24-year-old move up the rankings, he showed this week he’s not afraid to bend the rules to pick up a victory.
Willie Mack Defeats Reno Scum, Attacked By Ace Austin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qywrfND6Upg
Last week on Impact Wrestling, Reno Scum attacked an injured Rich Swann during an interview segment. This week Willie Mack took on and defeated both members of the team in the opening match of the night. After the match, however, the X-Division champion snuck up behind Mack and delivered a vicious kick to the head. The members of Reno Scum then held Mack as Austin hit his finishing move “the Fold” on him to end the segment.
AEW has released its weekly rankings for April 8th, 2020. The promotion releases new top-5 rankings every Wednesday for its men’s, women’s and tag team divisions.
AEW Men’s Division
World Champion: Jon Moxley (8-0)
Jake Hager (4-0) (+1)
Chris Jericho (0-1) (-1)
Cody Rhodes (5-1)
Kenny Omega (3-0)
Darby Allin (4-2)
The only movement in the men’s single’s rankings this week saw Jake Hager climb over his Inner Circle stablemate Chris Jericho for the #1 contender spot. Hager has a shot at Jon Moxley’s AEW World Championship in 2 weeks on Dynamite.
Cody and Darby Allin teamed up this week in the main event, dropping a match to Shawn Spears & Sammy Guevara. Omega defeated Trent to stay undefeated in 2020 single’s matches. Jericho wore long pants in a hot tub this week but it is unclear if this affected his spot in the rankings.
AEW Women’s Division
Champion: Nyla Rose (4-1)
Hikaru Shida (6-1)
Kris Statlander (2-3)
Yuka Sakazaki (1-1)
Britt Baker (2-2)
Riho (3-3)
Hikaru Shida once again retained her #1 ranking in the division this week. She defeated the newly signed Anna Jay in single’s competition on Dynamite. There was no movement in the women’s division rankings this week. A big match is scheduled for tonight in this division, however, as the #1 ranked Shida faces former title-challenger and the #4 ranked Britt Baker.
AEW Tag Team Division
Champions: Kenny Omega & Hangman Page (6-0)
The Dark Order (5-0)
The Young Bucks (2-2)
SCU (2-3)
Lucha Bros (1-2)
Best Friends (3-3)
There was no movement in the tag team rankings this week. The Natural Nightmares team of QT Marshall & Dustin Rhodes might be vying for a spot in the top-5 soon, however. They defeated Dark Order members #8 and #9 this week on Dynamite. There were also a couple of tag matches on BTE this week but it does not appear those are counting toward AEW win/loss records. The Young Bucks took on a local team named High Risk and SCU defeated Peter Avalon and Brandon Cutler. SCU has challenged High Risk to a “squash match” for next week.
Trent from the Best Friends put in a good-showing in single’s competition against Kenny Omega this week on Dynamite. Other than that match, no other ranked tag teams had a match this week.
Former NXT women’s champion Rhea Ripley is reportedly back in Australia and there is no timetable for her return to the United States. According to a report from PW Insider, Ripley’s work visa has run out and she has traveled back to Australia in order to start the process of getting it renewed.
As a result of the quarantine regulations involved with travel into each country, it is likely not possible for her to return in time for the upcoming set of tapings for WWE programming.
Ripley’s match against Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 36 opened the main show portion of night 2. It is also being reported that the producer for the match was Adam Pearce and that he put together the match with both Flair and Ripley’s input.
WWE is said to begin filming content for upcoming shows beginning this Friday and going until next Thursday.
Rhea Ripley In WWE
Real name Demi Bennett, the 23-year-old has already achieved the following in her young career:
NXT Women’s Champion
NXT UK Women’s Champion
#7 Ranked women’s wrestler in 2019 by Sports Illustrated
#35 top women’s wrestler by PWI in 2019
CBC Sports Breakthrough Wrestler of the Year for 2019.
Impact Wrestling’s Rebellion PPV once scheduled for April 19th from New York City could take place in an empty arena setting. According to a report from PW Insider, the company has tentative plans moving forward to film new content without fans in attendance including the Rebellion PPV. It is also possible that Rebellion could be changed to a special on AXS TV rather than a traditional PPV, however.
Impact has continued to build toward several planned matches for the event on its weekly show. Tessa Blanchard is scheduled to make a world title defense against Michael Elgin and Eddie Edwards in a triple threat match. Also planned for Rebellion is a match between Sami Callihan and Ken Shamrock as well as Ace Austin defending the X-Division title against Willie Mack. It is also being reported that Impact will announce 2 new matches for Rebellion on tonight’s show.
The last set of TV tapings the promotion filmed was March 7th from Atlanta.
On last week’s episode, Kylie Rae’s signing with the promotion was made official. Impact also recently signed Chris Bey to its roster. He will compete this week against Daga.
The following matches are scheduled for tonight’s episode of Impact Wrestling:
AEW has added a new wrestler to its women’s division. Anna Jay has been signed to the promotion. She took a loss to Hikaru Shida on last week’s edition of Dynamite.
“The Star of the Show” was announced as having signed with the promotion through AEW’s social media channels:
They noted on commentary during her match on Dynamite that Jay was trained at the Monster Factory by QT Marshall and Glacier. She is also said to be coming off of shoulder surgery that kept her out of action for six months.
Cody commented on Anna Jay’s signing shortly after it was announced.
“Anna Jay showed up and stepped up. Hung in there with an absolute killer like Shida! Congratulations,” Cody Tweeted.
Video of Anna Jay’s match against the top-ranked Hikaru Shida can be viewed in the player below:
Upcoming AEW Matches
All Elite Wrestling also announced several matches for this week’s editions of Dark and Dynamite.
Matches scheduled for AEW Dark this week:
Kip Sabian vs Tony Donati
QT Marshall vs Lee Johnson
Wardlow vs TBD
Matches scheduled for AEW Dynamite this week:
TNT Championship Tournament (1st Round) Cody vs Shawn Spears’
Kenny Omega & Michael Nakazawa vs. the Best Friends (Trent & Chuck Taylor)
Major League Wrestling presented another episode of Fusion this weekend on BeIN Sports and YouTube. The show was headlined by a loser-leaves-town empty arena match between Maxwell Jacob Friedman and Mance Warner.
The full episode can be viewed in the player below:
MLW Fusion 4/4/20 Quick Results:
Douglas James defeated Septimo Dragon via submission
Loser Leaves Town Empty Arena Match Mance Warner defeated MJF
Maxwell Jacob Friedman Forced To Leave The Territory
The rivalry between the Southern Psychopath and Maxwell Jacob Friedman all came down to this. After the Dynasty attacked him at the pay window recently, Warner put everything on the line in order to get revenge. MJF cut a passionate promo before the match informing “O’l Mancer” that he’s not the only one who can go psycho in MLW. In the end, however, MJF would try every trick in the book to get away from the Southern Psychopath during the match. At one point, the Dynasty member even attempted to call a taxi to make his escape.
MJF attempted to take the advantage late in the match with a thumb to the eye but Warner countered with a headbutt and a big-time lariat and got the 3-count. With the loss, MJF is gone from MLW.
Maxwell Jacob Friedman had quite the run with the promotion, having won both the middleweight title and the tag titles (with Richard Holliday). After his final booking with MLW, MJF sent the following out on Twitter:
While my time with @MLW is over I can assure you the Dynasty will live on….forever.
Vignettes have been airing in recent weeks promoting Pagano’s arrival to the territory. Pagano is a decorated luchador, most notably in AAA. He is a former AAA World Tag Team champion with El Mesias. He also won the Copa Antonio Pena tournament in 2018.
Injury Updates On Brian Pillman Jr. and Killer Kross
Back to Back Rookie of the Year!!! Wish me luck as I plan to do the same in 2020!!! pic.twitter.com/8F4oTJKYKK
Fans were given injury updates on both Killer Kross and Brian Pillman Jr. this week. After being attacked in the back by King Mo and Team Filthy, doctors recommend that Kross have no contact in the ring or in training for 180 days unless a waiver is signed. Kross offered to sign the waiver but his employers located in Stamford would not allow it.
As for Pillman, he suffered a fractured mandible and a dislocated temporomandibular joint due to the recent attack by Injustice. The trio has been suspended and fined by the league. There is currently no timetable for Pillman’s return.
In the opener this week, it looked as though Septimo Dragon had Douglas James right where he wanted him. Ultimately, however, James was able to make the luchador submit to a guillotine choke. Dragon had just hit a driver when he went to the top looking for a double foot-stomp. He missed the top-rope move and it allowed James to land a knee to the face, a superkick, and then a death valley driver into the corner before locking in the submission. With the win, James should move closer to a top-10 ranking in the promotion.
MLW Top-10 Rankings Via PWI
MLW presented a segment this week dedicated to counting down the top-10 rankings in the promotion via Pro Wrestling Illustrated:
MLW World Champion: Jacob Fatu
Alexander Hammerstone (National Openweight Champion)
Coming up in MLW, the promotion heads back to Mexico. The next few episodes of Fusion will feature the “Super Series” between MLW and AAA. This series is set to focus the best of both promotions as the relationship between AAA and MLW deepens. The show took place in Tijuana and featured multiple title matches for belts from both promotions.
Bayley won a 5-way elimination match at WrestleMania 36 to retain her Smackdown women’s championship. The deck had been stacked against the champion by Paige, who announced Bayley’s WrestleMania challengers on a recent episode of Smackdown.
Following her victory last night, Bayley told WWE.com she has a message for Paige.
“Go get Paige right now, pull her up on the Titantron, go Skype her,” Bayley said backstage. “Go face-time her because that’s the only way she likes to communicate, right? Paige, I don’t care what match she has to make. I thought you (Kayla Braxton) were going to be in the match, where’s Renee Young, huh? It’s an open invitation, I would have whooped you too Kayla, tell Paige that.”
“There’s a lot going on, I had to face 4 other women and there’s only 1 of me, if you didn’t notice, including my best friend. That’s like a hundred people versus me. That’s a lot, it’s a lot of stress, I’ve had a big year.”
“How long have I been champion again? I’ve lost count, there’s so many days,” Bayley continued.
Bayley’s Championship Stats
Bayley’s current reign with the title is at 178 days. It is the longest single-reign in the title’s lineage. Her 318+ combined days with the belt is also a record for the title. Bayley also once held the RAW Women’s Championship for 76 days.
Bayley’s backstage interview can be viewed in the player below:
Drew McIntyre hasn’t even been WWE Champion for 24 hours but he already has challengers lining up for a shot at his title.
McIntyre spoke with Talk Sport after footage of him winning the title had aired and set-up a possible title defense against heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury.
“I know Tyson Fury is on the show today, as well. I need to bring up Fury because he was talking trash about me, so I know he’s coming on the show,” McIntyre said.
Fury is no stranger to facing top WWE stars. He defeated current Universal Champion Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel via count-out. Fury was also rumored to be in line to face Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania this year as well.
“Tell him ‘I saw what you said about me.’ He didn’t care who won the match [between Lesnar and I], he thought I was going to win and thinks he can smash me,” the new champion continued. “Just let him know ‘Fury I’ve won the championship, now I’m paying attention to you’.”
Fury, not one to stay quiet when another fighter is dropping his name, accepted McIntyre’s challenge. He even has an idea about where this bout could take place.
“Drew McIntyre has called me out after his WWE Wrestlemania 36 victory. First, I say congratulations and what a fantastic job. Secondly, I accept his challenge: any time, any place, anywhere. Europe/London.”
dmcintyrewwe has call me out after his @wwe Wrestlemania 36 victory, first I say congratulations and what a fantastic job. Secondly I accept his challenge, anytime any place, anywhere.???? @ Europe/London https://t.co/klmwMnq88c
The third bout between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury has been postponed. Originally scheduled for July 18th, the bout is now being targetting for October.
Drew McIntyre Championship Statistics
Drew McIntyre reached the ‘top of the mountain’ Sunday night by dethroning Brock Lesnar to become WWE Champion. It’s his first World Championship in WWE, but the 34-year-old stud has held a lot of gold during his 19 years in the pro wrestling industry.
The following is a breakdown of Drew McIntyre’s career championship history:
WWE Champion (1x, Current)
WWE Intercontinental Champion (1x)
NXT Champion (1x)
WWE Tag Team Champion (2x) w/ Cody Rhodes (1x) & Dolph Ziggler (1x)
Impact Grand Champion (1x)
TNA World Heavyweight Champion (1x)
ICW World Heavyweight Champion (2x)
FCW World Heavyweight Champion (1x)
Evolve Champion (1x)
Evolve Tag Team Champion (2x) w/ Johnny Gargano (1x) and w/ Chuck Taylor (1x)
One of the most talked-about matches of WrestleMania 36 was the FireFly Fun House match between John Cena and Bray Wyatt. Many have drawn comparisons between the cinematic elements of the FireFly Fun House match, the previous night’s Boneyard match, and the Broken Universe of Matt Hardy’s.
Hardy posted a congratulatory message on Twitter after the match aired. Posting a photo of himself with former tag team partner Bray Wyatt from a past WrestleMania, Hardy wrote, “Congratulations, my COMPEER.”
Fresh off his win over John Cena at WrestleMania, Bray Wyatt responded to Hardy with a series of black hearts.
Hardy also Tweeted about the Boneyard Match from WrestleMania 36 night 1:
“My twitter feed exploded. Thanks for all the love, folks.. I’m truly honored. Cinematic matches 100% work with the right characters, scenario & fanbase – I envisioned them as a new branch of pro wrestling years ago. Much like TLC did, The #BROKEN Universe will leave its mark.”
John Cena’s Greatest Fears Felt Inside The FireFly Fun House
John Cena appeared in the FireFly Fun House only briefly before exiting through a door with a sign reading “Abandon all hope ye who exit here.” The line is originally from Dante’s Divine Comedy. It is meant to convey the entrance to hell.
The match then featured Cena going through various fears he’d had throughout his career. His rookie year on Smackdown when he was almost fired, a heel turn that never happened, and his match against Wyatt at WM30 were all featured during the match in addition to other periods of his career.
Tonight on the second night of WrestleMania 36, Edge has his first single’s match since he defeated Alberto Del Rio for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 27. He’ll take on Randy Orton in a Last Man Standing match.
Edge released a statement on the unique nature of this year’s WrestleMania recently through his social media channels.
“Strange days. We’re all coping with the issues of the world in different ways but we’re all in this together,” Edge began his statement. “In coping, I know personally I need outlets. Some forums of fun. Books. Movies. Music. For some wrestling can be that. It was always that for me growing up. Today is the first of two days of WrestleMania. For the first time ever. Whether you agree or disagree. The could haves or should haves, we’re here. It’s done. Speaking as a performer who didn’t have this for 9 years, I realize what a privilege it is to do this for a living and WrestleMania is the pinnacle of that. Is it the same without a crowd? No. You help make it. We miss you.”
Edge then continued to talk about his mindset going into his match with Orton.
“But my mindset while performing was thinking of all of you at home, watching it, hopefully enjoying it. And, maybe wishful thinking, just for a few hours this weekend, you get lost in what we love to do. Perform for you. To forget and just try to have fun. Cheer. Boo. Laugh. Cry. Lastly I want to thank everyone, the WHOLE crew, everyone behind the scenes who helped bring this beast to life while trying to remain safe and responsible. Happy WrestleMania everyone.”
Edge has a 6-4 total record at WrestleMania. He is 3-2 in single’s matches, 2-0 when teaming with Christian, 1-1 in Money in the Bank ladder matches, and 0-1 in triple threat matches.
2000: WrestleMania 2000: WWF World Tag Team Championship Three-Way Ladder Match: Christian & Edge defeated The Dudley Boyz (Buh Buh Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) (c) and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy)
2001: WrestleMania X-7: WWF World Tag Team Title Tables, Ladders & Chairs Three-Way: Christian & Edge defeated The Dudley Boyz(Bubba Ray Dudley & D-Von Dudley) (c) and The Hardy Boyz (Jeff Hardy & Matt Hardy)
2002: WrestleMania X-8: Edge defeated Booker T
2005: WrestleMania 21: Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Edge defeated Chris Benoit and Chris Jericho and Christian and Kane and Shelton Benjamin
2007: WrestleMania 23: Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Mr. Kennedy defeated CM Punk and Edge and Finlay and Jeff Hardy and King Booker and Matt Hardy and Randy Orton
2008: WrestleMania 24: World Heavyweight Championship: Undertaker defeated Edge (c)
2009: WrestleMania 25: World Heavyweight Championship: John Cena defeated Edge (c) and the Big Show
2010: WrestleMania 26: World Heavyweight Championship: Chris Jericho (c) defeated Edge
2011: WrestleMania XXVII: World Heavyweight Championship: Edge defeated Alberto Del Rio (c)
Posted April 5th, 2020 in WWE, News. Tagged: Edge.
On the first night of WrestleMania 36, the show was closed by a Boneyard Match between the Undertaker and AJ Styles. The match resembled an action/horror movie more than it did a traditional wrestling match.
The Boneyard Match has drawn comparisons to Matt Hardy’s Broken Universe’s cinematic elements. Hardy responded to fans making comparisons online by saying he always envisioned such matches becoming a genre of pro-wrestling.
“Broken” Matt says his Twitter feed “exploded” after the Boneyard Match and thanked everyone for their love. “I’m truly honored,” he wrote. “Cinematic matches 100% work with the right characters, scenario & fanbase – I envisioned them as a new branch of pro wrestling years ago.”
Hardy compared the buzz surrounding his Broken Universe to that of the legendary Tables, Ladders & Chairs matches that he and brother Jeff helped innovate.
“Much like TLC did, The #BROKEN Universe will leave its mark.”
Night 2 of WrestleMania will air tonight on the WWE Network beginning at 7 PM est (Kickoff show begins at 6 PM). John Cena vs Bray Wyatt in a FireFly Fun House match could potentially be a similarly styled match.
The White House and US President Donald Trump held a conference call with commissioners from major sports leagues in the United States today. Vince McMahon represented WWE on the call. The topic of conversation was how the ongoing global pandemic is impacting sports in the country.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Trump told those on the call that he hopes to have fans back in stadiums, arenas, and at live events by August or September. It is not clear, however, if medical experts agree with this timeline.
Donald Trump also told commissioners that he hopes to have fans back in stadiums and arenas by August and September, sources said, though it is currently unclear if medical experts find that to be a realistic timeline amid the current coronavirus pandemic. https://t.co/EFqDryGlTQ
In addition to Vince McMahon, Dana White was on the call representing the UFC, Adam Silver representing the NBA, Rob Manfred representing MLB, Roger Goodell representing the NFL, Gary Bettman representing the NHL, Jay Monahan representing the PGA Tour, John Middlebrook or Jim France representing NASCAR, Don Garber representing MLS and Cathy Engelbert representing the WNBA.
Most major sporting leagues across the United States have currently suspended ongoing play. The UFC, however, is still hoping to present its UFC 249 PPV. Vince McMahon and WWE have been filming content on closed-sets with no fans in attendance.
